Conditions In The Trenches

Question 1

Trenches

Answer 1

2 metres deep with wooden supports of either side
A dug out where soldiers could rest
The area between enemy trenches was no man’s land

Question 2

Flooding

Answer 2

Trenches often flooded, creating muddy and waterlogged conditions.
When soldiers crossed no man’s land, they faced enemy fire and muddy ground covered with barbed wire and shell holes

Question 3

Lice

Answer 3

Clothing became infected by lice due to lack of washing facilities.
As conditions were cramped, lice spread quickly.

Question 4

Disease

Answer 4

Lice could also spread ‘trench fever’.
Dead bodies and food also attracted rats, who bit soldiers and spread disease

Question 5

Trench foot

Answer 5

Soldiers wouldn’t remove their boots and therefore would gain blisters. Feeling in nerves would vanish and sometimes would need to be amputated.

Question 6

Shell shock

Answer 6

A mental health condition caused by people being traumatised by the constant explosions around them.

Question 7

Positives

Answer 7

Comradery, leisure time, letters and parcels