Being British, the Royal family have always played a large part in my life. Whatever big event is happening, me along with many others, look to see what the royal family is doing about it or what they think about something. But that has not always been the case - When the first world war broke out, there were quite a few countries housing a royal family. They included those in Germany & Russia, both being cousins of our very own King George V. If you had any doubts about King George being of German heritage, his family name Saxe Coburg Gotha certainly proved it and quite a large proportion of the British public cast doubts about which side King George was really on. In 1917, King George decided that he wanted to change his name and the royal family became the house of Windsor, at the same time giving up all German titles.
King George spent much of the war visiting troops, both on the front line, with many visits to the Weston Front over the course of the war and to those injured in hospitals. He also realised how important morale was at home and could see how much more work women were taking on in factories and so paid a lot of visits to these all around the country too.
Queen Mary was also seen to be visiting injured soldiers in hospitals and made headlines after she had placed austerity measures at the palace, ensuring that they were all in it together, no matter what the class.
But it was not just the King and Queen that helped the war effort, for they passed this onto their children too. Probably one of the most famous acts was with Princess Mary and her Princess Mary's Christmas Gift Fund. Over £100,000 was raised, allowing for every British soldier and sailor to receive a gift on Christmas morning 1914. As well as creating this, she also joined her mother to many of the hospital visits as well as visiting various welfare organisations. Princess Mary was keen to promote the Girl Guides, VAD's and the Land Girls and I believe these organisations received more volunteers as a result. In June 1918, she began a nursing course at the Great Ormond Street Hospital, working two days a week on the Alexandra ward.
Prince Edward VIII was commissioned in the 1st Battalion the Grenadier Guards shortly before the outbreak of war. However, Lord Kitchener refused to allow him to fight on the front line itself due to him being the heir to the throne. Prince Edward later joined the British Expeditionary Force in France and was seen as a great morale boost to the soldiers fighting.
Perhaps the member of family whose first world war experience is very rarely heard is that of Prince Albert who as a sub-lieutenant, saw and fought first hand in the Battle of Jutland whilst serving on Collingwood. In November 1917, he had a duodenal ulcer operated on but that didn't stop him. In 1918, Prince Albert was appointed Officer in Charge of Boys at the Royal Naval Air Service training camp at Cranwell. He then transferred to the Royal Air Force and became Officer Commanding Number 4 Squadron of the Boys Wing. In August the same year, he completed just two weeks training before taking command of a squadron on the Cadet Wing. On the 23rd October, he notably flew across the channel to Autigny, a first for somebody of the royal family to have done so in what would be seen as a war zone.
This led to them doing even more during the second world war and in conflicts after this and has moulded the royal family we know today. A royal family that seem very down to earth and one that are more than willing to play their part.
Monday, 30 January 2017
Saturday, 28 January 2017
Winston Churchill & The First World War
Winston Churchill will always be a huge part of British history, so much so that he is now on our new £5 notes. For many he is remembered for how he led us to victory during the second world war however, he had achieved many things in the years beforehand.
Born at Blenheim Palace in Woodstock on the 30th November 1874, he joined the Royal Military College at Sandhurst in September 1893. After extensive training, Winston joined the 4th Hussars in 1895 where he saw action on the Indian north west frontier and in the Sudan. In 1898, Winston was just one of many that took part in the Battle of Omdurman. However, it was also during these years that he started to right reports for the Daily Telegraph as well as beginning to write books on war.
Winston left the army in 1899 to pursue a career as a war correspondent for the Morning Post. Whilst reporting on the Boer War, he was captured and taken as a prisoner of war. He made headlines himself when he managed to escape back to Britain.
Winston's political career took off when he was elected as conservative mp for Oldham in 1900. It was during this period that he became a supporter of social reform. By 1904, Winston had changed political parties, now being a member of the Liberal Democrats. 1906 saw Winston becoming Under-Secretary Of State for the Colonies and just two years later, he was promoted to President of the Board of Trade. His rise continued in 1910 when he became Home Secretary and just one year later he was made the First Lord of the Admiralty. It was here that he began to modernise the navy, with many of his changes still in place in our Royal Navy today.
