WWI Trench Warfare
What did 'BEF' stand for.
British Expeditionary Force.
Briefly describe the purpose of communication trenches.
Communication trenches enabled men to pass food and equipment which passed between the lines without being exposed to enemy fire.
What were the "Sand bags' filled with? where were they situated?
They were filled with earth(dirt). Sand bags were placed on the top of the trenches to protect the soldiers against enemy fire.
What was the support line, what purpose did it serve?
This was the second line of trenches. The support line was used as a retreat for front line soldiers during a bombardment.
What was the 'Ammunition shelf.' used for.
This was where the ammunition was kept.
Why were trenches dug in a 'zig zag' pattern
Trenches were dug in this way that if there was a blast from an exploding shell it would be confined to small section of the trench.
Explain 'War of movement.'
War of movement consisted of a pattern of 'action' and 'reaction' where both sides advanced at the same time.
Define Trench Warfare
Was a form of military conflict in which opposing sides fought one and other from trenches facing one and other.
What was Parapet?
Was a wall of wood or earth on the outer side of the trench which sheltered the defenders.
Briefly describe "No mans land".
"No Mans Land.' was the area seperating the allied and the German trenches the distance usually varied between 100-300 meters .
When and why did 'BEF' come to France's aid.
'BEF'(British Expedionary Force) Came to France's aid in 1914 when Germany was attacking Paris.
What was the Battle of Mons. What was so significant about this battle?
23/8/1914. The British(BEF) came much quicker then the Germans expected, the overwhelming number of French and British troops slowed down their advances in Belgium.
Briefly describe 'War of of attrician.'
A war of attrician was based around which side can survive the longest and which side would give in.
What was the purpose of barbed wire?
Barbed wire was used in the trenches to foil any enemy attacks.
What were dugouts used for?
Dugouts were used for a rest or for shelter during bombardment.
Who were the allies?
France, Britain and Russia.
Who took over the Schlieffen plan? How did it differ from the original plan.
General Helmuth Von Moltke. unlike in the original plan they did not keep 'The right wing strong' which led to the Germans failing to encircle Paris.
Why were German trenches generally built better then French and British trenches?
Germans saw the trenches as long term where as the French and the British only saw it as short term
What was significant about the battle at Liege?
It was of significance as it slowed down the German troops and used up resources which could have been used later on.
What was a "Fire Step." what was it used for?
The "Fire step" was step in the trenches used to slightly elevate soldiers out of the trenches for attack.
Explain the significance of the 'Battle of the Marine.'
The Battle of the Marine was fought in North Western France in 1918, during this battle Germany was defeated by the allied forces.
Who created plan 17 and what were the main aims of it.
The French. The aim of the plan was to quickly capture Alsace and lorraine and enter into germany territory
Where was the Western Front situated.
The Western Front was situated from the English channel to the Swiss Border.
what was a main reason for the emergence of the stalemate?
The failure of the Schlieffen plan was largely to blame for the emergence of the stalemate.
What was the "Front line?".
The front line was the first line of defense and attack for the trenches.
Outline the main motives of the Schlieffen plan,
The main motives of the Schlieffen plan were to keep the 'right wing strong'(keeping out the French enforcement) they were to encircle paris without any interference.
What was the purpose of having 'Duckboards' in the trenches.
The purpose of Duckboards was to give strong and dry footing for the trenches. The idea of having these 'Duckboards' was to prevent the men from getting trench foot.
How were shell holes created?
These were created by shells from artilery attacks. A lot of these were found in 'No Mans land'
Define 'Stale mate'.
a dead lock where neither side can progress.