Tools & Tips to Trench Warfare Survival Ben Bistline

(World War 1 Trench)

Gas Mask

(World War I Gas Mask)

Without this tool, you could be killed, or have permanent lung damage whenever a gas bomb is thrown near you. The mask had a chemical absorbing fabric, and the gas that went into the mask, was then sent to a tin can by a hose. This mask was actually put into the British Hypo Helmet of June 1915. Without this, your lungs, skin, and eyes would be at serious risk in the small and narrow trenches.

Mosquito Net

(First World War Mosquito Net Issued to British Troops)

This net would provide you a place to sleep, store food, and clothing, that way you don't get bitten by a mosquito, and risk getting Malaria. Malaria is a parasite that kills red blood cells, and can be fatal. Fighting in the Philippines resulted in many cases of Malaria. Malaria was just discovered in 1880 by a french army doctor. Thankfully, the drug Quinine, has seemed to help fight this parasite off during that time.

Steel Helmet

(First World War Brodie Steel Helmet)

This helmet protected soldiers in the field from shrapnel while they were in the trenches, and it increased survival rate by 75%. Usually only two pounds, the helmet is a great defense against shrapnel, and other falling objects. One of the more common helmets in WWI was the Brodie Helmet. This helmet also didn't interfere with hearing or vision, which was helpful. This helmet design came from the Middle Ages, where it was usually worn by archers.

Carrier Pigeons

(In 1918, A Pigeon Saved The Lives Of 194 American Soldiers)

Carrier pigeons in WWI were vital. Without them, troops on the front lines, could not easily call for help. The carrier pigeon system allowed the soldiers on the front line to send the pigeons back with their location, and needs attached to a piece of paper, usually tied to the bird's leg. They were also used for delivering reports. They were used where the wires were not placed or working. The pigeons are smart birds, and they know how to find their way back to headquarters, after they've been shown. This was successful most of the time because they had amazing speed, making it hard for the enemy to shoot down.

Medical Kit

Without this kit, you may lose your allies more quickly. You can not really use this tool on yourself, but you can certainly use it with others. If you have been trained, and you know how to use the equipment, this tool can change the outcome of the battle. There were three basic kits; small medical kits, medium medical kits, top first aid kit. The small kit contained materials to dress a bullet wound. Your fellow comrades would dress this wound. The medium medical kit was used by the soldiers who were in charge of carrying stretchers. These soldiers had some training, and were in charge of taking care of more serious injuries. The top first aid kits were used by Regimental Medical Doctors. Most RMOs were fully qualified doctors and their kit carried a wide range of dressings, splints, syringes and shots of morphine. Their job was to stabilize the injured and make them ready for transport to treatment (First Aid During World War 1: A Fight For Progress).

Works Cited

Apt, Benjamin L. “Head First.” The Ultimate History Project, Naval War College Review, www.ultimatehistoryproject.com/world-war-i.html. Accessed 27 Mar. 2017.

Brabin, Bernard. “Malaria’s Contribution to World War One – the Unexpected Adversary.” BioMed Central, 6 Dec. 2014, malariajournal.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/1475-2875-13-497. Accessed 27 Mar. 2017.

Brosnan, Matt. First World War Mosquito Net Issued to British Troops. Imperial War Museums, www.iwm.org.uk/history/10-things-that-could-have-saved-your-life-in-the-trenches.

---. “10 Things That Could Have Saved Your Life in the Trenches.” Imperial War Museums, www.iwm.org.uk/history/10-things-that-could-have-saved-your-life-in-the-trenches. Accessed 27 Mar. 2017.

“Carrier Pigeons Used during World War I.” Armed Forces History Museum, 24 Feb. 2014, armedforcesmuseum.com/carrier-pigeons-used-during-world-war-i/. Accessed 28 Mar. 2017.

First World War Brodie Steel Helmet. Imperial War Museums, www.iwm.org.uk/history/10-things-that-could-have-saved-your-life-in-the-trenches. Accessed 27 Mar. 2017.

In 1918, A Pigeon Saved The Lives Of 194 American Soldiers. 1918. The Dodo, 11 Jan. 2014, www.thedodo.com/in-1918-a-pigeon-saved-the-liv-385775312.html. Accessed 28 Mar. 2017.

Jones, Time. “First Aid during World War 1: A Fight for Progress.” Medical Assistant Atlas, 10 Nov. 2014, www.medicalassistantatlas.com/first-aid-during-world-war-1/. Accessed 28 Mar. 2017.

World War I Gas Mask. 1918. Library of Congress, Omeka, library.ccsu.edu/dighistFall16/exhibits/show/industry-ct-ww1/item/81. Accessed 28 Mar. 2017.

World War 1 Trench. Trench Warfare, Weebly, trenchwarfareworldwar1.weebly.com/battle-of-gallipoli-vs-battle-of-fromellles.html. Accessed 28 Mar. 2017.

WWI Gas Mask. Wikipedia Commons, 13 Oct. 2006, commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:US_WWI_Gas_mask_with_bag.JPG. Accessed 27 Mar. 2017.

Report Abuse

If you feel that this video content violates the Adobe Terms of Use, you may report this content by filling out this quick form.

To report a Copyright Violation, please follow Section 17 in the Terms of Use.