WWI Weapons

Question 1

Bayonets

Answer 1

Used in close combat

Question 2

Flamethrowers

Answer 2

Invented by Germans
Purpose was to spread fire
Shoot fire as far as 18 meters
Single use, portable
Able to sustain flames for 40 seconds
Fuel was expensive 
Dangerous job because tanks would blow up do to random accident or purposeful shooting
Adapted for use on tanks

Question 3

Grenades

Answer 3

Some had great throwing range- approximately 50 yards

Grenadiers were responsible for racing down the trench while throwing grenades into each dugout they passed

Question 4

Pistols

Answer 4

Used by officers

Adapted for use in tight quarters- smaller weapon

Question 5

Poison Gas

Answer 5

First used in 1914 by French against the Germans
Chlorine Gas could destroy a victim’s respiratory system within seconds
Phosgene Gas would cause violent coughing and choking
Mustard Gas was contained in artillery shells and could cause external and internal blisters
It was difficult to defend against because it was odorless and could remain potent in the soul for weeks after its release
Germans start using poison gas a lot which worries neutral countries and causes the U.S. and Britain to search for their own chemicals to be used in poison gas
It’s major downfall was that the wind could send gas in any direction, even back to the side using it

Question 6

Rifles

Answer 6

Easy to carry
Used by infantry
Efficiency depended on the training and skill of the soldier

Question 7

Snipers

Answer 7

Worked day and night
Small casualty numbers
Played an important role in sapping enemy morale

Question 8

Tanks

Answer 8

Not efficient for trench warfare
Transported troops
Crushed anything in its way
Designed for coordinating a barrage of tanks, artillery, and war planes, all designed to clear a path for infantry

Question 9

Mortar

Answer 9

Could be fired from the safety of the trench

Used to take out enemy machine gun posts, suspected sniper posts, and cut enemy barbed wire

Question 10

Machine Gun

Answer 10

Heavy, hard to transport
Required 4-6 people to operate
Could fire 400-600 rounds per minute
Machine would overheat
Jammed frequently
Powerful: equivalent to 60-100 rifles
By 1918, machine gun becomes portable
However, ammunition supplies were insufficient
Adapted for use on tanks, aircrafts and warships