2. “The technological escalation that occurred from the start of World War I to the end of World War II was more profound than any other period in human history”. “These new inventions were designed and deployed to the task of killing humans more effectively”. (Hartcup 1988)
3. Task One: Using the video clip, produce a thought shower for all types of equipment you have seen. Personal weapons - Rifles, Machine guns (1894), Pistols Clothing – Uniform (camouflage 1914), boots, belt Protective clothing- Tin Helmets (1916), Gas Masks (1916) General – Shovel, entrenching tool (1910), mess tins, mug, Transport – Tanks (1917), Aircraft(1915), Motorbike(1915) Horse Types of Equipment Webbing – Ammo pouches, back pack The soldier was seen as disposable Heavy Weapons – Artillery, Portable Mortars (1915), GAS (1915)
4. 1) Clothing – Consisting of ,Uniform, Undergarments, Belt, Boots. Head Dress The Field Dress (Uniform) consisted of: Shirt and Blouse The uniform was made of durable ‘khaki wool serge’ which was strong and warm. The buttons were made of brass because plastic had not been invented. Can you think why the uniform was unpopular? Uncomfortable Became heavy when wet Became infested with lice Trousers Puttees Jack boots
5. 2) Equipment – Ammo Pouches, Water Bottle, Entrenching Tool, Belt, Back Pack ‘Webbing’ was made from khaki canvas, and leather. These materials are strong and could be waterproofed with Blanco and Bees Wax . Water bottle Ammo Pouches The pouches were held closed by brass press studs, instead of buttons. Why do you think this was? All buckles and clips were also made from brass. Entrenching tool Belt and Straps Back pack
6. 3) Protective Equipment – Helmet, Gas Mask M1916 ‘Stahlhelm’ With the abrupt introduction of chemical gas to the battlefield at Ypres in 1915 simple masks consisting of leather and glass were introduced Gas Mask ‘Lugs’ Gas Mask Camouflage paint The British had supplied steel helmets to all soldiers by 1915. The Germans followed suit by 1916. What are the benefits of having a steel helmet?
7. 4) Personal Weapons – Rifle, Bayonet, Grenades, Clubs. MauserGew 98. Standard infantry rifle of the German Army. Held 5 rounds before reloading, and would fire accurately to distances of 800m. What is it made from? ‘Mills Fragmentation Bomb’ (Grenade)1915. Had a 7 second delayed fuse, and could be thrown up to 30metres. Why do you think the grenade is pineapple shaped? Was a bayonet so long necessary?
8. 5) Heavy Weapons – Artillery, Mortars, Tanks Fuse Explosive Shell A British 45cm mortar – Range 15 miles. Some railway guns could fire 100cm shells 20 miles Why would the explosive part of the shell be full of metal ball bearings? Shell case The ball bearing act as shrapnel
9. Task Two: Using the information you have collected during this lesson, design a piece of world war one equipment Your design can only be made from materials and technology around before 1918. Along with you design you will write two paragraphs stating: Why you have chosen to design that particular piece of equipment? What materials you have made your equipment out of and why? The equipment is to be finished for homework.
