Why was trench warfare so horrifying?

Why was trench warfare so horrifying?

4. This type of warfare was difficult and dangerous, both because of the fighting and the adverse conditions in trenches. 5. The area between the trenches was dubbed ‘no man’s land’ and was strewn with mines, craters, mud, unexploded ordinance, barbed wire and countless bodies.

Why are trenches not straight?

Trenches were not built in straight lines. This was so that if the enemy managed to get into the front line trench they would not have a straight firing line along the trench. Trenches were therefore built with alternating straight and angled lines. The traverse was the name given to the angled parts of the trench.

What were the disadvantages of trenches?

DISADVANTAGES: Since trenches were made out of dirt, it was very hard to keep clean and when it rained, it would be crazy muddy, and the boots the soldiers wore were very low quality, and water would easily seep into their shoes causing their feet to be constantly wet. Which would lead to trench foot.

What did a trench smell like?

They could smell cordite, the lingering odour of poison gas, rotting sandbags, stagnant mud, cigarette smoke, and cooking food. Although overwhelmed at first, new arrivals soon got used to it and eventually became part of the smell with their own body odour.

Why were WWI trenches built in zigzag patterns?

The WWI trenches were built as a system, in a zigzag pattern with many different levels along the lines. These were meant to protect the soldiers’ feet from the water in the trenches to try and prevent Trench Foot. The trenches were dug by soldiers and there were three ways to dig them.

Why were WW1 trenches built?

Why were ww1 trenches built? The WWI trenches were built as a system, in a zigzag pattern with many different levels along the lines. These were meant to protect the soldiers’ feet from the water in the trenches to try and prevent Trench Foot. The trenches were dug by soldiers and there were three ways to dig them.

How many trenches are there in a trench system?

A typical trench system included a line of three or four trenches: the front line (also called the outpost or the fire line), the support trench, and the reserve trench, all built parallel to one another and anywhere from 100 to 400 yards apart.

What is trench warfare and how does it work?

During trench warfare, opposing armies conduct battle, at a relatively close range, from a series of ditches dug into the ground. Trench warfare becomes necessary when two armies face a stalemate, with neither side able to advance and overtake the other.