Curtain Fire Collection

French Attack of July 31, 1917; The battlefield beyond conquered enemy... 1917. Creator: Unknown
French Attack of July 31, 1917; The battlefield beyond conquered enemy second lines; in the background, the German barrage, 1917

Une semaine de combats sur la rive gauche de la Meuse; 14 mars (13 heures)... 1916. Creator: Unknown
Une semaine de combats sur la rive gauche de la Meuse; 14mars (13 heures). --Preparation d'artillerie allemande sur le villagede Cumieres, 1916. From "Collection de la Guerre IV

Barrage fire, c1914-c1918. Photograph from a series of glass plate stereoview images depicting scenes from World War I (1914-1918)

Hot work at the guns, Somme campaign, France, World War I, 1916. British gunners busily engaged in putting over a curtain barrage

The explosion of the Imperial Mole during the bombardment of Odessa, Ukraine, 1854 (1857). Artist: George Greatbatch
The explosion of the Imperial Mole during the bombardment of Odessa, Ukraine, by the English and French, during the Crimean War, 1854 (1857). From a sketch by an officer during the action

The bombardment of Odessa, Ukraine, during the Crimean War, 1854 (1857). Artist: George Greatbatch
The bombardment of Odessa, Ukraine, during the Crimean War, 1854 (1857). The boats of the fleet going to the French steamer Vauban

The gallant affair of the Hecla and Arrogant, 1854 (1857). Artist: H Bibby
The gallant affair of the Hecla and Arrogant, 1854 (1857). Cutting out a Russian barque from under the batteries of Eckness, HMS Arrogant, anchored off the batteries, kept up a furious cannonade

HMS Agamemnon attacking Fort Constantine, 1854 (1857). Artist: H Winkles
HMS Agamemnon attacking Fort Constantine, 1854 (1857). From Englands Battles by Sea and Land, volume III: Russia and Turkey, by Lieutenant Colonel Williams

French soldiers watching artillery fire, 1st Battle of the Marne, France, 5-12 September 1914. The French halted the German advance at the Marne, saving Paris in the process

The Hills and Fort of Douaumont, Verdun, France, 18 March 1916, (1926). Douaumont was the site of one of the network of forts built around the city of Verdun

Bombardment of the Belfry, Arras, France, July 1915, (1926). Artist: Francois Flameng
Bombardment of the Belfry, Arras, France, July 1915, (1926). The historic town centre of Arras was severely damaged by shelling during World War I

The Church of Ablain and Souchez, Artois, France, 19 June 1915, (1926). Artist: Francois Flameng
The Church of Ablain and Souchez, Artois, France, 19 June 1915, (1926)

Notre Dame de Lorette and St Nazaire, Ablain, during bombardment, Artois, France, 1915, (1926)
Notre Dame de Lorette and St Nazaire, Ablain, during the bombardment, Artois, France, 1915, (1926)

French artillery assault on the Eparges ridge, near Verdun, France, 2 August 1915

A German Shell Explodes in a British Trench, 1914, (1926). Artist: Arthur C Michael
A German Shell Explodes in a British Trench, 1914, (1926)

The front line around the Aisne, France, World War I, 1914, (1926)

Artillery barrage before an advance, Aisne, France, 2 September 1918

French lst Infantry Corps crossing of the Yser Canal, World War I, 4. 45 am, 31 July 1917
French lst Infantry Corps crossing of the Yser Canal, World War I, 4.45 am, 31 July 1917. After a painting by Francois Flameng (1856-1923)

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"Curtain Fire: Unleashing the Fury of Barrage Fire, c1914-c1918" Step back in time to the Somme campaign during World War I in 1916, where hot work at the guns created a mesmerizing display known as curtain fire. This awe-inspiring technique involved an intense bombardment that engulfed the battlefield with a relentless storm of artillery shells. One remarkable depiction of this destructive force can be seen in George Greatbatch's artwork capturing the explosion of the Imperial Mole during the bombardment of Odessa, Ukraine, in 1854 (1857). The Crimean War unleashed unimaginable chaos and destruction upon Odessa, leaving behind haunting images forever etched into history. The gallant affair between HMS Hecla and Arrogant also comes to mind when discussing curtain fire. In 1854 (1857), H Bibby's artwork immortalized this fierce naval battle as these ships relentlessly bombarded their enemy amidst a tumultuous sea. It was a testament to human resilience and determination against overwhelming odds. Meanwhile, H Winkles' painting showcases HMS Agamemnon attacking Fort Constantine during the same period. The sheer power and precision displayed by British forces were truly awe-inspiring as they unleashed their firepower upon formidable fortifications. Fast forward to September 1914 on French soil during the First Battle of Marne; French soldiers stood witness to an incredible display of artillery fire. Their eyes fixated on exploding shells lighting up the night sky as they fought valiantly for victory. Verdun became synonymous with devastation during World War I, particularly on March 18th, 1916. The Hills and Fort Douaumont bore witness to an unrelenting barrage that shook both land and spirit alike. Francois Flameng's artistic rendition captures this momentous event vividly. Arras faced its own share of destruction in July 1915 when the Belfry became a target of relentless bombardment.