What if? The US entered WWI on the side of the Central Powers

**Doktor** · 01 Feb 12,, 13:04

Something I ran onto today wrt to T-model debate

Six squadrons of Rolls-Royces with 12 cars in each were formed in WWI. One going to France, another to Africa, and 2 others to Gallipoli.

Lawrence of Arabia used one of those squadrons against Turkish forces. They were such a good force that he developed a great respect for them. Years later when asked what he valued most, he answered that his own Rolls-Royce with tires and gas to last a lifetime would be it. He considered the cars to be "more valuable than rubies" in helping him win the battle.

In 1915 the squadron of Rolls-Royces were disbanded and the material given to the Army to make Light Armored Motor Batteries. The cars didn’t handle well in the mud at all.

**zraver** · 02 Feb 12,, 15:14

Originally Posted by Doktor

Besides for gas masks and tyres, what other usage it had in WWI?

No rubber means only leather seals and o-rings, no rubber tires- steel or wooden only, no gas masks, less ability to waterproof certain things...

Rubber is a/was a major war time resource

**Gun Grape** · 03 Feb 12,, 00:55

Originally Posted by zraver

No rubber means o no gas masks,

Except for the British box mask, Gas mask in WW1 were either made of leather,canvas or fabric impregnated with neutralizing chemicals.

The British mask uses a light rubber coated canvas and a rubber hose to the canister.