Deceiving the enemy
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Deceiving the enemy
While the majority of their colleagues retreat to a line of trenches further back, some British soldiers remain in the front trench to convince the Germans that the trench is still fully occupied. They do this by making as much commotion as they can, firing rifles and sending flares into the night sky. Date: 1915
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Media ID 14168918
© Illustrated London News Ltd/Mary Evans
Bluff Enemy Flare Flares Fortunino Matania Pistol Pistols Shots Trench Deceiving
EDITORS COMMENTS
Amidst the chaos and carnage of the First World War's Western Front in 1915, a group of British soldiers displayed an extraordinary act of deception and bravery. In this evocative image, we see them huddled in the front trench, defying the orders to retreat and instead choosing to remain, determined to mislead the advancing German forces. The soldiers, their faces illuminated by the flickering light of flares, are making as much noise and commotion as possible to convince the enemy that the trench is still fully occupied. They fire their rifles into the night, the bright muzzle flashes cutting through the darkness, and send flares soaring into the sky. The use of pistols adds to the cacophony, creating an illusion of a larger force. This daring tactic, known as a 'bluff,' was employed to prevent the Germans from launching a direct assault on the British lines. The soldiers' bravery and ingenuity were crucial in the face of overwhelming enemy pressure, and their actions likely saved countless lives. This powerful and evocative image, taken by renowned war artist Fortunino Matania, captures the raw emotion and intensity of the frontline experience. The soldiers' determined expressions, the stark contrast between light and dark, and the sense of danger and uncertainty all serve to transport us back to the trenches of the Western Front during the First World War.
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