Squads

A squad during World War I (WW1) referred to a small organizational unit within a larger military formation, typically consisting of a small number of soldiers. The size of a squad could vary depending on the country and the branch of the military, but it usually consisted of around 8 to 12 soldiers, led by a non-commissioned officer (NCO) such as a sergeant or corporal.

Squads were often the building blocks of larger military formations, like platoons, companies, battalions, and so on. These larger formations were composed of multiple squads and were used to organize and deploy troops effectively on the battlefield. Squads had a vital role in executing tactical maneuvers and carrying out various tasks, such as reconnaissance, patrolling, combat, and supporting operations.

During WW1, the nature of warfare was characterised by trench warfare, artillery barrages, and significant technological advancements. Squads played a crucial role in both offensive and defensive actions, as they were the basic operational units that could carry out orders swiftly, adapt to changing situations on the battlefield, and provide mutual support among their members.

The organization and composition of squads could vary between different countries and military forces, but their fundamental purpose was to enhance coordination, communication, and flexibility in combat situations.

## ENTENTE POWERS

### French Squads (The Great Mud War)

#### Poilus

The Poilus squads were part of the French army's infantry units. They fought in the trenches, engaged in battles, and conducted offensives against German forces. Their tasks included attacking enemy positions, defending their own trenches, and supporting larger military operations. Squads played a crucial role in the frontline combat, enduring harsh conditions and facing intense fighting throughout the war.

#### Chasseurs Alpins

Chasseur Alpins squads were mountain infantry units known for their agility and adaptability. They fought in rugged terrains, conducted reconnaissance, and engaged in trench warfare. They played a vital role in battles across the Western Front, Alps, and Vosges mountains. Their skills were crucial for navigating challenging environments and supporting traditional infantry operations.

#### Tirailleurs

Tirailleurs Squads, mainly composed of soldiers from Africa and other colonies, served as infantry in the French Army. They fought on various fronts, aiding French forces with their combat skills and manpower. They were involved in battles, trench warfare, and played a significant role in supporting the French war effort.

### British Squads (The Great Mud War)

#### Tommies

Tommy squads were infantry units that fought in trenches, engaged in battles, and carried out tasks like reconnaissance, holding positions, and advancing against enemy lines. They faced harsh conditions, used rifles and grenades, and played a crucial role in the overall war effort.

#### British Grenadiers

British Grenadiers primarily served as infantry soldiers on the Western Front. They fought in trenches, engaged in battles, and performed tasks such as attacking enemy positions and holding defensive lines. They faced harsh conditions, used new technologies like machine guns, and played a significant role in the overall war effort.

#### Canadians

Canadian squads on the Western Front were actively engaged in battles, trenches, and front-line combat. They fought in major battles like Ypres, Vimy Ridge, and Passchendaele, demonstrating their courage and skill. Their contributions helped shape Canada's identity and earned them a reputation for bravery.

#### ANZACS

ANZAC squads (Australian and New Zealand Army Corps) were primarily engaged in trench warfare. They fought in battles like Gallipoli and the Somme, enduring harsh conditions and heavy fighting. Their tasks included holding trenches, launching offensives, and supporting allied forces. ANZACs showed remarkable courage and resilience in the face of adversity.

#### Indians

Indian squads served on the Western Front as part of the British Indian Army. They fought alongside British and other Allied forces, providing support, manpower, and assistance in various battles. They were involved in trench warfare, combat, and logistical roles, contributing to the overall war effort. Many Indian soldiers displayed bravery and sacrifice, earning respect for their contributions.

### British Squads (The Great Mountain War of Isonzo)

#### Tommies

Tommy squads on the Italian Front fought alongside Italian forces against the Austro-Hungarian and German armies. They engaged in battles to defend Italian territory, support their allies, and disrupt enemy advances. The British squads played a role in the overall effort to push back the Central Powers and secure victory for the Allies.

#### ANZACS

ANZAC (Australian and New Zealand Army Corps) squads played a significant role in the Middle Eastern Theatre. They fought against the Ottoman Empire, capturing key locations like Gallipoli in Turkey and later participated in campaigns like the Sinai and Palestine campaign. Their efforts helped secure important trade routes and contributed to the eventual collapse of the Ottoman Empire.

#### Indians

Indian squads were part of the British Indian Army and fought in the Middle Eastern Theatre. They played a crucial role in campaigns against the Ottoman Empire, securing areas like Mesopotamia and Palestine. Their contributions aided British objectives in the region and helped protect British interests in the Middle East.

#### Tankers

Tanker squads were tank units. They were aimed to break stalemates, provide support, create tactical advantages on the battlefield, to create fear and confusion among enemy troops, and supported infantry by providing cover and suppressing enemy machine gun positions.

### Russian Squads (The Great Mud War)

#### Russian Expeditionary Forces

The Russian Expeditionary Force (REF) was a group of Russian soldiers sent to the Western Front during WW1 to assist the Allies. They fought in various battles, helped with logistical tasks, and provided support to the French and British forces. Their involvement was limited compared to other Allied nations, and they mainly served in a supportive role.

