In this Whiz-bang Nicole talks guns, big guns! The German arms manufacturer Krupp produced the 420mm M-Gerat and these monster field guns went on to play a large role in the artillery duels of the Western Front. Affectionately known as "Big Berthas" these guns were able to lob huge shells great distances, even helping to smash up the modern forts at Liege.

Whizz-Bang - 420mm Big Bertha Siege Howitzer

The story of World War One has been told from every point of view, from every angle, by countless historians, amateurs, authors, and soldiers, a thousand times over and a bit more than that. Brilliant scholars, popular podcasters, and authors ranging from Keegan to Hemingway have scoured the Great War for truth and answers. For decades they have been shining a light into every trench, wading through every muddy decision and its deadly results, collecting the millions of tales about life during the Great War. With each passing year, we move further from the events themselves. Time has marched to its eternal drum beat, inexorably erasing the collective memories of the horrors that followed that idyllic 1914 summer.  
	Our show intends to share the story of the First World War in a way that is unlike any before – from three very important perspectives: bird’s eye, ground level, and perhaps most importantly… human. Each episode will cover an offensive, battle, engagement, skirmish, or dust-up by starting at the strategic level and broadly affixing its story within a proper macrocosmic context. Nicole will cover the key players, war-wide implications, and big-picture narrative as to where each event stands in the timeline of World War One. The second component zooms into the tactical aspect. Mike will tackle a particular aspect of the fighting and deliver details on how the engagement unfolded; this includes specifics on the combatant operations, what weapons were used, and more. Then in the final part of the episode, Cullen will provide a ground-level human account of the event in question. Famous warriors, iconic moments, soldiers’ personal experiences, and the odd or exciting stories warfare generates by the thousands.  
	To forget the Great War would be to damn the countless thousands that died unknown and unaccounted. It is a great passion and pleasure for Nicole, Mike, and Cullen to “do their bit” and share the lessons and stories of the lives lived, lost, and long past. Though we aim to entertain and educate, we must always honor and never forget. 

Thank you for listening!
-Fix Bayonets Crew

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The story of World War One has been told from every point of view, from every angle, by countless historians, amateurs, authors, and soldiers, a thousand times over and a bit more than that. Brilliant scholars, popular podcasters, and authors ranging from Keegan to Hemingway have scoured the Great War for truth and answers. For decades they have been shining a light into every trench, wading through every muddy decision and its deadly results, collecting the millions of tales about life during the Great War. With each passing year, we move further from the events themselves. Time has marched to its eternal drum beat, inexorably erasing the collective memories of the horrors that followed that idyllic 1914 summer. Our show intends to share the story of the First World War in a way that is unlike any before – from three very important perspectives: bird’s eye, ground level, and perhaps most importantly… human. Each episode will cover an offensive, battle, engagement, skirmish, or dust-up by starting at the strategic level and broadly affixing its story within a proper macrocosmic context. Nicole will cover the key players, war-wide implications, and big-picture narrative as to where each event stands in the timeline of World War One. The second component zooms into the tactical aspect. Mike will tackle a particular aspect of the fighting and deliver details on how the engagement unfolded; this includes specifics on the combatant operations, what weapons were used, and more. Then in the final part of the episode, Cullen will provide a ground-level human account of the event in question. Famous warriors, iconic moments, soldiers’ personal experiences, and the odd or exciting stories warfare generates by the thousands. To forget the Great War would be to damn the countless thousands that died unknown and unaccounted. It is a great passion and pleasure for Nicole, Mike, and Cullen to “do their bit” and share the lessons and stories of the lives lived, lost, and long past. Though we aim to entertain and educate, we must always honor and never forget. Thank you for listening! -Fix Bayonets Crew

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Whizz-Bang - 420mm Big Bertha Siege Howitzer

Whizz-Bang - 420mm Big Bertha Siege Howitzer