Trench Warfare was a tactic used by opposing forces from permanent trenches dug into the ground. Each trench was usually close together and gave the soldiers protection. Trench warfare was used when superior firepower of the defense caused opposing forces to 'dig in' and stop advancing forward. Every trench system could begin as a collection of foxholes.
A temporary strategy evolved into one of the main features on the Western Front during WW1 (World War 1). Early trenches were like foxholes and ditches dug into the ground for protection although as the stalemate continued, a more elaborate system was needed. The new design for the more elaborate trenches included; 10 feet high parapets (front walls) and parados (rear walls) lined with sandbags, as well as 2-3 feet of sandbags then stacked above ground level. A ledge or fire-step was also built into the lowest part of the trench as firing area for soldiers. Some trenches also had underground dugouts for soldier's quarters with beds, supplies, furniture and stoves.
In the early weeks of World War 1, Germany and France were rapidly gaining territory. By forces in September, 1914, the German's were pushed back by forces. To avoid losing ground, the German's and Allies 'dug in'. Due to heavy machine guns and other artillery, neither army (German or French) could advance using standard head-on attacks. This was the beginning of many years in the trenches with no major ground gained.
Used on the Western Front, trenches were built in zig-zag patterns. The front line trenches were between 50-300 yards from the German front line. Each trench system included a front line trench, support trench and a reserve trench, which were parallel to each other and between 100-400 yards apart.
Strategies and Tactics
Trench Warfare strategies included snipers, mustard gas and tunneling. Mustard gas was first used by the German army in September, 1914. It was one of the most poisonous chemicals used in WW1 because it took 12 hours to take effect and was almost odourless. Mustard gas resulted in blisters, blind eyes and loss of breath. Snipers were also used as they could hide in trenches or no-man's land until knowing all the enemies loopholes. The sniper could then pick off enemy troops from his position in the trench or often as a tree for camouflage. Special miners were also trained to dig tunnels underneath enemy trenches and place explosives and destroy section. Enemy soldiers would drive a stick into the ground and hold it in their teeth to feel for underground vibrations from the diggers. The tunnels were a painful process though as some could take as long as 2 years to dig and place a mine.
Trench Conditions
Trenches were horrible and unfortunately caused diseases and vermin to thrive. Heavy rainfall flooded them (trenches) causing thick mud and trench walls to collapse. Many men became trapped in the mud and often drowned due to the hard travel conditions. Deafening noises and disgusting sights and smells accompanied the soldiers in their trench systems. Diseases such as Cholera, Typhus and Dysentery were common due to poor sewage, waste disposal problems, stagnant water, spoiled food and unburied bodies.
Trench Routine
As the Sun came up, a stand-to was commenced during which men climbed on the fire-step with their rifles and bayonet ready for a dawn attack. The highest ranking officer then inspected the soldier's equipment. This routine was also used in the evening while in the trenches. Breakfast was served after the stand-to and during which, both sides adopted a 'truce'. In the black of the night, soldiers would carry out raids and surveillance operations as they couldn't easily be spotted by the enemy. If there were any quiet daylight hours, soldiers would nap, read, or write letters to their family and loved ones.
Ineffectiveness of Trench Warfare
Trench Warfare was majorly ineffective due to its deadlock result. Thousands of soldiers died from the inability to escape explosions and enemy attacks while in the trenches. There was no significant gain of land and any advancement out of your trench resulted in instantaneous death from the enemy snipers. Due to these problems, trench warfare was extremely ineffective when used in World War 1.
The replacement of Trench Warfare came in new technology and strategies. Instead of only using soldiers, tanks and planes could break through enemy lines and destroy the trench systems. This new method of warfare was called Lightning Warfare. It involved mobility and precise attacks to avoid the deadlock of trench warfare.
Strategists in WW1
There were many famous strategists in World War 1 such as Marshall Ferdinand Foch (France), General John Monash (Australian) and General Sir Douglas Haig (Britain). John Monash, one of the most important strategists in WW1, was born on the 27th June, 1865. He quickly rose to command over the Australian Corps after beginning as a civil engineer. John Monash was a genius strategists due to his ability to sacrifice machinery for infantry in the battlefield, thus saving machinery as well. He began on the concept of Lightning Warfare, by using tanks and infantry as one precise unit to support each other. He was truly one of the finest military strategist and is ranked alongside Napoleon, Erwin Rommel and Tomoyuki Yamashita.