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Mapping and Photographing the First World War

The case studies included in this theme all focus on new technologies developed during the First World War. You will find discussion of the intricate mapping of the trenches and an examination of the invention and development of aerial photography. In "The Body Snatchers" we provide an animation of a trench raid, based on surviving documents which provide us with every detail of the engagement. Canadian troops are credited with inventing this tactic but, as is shown here, it was a technology which exacted a significant cost in human lives. Other technologies used during the First World War are discussed in the case study "Pigeon Post to Lewis Gun".

Further information on trench maps and aerial photography can be found on McMaster's World War I Military Maps Collection site.

‹ Civilians Caught Up in War up Representing War: propaganda, posters, pamphlets, publicity, music, artwork and memorials ›

Case Study: “The Topography of Golgotha”: Mapping the Trenches of the First World War

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    Ordnance Survey, Trench Map, 13 June 1916
“…and with maps I make him familiar with the topography of Golgotha.” This line, from a letter written in 1918 by the soldier-poet Wilfred Owen, conjures an ominous picture of the landscape confronting all initiates to the trenches. But it also touches on an aspect of the war that, even today, remains largely unknown and unrecognized.

Case Study: “The Body Snatchers”: Trench Raid at Roclincourt Video

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    Ogilby, Lt. Col. R.J.L., Map, [27 September 1916]
Canadians were credited with the invention of the “Trench Raid” during the First World War; the tactic was first used in 1915.

Case Study: “I Spy With My Glass Eye”: Aerial Photography and Innovation in World War I

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    Photograph, November 1918
Necessity is said to be the mother of invention. In the twentieth century, necessity all too often arrived in the guise of war. Aerial photography was among the transformative technical innovations developed during the First World War.
Submitted by Visitor on 2008, December 27 - 4:20am.

Hello, Thank you very much for this fantastic resource for genealogical and C.E.F. research. McMaster University is at the very forefront. I applaud and encourage all those responsible. Chris Bostwick

Submitted by Andrew (not verified) on 2009, April 25 - 3:05pm.

Thank you so much! The maps were very needed in my history of World War 1.

Submitted by Tom Pratt (not verified) on 2009, August 11 - 8:29am.

This is my first visit, prompted by the story in this morning's Globe & Mail.

I have a keen interest in World War I history and look forward to exploring the site.

Thank-you.

Tom Pratt

Submitted by Visitor Garth David Lever (not verified) on 2009, December 29 - 3:18pm.

My Grandfather ( Ruben Angelo Lever) fought at second Ypres with the 7th battalion Capt> R.V. harvey company commander and was subsequently captured April 24 1915 any maps relevent to the area they were would be greatly apprietiated

Submitted by kscott on 2010, January 4 - 5:17pm.

Mr. Lever: Thank you for your comment. We have hundreds of trench maps from WWI available for viewing online at http://library.mcmaster.ca/maps/ww1/home.htm. From the homepage click on "Maps." Choose the 1:5,000 to 1:40,000 Scale search option and from there you can simply click on an area in Europe to view the maps available. There are several maps for the Ypres area.

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