The War Underground 1914–18

Tactics and Equipment

Simon Jones, Mr Adam Hook

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Paperback

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English

Osprey
03 September 2024

History; First World War; Military tactics; Military engineering

Series: Elite

This absorbing illustrated study reveals the evolving tactics and techniques used by all sides in the underground war during 1914–18.

Covering the Western Front but also the Gallipoli and Italian theatres, this study explores three aspects of World War I below ground: military mining, attack tunnels and dugouts. In 1914–17, the underground war was a product of static trench warfare, essential to survive it and part of both sides’ attempts to overcome it. In 1917–18 it was rendered largely obsolete by the development of the all-arms battle as mobility was restored to the battlefield.

In the stagnant, troglodyte existence of trench warfare, military mining was a hidden world of heroism and terror in which hours of suspenseful listening were spent monitoring the steady picking of unseen opponents, edging quietly towards the enemy, and judging when to fire a charge. Break-ins to enemy mine galleries resulted in hand-to-hand fighting in the darkness. The ingenuity, claustrophobia and tactical importance of the underground war are discussed and depicted in this fully illustrated study from an acknowledged expert. The artwork plates include depictions of the specialized uniforms, weapons and equipment used underground, as well as vignettes that vividly convey the many aspects of subterranean warfare during World War I.

By: Simon Jones
Illustrated by: Mr Adam Hook
Imprint: Osprey
Country of Publication: United Kingdom
Dimensions: Height: 246mm, Width: 182mm, Spine: 2mm
Weight: 213g
ISBN: 9781472861054
ISBN 10: 1472861051
Series: Elite
Pages: 64
Publication Date: 03 September 2024
Audience: General/trade , ELT Advanced
Format: Paperback
Publisher's Status: Active

Simon Jones, a former curator at the Royal Engineers and King’s Liverpool Regiment museums, has written many well-received articles on gas and mine warfare. He is the author of World War I Gas Warfare Tactics and Equipment in Osprey's Elite series. Adam Hook specializes in detailed historical reconstructions, and has illustrated Osprey titles on subjects ranging from the Ancient Greeks to the modern Chinese Army.