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Dating early operational tracer ammunition

A date check places operational tracer ammunition in the First World War, earlier than the remembered 1920s date.

Machine Guns Tracer Ammunition World War I

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Question

When did tracer ammunition begin to be used?

Short answer

British .303 machine-gun cartridges in 1915 are identified as the first operational use.

Notes

The first operational use of tracer ammunition is dated to British .303 machine-gun cartridges in 1915. A check of the date places it in the First World War, earlier than the initially remembered 1920s.