EVERYTHING YOU WANTED TO KNOW ABOUT LIFE IN THE TRENCHES

Peter Hart answers questions about the experiences of the men who served in some of the harshest conditions of World War I

- Peter Hart

Q: What exactly is a trench?

A: Trenches are defensive structures that have been used in conflicts right up to the present day, but they are perhaps most commonly associated with combat during World War I.

In its simplest form, the classic British trench used during the 1914-18 war was about six feet deep and three and half feet wide. It had a fire step, which was about 18 x 18 inches, where soldiers could stand and shoot at the enemy. In front of the trench there was a parapet, which was about three feet tall and six feet deep, to protect soldiers from bullets. Behind the trench, there was a similar structure called a parados. Trenches could also have an A-frame, with wood and chicken wire riveting to prevent collapse. However, it's important to note that trenches varied in design and structure depending on the location and circumstances. Some were just ditches, while others were concreted. But their main purpose was to provide a safe place for soldiers to defend themselves against the enemy.

Q: How far did they stretch?

A: The trenches stretched from the North Sea all the way down to Switzerland, covering a distance of about 475 miles. However, this was just the front line; there were also communication trenches, support lines, and lines that stretched back from the front line. So, that's an approximate distance of 1,500 miles.

But that's not all. There were many other trenches - sometimes multiple systems of trenches - stretching many thousands of miles. It's quite a remarkable feat when you think about it, but also important to remember that it was the soldiers who had to dig them, which was a very difficult task.

Q: How was trench warfare on the Eastern Front different to that on the Western Front?