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The Western Front- The trenches (Battles on the Western Front (First…
The Western Front- The trenches
Britain declared war on Germany on 4 August 1914 and sent troops to northern France to stop the German advance through Belgium. By the end of the year, fighting was restricted to a line of trenches that stretched through Flanders and northern France, from the English Channel to Switzerland. This was known as the Western Front.
Battles on the Western Front
First Battle of Ypres, October- November 1914
The British managed to hold on to Ypres, which was vital in maintaning access and control of the English Channel ports, but the Germans gained ground.
Battle on Hill 60, April 1915
The British tunnelled into and under the hill and exploded five mines from the tunnels, which enabled them to take the hill.
Second Battle of Ypres, April- May 1915
The Germans made very slight gains towards Ypres. The battle was notable as being the first time chlorine gas was used. It was first used by the Germans.
Third Battle of Ypres, July- November 1917
The British used a creeping barrage to make small gains to break out of the Ypres Salient. The awful weather left the ground waterlogged and many drowned.
The Somme, July- November 1916
Notable for the extremely high casualties on both sides, the battles on both sides of the river of the Somme saw two new strategies by the British- the creeping barrage and the first use of tanks- but these had little impact.
Arras, April-May 1917
In 1916, the British linked and expanded the underground tunnels and the movement of troops. The tunnels were used to launch the battle, which was initially successful but ended with little progress and high numbers of casualties on both sides.
Cambrai, November- December 1917
This battle was notable for the first large-scale use of tanks, which were successful but were not backed up so the British were forced back
The trench system
Trenches
All three rows of trenches were linked by communication trenches.
Artillery emplacements
Dugouts were holes in the side of the trench for troops to take cover.
The support trench was where the troops would retreat from the frontline.
The frontilne trench where attacks were launched.
Trenches formed a zig-zag pattern
Trench construction
The first trenches were hurriedly dug by troops. They often used existing ditches or banks to make it easier. The trenches were constantly maintained, for example, with drains and steps added.
Terrain and transport
Terrain varied in different places and according to weather conditions. It could be very difficult to get around where there was deep mud and waterlogging, and craters and holes from explosions. The trenches themselves could be muddy and very crowded.