In 1912, Winston set up something that would not only help us to win the first world war, but would also help us to win the second world war as well as many of the wars that would follow. He set up the Royal Naval Air Service and established an Air Department at the Admiralty. Without this, I believe that not only would we be playing catch up with the German's, but we would also have been fighting a very different war.
With the outbreak of the first world war, Winston joined the War Council but he was blamed for the failure of the Dardanelles campaign and was subsequently moved to the post of Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster. Here he would have no influence of the countries war policy. Not happy with this, Winston soon decided to rejoin the army and ended up commanding a battalion of the Royal Scotts Fusiliers.
When David Lloyd George replaced Herbert Asquith as British Prime Minister, he brought Winston back into the government. In 1917, he was made Minister of Munitions, a role which I believe was made for him. Here he was responsible for the production of guns, shells, tanks & aeroplanes - basically all of the things we needed to fight the enemy. Winston was to hold this position until the end of the war and in post-war Britain was made Minister of War & Air, but of course this is only a small part of the story of Winston Churchill.
Born at Blenheim Palace in Woodstock on the 30th November 1874, he joined the Royal Military College at Sandhurst in September 1893. After extensive training, Winston joined the 4th Hussars in 1895 where he saw action on the Indian north west frontier and in the Sudan. In 1898, Winston was just one of many that took part in the Battle of Omdurman. However, it was also during these years that he started to right reports for the Daily Telegraph as well as beginning to write books on war.
Winston left the army in 1899 to pursue a career as a war correspondent for the Morning Post. Whilst reporting on the Boer War, he was captured and taken as a prisoner of war. He made headlines himself when he managed to escape back to Britain.
Winston's political career took off when he was elected as conservative mp for Oldham in 1900. It was during this period that he became a supporter of social reform. By 1904, Winston had changed political parties, now being a member of the Liberal Democrats. 1906 saw Winston becoming Under-Secretary Of State for the Colonies and just two years later, he was promoted to President of the Board of Trade. His rise continued in 1910 when he became Home Secretary and just one year later he was made the First Lord of the Admiralty. It was here that he began to modernise the navy, with many of his changes still in place in our Royal Navy today.
In 1912, Winston set up something that would not only help us to win the first world war, but would also help us to win the second world war as well as many of the wars that would follow. He set up the Royal Naval Air Service and established an Air Department at the Admiralty. Without this, I believe that not only would we be playing catch up with the German's, but we would also have been fighting a very different war.
With the outbreak of the first world war, Winston joined the War Council but he was blamed for the failure of the Dardanelles campaign and was subsequently moved to the post of Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster. Here he would have no influence of the countries war policy. Not happy with this, Winston soon decided to rejoin the army and ended up commanding a battalion of the Royal Scotts Fusiliers.
When David Lloyd George replaced Herbert Asquith as British Prime Minister, he brought Winston back into the government. In 1917, he was made Minister of Munitions, a role which I believe was made for him. Here he was responsible for the production of guns, shells, tanks & aeroplanes - basically all of the things we needed to fight the enemy. Winston was to hold this position until the end of the war and in post-war Britain was made Minister of War & Air, but of course this is only a small part of the story of Winston Churchill.
Monday, 16 January 2017
Tanks & The First World War - Bovington Tank Museum
Situated in the heart of the Dorset countryside, The Tank Museum at Bovington is home to one of the largest collections of tanks from around the world, with six large halls jam packed full of vehicles as well as other memorabilia. There are a great many interesting world war one items held at the museum, some of which have we have even mentioned in this series - Hornsby Chain Track Tractor, Tank Mark VIII, Tank Mark IV, Tank Mark I, Tank Mark V, Tank Mark IX, Tank Mark II, The Whippet, Char Renault FT17, Sponson Trailer and of course my favourite, Little Willie.
To mark the 100th anniversary of the tank, the museum has a new exhibition which was opened last year called Tank men. It consists of telling the stories of eight men to help you get a better understanding of what life inside a tank was like. Another highlight of the museum is of course the replica tank used in the War Horse film.
But its not just a walk around the museum, they also hold events throughout the year which are always a great day out. Events such as Tiger day and Tankfest allow you to get up close and personal with the tanks as well as be able to speak to the volunteers who preserve them who are always happy to answer your questions. For a small fee, you can also tank a ride in various vehicles on special event days too!
