The Flamethrower
The flamethrower first saw use in the Great War when the German's created 2 models, the Kleinflammenwerfer and the Grossflammenwerfer. The smaller, lighter Kleinflammenwerfer was designed for portable use, carried by a single man. It could shoot a stream of burning oil for as much as 18 meters. The larger, heavier Grossflammenwerfer worked along the same lines but was not suitable for use by a single man. However, its maximum range was twice as much as the smaller model, and it could withstand flames for a period of 40 seconds.
These flamethrowers were especially useful in clearing out trenches and helping the Germans clear forward defenders during the start of an attack. The users of these flamethrowers had a rather short life expectancy due to the fact that the fuel canisters they carried on their backs would sometimes explode randomly and the operator could expect no mercy should they be taken prisoner.
These flamethrowers were especially useful in clearing out trenches and helping the Germans clear forward defenders during the start of an attack. The users of these flamethrowers had a rather short life expectancy due to the fact that the fuel canisters they carried on their backs would sometimes explode randomly and the operator could expect no mercy should they be taken prisoner.