In autumn 1914, the French army suddenly found itself confronted with a new form of warfare: trench warfare. To counter the mine launchers and hit the enemy entrenched in the trenches, a new type of artillery weapon with a curved barrel had to be developed that could fire heavy projectiles filled with explosives. The trench artillery, improvised within a few weeks in 1914, numbered more than 3,000 at the height of its power in early 1918. The author traces the development of curved-trajectory artillery from the 16th century to the eve of 1914 and describes in detail the emergence of mortars and trench weapons during the First World War. An examination of the projectiles and the organisation of the Crapouillots units completes this comprehensive study of French trench artillery. Illustrated with over 450 photographs and documents from the period, this book pays tribute to the Crapouillots, who were often described as artillerymen of a special kind, with strong personalities who shared the suffering and heavy losses of the infantry on the front lines during the First World War.
Group
Books (first-hand)
Author
Francois, Guy
Title
Les Crapouillots et les Engins de tranchée Français de la Grande Guerre
Details
French text, 450 photos and documents, large format. 188 pages.
State
new
Histoire et Collections Avenue de la République 5 75011 Paris Frankreich
