Topic 13 (Trenches) - British sector of the westen front Flashcards
Define the term ‘trench warfare’
When two opposing forces take up defensive positions facing each other, protecting themselves by producing a ditch in which they can avoid enemy fire
What was the difference between trenches in 1914 and trenches in 1916?
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
identify and describe three different types of trenches in a typical trench system
- Front line trench: most dangerous type of trench to be in as enemy would easily assault
- Support trench: Would contain concrete bunkers housing machine guns as this trench would strike back in case of attack
- Reserve trench: Where men were kept safe from harm before they had to go to the front line
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
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
Describe two features of the tunnel, cave and quarry system at Arras
- 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
- 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
Why were the germans first to set up the trench system?
The germans were in retreat after the Battle of the Marne and needed time to regroup, which is why they built trenches
Name one advantage that setting up trenches first gave the Germans over the British Trench system and why was this important
The German system was on higher grounds than the British System, which meant it was less likely to become waterlogged
Identify three problems with terrain on the front line, and how were they a problem for those performing medicine on the front line
- Ground was muddy, uneven and waterlogged: hard to transport casualties safely back from front lines
- Communications being disrupted by enemy fire breaking lines: Hard to inform medical services of where to find casualties on the front line
- Muddy terrain on the battlefront: Wounds could easily get infected as bacteria could grow in mud