MarkP Posted 17 February Share Posted 17 February Does anyone know if the general service spades and axe's used in WW1 were any different to ones used in WW2 of after? I've seen many photos and read accounts of troops using them in the line and going over the top. Although somewhat mundane pieces of equipment they seem to have been essential, for example, consolidating hard won positions. I've also seem spade tools which were strapped to a soldiers boot which he used to kick into the earth. Similar I suppose to what miners used. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chasemuseum Posted 17 February Share Posted 17 February I cannot comment on axes, but spades were very similar. British WW1 spades in general have a slight curve on the handle while for WW2 this is straight. Typical WW1 handle comparison WW1 and WW2. Note that tip of blade of the WW1 example has been worn away by corrosion and use. The original profile of the blades was the same. Minor detail in the riveting to secure the handle is different. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Great War Truck Posted 18 February Share Posted 18 February Mark, do you mean a spade or do you mean a shovel? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MarkP Posted 18 February Author Share Posted 18 February Thanks for the help & pics. Seen this one, its described as a shovel. Its marked A&SP & CO with an MoD crows foot underneath. No date as far as I'm aware. . Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Terry_Reeves Posted 18 February Share Posted 18 February The photos are of shovels. Spades are not pointed and are rectangular in shape. TR Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Great War Truck Posted 18 February Share Posted 18 February YEs, quite right. This is my 1917 dated spade. I have a 1944 one as well and it is exactly the same design. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dai Bach y Sowldiwr Posted 19 February Share Posted 19 February (edited) I'm glad that all have finally agreed to call a spade a spade. Edit: Typo 'fally' should finally... Edited 19 February by Dai Bach y Sowldiwr Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Terry_Reeves Posted 19 February Share Posted 19 February 1 hour ago, Dai Bach y Sowldiwr said: I'm glad that all have fally agreed to call a spade a spade. Now we have raked over the evidence…. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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