I personally love the Tankfest event because it has helped me gain more knowledge and a better understanding of battles that have taken place in history. Towards the end of the day, there is usually one large battle rein-acted, complete with pyrotechnics, firing of tanks and sometimes even air displays. I will never forget the year they chose the first world war as their topic and at the end, all the rein-actors stood in front of the War Horse tank and posed for a photo. But this wasn't just any photo, for the tank fired poppies which fell all around them. I can tell you that it was so eerily quiet around the arena as everyone paid their respects and it certainly was moving.
Both the museum itself and the event days are perfect for any age as well as those with mobility issues. I would definitely recommend taking some money if you are planning on visiting the museum because the gift shop has such a huge range of items you won't know what to choose!
To mark the 100th anniversary of the tank, the museum has a new exhibition which was opened last year called Tank men. It consists of telling the stories of eight men to help you get a better understanding of what life inside a tank was like. Another highlight of the museum is of course the replica tank used in the War Horse film.
But its not just a walk around the museum, they also hold events throughout the year which are always a great day out. Events such as Tiger day and Tankfest allow you to get up close and personal with the tanks as well as be able to speak to the volunteers who preserve them who are always happy to answer your questions. For a small fee, you can also tank a ride in various vehicles on special event days too!
I personally love the Tankfest event because it has helped me gain more knowledge and a better understanding of battles that have taken place in history. Towards the end of the day, there is usually one large battle rein-acted, complete with pyrotechnics, firing of tanks and sometimes even air displays. I will never forget the year they chose the first world war as their topic and at the end, all the rein-actors stood in front of the War Horse tank and posed for a photo. But this wasn't just any photo, for the tank fired poppies which fell all around them. I can tell you that it was so eerily quiet around the arena as everyone paid their respects and it certainly was moving.
Both the museum itself and the event days are perfect for any age as well as those with mobility issues. I would definitely recommend taking some money if you are planning on visiting the museum because the gift shop has such a huge range of items you won't know what to choose!
Wednesday, 11 January 2017
Uniforms Of The First World War
Uniform has always played a big role within military history. Even today, you have a parade uniform to be worn on special occasions, as well as your combat uniform which you are still expected to keep in perfect condition.
Before the first world war, uniforms were seen as something to be proud of, very much the same as today. But there was one difference - uniforms then were often made of patriotic colours, but shiny brass buttons and impractical extra's. Uniform was also a way of seeing the enemy and at the outbreak of the first world war, that was still the case. I therefore thought I would give a quick description of the military uniforms of the time so that you can make your mind up about which one was the best.
Starting off with the German Infantry uniform, this is probably one of the most famous of the war, in particular for its Picklehaube which was a spiked helmet with a canvas cover over the top. This was worn for the first two years of the war before in 1916 it being replaced by steel helmets, which still looked odd with the 8mm horns on either side for circulation. The German's modified their tunics as well, creating large turned back cuffs where important documents and belongings could be kept. These tunics were made of wool in a field grey colour so as not to look too bold on the battlefield as well as for warmth. A chest armour also started off as part of the uniform for some of the men, particularly those on sentry or outpost duties, however many of the men ditched these quite quickly into the war. This was probably being they weighed in at a staggering 65kg! In the latter war years, British style Puttees as well as ankle boots were often wore.
The other man enemy, the Austro-Hungarian soldiers had a very similar uniform. Their uniform started off being made in a colour called Pike Grey, which looked more like a blue grey colour. They had a distinctive hat called a Kappe and had a winter and summer blouse, depending on where you were fighting. The summer version was made of a linen material to be cool and breathable. By 1915, the introduction of field grey and field green uniform started however with the shortage of supplies and material, captured Italian uniforms were seen to be used more often.
A country that just simply didn't get the memo about drab colour uniform was France. At the outbreak of the first world war, they could be seen fore miles around in the extremely visible blue coats and red trousers. Although patriotic, you could literally see them in the distance and probably was the reason for so many of their deaths in the first few months of the war. In 1915, French soldiers were issued with horizon-blue clothing, whilst British style Puttees were issued to replace leather gaiters as leather became harder to get hold of. By the end of the war, they also had 'Adrian' steel helmets, with them being the first country to introduce them. These new steel helmets had a purpose, not just to look the part but also to protect the head from shrapnel.
