AdamMills97 Posted 21 February , 2018 Share Posted 21 February , 2018 Hello all, They said that curiosity killed the cat but thankfully, I'm safely not a feline. Is there any evidence of steam engines being used on the western front? I've heard cases of them being used to carry heavy artillery and pulling tanks out of holes but have not seen any firm evidence. If anyone can share pictures or evidence to help me with my curiosity would be greatly appreciated KR, Adam Mills Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dai Bach y Sowldiwr Posted 21 February , 2018 Share Posted 21 February , 2018 (edited) There is an IWM photo of a steam traction engine stuck in mud, being dug out IIRC. I will try to find it. Edit Here it is: THE BATTLE OF ARRAS, APRIL-MAY 1917. © IWM (Q 6180) IWM Non Commercial License Edited 21 February , 2018 by Dai Bach y Sowldiwr Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ron Clifton Posted 21 February , 2018 Share Posted 21 February , 2018 They were certainly used for pulling the heavier guns (those which were not rail-mounted). There were also a number of "Auxiliary (Steam) Companies ASC", of which I think no. 367 was the first to appear in France. Mike Young's book Army Service Corps 1902-1918 will no doubt supply more information. Ron Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HERITAGE PLUS Posted 21 February , 2018 Share Posted 21 February , 2018 This previous thread may be of interest: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Admin DavidOwen Posted 22 February , 2018 Admin Share Posted 22 February , 2018 (edited) A search for simply "steam" on the IWM site brings up a whole buffet of treats from steam ships and trains (obviously) through to steam lorries, rollers, cranes, diggers and even (possibly) an American steam tank! https://www.iwm.org.uk/collections/search?query=steam&filters[webCategory][photographs]=on&filters[periodString][First World War]=on&page=0 David The tank looks suspiciously like an attempt at an amphibious one.... Edited 22 February , 2018 by DavidOwen addition Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
geraint Posted 22 February , 2018 Share Posted 22 February , 2018 A lad from this town worked as a driver for a local steam tractor contractor, enlisted as a steam engine driver, became a motor bike despatch rider and finally joined the RFC, dying in an air crash in 1918. A brief and varied life ehh? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
History Hunter Posted 22 February , 2018 Share Posted 22 February , 2018 Some of the survivors met up at Great Dorset Steam Fair forming a convoy http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-dorset-28817750. Lots of videos on Youtube. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
geraint Posted 22 February , 2018 Share Posted 22 February , 2018 What a great video! The driver of the third vehicle was Douglas Haig surely? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
IRC Kevin Posted 28 February , 2018 Share Posted 28 February , 2018 (edited) On 21/02/2018 at 20:34, Dai Bach y Sowldiwr said: There is an IWM photo of a steam traction engine stuck in mud, being dug out IIRC. I will try to find it. Edit Here it is: THE BATTLE OF ARRAS, APRIL-MAY 1917. © IWM (Q 6180) IWM Non Commercial License The driver in the right hand traction engine was my wife's grandfather, Tom Featherstone. Shortly before his death, one of his sons drew the sketch below so Tom could name some of the people in the photo. The Fowler road roller he drove post-war, named 'Dorothy', has been preserved and can be seen at steam fairs. Edited to add that James W., Bill Sligh and Tom Featherstone all worked for the same firm prior to the war. Edited 28 February , 2018 by IRC Kevin Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dai Bach y Sowldiwr Posted 28 February , 2018 Share Posted 28 February , 2018 Fascinating Kevin. Thanks. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Create an account or sign in to comment
You need to be a member in order to leave a comment
Create an account
Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!
Register a new accountSign in
Already have an account? Sign in here.
Sign In Now