The Power of the Heavy Machine Gun – A Practical Demonstration

To reinforce in the pupils mind the relative power of the machine gun when compared to previously available weapons. Provides a context for the study of trench warfare and is particularly relevant to pupils assessing Haig's performance as a General during the Battle of the Somme .

Objective

Addresses KSU 2c ‘to analyse and explain the reasons for, and results of, the historical events, situations and changes in the periods studied'

Method

1. Ask a pupil with a watch registering seconds to act as time keeper.

2. Simulate with the class the firing of a bolt-action rifle. Extend your left hand in front of you as if supporting a rifle's barrel. Operate the imaginary loading bolt. Bang! Click…… Click……bang! Ask timekeeper how long it took from one bang to the next. (Should be approximately six seconds)

3. Explain that a machine gun fired 300 rounds per minute in 1914. This meant five rounds per second

4. Tap loudly on the desk with a board writer at the pace of five rounds per second.

•  Repeat earlier drill with bolt action rifle. Discuss difference in rate of fire. What effect would machine gun fire have on men moving across open ground?

•  Stand up the entire class. Instruct them to sit down one-by one from the left as soon as the board pen hits the desk. Repeat the machine gun's rate of fire. How long does it take to sit the entire class down?