The Trench Catapult of World War I,During World War I many infantrymen began to cobble together batt
The Trench Catapult of World War I,During World War I many infantrymen began to cobble together battlefield debris and salvaged materials in order to resurrect an ancient weapon of war; the catapult. Usually such “trench catapults” could hurl a grenade or small bomb around 100 - 200 yards, just enough to threaten opposing enemy trenches. Most trench catapults were built like large slingshots, using the power of a high tension rubber bands. Others were similar to ancient catapults and trebuchets, while others used the power of metal springs.At first most generals scoffed at such contraptions. But after several recorded instances of battlefield success, military commanders began to realize that such contraptions had a role in trench warfare. Often they made an excellent short range infantry support weapon when traditional mortars and light guns were unavailable. By 1915, special models were manufactured as bonafide military equipment. The British used the Leach Catapult (top picture) while the French used a similar device called the Sauterelle (bottom picture). While the trench catapult was successful to an extent, it was still a piece of ancient technology with limited power, range, and portability. By 1917, light and portable trench mortars and light guns replaced the trench catapult. -- source link
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