The first of four parts, taking unique look at Germany's ‘Zielfernrohrschützen’, the “scoped rifle marksmen” - who were they, and how did they operate? A look past myth and fantasy #WW1 #history #sniping
Im new to your blog and this is the first article I’ve read. A very good read it was too.
It’s a subject I’ve often wondered about.
As you mention, the volume of sniping early in the war in British accounts that refer to stray bullets has always made me wonder what the writer thought was being shot at, if not by a sniper.
A subject which needed this sort of attention. Photographic evidence suggests there were training classes for German snipers and that snipers at least sometimes worked together. What was needed was the written evidence to support what appears in the photos. No German choose to write at length on sniping during the Great War period in any detail and it is good to see it being done now.
This is outstanding work Very glad to have found this Substack and have subscribed.
Im new to your blog and this is the first article I’ve read. A very good read it was too.
It’s a subject I’ve often wondered about.
As you mention, the volume of sniping early in the war in British accounts that refer to stray bullets has always made me wonder what the writer thought was being shot at, if not by a sniper.
A subject which needed this sort of attention. Photographic evidence suggests there were training classes for German snipers and that snipers at least sometimes worked together. What was needed was the written evidence to support what appears in the photos. No German choose to write at length on sniping during the Great War period in any detail and it is good to see it being done now.
This is so good! Best military history article I have read in a long time. Big fan of your work.
A remarkable article. Thank you, Rob. I look forward to part 2!