During World War I, it is estimated that around 1 million soldiers died from artillery-related causes. Artillery was the most significant contributor to battlefield fatalities and injuries during the war, accounting for about 60% of all soldier deaths.
The scale of artillery used in WWI was unprecedented, with thousands of shells fired daily across various fronts. The devastating impact of heavy artillery, including howitzers and field guns, was felt in both open combat and trench warfare. Soldiers faced not only direct hits but also the effects of shrapnel and concussive blasts that could severely injure or kill those in proximity to an explosion.
This high casualty rate from artillery illustrates the deadly effectiveness of this type of warfare and its central role in the strategies employed by both the Allies and the Central Powers throughout the conflict. The immense firepower contributed to the war’s overall brutality and the tragic loss of life on an unprecedented scale.