What was a sump used for in ww1?

What was a sump used for in ww1?

To prevent the trenches from becoming waterlogged, a narrow drainage channel known as a sump would be built at the bottom of the trench.

What were Firestep used for in ww1?

The purpose of the fire-step, which ran along the entire trench, was to enable each occupant of the trench to peer over the side of the trench through the parapet into No Man’s Land in the direction of the enemy trench line.

How was trench foot treated in ww1?

During WWI, trench foot was first treated with bed rest. Soldiers were also treated with foot washes made from lead and opium. As their conditions improved, massages and plant-based oils (such as olive oil) were applied.

Why did they use sandbags in ww1?

Sandbags were invariably used to provide troops with protection at both the front and rear of trenches (the parapet and parados) and were generally stacked some two or three feet deep.

What did soldiers eat in the trenches?

The bulk of their diet in the trenches was bully beef (caned corned beef), bread and biscuits. By the winter of 1916 flour was in such short supply that bread was being made with dried ground turnips. The main food was now a pea-soup with a few lumps of horsemeat.

Did soldiers pee in their boots?

Soldiers used urine for almost anything! They pissed on their boots to soften the leather. They pissed on their handkerchieves to make gas-masks. Urine was ideal for several applications in the trenches. It was easily accessed and in plentiful supply.

Why is it good to sleep with wet socks on?

According to folklore wisdom, wearing wet socks in bed helps draw blood down to your feet, thereby boosting your circulation and helping to clear congestion in the upper respiratory passages around your nose, head and throat.

What was morning hate?

Stand To and the Morning Hate Accompanying stand to, as the light grew, was the daily ritual often termed the ‘morning hate’. Both sides would often relieve the tension of the early hours with machine gun fire, shelling and small arms fire, directed into the mist to their front: this made doubly sure of safety at dawn.

What was the purpose of a sump in a trench?

Sumps were installed in the trenches dug for World War I and World War II. The sump has a specific purpose when placed in a trench. A long trench being dug by a backhoe.

What did the soldiers do in the trenches in WW1?

To prevent the trenches from becoming waterlogged, a narrow drainage channel known as a sump would be built at the bottom of the trench. This would then be covered with wooden trench boards known as duck boards. Soldiers who spent prolonged periods of time standing in waterlogged trenches were liable to suffer from frostbite and/or trench foot.

What was the purpose of underground bunkers in World War 1?

The underground bunkers were used to store food, weapons and artillery. They were also used as command centres and had a telephone link to report information and receive instructions. The underground bunkers also offered the men protection from fire and the elements.

What was the use of barbed wire in World War 1?

Barbed Wire. Barbed wire was used extensively in the trench warfare of world war one. It was laid, several rows deep, by both sides to protect the front line trench. Wire breaks were placed at intervals to allow men access to no man’s land.