28. The importance of the wrist watch to the First World War, aka World War One, with Dr Eric Hollister

On this episode, Mark welcomes back Dr Eric Hollister to the podcast and they discuss the importance of the wrist watch during the First World War. Eric had previously been on the podcast on Ep 12 While you were Sleeping, Pearls of wisdom from the U.S. Army Command and General Staff College. They discuss the reasoning for keeping time, the development of the pocket and pendant watches onto the wrist, particularly during the Anglo-Boer War (1899-1902), the marketing of the watch and how that began to be utilised by the military during the First World War. The discussion includes elements that support other episodes, such as Ep 4 The British Army's Lessons from the Anglo-Boer War with Dr Spencer Jones, Ep 11 The First World War: Operation Michael and The German Spring Offensive (1918) with Professor Matthias Strohn and Ep 7 A re-evaluation of Field Marshal Sir Douglas Haig with Professor Gary Sheffield. They also discuss the numbers of watches within the military units and the potential implications of who would use them, alongside what happens when those individuals can no longer synchronise operations. Another unique perspective to study the First World War from.

From the macro to the micro topics of history, The History Syndicate Podcast is the forum for all with a common interest in all things history.

The views expressed are those of the author and guest. They do not necessarily represent any views of any other organisation or institution.

Hosted by Mark Martin.

With Dr Eric Hollister.

Edited and produced by Mark Martin.

Music: Throughout History available via Podcastle.

Audio: Mixed using Podcastle.

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