2021.003.004 [Poem]

This is the first half of a poem titled, "It Happened Oddly." This poem appeared in the 1918 Davenport High yearbook and describes events as seen through the eyes of a soldier experiencing an artillery bombardment during the First World War. The author describes the fear, panic, and dread caused by such an event. World War One saw the first widespread use of industrial siege technology, which changed the face of warfare during the 20th century. Large guns, unprecedented in their destructive power for the time, were used most extensively in trench warfare as a means to "soften" enemy trenches for attack by infantry waves. Heavier caliber guns that had to be transported via mechanized tractor teams were used by German forces to destroy Belgian fortresses early in the war. This content can be used with the following resources: SS 4.25: Technological Change This poem can be used as a reference piece when discussing the evolution of warfare technology and the First World War. It can provide a unique insight into the experiences of soldiers who fought in the war and provide quality context for studies regarding the early 20th century. For any use other than instructional resources, please check with the organization that owns this item for any copyright restrictions.