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A French sapper digging a tunnel to place a mine under the enemy lines, France, 1915
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A French sapper digging a tunnel to place a mine under the enemy lines, France, 1915
A French sapper digging a tunnel to place a mine under the enemy lines, France, 1915. The placing of huge explosive mines in tunnels beneath enemy trenches became a common tactic on the Western Front during World War I. The work was difficult, dangerous and claustrophobic, with the risk of cave-ins and of encountering enemy tunnellers, leading to hand to hand fighting underground. British sappers spent two years placing 21 mines beneath the German lines at Messines Ridge near Ypres. At the opening of the Third Battle of Ypres (Paschendaele) in 1917 the mines were simultaneously detonated (only 19 exploded - one remains unaccounted for and theoretically still live today) causing 10, 000 German casualties
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Media ID 14907539
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Claustrophobic Digging Military Engineering Mine Mines Mining Sapper Sappers Trench Warfare Tunnel Tunneling Underground Western Front 1st World War Metaphor Military Personnel Print Collector2
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A French sapper diligently digs a tunnel beneath the enemy lines in France, 1915. This powerful print captures the dangerous and claustrophobic work of military engineering during World War I on the Western Front. The sapper's mission is to place a mine under the trenches, an increasingly common tactic employed by both sides. The image serves as a metaphor for the immense challenges faced by these brave soldiers who risked their lives underground. Cave-ins and encounters with enemy tunnellers often led to intense hand-to-hand combat beneath the surface. Notably, British sappers spent two years meticulously placing 21 mines beneath German lines at Messines Ridge near Ypres. These mines would play a pivotal role in the opening of the Third Battle of Ypres (Paschendaele) in 1917 when they were simultaneously detonated. While only 19 exploded, causing devastating casualties among German forces, one mine remains unaccounted for and theoretically still poses a threat today. This photograph from early 20th century showcases not only the bravery and dedication of these soldiers but also highlights the concept of 'digging for victory' amidst warfare. It stands as a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made by men like this French sapper who played crucial roles in shaping history during World War I.
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