Old Front Line
WW1 Podcast with Paul Reed
Questions and Answers Episode 41
In this episode, we unpack the meaning and origins of the term Downland, and explore how this distinctive landscape helps us better understand the geography and terrain of the First World War.
We take a closer look at the Lewis Machine Gun, examining how it worked, how a Lewis Gun section operated in battle, and its role on the Western Front.
We also consider the influence of the Franco-Prussian War on both the military thinking and physical landscape of WW1, before turning to the decorations and medals awarded to British and Commonwealth soldiers, explaining how they differed and what they reveal about service and recognition in the Great War.
A wide-ranging episode connecting landscape, weaponry, military history, and remembrance across the First World War.
The Vickers Machine Gun Association: The Lewis Gun on the Western Front 1916-18.
Main image: German offensive on the Lys. A Lewis Gun-post in Marquois, 13 April 1918. (IWM Q6528)
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3 Comments on “Questions and Answers Episode 41”
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Old Front Line 
Paul, I discovered that a great uncle of mine won the MM during the battle around Vimy Ridge. Amazingly his BWD had his citation in it, stating he was awarded the medal as he was a telephonist responsible for repairing the wire when it was cut by artillery fire. When he did repeatedly over a number of hours. It was very humbling to read it.
Stuart Price
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That’s such a great find, so glad you were able to find out more on him and discover what he did.
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Thanks for an excellent Q and A Paul. Oddly enough yesterday I started reading David Ascoli’s ‘A day of Battle, Mars Le Tour 16th August 1870’, so I found the question on the Franco- Prussian War especially interesting. I think that the FPW along with the two other wars of German unification in 1864 and 66 are overlooked and deserve more recognition as they laid the groundwork for the world wars of the 20th century and the Europe of today.
In 2022 I went on the fantastic Blitzkrieg in France tour led by David Warren and we visited the excellent Novion Porcien Museum near Sedan, which covered the FPW, WW1 and WW2. I studied the FPW while at university and I found it fascinating and could have spent all day there.
Quite rightly though we had to leave as we had an appointment to see Guderian’s crossing of the Meuse!
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