The weather in 1917

Hello there!
Could anyone tell me the general pattern of the weather over the western front in 1917?

Chris

[cam]

>Could anyone tell me the general pattern of
>the weather over the western front in 1917?

If you can get your hands on the RFC Communiques for the Western Front 1917-1918 which was edited by Chaz Bowyer, the communiques often mention the weather especially when the front was grounded.


cam

Thanks cam. I saw that book last week on holiday but wasn;t sure wether or not it would be usefull, so did'nt buy it. Seems I should have.

[AOK4]

Hello there!
Could anyone tell me the general pattern of the weather over the western front in 1917?

Chris

Hello,

to give you the answer: sometimes there was sun, sometimes rain, sometimes warm, sometimes cold...

No seriously, I believe there were meteorological stations a bit everywhere on the Western Front, the Germans had them, the British had them and so did the French I guess. This was all very much needed for gas warfare and the war in the air (winds on higher levels etc.).
I guess the best thing to do is have a look at the archives (PRO). Or perhaps the several national meteorological institutes have these data on their websites? Otherwise you can ask them if they can provide you with these data (if they're willing to give). This is of course very general.
There is also some interesting information about the weather during Third Ypres in the book Passchendaele 1917 day by day by Chris McCarthy, but for other regions or months I don't have the slightest idea. There are some clues in the different regimental histories though, but to read them all would take a lot of time...

Greetings,
Jan

Hi, If you can bare with me for a short period I can give you a report on the weather April May 1917. I have today received a wad of weather reports for that period. The 'hand held computer' that wrote the reports during 1917 has made them quite clear, however understanding them is another thing.