Caterpillar Traction Engine used by Army Service Corps, WW1

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Caterpillar Traction Engine used by Army Service Corps, WW1

Caterpillar Traction Engine used by the Army Service Corps during the First World War Date: 1915

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Media ID 32261902

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Caterpillar Corps Khaki Nicknames Regimental Running Traction Traditions

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EDITORS COMMENTS
This evocative photograph captures the moment as a Caterpillar Traction Engine, a vital acquisition for the Army Service Corps during the First World War, is put to use in 1915. The engine, with its distinctive tracks and large wheels, is a testament to the innovative technology that aided the British military during the Great War. The scene is set in a muddy field, a common sight during the wet and unforgiving conditions of the Western Front. A group of soldiers in khaki uniforms, some with regimental insignia on their sleeves, stand nearby, watching intently as the machine comes to life. The engine's large flywheel turns, and the powerful tracks begin to churn, sending plumes of mud and water flying in all directions. A young boy, perhaps a mascot or messenger, stands at the front of the engine, holding onto the dog that accompanies him. The dog, with its ears flapping in the wind, seems unfazed by the commotion. The soldiers, some with grins on their faces, appear to be in high spirits, perhaps in anticipation of the engine's first run or the relief it will bring from the grueling conditions of the trenches. The Caterpillar Traction Engine was a valuable addition to the Army Service Corps, providing much-needed transport for supplies and equipment in the challenging terrain of the Western Front. Its acquisition and use during the war marked a significant departure from traditional methods of transport and became a symbol of the ingenuity and resilience of the British military during the 1910s. This photograph is a poignant reminder of the wartime traditions and camaraderie that existed among the troops, as well as the innovative technology that helped shape the course of the war.

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