WW1 British BEF Trench Periscope Dated 1918

WW1 British BEF Trench Periscope Dated 1918 This is an original British Expeditionary Force (BEF) trench periscope, dated 1918, from the First World War. Designed for use in the trenches, periscopes like this enabled soldiers to observe enemy positions while remaining protected from direct fire. The device features a metal body with a telescopic tube, fitted with mirrors at both ends set at 45-degree angles to allow line-of-sight vision over the top of trench parapets. This example is marked with its 1918 date of manufacture, offering precise historical context within the final year of the conflict. Typical of British military issue, the periscope has a utilitarian design intended for durability under battlefield conditions. Such equipment was standard issue for infantry units engaged in static trench warfare, providing a crucial advantage in reconnaissance and personal safety. This artifact represents a common yet essential tool of the frontline soldier during the Great War.