Verlag Militaria. 2 text volumes, 890 pages combined, hardcover binding with dust jacket, sewn binding. Format: 26.5×18.5 cm.

At the outbreak of war in 1914, a total of 149 infantry and 296 artillery ammunition columns deployed, which had been established by the field artillery. Using horse-drawn vehicles, they were to transport ammunition from distribution points to the front. In addition, each field artillery battalion had a light ammunition column. Although a high ammunition consumption had already been anticipated before the war, the enormous ammunition consumption required by increasing artillery fire exceeded all expectations. Thus, the monthly requirement for a field gun increased from 200,000 rounds in 1914 to 1–7 million in 1918, and for a light field howitzer from 70,000 rounds in 1914 to up to 3.8 million rounds in 1918. For the continuous resupply of these ammunition quantities, the number of ammunition columns also had to be constantly increased, rising to approximately 1,300 in 1918. The original separation into infantry and artillery ammunition columns was abolished during the war in favor of a unified ammunition column. These reorganizations, redesignations, and changing subordinations are treated in detail in the present volumes. Furthermore, all essential data regarding establishment, subordination, and dissolution are presented in a clear format for each individual column, so that the path of each column can be traced in detail.

For deliveries to non-European countries, increased shipping costs may apply. We ask for a consultation. Pour les livraisons dans des pays non européens, des frais d'expédition plus élevés peuvent s'appliquer. Nous demandons une consultation.

296341

€ 99,00

Hartwig Busche and Dr. Jürgen Kraus: Handbook of Units and Troops of the German Army 1914–1918 - Part IX: Field Artillery, Vols. 3 & 4 The Ammunition Columns of the Field Artillery

This handbook addresses an often overlooked but crucial aspect of German warfare in World War I: the ammunition columns of the field artillery. These logistical units formed the backbone of German artillery operations and were responsible for transporting ammunition from rear distribution points to the fighting troops at the front.

At the outbreak of war in 1914, the German army deployed a total of 149 infantry ammunition columns and 296 artillery ammunition columns, specifically established by the field artillery. Additionally, each field artillery battalion possessed its own light ammunition column for immediate needs. These units were equipped with horse-drawn vehicles, as motorized transport was not yet available in sufficient quantities at the war's beginning.

Although the German army command had anticipated increased ammunition consumption before the war, the reality of modern warfare far exceeded all expectations. The transition to trench warfare and the associated intensification of artillery fire led to unprecedented ammunition consumption. The figures speak for themselves: monthly ammunition requirements for a field gun increased dramatically from approximately 200,000 rounds in 1914 to up to 7 million rounds in 1918. For a light field howitzer, the increase was similarly impressive – from 70,000 rounds monthly in 1914 to up to 3.8 million rounds in 1918.

These enormous quantities of ammunition presented logistics with unprecedented challenges. To meet the constantly growing demand, the number of ammunition columns had to be continuously increased. By 1918, their number had grown to approximately 1,300 units – nearly a fivefold increase compared to the war's beginning. This massive expansion clearly demonstrates the central importance of logistical support for warfare.

During the course of the war, organizational changes also became necessary. The original separation between infantry ammunition columns and artillery ammunition columns proved impractical and was abandoned in favor of a unified standard ammunition column. This reorganization enabled more flexible use of transport capacities and more efficient supply of the fighting troops.

The constant reorganizations, renamings, and changing subordinations of these units make researching their history particularly complex. The handbook described here by Hartwig Busche and Dr. Jürgen Kraus makes an important contribution to working through this complex subject matter. The two text volumes totaling 890 pages document for each individual ammunition column all essential data regarding establishment, subordination, and dissolution. This systematic treatment enables researchers and interested parties to trace the path of each individual column in detail.

The work is part of a comprehensive series on the Handbook of Units and Troops of the German Army 1914-1918, specifically Part IX on field artillery, volumes 3 and 4. This scholarly treatment is based on extensive archival studies and contributes significantly to understanding German military organization in World War I.

The ammunition columns themselves were typically organized into several platoons, each comprising a specific number of ammunition wagons. The crews consisted of drivers, assistant drivers, and a column commander. The work of these units was dangerous and strenuous – they often had to operate under enemy fire and were exposed to weather conditions as well as poor road conditions in the war zones.

For military historians, genealogists, and collectors of militaria, this handbook represents an indispensable source. It not only enables the reconstruction of family histories of soldiers who served in these units but also contributes to a better understanding of the logistical foundations of warfare in World War I. The professional presentation with hardcover binding, dust jacket, and sewn binding in 26.5×18.5 cm format underscores the scholarly character of the work.