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How did the flamethrower affect World war 1?
Of all the weapons introduced during the war, the flamethrower was one of the most feared. First used by the German shock troops, the weapon proved to be an effective tool against fortifications and trenches, showering the enemy with burning liquid and flushing out troops who would be otherwise unassailable.
How long did flamethrowers last in ww1?
The portable type, carried on the backs of ground troops, had a range of about 45 yards (41 metres) and enough fuel for about 10 seconds of continuous “firing.” Larger and heavier units installed in tank turrets could reach out more than 100 yards (90 metres) and carried enough fuel for about 60 seconds of fire.
What problems did flamethrowers operators have?
They were heavy, causing strain and mobility issues for its operators. Also, flamethrower operators were easily singled out as targets immediately after firing due to the visibility of the weapon. Its tendency to explode did not make things easier for its operators.
Why did people use flamethrowers in ww1?
They were used mostly to clear forward defenders during the start of a German attack, preceding their infantry colleagues. They were undeniably useful when used at short-range, but were of limited wider effectiveness, especially once the British and French had overcome their initial alarm at their use.
Are flamethrowers illegal?
Personal ownership. In the United States, private ownership of a flamethrower is not restricted by federal law, because flamethrower is a tool, not a firearm. Flamethrowers are legal in 48 states and restricted in California and Maryland.
When did the US start using flamethrowers in World War 1?
The British and French did use flamethrowers but no where near the extent that the Germans did. The United States did not use or develop flamethrowers until after World War One. At the Treaty of Versailles, which ended World War One, Germany was forbidden to supply its army with flamethrowers; along with several other weapons.
Why did so many soldiers die in the flamethrower?
The fear of being set on fire caused many soldiers to leap from safe positions into the open where enemy gunfire would mow them down. More soldiers probably died this way during flamethrower attacks than did from the actual fire produced by the weapon.
How many people died in the Battle of the Somme?
The total number of British and Empire war deaths caused by gas, according to the Imperial War Museum, was about 6,000 – less than a third of the fatalities suffered by the British on the first day of the Battle of the Somme in 1916.
How many British soldiers died in World War 1?
(en) Statistics of the Military Effort of the British Empire During the Great War 1914– 1920, The War Office March 1922 This official report lists 908,371 ‘soldiers’ killed in action, died of wounds, died as prisoners of war and were missing in action in World War