What were the steps taken to capture the enemy trench?

A raid would begin with an intense artillery bombardment designed to drive off or kill the front-trench garrison and cut the barbed wire. Then the bombardment would shift to form a “box barrage”, or cordon, around a section of the front line to prevent a counter-attack intercepting the raid.

How did they attack the trenches in WW1?

At least initially in World War I, forces mounted attacks from the trenches, with bayonets fixed to their rifles, by climbing over the top edge into what was known as “no man’s land,” the area between opposing forces, usually in a single, straight line and under a barrage of gunfire.

How were trenches attacked?

The widespread use of machine guns and rapid-firing artillery pieces on the Western Front meant that any exposed soldier was vulnerable. Protection from enemy fire could only be achieved by digging into the earth. Assaults were carried out across “No Man’s Land” between the opposing trenches.

Why was it difficult to capture an enemy trench?

This area is not protected from the weapons of either side, and is dangerous to walk through. It is difficult to force the enemy to retreat, because it is too dangerous to move forward over no-man’s land towards the enemy.

How did soldiers approach enemy lines?

Trench raids aimed at forcing temporary entry into the enemy’s line in order to kill defenders, destroy fortifications and weapons, gain intelligence by the capture of maps and documents, and return with prisoners.

How did war in the trenches affect soldiers?

During World War I, trench warfare was a defensive military tactic used extensively by both sides, allowing soldiers some protection from enemy fire but also hindering troops from readily advancing and thus prolonging the war. Other diseases caused by the poor conditions were trench mouth and trench foot*.

What was it like in the trenches for kids?

The trenches were long and narrow ditches dug into the ground where soldiers lived. It was very muddy and uncomfortable. The toilets overflowed too, which made the conditions even worse. Trenches weren’t straight lines; they had a zigzag pattern with many different levels along the lines.

How did soldiers deal with trench foot?

Trench foot treatment During WWI, trench foot was first treated with bed rest. Soldiers were also treated with foot washes made from lead and opium. As their conditions improved, massages and plant-based oils (such as olive oil) were applied.

How did WW1 start the trench warfare?

At least initially in World War I, forces mounted attacks from the trenches, with bayonets fixed to their rifles, by climbing over the top edge into what was known as “no man’s land,” the area between opposing forces, usually in a single, straight line and under a barrage of gunfire.

Why did WW1 trenches have a zigzag pattern?

Because constant shelling and frequent rainfall could cause the trench walls to collapse, the walls were reinforced with sandbags, logs, and branches. Trenches were dug in a zigzag pattern so that if an enemy entered the trench, he could not fire straight down the line.

What was the bottom of the trench usually covered with?

The bottom of the trench was usually covered with wooden boards called duckboards. The duckboards were meant to keep the soldiers’ feet above the water that would collect at the bottom of the trench. The trenches weren’t dug in one long straight line, but were built as more of a system of trenches.

What was life like in the trenches of World War I?

Life in the Trenches of World War I. Trenches—long, deep ditches dug as protective defenses—are most often associated with World War I, and the results of trench warfare in that conflict were hellish indeed.