During the First World War, snipers became a major part of combat for the first time. These sharpshooters used rifles with telescopic sights, which allowed them to aim and shoot accurately over long distances. At first, the German Imperial Army was the only military force to use these scoped rifles seriously. However, when the British and French armies saw how effective they were, they quickly started using them too.
Before this time, sharpshooters existed, but the addition of scopes made them much more deadly. A skilled sniper could hit targets from far away, even if the enemy barely peeked over the edge of their trench. This made snipers a big threat to soldiers, as they often hid in well-concealed spots. As the war went on, snipers got better at using camouflage, making them even harder to find.
Because snipers were so dangerous, soldiers had to be very careful not to expose themselves. This meant snipers had to act fast and take advantage of any brief moment when a soldier might show themselves. To counter this, special camouflage units came up with clever tricks to make enemy snipers reveal their positions. One of these tricks involved using decoys.
One of the most popular decoys during the war was the paper mache head. This material was cheap and often used to make dolls and other items for amusement parks. To create these decoys, pieces of paper were chopped up and reinforced with glue or starch. Camouflage units on the frontlines made these fake heads, and sculptors worked hard to make them look like real human heads. They paid close attention to facial details and skin color, knowing that enemy snipers would be looking through scopes that magnified everything.
To make the dummy heads even more convincing, some were equipped with rubber tubes connected to the mouth. By blowing air through these tubes, it looked like the dummy was smoking a cigarette, which was a common sight among soldiers. This trick was designed to catch the eye of enemy snipers. The paper mache heads were placed on long sticks to lift them above the trench. If a sniper shot at the dummy, the bullet holes could help locate the sniper’s position using a method called triangulation. Sometimes, a periscope was inserted into the head to spot the sniper.
The British came up with the idea of using dummy heads because they were having a tough time dealing with German snipers at the start of the war. This clever tactic helped them fight back against the hidden enemy and was soon adopted by other armies as well.
Imagine you are part of a World War I camouflage unit. Use materials like paper mache, paint, and other craft supplies to create your own dummy head. Pay attention to details such as facial features and skin tone. Present your creation to the class and explain how it could be used to deceive enemy snipers.
Participate in a classroom simulation game where you take on the role of either a sniper or a soldier trying to avoid being spotted. Use props and designated areas to simulate trenches and sniper positions. Reflect on the challenges faced by both snipers and soldiers during World War I.
Research the evolution of sniper tactics from World War I to the present day. Create a presentation that highlights key developments and innovations in sniper technology and strategy. Share your findings with the class, focusing on how these changes have impacted modern warfare.
Learn about the concept of triangulation used to locate enemy snipers. In groups, use a simple triangulation exercise with a map and coordinates to find a hidden “sniper” in the classroom. Discuss how this technique was crucial during World War I and its applications today.
Engage in a classroom debate on the ethics of using deception in warfare, such as dummy heads and camouflage. Consider the perspectives of both soldiers and snipers. Discuss whether such tactics are justified and how they align with modern rules of engagement.
The First World War saw extensive use of snipers in combat for the first time, with rifles equipped with telescopic sights being used on a large scale. Under the conditions of trench warfare, these rifles were considered very effective. Initially, the German Imperial Army was the only force to seriously consider scoped rifles. However, as soon as the British and French became aware of the German successes with these weapons, they also introduced them to the battlefield.
While sharpshooters had existed before, the introduction of scopes allowed them to shoot accurately at very long distances. A skilled marksman with a scoped rifle could easily acquire targets, even those who barely exposed themselves above the trench parapet. This capability made snipers a source of fear for soldiers in the trenches, especially since they often fired from well-concealed positions. As the war progressed, the art of camouflage developed, making snipers increasingly difficult to detect.
With the widespread awareness of the sniper threat, soldiers took great care not to expose themselves, which forced snipers to act quickly and seize the briefest moments to fire at the enemy. Camouflage units designed deceptive tactics to compel enemy snipers into making flawed decisions and to draw out their fire, allowing their positions to be located.
One popular decoy used during the war was paper mache heads. This material was inexpensive and widely used for creating dolls and various components for amusement parks and exhibitions. The process involved chopping up pieces of paper and reinforcing them with bonding materials like glue or starch. Camouflage units on the frontlines were tasked with creating decoy heads, and sculptors produced a variety of heads with great precision to resemble real human heads. Special attention was given to facial details and coloring to mimic real skin, as these decoys would be viewed through scopes with magnifying lenses.
To enhance realism, some decoy heads were equipped with rubber tubes connected to the mouth, allowing air to be blown through and creating the impression of a soldier smoking a cigarette. This increased the likelihood of attracting the attention of enemy snipers. The paper mache heads were typically mounted on long sticks to lift them securely above the parapet. If a sniper hit the dummy head, bullet holes were used to locate the sniper’s position through triangulation. Alternatively, a periscope could be inserted into the head to spot the sniper.
The technique of using dummy heads was invented by the British, who faced significant challenges with German snipers at the beginning of the war. This method emerged from their struggle to combat the hidden enemy and was later adopted by other forces as well.
Sniper – A military marksman who is trained to shoot targets from long distances with precision. – During World War I, snipers were often positioned in hidden locations to target enemy officers.
Decoy – A tactic or object used to distract or mislead an enemy. – The army used a decoy tank to draw the enemy’s attention away from their real position.
Camouflage – A method of concealing military personnel or equipment by making them blend in with their surroundings. – Soldiers used camouflage to hide from enemy surveillance in the dense forest.
Trench – A long, narrow ditch used in warfare to provide protection from enemy fire. – The soldiers spent weeks in the trenches, enduring harsh conditions during the battle.
Rifle – A long-barreled firearm designed for precise shooting, often used by infantry soldiers. – The infantryman carefully cleaned his rifle to ensure it was ready for the next mission.
War – A state of armed conflict between different countries or different groups within a country. – The war lasted for four years, causing widespread devastation and loss of life.
Soldier – A person who serves in an army and is trained to fight in wars. – The soldier bravely advanced towards the enemy lines despite the heavy gunfire.
Enemy – A force or nation that is opposed or hostile to another, especially in a military context. – The troops were ordered to hold their position until the enemy retreated.
British – Relating to Great Britain or its people, especially in a historical or military context. – The British forces played a crucial role in the Allied victory during World War II.
German – Relating to Germany or its people, particularly in the context of historical military events. – The German army launched a surprise attack at the beginning of the war.