Lastly, the only country to have a camouflage uniform from the beginning, the British. Their uniform was designed to blend more into their surroundings and consisted of a dress tunic, trousers, a stiffened peak cap, Puttee & boots with hobnail soles. Khaki drill uniform was also available to those fighting in warmer climates, being made in a lighter desert colour and of lighter, breathable material.
As with all aspects of the first world war, it was a new war and one which changed how we fight wars forever. Long gone were the nights on shining armour, in their place was a bone weary, dirty looking soldier. These changes to the uniform were the starting point to what we associate with today - blue the the Royal Air Force, camo green or desert colours for the Army.
Before the first world war, uniforms were seen as something to be proud of, very much the same as today. But there was one difference - uniforms then were often made of patriotic colours, but shiny brass buttons and impractical extra's. Uniform was also a way of seeing the enemy and at the outbreak of the first world war, that was still the case. I therefore thought I would give a quick description of the military uniforms of the time so that you can make your mind up about which one was the best.
Starting off with the German Infantry uniform, this is probably one of the most famous of the war, in particular for its Picklehaube which was a spiked helmet with a canvas cover over the top. This was worn for the first two years of the war before in 1916 it being replaced by steel helmets, which still looked odd with the 8mm horns on either side for circulation. The German's modified their tunics as well, creating large turned back cuffs where important documents and belongings could be kept. These tunics were made of wool in a field grey colour so as not to look too bold on the battlefield as well as for warmth. A chest armour also started off as part of the uniform for some of the men, particularly those on sentry or outpost duties, however many of the men ditched these quite quickly into the war. This was probably being they weighed in at a staggering 65kg! In the latter war years, British style Puttees as well as ankle boots were often wore.
The other man enemy, the Austro-Hungarian soldiers had a very similar uniform. Their uniform started off being made in a colour called Pike Grey, which looked more like a blue grey colour. They had a distinctive hat called a Kappe and had a winter and summer blouse, depending on where you were fighting. The summer version was made of a linen material to be cool and breathable. By 1915, the introduction of field grey and field green uniform started however with the shortage of supplies and material, captured Italian uniforms were seen to be used more often.
A country that just simply didn't get the memo about drab colour uniform was France. At the outbreak of the first world war, they could be seen fore miles around in the extremely visible blue coats and red trousers. Although patriotic, you could literally see them in the distance and probably was the reason for so many of their deaths in the first few months of the war. In 1915, French soldiers were issued with horizon-blue clothing, whilst British style Puttees were issued to replace leather gaiters as leather became harder to get hold of. By the end of the war, they also had 'Adrian' steel helmets, with them being the first country to introduce them. These new steel helmets had a purpose, not just to look the part but also to protect the head from shrapnel.
Lastly, the only country to have a camouflage uniform from the beginning, the British. Their uniform was designed to blend more into their surroundings and consisted of a dress tunic, trousers, a stiffened peak cap, Puttee & boots with hobnail soles. Khaki drill uniform was also available to those fighting in warmer climates, being made in a lighter desert colour and of lighter, breathable material.
As with all aspects of the first world war, it was a new war and one which changed how we fight wars forever. Long gone were the nights on shining armour, in their place was a bone weary, dirty looking soldier. These changes to the uniform were the starting point to what we associate with today - blue the the Royal Air Force, camo green or desert colours for the Army.
Friday, 30 December 2016
A Look Back At 1916
As 1916 comes to a close and we welcome 1917, here is a look back at just a few of the main events of the last year. Starting us off was the introduction of conscription in Britain on 27th January. This was due to the drop in number in men volunteering, mixed with the sheer amount the were being injured or killed on a daily basis.
On the 21st February, German soldiers launched a huge attack against French soldiers at Verdun. This was the first time Germany used flamethrowers and storm troops.
By the 19th April President Wilson was publicly calling for Germany to stop their unrestricted u-boat policy with immediate effect. This was because German u-boats were sinking all ships in enemy waters without warning, whether it was war related or civilian.
27th April saw Lord Kitchener asked the United States Of American for their military participation within Europe. Just two days later on the 29th April, British Empire forces surrendered to Turkish forces in Mesopotamia with 13,000 prisoners being captured.
