Introduction: The evolution of weapons (0.00 - 2.33)

The introduction to this programme actually introduces the two programmes in this series. The programme opens with an extract from the film 'Braveheart', showing medieval hand-to-hand warfare in all its terrifying closeness. The point is then made that the history of warfare since that time has largely been one of killing at increased range. The longbow, the musket and the bolt-action rifle are shown as precursors to the modern soldier’s semi-automatic rifle. The key point here is that the story of weapons is an evolutionary one, involving constant alteration, improvement, and countermeasure.

Outbreak of war (2.34 – 4.14)

The programme then moves on to describe the outbreak of the Great War in 1914 and the enthusiasm associated with it. The programme focuses on the fact that this war was to be the first industrial world war in which the entire industrial resources of whole populations would be dedicated to the war effort. In the preceding 100 years, technology had advanced rapidly, and its full power in terms of innovation and production was about to be harnessed for war.

War and transport (4.15 – 4.54)

One of the first ways in which technological developments affected war was in transport. Rail and (in Britain’s case) steamship communications meant that very large forces could be moved very quickly to where they were needed. The same rail and steamship transport could also supply those troops with arms and food, as well as bringing them reinforcements when they were under pressure. Railways had been one of the most important factors for change in society in the previous century, providing mass travel, cheap holidays, a popular press and the telegraph (sometimes called the Victorian Internet). Now they were to transform warfare as well. By the end of the war there were even rail mounted artillery pieces.

The programme also points out the demise of the horse as the major means of transportation. It is important to retain balance and perspective on this issue. On the front lines the horse remained a fundamental part of the transport system of all of the armies. It was by far the most efficient form of transport in the conditions. Trucks and lorries were increasingly important behind the lines, but they were not powerful or manoeuvrable enough to be of use at the front. Where the horse did become obsolete rapidly was as a military vehicle. The scouting role of cavalry and the sweeping charges which had been a part of warfare as recently as 1902 were no longer a feature of this war. The shock of the new kind of warfare was made worse by the fact that it was largely unexpected.

Infantry weapons (4.55 – 8.59)

The programme goes on to examine a number of weapons which helped to cause these changes.

The first is the bolt-action rifle. The programme focuses on the potentially devastating effect of the Lee Enfield .303 rifle in rapid volley fire. There is some fairly detailed information on the workings of the rifle that enabled it to be such an effective weapon. Later the point is made that the Germans also had similar weapons. The British Expeditionary Force soldiers were professional and well trained, but the German troops were every bit as well trained, and there were more of them in 1914. Both sides suffered horrendous losses, but the BEF could afford the losses less than the Germans.

The next major development examined in the programme is the machine-gun. There is some powerful footage of the Vickers machine-gun being used on sandbags to demonstrate its withering firepower. The effects of this weapon on all sides are briefly examined. At this point it is important to remember that artillery, the major killer, has yet to be tackled. Teachers may wish either to pause the video and tell students at this point, or reinforce the point when it is made later in the programme.

The programme then links the need to take cover with the evolving system of trenches for shelter, then trenches for defence, then trenches as platforms for attack. There is a brief and graphic description of the miseries of trench warfare. Then the process of innovation emerges again. The two sides frequently raided each others’ trenches to bring back prisoners with precious information. In these raids, almost always at night, stealth and violence were the key. Troops developed a range of vicious weapons for this very dirty kind of fighting. The Imperial War Museum in London has an unrivalled collection of these gruesome implements. A link to its website is available in these Notes.

Artillery (9.00 – 10.59)

As stated earlier, artillery was the major killer of the Great War. The programme devotes time to the different types of artillery pieces but also to the psychological effects of the barrages. The poem ‘The Gun’ gets across the impact of the guns most eloquently, along with the footage of the effects of artillery. Another point of context here is that artillery tactics, as well as artillery, changed during the war. Creeping barrages, smoke barrages mixed with different types of shells and fuses were all tried in order to break the deadlock on the Western Front. Another key point is the ability of the powers to produce the guns and shells quickly enough and in sufficient numbers. In many ways this was as important as the fighting of the actual battles themselves.

Gas (11.00 – 12.14)

Few innovations demonstrate the process of measure and countermeasure as well as the introduction of poison gas in 1915. The programme charts the use of gas in its different forms and the ways it was fired at opponents. It also charts the countermeasures, ranging from urinating into socks to the charcoal filter gas masks of the latter part of the war.

War in the air (12.15 – 14.54)

The programme then moves into the air to look at the rapid progression of air warfare during the war. Essentially, the role of the air forces was observation. The development of fighter planes and dogfighting was a thrilling and exciting one for the propaganda machines, but it was very much a side-show in the wider picture. Nevertheless, the programme charts some of the important technical developments like the invention of the timed machine-gun, which could fire through the propeller of the aeroplane without damaging it. Again, context and balance is important. Balloons were much less glamorous that aeroplanes, but their role in observation for artillery and for ships was arguably far more important than the aeroplanes.

Tanks (14.55 – 16.14)

The programme then proceeds to give a very balanced evaluation of the tank. Its role as the potential breakthrough weapon to end trench warfare is demonstrated through archive footage. However, its downsides are tackled in greater detail than is usual. Original testimonies bring home the appalling conditions for the crew of a tank. The fact that the tanks were loaded with spare petrol cans because of the rate at which they devoured fuel must have made them easy targets.

War at sea (16.15 – end)

The programme devotes a substantial proportion of its time to the war at sea, indicating its relative importance to the course of the war. Naval technology is assessed but the point is made that there were few major naval engagements. The only full-scale naval battle was the Battle of Jutland in 1916, and both sides claimed victory in this. The really decisive role of the war at sea was in the different types of blockades attempted by the two sides. The Royal Navy maintained a highly effective blockade throughout the war. This played a critical role in undermining German morale and also in ensuring that German forces by 1918 were less well fed and equipped than their allied opposites. However, it is important to recognise that Britain was on the verge of defeat in 1917 as the German submarine offensive was extremely successful in cutting off vital food supplies.