The War Underground 1914–18: Tactics and Equipment

This illustrated study explores the tactics and techniques used by all sides in the underground war during World War I, covering the Western Front, Gallipoli, and Italian theatres. It discusses military mining, attack tunnels, and dugouts, and how they were essential to survive trench warfare. In 1917–18, the underground war was rendered obsolete by the development of the all-arms battle, but it remains a fascinating and important aspect of the conflict.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 64 pages
Publication date: 23 May 2024
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing PLC

This captivating and visually stunning study delves into the evolving tactics and techniques employed by all parties involved in the clandestine warfare during the years 1914-1918. Spanning the Western Front, the Gallipoli campaign, and the Italian theater, this comprehensive exploration delves into three crucial aspects of World War I's underground conflict: military mining, attack tunnels, and dugouts. Initially, during the years 1914-1917, the underground war was a necessary means of survival within the confines of static trench warfare, essential for both sides in their quest to overcome the stalemate. However, with the advent of the all-arms battle in 1917-1918, the underground war became largely obsolete as mobility was restored to the battlefield. Within the claustrophobic and treacherous environment of trench warfare, military mining became a realm of heroism and fear, where hours of tense listening were spent monitoring the steady progress of unseen adversaries, carefully advancing towards the enemy, and determining the optimal moment to unleash a charge. Breaching enemy mine galleries often resulted in intense hand-to-hand combat in the darkness. The ingenuity, claustrophobia, and strategic significance of the underground war are explored and depicted in this extensively illustrated study by a recognized expert. The artwork plates showcase the specialized uniforms, weapons, and equipment utilized underground, along with vivid vignettes that vividly capture the multifaceted nature of subterranean warfare during World War I.

Weight: 212g
Dimension: 248 x 184 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781472861054