TimelineMapsSearch QuotationsSearch Images

Follow us through the World War I centennial and beyond at Follow wwitoday on Twitter

Shell Shortage

The rulers of the Central Powers — Kaisers Wilhelm and Franz Joseph, Tsar Ferdinand, and Mohammed V — surrounded by the Allies: Belgium, Britain, France, Italy to the west, the Balkan states of Montenegro, Serbia, and Greece, where Britain and France ensure Greek participation in the war, and Russia its strength bolstered by Japan's munitions supplies. Out to sea, the British, French, and Italian navies stand guard, with that of Russia in the distance. Portugal likely stands at the lower left. By 1916, Serbia was already occupied by the Central Powers.
Text:
L'Actualite par la carte postale (1916)
Troisième Année de Guerre
L'Offensive Générale Enserre les Empires Centraux
The News in Postcards (1916)
Third Year of the War
The General Offensive Encircles the Central Powers

The rulers of the Central Powers — Kaisers Wilhelm and Franz Joseph, Tsar Ferdinand, and Mohammed V — surrounded by the Allies: Belgium, Britain, France, Italy to the west, the Balkan states of Montenegro, Serbia, and Greece, where Britain and France ensure Greek participation in the war, and Russia its strength bolstered by Japan's munitions supplies. Out to sea, the British, French, and Italian navies stand guard, with that of Russia in the distance. Portugal likely stands at the lower left. By 1916, Serbia was already occupied by the Central Powers.

Image text

L'Actualite par la carte postale (1916)

Troisième Année de Guerre

L'Offensive Générale Enserre les Empires Centraux



The News in Postcards (1916)

Third Year of the War

The General Offensive Encircles the Central Powers

Other views: Larger

Shell Shortage

Gilbert pp. 160, 162 May 9, 1915 British & Indian assault at Aubers Ridge, inadequate shells for a second day. Sir John French gave detailed information to the war correspondent for The Times. Sends two officers to London to give details to Conservative leader Andrew Bonar Law and Liberal Cabinet Minister David Lloyd George. Asquith pressured to bring Conservatives into government and establish Ministry of Munitions (Lloyd George). 6,000,000 shells required at beginning of May; 2,000,000 supplied.

Gilbert p. 166. June 1, 1915, France, 1,000,000 conscripts diverted from front line to munitions factories. June 1, UK, first women employed as munitions workers.

Shells: shrapnel, gas, high explosives.