Climate
Most of the struggle took place in the rain and mud. However, at times, especially September, the weather was hot enough for artillery to ricochet. The sudden change from a rainy, mud-splattered battleground to a hard-baked mud would have had a profound effect on both sides.
The sudden change of climate would have caused the Allied military commanders to develop different strategies, such as seeking shelter inside artillery holes. The artillery holes were previously filled with rainwater, preventing the strategy from working. In addition, the mud would have hardened, enabling infantry and cavalry to travel at normal speeds. The solidified mud would also allow previously unusable tanks to take part in the battle. Mud would also no longer be constantly befouling the soldiers, boosting morale and efficiency.
The loss of mud was a significant loss for the defenders. The mud had hindered the Allies, preventing them from breaching the machine gun nests and wire entanglements. However, in good weather, the Allies could make use of their tanks. Tanks are specifically built for trampling wire entanglements and their thick armor is capable of shrugging off small-arms fire, making them the perfect line-breaker. Also, the hard ground was capable of ricocheting artillery in spots, lowering the value of an artillery strike.
The sudden change of climate would have caused the Allied military commanders to develop different strategies, such as seeking shelter inside artillery holes. The artillery holes were previously filled with rainwater, preventing the strategy from working. In addition, the mud would have hardened, enabling infantry and cavalry to travel at normal speeds. The solidified mud would also allow previously unusable tanks to take part in the battle. Mud would also no longer be constantly befouling the soldiers, boosting morale and efficiency.
The loss of mud was a significant loss for the defenders. The mud had hindered the Allies, preventing them from breaching the machine gun nests and wire entanglements. However, in good weather, the Allies could make use of their tanks. Tanks are specifically built for trampling wire entanglements and their thick armor is capable of shrugging off small-arms fire, making them the perfect line-breaker. Also, the hard ground was capable of ricocheting artillery in spots, lowering the value of an artillery strike.