4 ms·
It seems like the purpose of a bombardment like that isn't to kill the soldiers outright, but to crush their advance and keep them out of your territory.
by jschwartzi 10y ago
It seems like the purpose of a bombardment like that isn't to kill the soldiers outright, but to crush their advance and keep them out of your territory.
- ams6110 10y agoThe purpose of a military bombardment is to kill people and destroy infrastructure, thus neutralizing the ability and will of your enemy to continue fighting.
- eropple 10y agoCreate casualties, not necessarily kill people. Injuries are expensive to a military power.
- Khaine 10y agoIt is also due to the creeping barrage, where you would inch your artillery fire forward with your troops behind its shield as the enemy took cover during a barrage and therefore it stopped them from being able to gun down your troops. "In late 1915 / early 1916, Commonwealth forces began developing a new form of barrage. Beginning close to their own lines, the 'creeping' barrage moved slowly forward, throwing up dirt clouds to obscure the infantry who advanced close behind. The barrage would reach the enemy lines and suppress as normal (by driving men into bunkers or more distant areas) but the attacking infantry would be close enough to storm these lines (once the barrage had crept further forward) before the enemy reacted. That was, at least, the theory." From http://europeanhistory.about.com/od/worldwar1/p/prcreepingb.htm http://europeanhistory.about.com/od/worldwar1/p/prcreepingb....
- lostlogin 10y agoWhat could possibly go wrong? I know it's Wikepedia, but the concept that 10% casualties on your own side could be expected when done correctly should be a clue that this is another crap WW1 technique. https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Barrage_(artillery) https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Barrage_(artillery)