2. Ofence to Defence Trench warfare occurred because the German offensive plan, known as the “Schlieffen Plan” did not work as planned The Germans shifted to the defence and established trenches in anticipation of an allied counter attack
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4. The Ultimate Defence Trenches were only a small part of a defensive system that made the taking of any amount of land very costly in lives Barbed wire, mines, defensive artillery faced advancing troops besides rifle and machinegun fire from the enemy
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6. Parts of a Trench Fire step – where soldiers would stand to fire at an advancing enemy Duck board – Floor boards for the trench Dugout – Small caves where soldiers would sleep
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8. Life in the Trenches Lice– Lice were everywhere and spread quickly because of the close quarters in the trenches Trench Foot – Trench Foot would happen because soldiers spent their days in knee deep water, this meant their tissue would die and begin to rot, requiring amputation Rats – rats were everywhere eating leftover food and even dead bodies
9. Daily Routine Everyday at dawn soldiers were ordered to “stand to” on the firing step in anticipation of an enemy attack Daily routine involved repairing the sandbags and duckboard in the trenches On a regular basis the enemy would unleash gas attacks, artillery barrages and sniper fire
