Work of the Royal Engineers in the European War 1914-1918: Camouflage Service

Work of the Royal Engineers in the European War 1914-1918: Camouflage Service
Author: Colonel G. H. Addison
Publisher: Andrews UK Limited
Total Pages: 77
Release: 2012-02-14
Genre: History
ISBN: 1781499039

The idea of forming a Camouflage Section in the BEF was first suggested at GHQ in the winter of 1915, following the success of the work of the French Camouflage Section in Amiens, whose workshop was visited by British officers. The chief means of camouflage was the painted screen, and as a result of a visit to France by a professional artist and his advice, volunteers were called for from the troops in France with experience of theatrical work, such as scenic artists, stage carpenters, workers in cardboard etc. These assembled at St Omer under an officer in January 1916 pending the fitting up of a building in Wimereux. Thus was born the camouflage service. This account goes on to give details of the first establishments and subsequent increases in establishment. The Camouflage Service was represented at GHQ, Army and Corps HQs and depots were set up corps areas and camouflage factories were formed in Army areas. By the time the war ended camouflage was 'big' in France and Flanders as this account reveals. American and French work in this field is also featured as well as German methods. At the end are tables of statistics showing quantities of stores and materials used.

Work of the Royal Engineers in the European War 1914-1918

Work of the Royal Engineers in the European War 1914-1918
Author: R. E. Priestley
Publisher:
Total Pages: 412
Release: 2006-04
Genre:
ISBN: 9781845743277

This volume deals principally with the story of the British Signal Service in France. It was only two years prior to the outbreak of war, in 1912, that the Signal Service was formed as separate and integral branch of the Royal Engineers. In 1920 it became a Corps in its own right - the Royal Corps of Signals, taking precedence immediately after the Royal Engineers. Throughout the chapters of this narrative three main themes can be detected: the evolution of signal policy, of signal organization, and of signal practice. Several definite phases of the war as it affected the Signal Service can be identified, and of these the most important are: the early mobile phase; the stationary (trench warfare) phase of 1915-1917; the retreats of the spring and early summer of 1918; and the final advance to victory. Each phase reacted on signal policy, organization, and practice alike though the first was less affected than the other two. This is a very well written account in which the author has woven together the three main themes into a continuous narrative, adhering as far as possible to a chronological order of facts. At the end are a series of personnel and transport establishment tables of various Signal units, and tables listing signal trades and the number of personnel in each trade present in various units. In all these tables figures are given for each year of the war demonstrating clearly the growth of the Service not only in manpower but also in the skills and trades required. Finally, tnere are a number of plates depicting signals/wiring diagrams.

Library News

Library News
Author: United States. War Department. Engineer School. Library
Publisher:
Total Pages: 674
Release: 1919
Genre:
ISBN:

Rats Alley

Rats Alley
Author: Peter Chasseaud
Publisher: The History Press
Total Pages: 897
Release: 2017-08-21
Genre: History
ISBN: 0750984902

When first published in 2006, Rats Alley was a ground-breaking piece of research, the first-ever study of trench names of the Western Front. Now, in this fully updated and revised second edition, the gazetteer has been extended to well over 20,000 trench names, complete with map references – in itself an essential tool for any First World War researcher. However, combined with the finely considered history and analysis of trench naming during the First World War, this is an edition that no military history enthusiast should be without. Discover when, how and why British trenches were first named and follow the names' fascinating development throughout the First World War, alongside details of French and German trench-naming practices. Looked at from both contemporary and modern points of view, the names reveal the full horror of trench warfare and throw an extraordinary sidelight on the cultural life of the period, and the landscape and battles of the Western Front. Names such as Lovers Lane, Idiot Corner, Cyanide Trench, Crazy Redoubt, Doleful Post, Furies Trench, Peril Avenue, Lunatic Sap and Gangrene Alley can be placed in context. With useful information on where original trench maps are held, and how to obtain copies, Rats Alley is a vital volume for both military and family historians.

Geology and Warfare

Geology and Warfare
Author: Edward P. F. Rose
Publisher: Geological Society of London
Total Pages: 520
Release: 2000
Genre: History
ISBN: 9781862390652

Records lessons learnt from miltary experience in World War I and II. It also contains perspectives from America which show how, in warfare, military geologists irrespective of nationality have pursued tactical and strategic terrain analysis, fortifications and tunnelling, and resource acquisition, defence installations, and field constructions and logistics. It shows how in peace-time military geologists train for wartime operations and may be involved in peace-keeping and nation-building deployments.

Nature

Nature
Author: Sir Norman Lockyer
Publisher:
Total Pages: 1194
Release: 1927
Genre: Electronic journals
ISBN:

Reinventing Warfare 1914-18

Reinventing Warfare 1914-18
Author: Anthony Saunders
Publisher: A&C Black
Total Pages: 374
Release: 2012-02-09
Genre: History
ISBN: 1441123814

New research highlighting the invention of new weaponry and its front-line combat use.