Trench terms

What were sandbags used for?

They were used to absorb the explosion of bombing and rainwater

What was a periscope?

It was a tube consisting of mirrors or prisms, by which the user can use to look around no man’s land with from inside the trench

What was a Parapet?

A parapet was the protective wall or earth defence along the top of a trench or other place of concealment for troops

What was the Fire-step?

It was a 2 or 3 foot high ledge built into the trench, providing soldiers with a platform to observe and engage the enemy

What were duckboards?

They were used primarily to provide soldiers with a stable walking platform in trenches

What were dugouts?

Dugouts served as protective shelters for soldiers, providing a place to rest, eat, and shield themselves from enemy fire and harsh weather conditions.

What were wooden or Iron supports used for?

To help keep the trenches sturdy and prevent them from collapsing 

Where would soldiers place their rifles when looking out?

They would place them next to the periscope to observe and shoot targets without exposing themself to enemy fire