What did men do on the front line in World War One? | History for Year 6 PDF Download

How Men’s Jobs Helped on the Front Line

• Many men who joined the war effort brought valuable skills from their civilian jobs.
• Men experienced with horses were key recruits, as the Army relied on thousands of horses.
• Those skilled in driving could handle transporting supplies using buses and lorries or even operate tanks.
  Artillery soldiers, or 'gunners.'Coal miners were recruited as 'sappers,' specialists in constructing tunnels and trenches.
• Soldiers familiar with rifles were highly valued, as the rifle was the primary weapon for infantry.
• Artillery soldiers, or ‘gunners,’ operated heavy guns that fired thousands of explosive shells to weaken enemy defenses before infantry attacks, a tactic known as a barrage.

What Were the Different Types of Soldiers?

• The majority of Army soldiers were infantry, trained to march long distances while carrying all their gear.
• Infantry soldiers were required to keep their rifles ready and remain fully equipped at all times.
  They often lived in trenches for weeks, enduring harsh conditions.
• During an attack, infantry soldiers would climb out of trenches and advance toward enemy lines, a maneuver called 'going over the top.'

Infantry soldiers lived in trenches for up to weeks at a time

What Kinds of Jobs Did Sailors Do?

• In 1914, Britain boasted the world’s largest and most powerful navy, with hundreds of ships and over 200,000 sailors.
• The Royal Navy safeguarded the British Isles and its colonies.
• It also enforced blockades on enemy ports to cut off their supplies.
  The war featured only one major naval battle, the Battle of Jutland in 1916.

What Different Jobs Were There in the Air Force?

• Using aircraft in warfare was a novel concept. Initially, pilots served in the Army’s Royal Flying Corps or the Royal Naval Air Service.
• In 1918, these merged to form the Royal Air Force.
  Pilots conducted reconnaissance missions, reporting observations after flying over enemy territory.
• They wore thick coats, gloves, and helmets to stay warm in the open cockpits of their planes.

How Did the War Change Men’s Lives?

• Despite many volunteers enlisting, by 1916, there was a shortage of soldiers.
• Conscription was introduced, requiring men to join the military.
• By 1918, all men under 51 were being drafted.
  Many men were reluctant to fight but had no choice. For some, it was their first time leaving their hometowns or villages, thrusting them into the heart of intense battles.