What Weapons Were Used in the Battle of Somme?
The Battle of Somme, fought from July 1 to November 18, 1916, was one of the bloodiest battles in human history. It was a major conflict during World War I, involving the Allied Powers, including France, Britain, and the Dominions, against the Central Powers, primarily Germany. The battle was marked by heavy casualties, innovative tactics, and the introduction of new weapons. In this article, we will explore the various weapons used during the Battle of Somme.
Artillery
Artillery played a crucial role in the Battle of Somme. Both sides employed massive artillery forces, with the Allies using over 1,500 guns and the Germans using around 1,000. The primary types of artillery used were:
- Field guns: These were mobile, wheeled guns that could be quickly moved to different positions. They were used to deliver high-explosive shells, which were designed to cause maximum damage.
- Howitzers: These were larger, fixed guns that were used to fire high-angle shots, which were designed to drop onto enemy positions.
- Heavy artillery: These were large, stationary guns that were used to fire long-range shots, often at enemy artillery positions.
Machine Guns
Machine guns were a significant factor in the Battle of Somme. Both sides used machine guns extensively, with the Germans employing the Maschinengewehr 08 (MG 08) and the Allies using the Vickers machine gun. Machine guns were used to:
- Suppress enemy positions: Machine guns were used to pin down enemy troops, preventing them from advancing or retreating.
- Inflict casualties: Machine guns were used to inflict casualties on enemy troops, often with devastating effect.
Rifles and Machine Rifle
Rifles and machine rifles were used by infantry troops on both sides. The primary types of rifles used were:
- Lee-Enfield: Used by the British Army, this rifle was known for its accuracy and reliability.
- Mauser Gewehr 98: Used by the German Army, this rifle was known for its accuracy and durability.
- Fusil Modèle 1916: Used by the French Army, this rifle was known for its reliability and ease of use.
Machine Rifle
The machine rifle was a portable, belt-fed weapon that was used by infantry troops. The primary types of machine rifles used were:
- Lewis Gun: Used by the British Army, this machine rifle was known for its reliability and ease of use.
- M1916 Chauchat: Used by the French Army, this machine rifle was known for its reliability and durability.
Tanks
Tanks were introduced during the Battle of Somme, with the first tanks being used by the British Army on September 15, 1916. The primary types of tanks used were:
- Mark I: This was the first tank used by the British Army, with a top speed of 2.5 mph (4 km/h).
- A7V: This was the first tank used by the German Army, with a top speed of 3.5 mph (5.6 km/h).
Gas Warfare
Gas warfare was used extensively during the Battle of Somme. Both sides employed gas shells, which were designed to release toxic gases, such as chlorine and mustard gas. The primary types of gas used were:
- Chlorine gas: This was the first gas used during the Battle of Somme, with the Germans releasing it on April 22, 1915.
- Mustard gas: This was a more potent gas, which was used by both sides to inflict casualties on enemy troops.
Aerial Warfare
Aerial warfare played a significant role during the Battle of Somme. Both sides employed aircraft, including:
- Fighter planes: These were used to engage enemy aircraft and protect friendly aircraft.
- Bombers: These were used to drop bombs on enemy positions and infrastructure.
- Reconnaissance planes: These were used to gather intelligence on enemy positions and movements.
Table: Weapons Used During the Battle of Somme
| Weapon | Country | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Field guns | Allied Powers | Mobile, wheeled guns used to deliver high-explosive shells |
| Howitzers | Allied Powers | Larger, fixed guns used to fire high-angle shots |
| Heavy artillery | Allied Powers | Large, stationary guns used to fire long-range shots |
| Maschinengewehr 08 (MG 08) | Germany | Machine gun used to suppress enemy positions and inflict casualties |
| Vickers machine gun | Allied Powers | Machine gun used to suppress enemy positions and inflict casualties |
| Lee-Enfield | Britain | Rifle used by the British Army |
| Mauser Gewehr 98 | Germany | Rifle used by the German Army |
| Fusil Modèle 1916 | France | Rifle used by the French Army |
| Lewis Gun | Britain | Machine rifle used by the British Army |
| M1916 Chauchat | France | Machine rifle used by the French Army |
| Mark I | Britain | First tank used by the British Army |
| A7V | Germany | First tank used by the German Army |
| Chlorine gas | Germany | Toxic gas used to inflict casualties on enemy troops |
| Mustard gas | Allied Powers | Toxic gas used to inflict casualties on enemy troops |
| Fighter planes | Allied Powers | Used to engage enemy aircraft and protect friendly aircraft |
| Bombers | Allied Powers | Used to drop bombs on enemy positions and infrastructure |
| Reconnaissance planes | Allied Powers | Used to gather intelligence on enemy positions and movements |
In conclusion, the Battle of Somme was a complex and bloody conflict that involved a wide range of weapons and tactics. The introduction of new weapons, such as tanks and machine guns, played a significant role in the battle, while traditional weapons, such as rifles and artillery, continued to be used extensively. The use of gas warfare and aerial warfare also added a new dimension to the conflict.
