Now all roads lead to France and heavy is the tread
Of the living; but the dead returning lightly dance.
Edward Thomas, Roads

Sunday, March 15, 2015

100 Years Ago: Neuve-Chapelle Postscript — Lord Kitchener Announces the Shell Shortage Crisis



We have unfortunately found that the output is not only not equal to our necessities, but does not fulfill our expectations...I can only say that the supply of war material at the present moment and for the next two or three months is causing me very serious anxiety, and I wish all those engaged in the manufacture and supply of these stores to realize that it is absolutely essential not only that the arrears in the deliveries of our munitions of war should be wiped off, but that the output of every round of ammunition is of the utmost importance and has a large influence on our operations in the field.

Lord Kitchener.
House of Commons, 15 March 1915

2 comments:

  1. The lack of ammunition seriously impeded operations during 1915 and 1916.

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    Replies
    1. In virtually every campaign of the 20th Century, fire support was rationed both to save ammo & extend life of tubes.

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