The battle of lone pine

The battle of lone pine

Weapons and artillery

Machine guns, which had first been used during the American Civil War, were improved for use in world War 1. Many were capable of firing up to 600 rounds of ammunition per minute in short bursts. Facing one machine gun was similar to facing 250 soldiers with Rifles. however the guns often overheated and were difficult to move through the mud. Nonetheless, they were devastating when used against oncoming troops. Heavy artillery guns could fire large shells over a long distance usually projecting them in an arc to land on the target from above. Like machine guns artillery weapons were heavy and difficult to move, usually mounted on wheels that often became bogged down in the mud or got stuck in the craters.

What weapons, vehicles and communication were used during this time?

Gas

What Impact did the battle have on life in Australia.

In april 1915, Germany introduced poison gas as a weapon of war. Chlorine, which was blown over the enemy trenches, burned and destroyed the respiratory tracts (airways) of anyone without a gas mask, causing terrible pain and death. Other gases were introduced throughout the war, including mustard gas and tear gas. Poison attacks were so horrific that their use was banned in 1925 under the Geneva Protocol.

Over the course of world war 1, many new technologies were introduced, and existing military vehicles and weapons were improved. This technology where used and fort in the Battle of Lone Pine.Developments in powerful, long-rang weaponry such as the machine gun and heavy artillery, were particularly important. Deadly new chemical weapons were also a significant development. Much of this technology is blamed for extending the war, as the conflict became an evenly matched battle of technology and tactics-with neither sides able to break the deadlock. Unlike earlier wars, in which soldiers moved around constantly to gain an advantage, both sides on the Western Front but forced to dig trenches for protection, bringing the armies to a stalemate.

The battle lone pine was in the the first year of the war but just about right in the middle of the year, when reality and everything was starting to kick in. People around Australia who had involvement in the war were forced to make sacrifices. Shortages of food, luxuries and even everyday necessities had to be accepted so that the armies could be adequately supplied and supported. Although the battle of lone pine was a 4 day attack itself, it still played a role in adding to the overall effect and impact the war had on Australia. With so many men away at the war, there was expectation that the women had to take on, many of these duties previously the responsibility of the men.

What was the battle of lone pine

Aircraft

Large-scale aerial warfare was conducted of the first time during WW1. At first, small planed were used to scout enemy positions. Later, planes armed with machine guns were used in aerial combats, also known as dog fights.

Communications

Advances in communication allowed faster contact between commanding field officers behind the front line and Soldiers at the front line. The development of telephone and wireless radio systems allowed instant front line reports and quick decisions. However the phone lines which had to be laid in each new location were easily damaged by the artillery, and the wireless radios were heavy and difficult to move. Despite the increasing use of these technologies soldiers still acted as runners to relay information. Motorbike couriers, carrier pigeons and even dogs where you used at times.

Lone Pine was an action that featured one of the most famous assaults on the Gallipoli campaign, between august 6-10, 1915. The attack was planned as a diversion for the Australian and New Zealand units that were to breakout from the Anzac perimeter by capturing the heights of Chunuk Bair and Hill 971.The main Turkish trench was taken within 20 minutes of the initial charge but this was the prelude to 4 days of intense hand to hand fighting, resulting in over 2,000 Australian casualties.

Who were significant people in this battle?

Why is this battle so significant.

Seven Australians were awarded the Victoria Cross for their actions during the fighting at Lone Pine, including four men from the 7th Battalion, which had been rushed forward to help relieve the 1st Brigade at the height of the Ottoman counterattacks. One of the recipients was Corporal William Dunstan, who after the war became the general manager of The Herald newspaper in Melbourne. Another VC recipient was Captain Alfred Shout who had already earned the Military Cross and been Mentioned in Despatches earlier in the Gallipoli campaign. He was mortally wounded at Lone Pine and was later buried at sea. The other VC recipients were Privates Leonard Keysor and John Hamilton, Corporal Alexander Burton and Lieutenants Frederick Tubb and William Symons.

From its tiny beginnings it grew into a living memorial of the Anzac campaign and its significance continues to grow today. Seven Australians were awarded the Victoria Cross for actions in the Battle of Lone Pine. The solitary pine was destroyed in the shelling but the site remained known as Lone Pine. It was to become a poignant symbol of the Anzac spirit, kept alive decades later in Australia through a son's love for his mother.

1914-18

1914-28

Leonard keysor

William Dunstan

1885-1951

1895-1957

1900-15

Australian war memorial. 1980. Battle of lone pine. [Online]. [Accessed 31 August 2017]. Available from: http://www.url.com

AWM London. 2009. Lone Pine . [Online]. [Accessed 31 August 2017]. Available from: http://www.url.com

Dana Waalkens. 2009. Australia in the first world war . Canberra: David forsythe.

National geographic. 2015. The battle of lone pine. [Online]. [Accessed 31 August 2017]. Available from: http://www.url.com

Robert Hillman. 2011. Australia at war . Place: Johanna Rohan and Sarah Russell.

Alfred Shout

1882-1915