Liquid fire/Flamethrower

[PhilB]

I`ve long searched for a trio to a casualty of the liquid fire attack at Hooge, 1915 - without success! Does anyone know of any documented casualties of liquid fire (as opposed to those killed in liquid fire attacks)? I don`t recall ever seeing mention of liquid fire as a cause of death or serious injury, but I assume they must be there? Phil B

[Paul Reed]

I think you would only find this mentioned as a cause of death in official records, if the soldier died if wounds. It might then be noted down on his casualty form what the injuries were - presumably burns?

Otherwise, these men would be down as 'killed in action'.

[PhilB]

That`s true in official records, Paul. However I have newspaper reports and private letters saying that men were shot, gassed & died of exposure etc!

[Paul Reed]

Yes, newspapers might be another source. Some of the Sussex lads I have researched were recorded in one account as having died of wounds from an "acid sprayer"; this is a contemporary account where contemporary language has yet come to terms with describing this weapon: I think that might prove a problem in identifying casualties using this sort of source material.