A new type of industrial warfare

New technological developments in the early 1900s allowed warfare on an industrial scale. By the end of 1916 men with mechanical knowledge were being actively sought by the army to manage and maintain their new equipment.

Steam trains and motor vehicles, enabled vast numbers of men and tons of heavy equipment to be moved swiftly to their destination. Seen here a small boilered “Klondyke” wheels arrangement 4-4-2 designed by H.A. Ivatt.

Aeroplanes, allowed observation of enemy positions and bombing of both military and civilian targets. Portholme Meadow, Huntingdon was used as a training ground by the Royal Flying Corps.

The telegram, telephones and new ‘wireless’ radio, allowed faster communication.

The machine gun, invented in 1883, its recoil action fired 500 – 600 bullets per minute and with bigger and better field guns allowed killing to take place on a never before imagined scale.

War scenes in Ostend, St Neots and County Times Newspapers, March 1915

Steam train, small boilered “Klondyke”, wheels arrangement 4-4-2, by H.A. Ivatt

Hinsby’s St Neots motor bus, about 1912

Bleriot monoplane at Portholme, Huntingdon, 1910

Mechanical Transport advert, St Neots Advertiser, 15th December 1916