The 31st May till the 1st June saw the Battle of Jutland take place, the largest sea battle so far to take place.
1st July saw the beginning of the battle of the Somme, with an estimated 60,000 British men being injured or killed on the first day alone. This battle would continue all through the summer and well into Autumn/ Winter before it would end.
15th September saw tanks used for the first time, on the Somme battlefield. It wouldn't be until the 18th November that the battle of the Somme comes to an end.
Although by this time there had been many a Zeppelin raid on London, the 28th November saw the first air raid over London carried out by German aeroplanes.
The last main event of the year was on the 7th December when the news was announced that David Lloyd George was replacing Asquith as British Prime Minister. We wait with baited breath to see how he fares in the new year.
On the 21st February, German soldiers launched a huge attack against French soldiers at Verdun. This was the first time Germany used flamethrowers and storm troops.
By the 19th April President Wilson was publicly calling for Germany to stop their unrestricted u-boat policy with immediate effect. This was because German u-boats were sinking all ships in enemy waters without warning, whether it was war related or civilian.
27th April saw Lord Kitchener asked the United States Of American for their military participation within Europe. Just two days later on the 29th April, British Empire forces surrendered to Turkish forces in Mesopotamia with 13,000 prisoners being captured.
The 31st May till the 1st June saw the Battle of Jutland take place, the largest sea battle so far to take place.
1st July saw the beginning of the battle of the Somme, with an estimated 60,000 British men being injured or killed on the first day alone. This battle would continue all through the summer and well into Autumn/ Winter before it would end.
15th September saw tanks used for the first time, on the Somme battlefield. It wouldn't be until the 18th November that the battle of the Somme comes to an end.
Although by this time there had been many a Zeppelin raid on London, the 28th November saw the first air raid over London carried out by German aeroplanes.
The last main event of the year was on the 7th December when the news was announced that David Lloyd George was replacing Asquith as British Prime Minister. We wait with baited breath to see how he fares in the new year.
Thursday, 29 December 2016
Christmas 1916
Christmas 1916. Although the nation didn't know it, was slap bang right in the middle of the war. Had they known they were only half way through, I would imagine they would have soon given up. December 1916 was a hard one, both on the front and at home. The soldiers on the front had spent months fighting day and night during the battle of the Somme and had seen the friends injured or killed among them.
The home front was full of shortages, especially from the likes of bread and meat. German naval operations over the previous months had meant that everything seemed to be in short supply and what there was saw a huge price increase almost overnight. To add to this, Europe seemed to be having the worst weather in over thirty years and so you can imagine how low morale was getting.
Telegrams were still arriving each day, they certainly couldn't stop for Christmas. However, what was different was how much more of a greater understanding the home front had. This was due to The Somme film being released in cinemas around the country. It was the first time anything like this had been shown and for women was the first real insight into what war was really like. They now knew that when those telegrams arrived, the chances were that suffering had probably been endured before death.
The home front did try to connect with the front line soldiers, with many people putting together food hampers or knitting scarves and socks to send to the soldiers. Of course, families still sent letters and parcels to their loved ones if they could, but now there was a greater sense of doing there bit.
Christmas was so different then compared to now. Homes didn't have electric and so there were none of the pretty lights we all love to see around. Neither were presents wrapped because that was a waste and could be better used to help the war effort. People didn't expect to get a present either but were grateful if they received one. Remembering this certainly does make you appreciate the things you have got in life and shows the true meaning of Christmas - to be with those you love and cherish memories that are made.
I hope you have all had a lovely Christmas this year. I wanted to end by sharing this poem I read recently by an Australian soldier named Leslie George Rub. In a round about way, he tells you exactly what life was like during Christmas 1916, so I hope you enjoy it!
The home front was full of shortages, especially from the likes of bread and meat. German naval operations over the previous months had meant that everything seemed to be in short supply and what there was saw a huge price increase almost overnight. To add to this, Europe seemed to be having the worst weather in over thirty years and so you can imagine how low morale was getting.
Telegrams were still arriving each day, they certainly couldn't stop for Christmas. However, what was different was how much more of a greater understanding the home front had. This was due to The Somme film being released in cinemas around the country. It was the first time anything like this had been shown and for women was the first real insight into what war was really like. They now knew that when those telegrams arrived, the chances were that suffering had probably been endured before death.
