Post #3512107

The legend: the average lifespan of a British or Empire infantry subaltern (junior officer) on the Western Front in WW1 was 6 weeks. The reality: 75–80% of subalterns survived the war. 6 weeks was the maximum period the British calculated they could leave a subaltern on the front line during an offensive safely before rotating them out. A 20–25% mortality rate is horrific by itself; no need to exaggerate. https://kensingtons.org.uk/a-mere-six-weeks-a-comparative-study-re-examining-the-longevity-of-infantry-officers-frontline-service-during-the-great-war/ #WW1 #history