Preliminary artillery bombardments in Battle of Flanders

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Preliminary artillery bombardments in Battle of Flanders

Keeping the gunners posted as to targets and ranges in action: Telephoning instructions from observation-officers to the batteries from a captured German dug-out. Date: 1917

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Media ID 14143317

© Illustrated London News Ltd/Mary Evans

Artillery Attack Bombardment Bombardments Counter Dugout Enemy Exchange Flanders Haig Instructions Lines Observation Position Positions Preliminary Report Reporting Transmitting Douglas Locating Officers Telephoning

EDITORS COMMENTS
This evocative photograph captures a pivotal moment during the Battle of Flanders in 1917, as British artillery units prepare for a preliminary bombardment. The scene takes place in a captured German dugout, which has been repurposed as a command center for observation officers. With the help of advanced communication technology, these officers are able to transmit accurate instructions to the artillery batteries, locating enemy positions and providing critical information for the counter-attack. The importance of effective communication during wartime cannot be overstated. In the chaos and confusion of battle, the ability to quickly and accurately exchange information between troops on the ground and those in command was essential for successful military strategy. In this instance, the use of telephones allowed for real-time reporting and transmitting of data, enabling the British forces to gain the upper hand. Sir Douglas Haig, the British Commander-in-Chief, understood the importance of accurate intelligence and the role that effective communication played in the outcome of the battle. The Battle of Flanders, also known as the Third Battle of Ypres, was a significant engagement in World War I, marking the largest British offensive on the Western Front. The battle lasted from July to November 1917 and resulted in heavy casualties on both sides, with the British ultimately gaining ground but failing to achieve a decisive victory. This photograph offers a glimpse into the complex and intricate systems that underpinned the British war effort during World War I. The use of technology, such as telephones, allowed for more effective communication and coordination between troops, enabling them to respond quickly and adapt to changing circumstances on the battlefield. The scene is a poignant reminder of the ingenuity and determination of the soldiers and commanders who fought during this pivotal period in world history.

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