WORLD WAR 1 ON THE BATTLEFIELD - PART 3

 

 

 Naval railway guns in World War I were ship - borne artillery pieces mounted onto railway carriagesto provide mobile heavy fire support. Pioneered early in the war, these batteries allowed armies to strike strategic targets—like ammunition dumps and railway junctions far behind enemy lines without relying on fixed, stationary emplacements 

 

 

World War 1 marked the first major conflice to utilize aircraft in warfare.  Over the course of four years,  airships evolved from primitive, unarmed observation tools into heavily armed, strategic weapons of combat that established the foundation for modern air superiority.

 

Ferdinand Foch, the French general and Supreme Allied Commander during World War I, has two famous quotes: one showcasing his relentless aggression in battle and another predicting the future of Europe.  

 

1.  "My centre is giving way, my right is retreating; situation excellent. I shall attack."

 

2.  His The Treaty of Versailles Prediction, "This is not a peace. It is an armistice for twenty years. 

 

The "Maconochie" Stew: A ubiquitous staple for British soldiers, a canned meat-and-vegetable stew was filling but monotonous

The National Jewish Welfare Board (JWB) was formed in April 1917 to support the 250,000 Jewish Americans who served during World War 1. It acted as the recognized civilian support arm for Jewish military personnel, providing chaplains, kosher food, religious supplies, and social welfare programs at home and overseas.

The Battle of Fismes and Fismette was fought between August 3rd and September 1st, 1918. The battles brutal Urban combat saw the use of mustard gas, flame throwers and close to total destruction of the city. In the first two days of the battle the 32nd Division took two thousand casualties.