#### Cossacks

Cossacks were a distinct group of people in the Russian Empire known for their warrior traditions and equestrian skills. They were often organized into semi-autonomous military units and were known for their role as skilled cavalry fighters. They were valued for their combat skills, mobility, and experience as horsemen.

#### Czech Legion

The primary goal of the Czech Legions was to secure international recognition of an independent Czechoslovak state, separate from the Austro-Hungarian Empire, which ruled over the Czech and Slovak territories at the time. On the Western Front, the Czech Legions were initially formed from Czech and Slovak prisoners of war who were captured by the Central Powers (primarily the Austro-Hungarian and German forces) on the Eastern Front. These prisoners were disillusioned with the continued oppression of their respective nations within the Austro-Hungarian Empire and saw an opportunity to fight for their independence within the context of the war.

### Russian Squads (The Great Mountain War of Isonzo)

#### Frontovik

Frontovik squads on the Eastern Front fought against German and Austro-Hungarian forces. They engaged in battles, defended their territory, and tried to push back enemy advances. The Eastern Front was characterized by fluid movements and intense fighting, but also by logistical challenges and harsh conditions. The war effort strained the Russian economy and led to social and political unrest, eventually contributing to the downfall of the Russian monarchy.

#### Russian Poles

The Russian Polish squads on the Eastern Front fought against the Central Powers (Germany and Austro-Hungary). They aimed to defend their homeland, resist enemy advances, and support the Russian war effort. The squads were part of a larger struggle for control over Eastern Europe.

#### Russian Ukrainians

The Ukrainian squads during WW1 on the Eastern Front were fighting alongside the Russian army against the Central Powers, primarily Germany and Austria-Hungary. They aimed to protect their homeland and push back the enemy forces. These squads consisted of Ukrainian volunteers who saw the war as an opportunity to assert their national identity and aspirations for greater autonomy within the Russian Empire.

#### Latvian-Lithuanian Riflemen

Latvian-Lithuanian Riflemen Squads were units of Latvian and Lithuanian volunteers fighting within the Russian army against German and Austro-Hungarian forces. They were known for their skilled marksmanship and combat effectiveness. The Latvian-Lithuanian Riflemen played a significant role in various battles, including the defense of key positions and offensive operations. Their actions contributed to shaping the early stages of the war in the Eastern Front.

#### Finnish Riflemen

Finnish Riflemen Squads fought on the Eastern Front as part of the Russian army. They were composed of Finnish volunteers and played a significant role in battles against the Central Powers, particularly the Germans. The riflemen engaged in combat, participated in offensives and defenses, and endured harsh conditions. Their contributions were notable, but the outcome of the war led to political changes in Finland, eventually leading to its independence from Russia in 1917.

### Italian Squads (The Great Mud War)

#### Italian Expeditionary Forces

Italian squads fought on the Western Front as part of the Allied forces. They engaged in trench warfare, battled German and Austro-Hungarian troops, and participated in offensives and defensive actions. Italian soldiers faced harsh conditions and played a role in various battles, contributing to the overall Allied effort against the Central Powers.

### Italian Squads (The Great Mountain War Of Isonzo)

#### Soldati

Soldati squads fought on the Italian Front against the Austro-Hungarian Empire. They engaged in trench warfare, battled harsh conditions in the Alps, and participated in offensives and defensive operations, aiming to gain territory and strategic advantage. The front saw intense fighting, but ultimately the Italians managed to secure some gains by the end of the war.

#### Polizia militare

The Polizia militare squads on the Italian Front were responsible for maintaining discipline, enforcing orders, and managing logistics among Italian troops. They ensured soldiers followed regulations and dealt with issues like desertion and misconduct. Additionally, they facilitated communication and transportation within the military, helping to coordinate operations.

### Belgian Squads (The Great Mud War)

#### Belgians

Belgian squads fought on the Western Front, defending their country from German invasion. They engaged in trench warfare, battles, and operations, notably during the Battle of Ypres and Passchendaele. They endured harsh conditions and played a crucial role in the larger Allied effort against Germany.

### Portuguese Squads (The Great Mud War)

#### Portuguese Expeditionary Forces

Portuguese troops formed the Portuguese Expeditionary Corps and fought on the Western Front alongside the Allies. They engaged in battles like the Battle of La Lys in 1918, facing German forces in France. Despite initial difficulties, their involvement helped the Allies, but the Portuguese Expeditionary Corps faced significant losses and challenges during the war.

### American Squads (The Great Mud War)

#### Doughboys

Doughboy squads were part of larger units called platoons, which were part of companies, battalions, and so on. These squads played a crucial role in trench warfare, engaging in combat, holding defensive positions, and conducting reconnaissance. They faced harsh conditions, endured artillery shelling, and participated in offensives. Their tasks included patrolling, setting up machine guns, and defending trenches. Communication and coordination were key for survival and success on the challenging Western Front.

