Description
Book SynopsisThe years from 1914 to 1918 saw a whole series of complex and very rapid changes in infantry tactics, which fundamentally altered the way wars had been fought for 150 years. This two-part study describes and illustrates the development: of infantry equipment and weapons; of support weapons; of field fortifications; and, most importantly, exactly how these items and techniques were all employed in attack and defence. The texts are illustrated with contemporary photos and diagrams and with colour plates combining details of uniforms, equipment and weapons with bird's-eye views explaining their use in battle. This second volume concentrates on the men who fought in such important battles as those of Ypres and the Somme.
Table of Contents1916; 'the big push' against established trench lines - The Somme - Standardised production of trench materials - trench camouflage - Advances in gas warfare - Infantry training - Light machine guns - 1917: Messines & Vimy - tunnel and mine warfare - Creeping barrages - tanks - light machine guns down to section level - flame throwers - New defensive systems - 1918: the deadlock broken - German stormtroopers, British 'blobs & worms' - Trench howitzers - anti-tank rifles - sub-machine guns - Battles: the Kaisershlacht - French and Americans on the Argonne - the British break the Hindenburg Line.
