Changes in Technology During the Great War (SQA National 5 History): Revision Note

Summary 

New technology changed the way the First World War was fought. Advancements in technology led to the development of artillery that could fire huge numbers of shells and machine guns that could fire hundreds of bullets per minute. Both made battles far more deadly.

Poison gas was first used in 1915, and resulted in gas marks becoming standard. The use of tanks began in 1916. They were difficult to manoeuvre, but they played an important role in crushing barbed wire on 'No Man’s Land'. Aircraft were used in the Great War mainly for reconnaissance to spot enemy positions.

Artillery

• Artillery caused the most casualties during the First World War

• The heavy bombardments aimed to cut the barbed wire and smash the enemy trenches

• Scottish units advanced once the artillery guns had done their job and cleared the way forward for their advance

  • For example, the 51st (Highland) Division used a tightly timed barrage to help take Beaumont Hamel in November 1916

• The creeping barrage put a moving wall of shells just ahead of the troops so they could cross 'No Man’s Land' with some protection

• Scots such as the Royal Scots and Highland Light Infantry attacked behind these barrages at Arras in 1917, gaining ground in the opening days

• The bombardments were often unsuccessful because:

  • They warned the enemy and failed to cut all the barbed wire

  • Were often imprecise and missed their intended targets

  • German trenches were fortified with timber or concrete

    • They were able to shelter from artillery bombardments in their deep dugouts

Gas

• Gas was used to blind, choke and panic soldiers so infantry could advance

  • Britain’s first use of gas was at the Battle of Loos in September 1915.

• Shifting winds meant that gas could drift back, causing casualties to the side using the gas

  • Gas masks made troops slow and clumsy

  • They restricted vision, breathing and speech

• Chlorine, phosgene and mustard gases were used in attacks and these caused respiratory injuries, burning to the skin and sometimes blindness

  • Early attacks released gas from cylinders; later, it was fired by shells and mortar

• Scottish regiments on the Somme and at Arras trained and fought under frequent gas alerts, carrying masks at all times

Tanks

• Tanks were used to crush barbed wire and knock out enemy strong points

  • In September 1916, during the Somme battle at Flers–Courcelette, the 15th (Scottish) Division advanced with tank support to help take Martinpuich.

  • The early tanks were unreliable as they often became stuck in the mud or broke down

    • This could stall infantry attacks

• The sight and noise of tanks frightened enemy soldiers and could force quick surrenders when they appeared suddenly through the smoke

• Deep shell holes and mechanical failure stopped many tanks

• Germans learned to target them with field guns at close range and special armour-piercing bullets

Aircraft

• Aircraft were used to take photographs and signal troop movements

  • Scottish units such as the 51st (Highland) Division and Royal Scots used aerial photographs and contact-patrol planes in attacks at Beaumont Hamel (1916) and Arras (1917) to time advances and correct barrages.

• Low-flying aircraft would fly low over the trenches and shoot at the enemy soldiers below

  • During Arras 1917, strong Royal Flying Corps air cover helped Scottish battalions like the Highland Light Infantry make quick early gains before the battle slowed

• Early aircraft were fragile and unreliable, so engine failure or gun jams were common

  • Bad weather and low clouds often grounded planes or ruined reconnaissance photos

Machine Guns

• Machine guns fired hundreds of rounds a minute, cutting down attacks across no man’s land 

• Scottish battalions such as the Black Watch and Royal Scots suffered heavy losses at Loos and on 1 July 1916 when German guns swept open ground

• Heavy Vickers guns gave sustained fire from fixed positions, while lighter Lewis guns were carried forward with the infantry to add close support

• Early guns were heavy and needed teams, water, and large amounts of ammunition; they could overheat or jam and were obvious targets for artillery