A French railroad gun captured by the Germans during World War 1. German soldiers stand near a damaged French railway gun. "Against the Big Bertha" is written on the gun, in French. Two soldiers sit on the gun barrel. Other soldiers stand on the railway gun and pose for the movie camera. (This is a German film with English caption describing the gun as one of the heavy rail guns intended to silence our long range guns firing on Paris.)
Remarkable, rare, on-scene views on the receiving end of a British and French Allied artillery barrage, shot by German photographer at the German frontlines, during the battle of the Somme, in World War 1. Allied artillery shells fired at German positions begin striking along the German lines and cause some German soldiers to abandon their trenches. Fairly close range view of shells striking in middle of the German trenches. As the barrage by British and French artillery increases in intensity, more German soldiers are seen running towards the rear to seek better protection and escape the bombardment. Two huge explosions cause more German soldiers to flee the area. (The Allied gunners are clearly zeroed in on the German positions.) The shelling continues with heavier guns causing even larger explosions. More German troops flee the area. Remote and close views of the relentless artillery barrage as it devastates the German lines. (WWI; WW1)
Panning views of the damaged Fort Conde (East of Soissons, on Aisne) after its capture by French forces on April 17, 1917, in World War 1. Several British officers walk into the abandoned fort. Two dead horses are seen amid debris.
A unit of German horse cavalry (lancers) equipped with M1893 lances, moving along a dirt road in France, during World War 1. (WWI; WW1)
German artillerymen firing a 7.7 cm Feldkanone 16 (7.7 cm FK 16) field piece to cover advancing infantry during World War 1.
People at a German train station examine railroad torn up and twisted, apparently by an explosion (possibly sabotage?), during World War 1. Damage is confined to the railroad, itself, and a train that has been blown over,on its side, nearby . (The station and buildings are undamaged.) Curious onlookers stand around the damaged tracks and many stand on an embankment overlooking the overturned train. Workmen examine the damage to the train. Several policemen appear busy at the road entrance to the train station. One has a bicycle.
CRITICALPAST.COM: About Us | Contact Us | FAQs - How to Order | License Agreement | My Account | My Lightboxes | Shopping Cart | Advanced Search | Featured Collections | Website Terms & Conditions | Privacy Policy ©2026 CriticalPast LLC.
License Agreement |
Terms & Conditions |
Privacy Policy
©2026 CriticalPast LLC.