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Tommy Atkins: 1914-18 Trivia Quiz

These lads were the best of their generation. They were soldiers on the Western Front.

A multiple-choice quiz by beterave. Estimated time: 6 mins.

Author
beterave

Time
6 mins

Type
Multiple Choice

Quiz #
302,158

Updated
Dec 03 21

# Qns
10

Difficulty
Difficult

Avg Score
5 / 10

Plays
549

One at a Time - Single Page - Timed Game

Question 1 of 10

1. While not engaged with the Germans, what was the biggest problem the BEF faced in Flanders? Hint

debris eveywhwere

displaced civilians

flooding

poor weather

NEXT>

Question 2 of 10

2. What BEF unit is credited with the first successful trench raid in WWI? Hint

the Middlesex

the Highland Light Infantry

the Royal Welch Fusiliers

the Worcesters

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Question 3 of 10

3. What was the nickname of the trench cap that Tommy Atkins wore early in the war? Hint

Kitchener cap

Balmoral

Gor Blimey

Balaclava

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Question 4 of 10

4. What was the name of the Scottish regiment that wore hodden grey kilts? Hint

London Scottish

Cameron Highlanders

Glasgow Scottish

Scottish Rifles

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Question 5 of 10

5. What was the name of the squad automatic weapon that the BEF and other Commonwealth soldiers used in WWI? Hint

the Bren gun

the Vickers MG

the Browning LMG

the Lewis gun

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Question 6 of 10

6. What were the 'Pals' battalions? Hint

men from the same backgrounds

all of these

men from the same counties

men from the same schools

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Question 7 of 10

7. "Stand to!" was the order given during an impending assault by German infantry. It was also given when? Hint

during a barrage

inspection arms

before dawn and before dusk

during an air assault

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Question 8 of 10

8. The High Command developed a strategy that would break the deadlock of trench warfare. What was that strategy called? Hint

big battalions

big push

mass, not driblets

combined arms

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Question 9 of 10

9. As the war progressed, what was a sure sign to the Germans that the BEF was was planning an offensive? Hint

the presence of Australian troops

no activity on the front

a sporadic bombardment

activity by sappers

NEXT>

Question 10 of 10

10. Where do puttees have their origin? Hint

the Crimean War

South Africa

India

the Balkan Wars

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Dec 12 2024 : callie_ross: 1/10
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Quiz Answer Key and Fun Facts

1. While not engaged with the Germans, what was the biggest problem the BEF faced in Flanders?

Answer: flooding

Without doubt, flooding was the biggest problem. You could not dig more than three feet in some places without striking water. This made life in the trenches miserable.

2. What BEF unit is credited with the first successful trench raid in WWI?

Answer: the Worcesters

The first successful trench raid was on the night of January 3rd, 1915. It was carried out by Lt. F C Roberts and 25 men from the 1st battalion of the Worcester regiment. Lt Roberts was award the Distinguished Service Order for this action.

3. What was the nickname of the trench cap that Tommy Atkins wore early in the war?

Answer: Gor Blimey

The Gor Blimey was a forage cap which replaced the standard dress cap of the men while they were in the trenches. It did not have the dress appearence of the SD cap, but it was warm and comfortable.

4. What was the name of the Scottish regiment that wore hodden grey kilts?

Answer: London Scottish

The London Scottish were formed in 1914. They wore hodden grey kilts with a blue tourrie on their Tam o' Shanters. You did not have to be of Scottish descent to join this regiment, which was unusual.

5. What was the name of the squad automatic weapon that the BEF and other Commonwealth soldiers used in WWI?

Answer: the Lewis gun

The Lewis gun was the squad automatic weapon used by the BEF. It was air cooled, weighed 28 pounds, and was loaded with a 47 round drum. When well maintained, it was an extremely reliable weapon.

6. What were the 'Pals' battalions?

Answer: all of these

The Pals battalions were men who were recruited to serve in the same battalion together. It was not uncommon that these men came from the same county, same profession and same background, hence they were known to each other, pals. They suffered terrible casualties at the Somme.

7. "Stand to!" was the order given during an impending assault by German infantry. It was also given when?

Answer: before dawn and before dusk

"Stand to!" was given before dawn and before dusk. Particularly before dawn when an infantry assault was most likely. The men would man the firing steps in the trenches and wait until an all clear was given.

8. The High Command developed a strategy that would break the deadlock of trench warfare. What was that strategy called?

Answer: big battalions

The BEF High Command was convinced that the only thing necessary for a successful assault was more men concentrated at one critical point along with a prolonged bombardment. The theory of the 'big battalions' was the answer. It failed miserably. Prolonged bombardments only alerted the Germans to where an impending assault was to take place.

The bigger assault battalions only ensured a higher casualty rate.

9. As the war progressed, what was a sure sign to the Germans that the BEF was was planning an offensive?

Answer: the presence of Australian troops

The presence of Australian troops became the surest sign that the BEF planned an assault. As the war progressed, the ANZACs were the most dependable shock troops that the BEF had available.

10. Where do puttees have their origin?

Answer: India

The wearing of puttees have their origin from India. The word comes from Hindi meaning 'patti'. They were to give the lower leg protection and support as well as to take the place of the canvass gaiter.

Source: Author beterave

This quiz was reviewed by FunTrivia editor bloomsby before going online.
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