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British soldier in trench with signal rockets, WW1
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British soldier in trench with signal rockets, WW1
A British soldier in a trench on the Western Front in France during World War One, with rockets used for signalling. Date: circa 1916
Mary Evans Picture Library makes available wonderful images created for people to enjoy over the centuries
Media ID 14135056
© Mary Evans Picture Library/Pump Park Photography
Rocket Rockets Sandbags Signal Signalling Signals Trench Trenches Warfare
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This evocative photograph captures the harsh realities of trench warfare on the Western Front during World War One. Circa 1916, a British soldier is seen huddled in a mud-splattered trench, his weary expression etched with the weight of the conflict that raged around him. Sandbags line the trench walls, providing a meager defense against enemy fire. In the foreground, a cluster of signal rockets rests on the ground, their bright red fins and white tips stark against the drab trench surroundings. Signal rockets were an essential communication tool for soldiers during the war, allowing them to transmit messages over long distances in the absence of reliable telephone lines. The rockets were lit at the base and sent soaring into the sky, releasing a bright burst of smoke that could be seen for miles. The receiving unit would then identify the location of the rocket's launch and send a response, often using a mirror to reflect a light signal back to the sender. The use of signal rockets was a dangerous business, as they made the soldiers an easy target for enemy snipers and artillery fire. Despite the risks, the importance of maintaining communication between units was paramount, and soldiers like the one in this photograph braved the dangers to keep their comrades informed and coordinated. This powerful image offers a glimpse into the harsh realities of trench warfare on the Western Front during World War One, and the crucial role that signalling played in keeping troops connected and informed amidst the chaos of battle.
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