Item ST 24024 Wire Cutter - Wolseley, British Troops, World War I, 1916

Summary

Alternative Name(s): Wire Cutters, Wirecutter, Wirecutters

Wirecutter used by British troops in World War I. This example has wooden handles and a loop for attaching to a strap or belt. Wire cutters were typically stored for easy acess on a utility belt.

Barbed wire posed a significant obstacle to attacking troops: it slowed or prevented progress across the battle field and made soldiers easy targets while they were tangled or being cut free. 'Wiring parties' of engineers were tasked with cutting through barbed wire blockades, often at night, working silently to avoid detection.

Physical Description

Cast metal wire cutter with long wooden handles, with a small loop at end of one handle for attaching to a strap. Mouth comprises two prongs of metal, flared outwards.