List of infantry weapons of World War I

Rifle, bolt-action (AM 1962.132-1)

Lebel Mle. 1886

Mauser m98

Carcano M1891

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Murata gun

Rifle, bolt action (AM 1958.146-24)

List of Infantry Weapons of World War I

World War I, also known as the Great War, was a global conflict that lasted from 1914 to 1918. It involved most of the world's great powers and was one of the deadliest conflicts in history. The war saw the introduction and widespread use of new weaponry that changed the nature of warfare. This article provides an overview of the infantry weapons used during World War I by various combatant nations.

Rifles

Rifles were the primary weapon of the infantryman during World War I. They were bolt-action weapons, capable of accurate fire at long distances.

• Lee-Enfield (British Empire)
• Mauser Gewehr 98 (Germany)
• Springfield M1903 (United States)
• Mosin–Nagant (Russia)
• Lebel Model 1886 (France)

Machine Guns

Machine guns inflicted appalling casualties during the war. They were heavy, required a crew to operate, and were typically used in a defensive role.

• Maxim gun (Used by all major powers)
• Lewis gun (British Empire, United States)
• MG 08 (Germany)
• Chauchat (France)
• Hotchkiss M1914 machine gun (France)

Handguns

Handguns were issued to officers and used for close-quarters combat.

• Webley Revolver (British Empire)
• Luger P08 (Germany)
• Colt M1911 (United States)
• Nagant M1895 (Russia)
• Ruby pistol (France)

Grenades

Grenades became a crucial trench warfare tool, used to clear trenches before infantry assaults.

• Mills bomb (British Empire)
• Stielhandgranate (Germany)
• F1 grenade (France)
• Model 1913 Grenade (Russia)
• Mk 1 grenade (United States)

Flamethrowers

Flamethrowers were used to clear enemy trenches and bunkers. They were terrifying weapons but had limited range.

• Flammenwerfer M1911 (Germany)
• British flamethrowers (British Empire)

Edged Weapons

Despite the prevalence of firearms, edged weapons still saw use, especially in trench raids and close combat.

• Bayonet (Used by all major powers)
• Trench knife (Used by all major powers)
• Trench club (Improvised weapon used by all major powers)

Artillery

Though not typically classified as infantry weapons, light artillery pieces and mortars were often directly controlled by infantry units for immediate support.

• Stokes mortar (British Empire)
• Minenwerfer (Germany)
• French 75mm field gun (France)

Anti-tank Weapons

The appearance of tanks in World War I led to the development of early anti-tank weapons.

• Mauser 1918 T-Gewehr (Germany)
• Grenade, Rifle No. 23 (British Empire)

Conclusion

The list of infantry weapons of World War I reflects the technological advancements and the brutal nature of the conflict. These weapons were responsible for unprecedented casualties and marked a significant evolution in warfare tactics and equipment.