The home front did try to connect with the front line soldiers, with many people putting together food hampers or knitting scarves and socks to send to the soldiers. Of course, families still sent letters and parcels to their loved ones if they could, but now there was a greater sense of doing there bit.
Christmas was so different then compared to now. Homes didn't have electric and so there were none of the pretty lights we all love to see around. Neither were presents wrapped because that was a waste and could be better used to help the war effort. People didn't expect to get a present either but were grateful if they received one. Remembering this certainly does make you appreciate the things you have got in life and shows the true meaning of Christmas - to be with those you love and cherish memories that are made.
I hope you have all had a lovely Christmas this year. I wanted to end by sharing this poem I read recently by an Australian soldier named Leslie George Rub. In a round about way, he tells you exactly what life was like during Christmas 1916, so I hope you enjoy it!
Christmas Day On The Somme
‘Twas Christmas Day on the Somme
The men stood on parade,
The snow laid six feet on the ground
Twas twenty in the shade.
Up spoke the Captain ‘gallant man’,
“Just hear what I’ve to say,
You may not have remembered that
Today is Christmas Day.”
“The General has expressed a wish
This day may be observed,
Today you will only work eight hours,
A rest that’s well deserved.”
“I hope you’ll keep yourselves quite clean
And smart and spruce and nice,
The stream is frozen hard
But a pick will break the ice.”
“All men will get two biscuits each,
I’m sure you’re tired of bread,
I’m sorry there’s no turkey
But there’s Bully Beef instead.”
“The puddings plum have not arrived
But they are on their way,
I’ll guarantee they’ll be in time
To eat next Christmas Day.”
“You’re parcels would have been in time
But I regret to say
The vessel which conveyed them was
Torpedoed on the way.”
“The Quartermaster’s got your rum
But you may get some yet,
Each man will be presented with
A Woodbine cigarette.”
“The Huns have caught us in the rear
And painted France all red,
Pray do not let that trouble you,
Tomorrow you’ll be dead.”
“Now ere you go I will you all
This season of good cheer,
A very happy Christmas and
A prosperous New Year.”
Friday, 9 December 2016
Tanks & The First World War: Scheider CA1
Today's post is all about an armoured fighting vehicle that at lot of people refer to as the first French tank, although it never had a turret. It was designed to open passages for the infantry as well as suppressing German machine gun nets with the hope of ending the stalemate on the front line. It looked so unusual and so unlike anything we have seen since because it has a large overhanging nose section that was used to crush through barbed wire. It was armed with a 75mm Hotchkiss machine gun which was usually situated on the right side of the vehicle and could carry a crew of six.
The Scheider CA1 first saw action on 16th April 1917 but its biggest role was during 1918 when they were used not only to halt the German Spring Offensive but to also break the German front in the French Summer Offensive.
Design faults were plentiful in the Scheider CA1, in fact the list seems pretty endless. Poor ventilation, poor vision, inadequate armour and very cramped conditions inside made it unbearable to those who were inside. In addition to this, it had internal petrol tanks which were extremely dangerous, especially during battle. The overhanging nose section also proved to be a failure because it made the mobility bad.
Improved designs were put forward almost straight away but they were never put into production because other, completely new designs were also put forward. When the war came to a close, most of the Scheider CA1's were scrapped due to the bad design, although some were turned into utility vehicles. Having said that, some did put in an appearance in the Spanish civil war, but that was really the last time they were used.
The Scheider CA1 first saw action on 16th April 1917 but its biggest role was during 1918 when they were used not only to halt the German Spring Offensive but to also break the German front in the French Summer Offensive.
Design faults were plentiful in the Scheider CA1, in fact the list seems pretty endless. Poor ventilation, poor vision, inadequate armour and very cramped conditions inside made it unbearable to those who were inside. In addition to this, it had internal petrol tanks which were extremely dangerous, especially during battle. The overhanging nose section also proved to be a failure because it made the mobility bad.
Improved designs were put forward almost straight away but they were never put into production because other, completely new designs were also put forward. When the war came to a close, most of the Scheider CA1's were scrapped due to the bad design, although some were turned into utility vehicles. Having said that, some did put in an appearance in the Spanish civil war, but that was really the last time they were used.
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