Why did WW1 soldiers Where capes ?

Answer 1

Weather protector!

Answer 2

The cape or poncho was part of the standard kit issue, as said above to be used as a waterproof groundsheet and for wearing on duty to keep the rain off.

There was another use, and this gave rise to their later name of Gas Cape. Mustard gas was used during WW1, the gas would settle on a soldiers uniform and would cause severe burns even after the attack if soaked into a uniform. During gas attacks a soldier would don his gasmask and then squat pulling the gas cape around him like a tent so it could be removed quickley after the attack and washed or removed and the soldier was ready for the enemy infantry that often followed the attack.

Found a good picture of the kit in the link below, pic of the cape is at the bottom of the page.

Do an image search for "mustard gas burns" to see pictures of the effects on unprotected soldiers *WARNING* if you do be warded some pictures may be distressing, mustard gas burns aren't pretty.

Answer 3

They wore capes mainly to protect then from rain and the elements. Uniforms at that time were more of a hindrance than practical. Nowadays we still wear capes of sorts but only when its pouring with rain. It can be used to protect your weapon, or your kit or used as a ground sheet while sleeping.

Answer 4

I thinks this translates as 'Why did WW1 soldiers wear capes'.

The capes were waterproof gabardine cloth. Their uniforms were not waterproof and made of wool. The easiest and cheapest way to make the soldiers waterproof was to issue capes. Making waterproof uniforms would have been far more expensive in time, materials and labour costs.

Answer 5

A cape covers the soldier and his weapon unlike a rain coat when and they are dual purpose as they could be used as a groundsheet as well as weather protection.

Answer 6

there were two types of cape worn in the first and second wars, both materials were gabardine and different lengths, to protect the wearer from the elements while allowing immediate access to his weapons. they were also for use as stated as ground sheets and IPE (individual protective equipment) it was only nearer the end of the second war they managed to arrange the molecular structures in the materials in order that it would assist in the prevention of gas inhalation, they were also used to break up the shape of the body as a form of camouflage

Answer 7

in that day and age, capes were part of the uniform, designed to protect the head, shoulders and equiptment on the back from inclement weather such as snow and ice. included in the back pack was the shelter half (tent) used for night time sleeping quarters, and inside that was your supply of dry blankets and clean clothing, if you were lucky enough to have them. needless to say that sleeping in cold in wet gear is not really appealing. allowences were made for some types of conveniences for the troops, even if they were intended to be lost in battle. there is some graphic display way back to before the romans and greeks of this happening

Answer 8

two different types of capes were worn. Rain capes (to protect from rain) and gas-capes (to protect from blister gases)

Answer 9

These 'capes' were actually waterproof Ground Sheets. They were worn over their shoulders when it rained, and they were placed on the ground when they bedded down.

Answer 10

To stop themselves from getting wet. They were only worn if it was raining or looked like it might do. It was also used as a groundsheet.

Answer 11

Where capes? Where? Did you finish third grade spelling and grammar?