Topic 1.3: Battles and Weapons of World War I

What was the Race to the Sea?

A military campaign during World War I where Allied and German forces raced to outflank each other towards the North Sea after the Battle of the Marne.

What was the outcome of the Race to the Sea?

Both sides reached the North Sea by October 19, 1914, resulting in a stalemate with no strategic advantage.

What was the significance of the Battle of the Somme?

It was a major battle in World War I aimed at breaking the stalemate on the Western Front, taking place from July to November 1916.

Who ordered the Battle of the Somme?

General Haig, a senior British officer.

What role did heavy artillery play in World War I?

It was used to fire upon enemies and clear trenches before attacks, causing 60% of battlefield casualties.

What was the purpose of barbed wire in World War I?

To protect trenches and impede enemy advances.

How did the Germans utilize barbed wire by 1917?

They used large mounds of barbed wire primarily for defense.

What were the standard weapons used by infantrymen in World War I?

Rifles and machine guns.

What are bayonets and how were they used?

Bayonets are knives attached to the end of rifles, used in close combat.

What were mines used for in World War I?

Mines were laid under enemy trenches, often causing significant explosions.

What was the significance of tanks in World War I and when were they introduced?

Tanks were introduced as a new weapon to break the stalemate and were first seen by British leaders on June 30, 1915.

What was the role of flame throwers in World War I?

Flame throwers were used to hurl fire at enemies and were primarily employed by Germans.

What was the Gallipoli Campaign?

An Allied campaign aimed at taking the Dardanelles to gain access to the Black Sea and support Russia.

When did the first convoy of Australian troops leave for Europe?

The first convoy left Australia on November 1, 1914.

What happened on April 25, 1915, during the Gallipoli Campaign?

Australian troops landed at Gallipoli.

What were soldier records used for?

To document the personal details and service history of enlisted soldiers.

What information was typically included in soldier records?

Name, birthplace, enlistment location, rank, battalion, enlistment date, physical features, date and cause of death, belongings at death, burial location, and epitaph.

What was the impact of artillery shells in World War I?

Artillery shells caused the majority of battlefield casualties, with millions of shells fired.

What was the purpose of saps in trench warfare?

Saps were tunnels dug underneath enemy trenches to plant mines.

What was the significance of the explosion at Hill 60?

It was a notable event led by an Australian mining team during the war.

How did the British attempt to maintain secrecy about tanks?

They referred to them as 'water tanks' to disguise their true purpose.

What was the strategic aim of the British warships firing on Turkish forts?

To weaken Turkish defenses at the entrance to the Dardanelles.

What was the main objective of the Allies in the Dardanelles during the Gallipoli Campaign?

To secure a sea route to Russia.

What was the outcome of the Gallipoli Campaign?

It ended in evacuation and was considered a significant failure for the Allies.