Ordnance: Equipping the British Army for the Great War

The story of the machine that kept the army supplied: ordnance on a vast scale

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 240 pages
Publication date: 01 June 2018
Publisher: The History Press Ltd

In August 1914, Kitchener's 'Contemptible Little Army' was a highly professional but small force, equipped with only what they could carry and facing a formidable force of continental proportions, heavily armed and well supplied. The task of equipping the British Army was truly daunting, as countless able-bodied men had volunteered to fight in the trenches, and others would soon be called up. Consequently, the ordinary men and women left behind were tasked with this critical responsibility. Over time, the government recognized the need for skills in engineering and logistics, and many of those who had survived the onslaught were brought back home to work.

Ordnance is the story of these men and women, tracing the provision of equipment and armaments from raw materials through manufacture to the supply routes that ensured the British Army had all the material it needed to win the war. It is a tale of both successes and failures, showcasing the ingenuity and determination of ordinary people in overcoming organizational shortfalls. While some lessons were learned, others were not, and these would have far-reaching consequences.

The Contemptible Little Army faced numerous challenges, including a lack of equipment, training, and supplies. However, they showed remarkable resilience and adaptability, using their ingenuity to overcome these obstacles. They improvised weapons, developed new tactics, and forged strong bonds of camaraderie among their ranks.

One of the key achievements of the Contemptible Little Army was their ability to supply the British Army with ammunition. This was a critical aspect of the war, as without sufficient ammunition, the troops would be unable to engage in combat. The army relied heavily on the Royal Navy to transport ammunition from ports in the United Kingdom to the front lines, but this was not always reliable.

To address this issue, the Contemptible Little Army developed a network of small factories and workshops that could produce ammunition on a large scale. These factories were located in various parts of the country, including London, Birmingham, and Liverpool. The workers at these factories were ordinary men and women who had been recruited from all walks of life. They worked long hours, often in dangerous conditions, to produce the ammunition that the British Army needed to win the war.

The Contemptible Little Army also played a crucial role in the development of new weapons and technology. They were responsible for the production of the Lewis gun, a light machine gun that was widely used by the British Army in the trenches. They also developed the Maxim machine gun, which was a powerful weapon that could take down enemy aircraft.

Despite their successes, the Contemptible Little Army faced many challenges. One of the biggest was the lack of funding and resources. The government was unable to provide the army with the equipment and supplies it needed to win the war, and the Contemptible Little Army was forced to rely on donations and volunteers to make up the shortfall.

Another challenge was the lack of training and experience. Many of the workers at the factories were inexperienced and had never worked in a manufacturing environment before. This led to a high rate of accidents and injuries, as the workers were not familiar with the equipment and procedures.

Despite these challenges, the Contemptible Little Army continued to produce ammunition and weapons for the British Army. They showed a remarkable determination and resilience, and their contributions to the war effort were invaluable.

In conclusion, the story of the Contemptible Little Army is a testament to the resilience and ingenuity of ordinary people in the face of adversity. They were faced with a daunting task of equipping the British Army, but they overcame their challenges through hard work, determination, and ingenuity. Their contributions to the war effort were invaluable, and their legacy continues to inspire generations to come.

Weight: 520g
Dimension: 158 x 233 x 14 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780750984416