1. The nature of Trench warfare L.I.: To understand the conditions suffered by soldiers in the trenches. Starter- copy Creeping Barrage – The method used by the artillery to drop bombs on the enemy, providing protection for their own advancing troops. ‘Over the top’ – The phrase given to the action taken by soldiers after being ordered out of their trenches to go forward and attack their enemies.

3. The government wanted to encourage men to enlist for war. They said the war would be safe, hardly any fighting, a good lark and over by Christmas. They used advertising posters to encourage this idea! A picture of soldiers going ‘Over the Top’

4. The reality of ‘going over the top’ was very different!

5. The soldiers had very little decent food, and what food they had was often attacked by rats. These rats were the size of small rabbits and badgers because they had fed on the decomposing bodies of dead soldiers.

7. Soldiers were expected to carry all of their equipment with them at all times. They were supposed to keep it clean and in good condition – they were British after all.

8. How the uniform and equipment changed after just three weeks in the trenches…

9. Posters always showed men ready and willing to fight. They never showed the boredom of the trenches or actual fighting taking place. Why do you think the government showed no fighting?

12. No smiling and relaxed faces… No clean uniforms… Their equipment is scattered everywhere… Boredom and sleep are obvious…

20. Summary Using all of the information in the textbook and what you have learned so far, write an answer to: What was it like to fight in the trenches? Cover: Weather, living conditions, going ‘over the top’,weapons used in attacks, depression, boredom, suicide, discipline.

21. Dear …………………….. I have been living in the trenches for six months now. The living conditions are …… The food is very different to home……… The fighting and bombardments………… Every so often we have to go over the top ………… The Germans are ………… I wish I was home ………… Yours with love, Trench Letter task