British glass consumption during World war one in the Ypres Salient (Belgium): an archaeological contribution

Abstract

ABSTRACT Glass finds are a common feature of archaeological excavations in the context of World War One (WWI). In spite of this, only little attention is paid to this material category. The main aim of this article is therefore to explore the type of information that can be gained from the study of glass and to emphasise the importance and added value of well-developed research into material finds at WWI sites. The study itself is based on a traditional material culture study of the British Army’s use of glass in the Ypres Salient, Belgium, during WWI. As a foundation for the study, 5 different archaeological glass finds were examined and statistically analysed. Combined with data from commercial archaeological research, this provided insights into the glass containers used and their contents, the spatial distribution of these objects and the chronological trends in their use.