Artillery

During the war, artillery had greatly improved. Comprised of the central part of the infantry and aerial divisions it included mounted guns too large to be fired from the hand or shoulder of a soldier. Instead these weapons were pulled by horse to their firing position.

Technology led to new and improved methods of attack to more accurately hit and destroy their targets. With these improvements the infantry was also better equipped on the battlefield. The introduction of trench warfare also led to new means of attack being developed to weaken the enemy trenches. Some of the weapons developed were hand grenades, trench mortar, the machine gun and the howitzer.

The arrival of new artillery and more accurate fire meant that face-to-face, or even hand-to-hand combat was not always necessary. Canadians resorted to tactics which required greater interaction and co-ordination among the various divisions of the army. Airplanes, spotting balloons and sound ranging were used in spotting enemy gun locations. From the air, this information was then relayed to the guns on the battlefield below. This was done using signal lights, radio and telephones.

Communications played a great role in the improvement of an artillery attack, making the artillery gun fire more accurately and efficiently. Guiding the artillery fire was important in destroying enemy trenches and artillery. No longer could guns remain in view of the enemy for fear of being destroyed by enemy gun fire. This meant guns had to be well hidden. Camouflage was used to hide the guns from German aerial observation.

Using information gathered from an aerial view, the artillery could then pinpoint the exact location of the enemy guns. Targets were easier to determine and then destroy. More importantly, wiping out enemy fire greatly increased the chances of success of the infantry during an assault. Soldiers were more easily and accurately able to limit enemy movement above ground. As a result, trench warfare replaced battlefield tactics. Indirect artillery fire also became important for both sides, intensifying the barrage of fire.

On the battlefield, artillery was supreme. Artillery supplied an army with the firepower necessary for an infantry attack. The artillery also provided the troops with protection during an attack or a counter-attack from the Germans. During an attack, soldiers would have to move across ground that was heavily laid with barbed wire. The improvements in the artillery led to better destruction of enemy wire. This was essential for the troops to move quickly and unobstructed in enemy territory after the artillery barrage lifted. Tanks were used to smash through the impeding barbed wire. However, this slow-moving vehicle made an easier target for shell attacks. Not until later in the war did they prove to be more effective.

The more mobile the battles, the less effective the artillery. Heavy artillery was difficult and cumbersome to move when in a rush. The infantry became very important when the artillery could not be moved ahead any more.

Canada's contribution of new and improved methods of artillery fire had changed war forever. These changes would be used in future battles. Canadians realized planning, preparation and co-ordination were vital to all aspects of a battle.

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