#### Marines

Marine squads on the Western Front primarily fought in intense battles, provided firepower support, and carried out reconnaissance missions. They held crucial positions, engaged in trench warfare, and helped allied forces push back enemy lines. Their adaptability, discipline, and combat skills were vital in the challenging conditions of the front lines. They played a role in key engagements like Belleau Wood, helping push back German forces and contributing to the overall war effort.

### Romanian Squads (The Great Mountain War of Isonzo)

#### Romanians

Romanian squads fought on the Eastern Front against the Central Powers, including Germany and Austria-Hungary. They aimed to expand their territory and support the Allied Powers. However, due to various factors such as limited resources and coordination issues, the Romanian campaign faced setbacks. The Romanian squads participated in battles and offensives, but they eventually suffered defeats and retreated. The situation changed after Russia's withdrawal from the war, leading to the Treaty of Bucharest in 1918, which marked the end of Romania's involvement in World War I.

## CENTRAL POWERS

### German Squads (The Great Mud War)

#### Allgemeine Infanterie

Allgemeine Infanterie squads on the Western Front were part of the larger German army. They engaged in trench warfare, defending their positions, launching attacks, and facing off against Allied forces. They experienced harsh conditions, including trench life, artillery bombardments, and gas attacks. The squads played a crucial role in the overall war effort, fighting in battles like the Battle of the Somme and Verdun.

#### Minenwerfer

German Minenwerfer squads operated small mortar-like weapons called "Minenwerfers." These squads were responsible for launching explosive and trench-clearing projectiles at enemy positions. They played a crucial role in dislodging entrenched soldiers and creating chaos in enemy trenches. Minenwerfer squads were highly mobile, providing effective support to infantry assaults and defense. Their rapid-fire capability and ability to deliver devastating explosives made them valuable assets in the trench warfare environment.

#### Sturmtruppen

Sturmtruppen squads were specialized infantry units. They used infiltration tactics to breach enemy lines, disrupt defenses, and create chaos. They aimed to break the stalemate of trench warfare by swiftly infiltrating enemy positions, capturing key points, and enabling larger forces to advance. This approach influenced modern infantry tactics and emphasized mobility and surprise.

#### Pánzer

Panzer squads were tank units. They were aimed to break stalemates, provide support, create tactical advantages on the battlefield, to create fear and confusion among enemy troops, and supported infantry by providing cover and suppressing enemy machine gun positions.

#### Jäger

The Jäger squads used their tracking and marksmanship abilities to locate and eliminate enemy targets. Their knowledge of the terrain and nature made them valuable for reconnaissance and stealthy attacks similar to that of Chasseurs Alpins.

### German Squads (The Great Mountain War of Isonzo)

#### Infanterie

Infanterie squads on the Eastern Front fought against Russia, aiming to secure territory and weaken Russian forces. They engaged in battles like Tannenberg and helped push Russian troops back. On the Italian Front, German squads supported Austria-Hungary against Italy, participating in battles like Caporetto to gain ground and maintain the front line.

### Austro-Hungarian Squads (The Great Mud War)

#### K.u.k. Expeditionstruppen

The K.u.k. Expeditionstruppen have limited involvement on the Western Front, they are mainly consisted of Austrian and Hungarian speaking troops on the Western Front. Although they did engage in some trench warfare combats but rare.

### Austro-Hungarian Squads (The Great Mountain War of Isonzo)

#### Österreichisch K.u.k Trupp

The Österreichisch K.u.k Trupp served on the Eastern and Italian Fronts. They were reserve units composed of older and less experienced soldiers. On the Eastern Front, they fought against Russia, helping to defend Austrian territory. On the Italian Front, they participated in battles against Italy, supporting the main army. They were crucial for bolstering manpower but often faced tough conditions and lacked the training of regular troops. They were consisted of Austrians, Bosniaks, Croatians, Poles, Ukrainian, and Czech.

#### Honvéd K.u.k Trupp

The Honvéd K.u.k Trupp squads fought on both the Eastern and Italian Fronts. On the Eastern Front, they mainly engaged Russian forces in battles to defend Hungary's eastern border. On the Italian Front, they participated in clashes against Italian troops to protect Austria-Hungary's southern territory. The Honvéd squads played a role in various battles and operations throughout these fronts, contributing to the overall war effort of the Central Powers. They were consisted of Hungarians and Romanians

### Turkish (Ottoman) Squads (The Great Mountain War of Isonzo)

#### Turks

Turk squads in the Middle Eastern Theatre were primarily engaged in defending the Ottoman Empire's territories and interests. They fought against Allied forces, particularly the British, in battles like Gallipoli and campaigns in Mesopotamia and Palestine. The Turk squads aimed to secure crucial trade routes, protect their empire, and expand their influence in the region.

### Bulgarian Squads (The Great Mountain War of Isonzo)

#### Bulgarians

The Bulgarian squads fought on the Eastern Front as part of the Central Powers. They aimed to gain territory and weaken enemy forces. They played a crucial role in key battles, supporting German and Austro-Hungarian troops. Their actions helped Central Powers advance against Russian and Romanian forces in the region.