Description of Cross Section
Fighting from a network of dug or constructed fortifications at or below ground level. It arose, as a protracted method of warfare after the machine-gun had become the main battlefield weapon, its longer range making free movement of troops impossible. Because massed artillery fire by land forces denied both sides the ability to maneuver, trenches were dug along battlefield fronts in World War I, and created a stalemate that lasted for the duration of the war. Firing trenches were backed up by cover trenches, which provided a second line of defense in case enemy troops overran the firing trench. “Resting” off-duty troops lived in dugouts in the support trenches. Supplies, and fresh troops were transported to the front via a network of reserve and communications trenches. Between the trenches of opposing forces lay an area known as no-man’s-land.
Trenches were cut along battlefield fronts in World War I to protect troops from deadly artillery and machine-gun fire. Firing trenches were backed by cover trenches, which provided a second line of defence in case enemies overran the firing trench. Each was about 1.8 to 2.5 m (6 to 8 ft) deep. Off-duty troops lived in dugouts in the support trenches. Supplies, food, and fresh troops moved to the front through a network of reserve and communications trenches. Between the trenches of opposing forces lay no-man’s-land. Crossing no-man’s-land often resulted in death, because it was strewn with barbed wire and open to the sights of enemy guns.
Weapons used
On October 1914 the German army began firing shrapnel shells in which the seal balls had been treated with a chemical irritant. The Germans used chlorine gas cylinders in April 1915 when it was employed against the French army at Ypres. Chlorine gas destroyed the respiratory organs of its victims and led to a slow death by asphyxiation.
Tanks and Machine Guns were the new kind of Weapon/Vehicle in World War 1, the first Tanks that were used in WW1 were useful to break through the deadlock but they could not hold on to the land that they had gained. The Tanks were effective but Sir Dougles Haig sent in 49 Tanks. He could have waited for more but he thought it was more important to surprise the Germans and went ahead anyway. The Tanks division captured 2km of German held territory but could not hold on! The Machine Gun was very effective, it could fire 600 bullets a minute you didn’t have to aim at the line of soldiers in front of you like soldiers did with rifles. If the soldiers positioned properly it could wipe out an entire elite.
Tactics
They would set up the machine post in, a efficient place because these guns could wipe out a antler line of troops. This meant that the enemy would have to think of a different way of advancing through no-mans land. So many men died at the Somme because the generals made so many mistakes like they kept making us charge, or the generals should had know that if you fire shells before you charge they make big holes to fall in. these are soldiers points of views.
Conditions in the Trenches
The solders got 5p a day for staying in the trenches. The conditions in the trenches were very poor soldiers got foot rot for stading in a wet muddy ground for a long period of time.
