Quote:
Originally Posted by Targan
That is indeed a great idea. It wasn't done by Americans first though. Similar contraptions (with periscopes) were used by Commonwealth troops during the Gallipoli campaign.
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Where they proved extremely effective both during the campaign and the withdrawal. As the shooter could not be seen by the enemy, it was relatively simple to rig up string tied to tin cans into which water, sand, etc would slowly drip. Once the can got to a particular level it would fall over, pulling the trigger and firing a shot in the general direction of the enemy, giving the impression there were still troops manning the trenches.
A few brave souls stayed until the last to reload and reset the rifles. Apparently the withdrawal was a stunning success (unlike the landing) and the Turks didn't know the Anzacs were gone for hours (maybe even the next day according to some sources).
This is what happens when you let Australians and New Zealanders use their intiative.
