Topic 13 (Trenches) - British sector of the westen front

Question 1

Define the term ‘trench warfare’

Answer 1

When two opposing forces take up defensive positions facing each other, protecting themselves by producing a ditch in which they can avoid enemy fire

Question 2

What was the difference between trenches in 1914 and trenches in 1916?

Answer 2

I914:

• hastily dug by men on the front line, using shovels
• simply trenches made of mud
• was seen as a temporary defence

1916:

• were desiged to last much longer
• sides of trenches were made of wood
• sandbags were placed at the top of each trench to provide protection against shrapnel fire

Question 3

identify and describe three different types of trenches in a typical trench system

Answer 3

1. Front line trench: most dangerous type of trench to be in as enemy would easily assault
2. Support trench: Would contain concrete bunkers housing machine guns as this trench would strike back in case of attack
3. Reserve trench: Where men were kept safe from harm before they had to go to the front line

Question 4

What new tactic to try to defeat trench warfare was trialled at Hill 60 near Ypres and give 2 reasons why it was thought that this tactic would to be successful

Answer 4

Tactic: Mines were dug at Hill 60
- It was thought to be successful in avoiding incoming artillery fire and at surprising the enemy by going underneath rather than over the top

Question 5

Describe two features of the tunnel, cave and quarry system at Arras

Answer 5

1. Tunnels were build to link up with the existing quarry and cave systems and this meant there was a well-protected 12 mile stretch for troops to move safely
2. The caves were expansive and could hold up to 700 beds so it gave soldiers a place to rest on the front lines. It also meant that hospitals could be set up safely in the cave system

Question 6

Why were the germans first to set up the trench system?

Answer 6

The germans were in retreat after the Battle of the Marne and needed time to regroup, which is why they built trenches

Question 7

Name one advantage that setting up trenches first gave the Germans over the British Trench system and why was this important

Answer 7

The German system was on higher grounds than the British System, which meant it was less likely to become waterlogged

Question 8

Identify three problems with terrain on the front line, and how were they a problem for those performing medicine on the front line

Answer 8

1. Ground was muddy, uneven and waterlogged: hard to transport casualties safely back from front lines
2. Communications being disrupted by enemy fire breaking lines: Hard to inform medical services of where to find casualties on the front line
3. Muddy terrain on the battlefront: Wounds could easily get infected as bacteria could grow in mud