The War Underground 1914–18: Tactics and Equipment - Elite
The War Underground 1914–18: Tactics and Equipment - Elite
paperback
Published:
23 May, 2024
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Description
This absorbing illustrated study reveals the evolving tactics and techniques used by all sides in the underground war during 1914–18.
Covering the Western Front but also the Gallipoli and Italian theatres, this study explores three aspects of World War I below ground: military mining, attack tunnels and dugouts. In 1914–17, the underground war was a product of static trench warfare, essential to survive it and part of both sides’ attempts to overcome it. In 1917–18 it was rendered largely obsolete by the development of the all-arms battle as mobility was restored to the battlefield.
In the stagnant, troglodyte existence of trench warfare, military mining was a hidden world of heroism and terror in which hours of suspenseful listening were spent monitoring the steady picking of unseen opponents, edging quietly towards the enemy, and judging when to fire a charge. Break-ins to enemy mine galleries resulted in hand-to-hand fighting in the darkness. The ingenuity, claustrophobia and tactical importance of the underground war are discussed and depicted in this fully illustrated study from an acknowledged expert. The artwork plates include depictions of the specialized uniforms, weapons and equipment used underground, as well as vignettes that vividly convey the many aspects of subterranean warfare during World War I.
More Details
| Type | Book |
|---|---|
| ISBN13 | 9781472861054 |
| ISBN10 | 1472861051 |
| Number Of Pages | 64 |
| Item Weight | 211 g |
| Product Dimensions | 182 x 246 x 2 mm |
| Publisher / Reseller | Bloomsbury Publishing PLC |
| Format | paperback |
Media Reviews
This is a well produced volume with some great images. * Subterranea Britannica *
There are plenty of archive photos but this is one where the artwork of Adam Hook is first class and really adds to the main story. * Military Model Scene *
Artwork by Adam Hook depicts the miners’ specialised equipment, weapons and uniforms to enhance this interesting 64-page paperback book. * Toy Soldier Collector & Historical Figures *
This is well written and illustrated, and covers all aspects of technique, personnel, equipment and key operations * Miniature Wargames *
provides an extremely clear and surprisingly detailed account of the development and conduct of mining operations during the War and of the tactics which evolved to overcome the limitations created by static trench warfare * The Military Historical Society *
This is an outstanding and very readable account of the war underground throughout the First World War. It is strongly recommended and will be of great interest to both the general reader and those seeking a deeper understanding of the subject * Military Historical Society Bulletin *
GoodReads Reviews
Author's Bio
Simon Jones, a former curator at the Royal Engineers and King’s Liverpool Regiment museums, has written many well-received articles on gas and mine warfare. He is the author of World War I Gas Warfare Tactics and Equipment in Osprey's Elite series.
Adam Hook specializes in detailed historical reconstructions, and has illustrated Osprey titles on subjects ranging from the Ancient Greeks to the modern Chinese Army.