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362 results returned for First World War
Concussion Mines And Gas Shells
Mr. McLeod describes two devastating weapons he witnessed at the Hindenburg Line and afterward. The British used concussion mines which caused their German victims to bloat and die. For their part, the Germans delivered mustard gas via artillery shells.
A Soldier Turns Veterinarian.
During a recce for wounded soldiers, Mr. McLeod instead finds a large draught horse with a fist-sized piece of shrapnel in it's shoulder. He removes the large piece of metal and dresses the wound with his own field dressing.
Arresting A 'Friendly' Intruder
Mr. McLeod describes being on patrol with his partner and being stalked by an intruder. He hides and then sneaks up behind and captures the stalker who may have been a German dressed in British kit. The intruder turns out to be a member of British 5th Brigade.
Repairing Phone Lines
Mr. McLeod describes the fact that phone wire was vulnerable to shrapnel, and how teams of two would track down and repair any breaks in the wire.
Signals Equipment
Mr. McLeod describes using a telegraph machine and signal lamp in the field, and the need for perfection when signaling. He reflects on the fact that today he only recalls “a couple” letters.
Grenade training was dangerous.
Mr. Page describes a training incident where a soldier accidentally drops a live grenade in their trench. Their sergeant throws it away just in time.
Hunger and civilian interaction in France
Mr. Page discusses the hunger among French civilians and watching children licking out empty meat tins. He also describes being billeted with a French family and their little girl crying for a goodbye kiss.
Minesweeping
Mr. Andrews describes the technique used to sever mine cables and the dangers involved. He goes on to describe how the floated mines were detonated either by rifle or cannon fire.
Convoy Service
Mr. Andrews discusses the value of the Royal Navy in shepherding convoys in British waters against the threat of German submarines.
Sank in Two Minutes
Mr. Andrews describes being in a convoy aboard HMS Loch Maree and, for the first time, seeing a ship sink. He transfers to the minesweeper HMS John Barry, and two days later the Loch Maree is lost with all hands.
Twelve Pounder Gun
Mr. Andrews describes training on the Twelve Pounder naval cannon, and his crew mates very close call while on target practice.
Underage Enlisting
Mr. Andrews describes his enlistment and how his physical maturity outweighed his being under aged. His training starts badly when he becomes ill in St. John's.
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