Conditions in Trenches

Question 1

Rats

Answer 1

Scottish soldiers had to make sure that their trenches were free from scraps of food, as this would attract rats that would quickly multiply

Question 2

Lice/Disease

Answer 2

Lice were a huge problem caused by filth and overcrowding. Scratching the skin could cause cuts which became infected. Disease could also spread quickly, such as trench fever.

Question 3

Shellshock

Answer 3

The stress of war (fear of death/seeing friends killed/wounded & constant shelling) could cause a mental breakdown, commonly known as shellshock

Question 4

Mud

Answer 4

The low lying land, the trenches and rain created masses of mud. Shell carters would then quickly fill up and both men and horses were known to have drowned in this.

Question 5

Trench Foot

Answer 5

Trench foot was a new ailment that usually resulted in amputation. Part of the trench was reserved for men to go two at a time, at least once a day, and rub their feet with grease.

Question 6

No Man’s Land

Answer 6

One hazardous duty was being sent to patrol over No Man’s Land. Even more dangerous was being sent to attack the enemy’s trenches.

Question 7

Flies

Answer 7

Flies swarmed everywhere and carried germs and diseases