Why did British army officers abandon swords in World War I?

Visibility and survival concerns led to the decision.

What were the main weapons used by British army officers in World War I?

Officers primarily used revolvers and swagger sticks.

The focus was on survival and leadership rather than weapon effectiveness.

The belt held the field service scabbard for officers.

Evidence from the Boer War suggested officers were targeted due to swords.

British army infantry officers in World War I transitioned from swords and revolvers to swagger sticks or canes due to the increased risk of being targeted in combat, emphasizing survival and leadership over traditional weaponry.
The abandonment of swords by officers was not solely about combat effectiveness but stemmed from the strategic imperative of minimizing visibility and protecting leadership roles in the face of evolving warfare tactics, highlighting the pragmatic adaptation of military practices during World War I.

Why did British army officers abandon swords in World War I?
Visibility and survival concerns led to the decision.
What were the main weapons used by British army officers in World War I?
Officers primarily used revolvers and swagger sticks.
How did the focus on weapon effectiveness impact British army officers in World War I?
The focus was on survival and leadership rather than weapon effectiveness.
What was the significance of the sam brown belt for British army officers in World War I?
The belt held the field service scabbard for officers.
How did the Boer War influence the decision to abandon swords in World War I?
Evidence from the Boer War suggested officers were targeted due to swords.

00:00

British army infantry officers abandoned the sword and revolver in World War I.
Officers wore a sam brown belt and field service scabbard at the beginning of World War I.
The focus on weapon effectiveness in comparing guns and swords is not the main debate.
The sword and revolver were symbolic and practical weapons for officers, emphasizing defense.
Officers' priority was to stay alive to lead effectively, hence the defensive nature of their weapons.
The sword was primarily a defensive weapon for blocking attacks, while the revolver was effective at close range.
In November 1914, officers were ordered to replace their swords with swagger sticks or canes.
The main reason for abandoning swords was officers being targeted due to their visibility in combat.
Evidence from the Boer War suggests officers were told to put away swords to avoid being sniped.
The decision to replace swords was not solely based on combat effectiveness but on officers' survival and leadership roles.

15:08

Swords were still used in World War One, but with the advancement of accurate rifles that could shoot from hundreds of yards away, waving a sword as an officer became a liability rather than a benefit due to the increased risk of being targeted by enemy marksmen.