Landships II

Hi Sam,

post removed, PDA slipped it 3mins earlier.

Hello Sam

There are several books with good drawings of British trenches. I would especially recommend the "MANUAL OF FIELD WORKS (ALL ARMS) 1921". It contains many informations about the field fortifications, tools and materials, tactis etc.

There was some kind of "ideal" trench. But pictures in many publications show that there were many different kinds of trenches.

The "American Expeditionary Forces' Engineer Field Notes No. 28" (a very informative manual, too) states under "Fundamental Dimensions":

"(a) Height of firing crest above firing step 4'6''

(b) Height of parapet 1'6''

(c) Height of parados 2'

(d) Depth of Type A trenches 5'

(e) Depth of Type B same as A plus 1 foot for A-frames 6'

(f) Bottom width of all trenches (except broad C.T). 2'

(g) Width of all berms (including firestep) 1'6''

(h) Unrevetted slopes (in excavation) are approximately 3 on 1

(i) Profile of excavation for Type A fire trench is the same as that required for Type A communication trench, except for the additional excavation necessary to provide a 1'6'' firestep.

(j) Profile of excavation for Type B fire trench si the same as that for Type B communication trench.

(k) Profile around traverse is the same as the profile in the fire bay.

(l) Ruling dimensions (top width x depth): Fire Trench Type A, 6'6'' x 5', Fire Trench Type B 8' x 6', Communication Trench Type A 5' x 5', Communication Trench Type B 8' x 6' ."

The Royal Engineers workshops produced a variety of trench building items which could be ordered. For example the mentioned "A-Frames" for the bottom third of a trench, trench boards ("duck boards) etc.

Hope this helps a little.

Regards

Thomas