Trench system

• When were trenches dug?

  1914
• What pattern were trenches dug in and why?

  A zigzag pattern to prevent enemy soldiers from seeing or firing directly across a trench
• Frontline trench


  • Soldiers spent 15% of their time there
  • Most dangerous
  • Closest to the enemy
• Communication trench


  • Links trenches together
  • Soldiers used these trenches to move between other trenches
• Support trench


  • 80m behind the frontline trench
  • Soldiers would retreat to them during an attack
  • Soldiers spent 10% of their time there
• Reserve trench


  • Used to prepare for counter-attacks
  • 100m behind the frontline
  • Soldiers spent 30% of their time there
• No Man's Land


  The stretch of land between Allied and German trenches
• What percentage of time did soldiers spend away the trenches?

  45%