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Archiver > GREATWAR > 2006-08 > 1155229214


From: "Nelson Denton" <>
Subject: Re: [WW1] Turkish weaponry in 'The Great War'
Date: Thu, 10 Aug 2006 13:00:14 -0400
References: <380.9d33cd5.320cbc07@aol.com>


Most of the First World War was fought from trenches. Shovels and picks,
knives, rocks, fists, teeth and anything else handy would often have been
used as a weapon in close combat. By WW2 the bayonet was rarely used in
Europe as the method of fighting had changed significantly. Hand to hand
combat in WW2 was much rarer. Both sides preferred to stand off and shoot at
each other.

Mercy killings were common in those days. Medical help was hard to get and
was of little use to seriously wounded men. A quick death is always
considered preferable to suffering from a severe wound by soldiers.

Nelson Denton

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