In WWI, the British army had help from countries all over the world. These countries included: Canada, India, Australia, South Africa, Gurkhas from Nepal, eventually the Americans and many more. There were so many foreign soldiers that it meant that not everyone could understand each others language which caused lots of confusion and communication problems.
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When the British came to France to assist the French, they brought an small mostly voluntary army force of around 400,000 soldiers. The volunteers were from the territorial force which was a reserve from the British Army. Together they formed the British Expeditionary Force (BEF) also called the Old Contemptible. Altogether, three army forces were sent to fight in places such as: Passchendaele, Ypres , Ploegestreet, Etaples, the Marne, Mons, Vimy Ridge, Hill 60, Hellfire corner, Sanctuary Wood and the famously at the Somme. The British uniform was a thick woolen tunic that were dyed into a khaki color. There were two breast pockets for personal items and the soldiers AB64 Pay Book and also two smaller pockets for other items. There were brass buttons to fasten. A stiffened peak cap were made from the same material with a leather strap, brass fitting and secured with two small brass buttons.
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The German army was well known for having the best trained and uniformed army. Their uniform was unique especially the pointed helmet that was later used by other armies. They wore a dark green tunic that went down to their knees and fasten with a belt at the waist. They also had bread bags, 2 ammo pouches and a lot more.
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One of the most dangerous thing to do in the war was to leave the general safety of the trenches and go over the top into no man's land. The reasons soldiers went over the top were to advance the enemy, repair the barbed wires, go to listening posts or go on patrols. No man's land was the space in between the two sides which no one controlled. Anyone seen on no man's land were fired at with heavy machine gun and rifle fire. This made advancing the enemy very difficult and resulted in the stalemate continuing.
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Soldiers out daily routines such as chores, stand to, maintenance and supplying.
Stand to happened every morning a hour before dawn. Soldiers all soldiers woke up, lined up along the trench line and at the first light of day heavy machine gun, artillery and rifles were fired at the enemy trenches. This was to protect against any morning raids as they were common. This became known as 'morning hate' and was repeated at dusk. After stand to soldiers would clean their guns and have inspections by NCOs (Non Commissioned Officer). Then in an unofficial truce was put on by both sides so that they could eat in peace. Chores such as refilling sandbags, repairing boards, pumping out the water from the trenches and repairing the trench itself.
Often soldiers had nothing to do so many of them started writing letters home, writing poems, singing etc..
Stand to happened every morning a hour before dawn. Soldiers all soldiers woke up, lined up along the trench line and at the first light of day heavy machine gun, artillery and rifles were fired at the enemy trenches. This was to protect against any morning raids as they were common. This became known as 'morning hate' and was repeated at dusk. After stand to soldiers would clean their guns and have inspections by NCOs (Non Commissioned Officer). Then in an unofficial truce was put on by both sides so that they could eat in peace. Chores such as refilling sandbags, repairing boards, pumping out the water from the trenches and repairing the trench itself.
Often soldiers had nothing to do so many of them started writing letters home, writing poems, singing etc..
Here are more types of soldiers from different countries.