Introduction

Montage of images showing a page from Trench Standing Orders, a German dugout, diagrams of trench design and a British trench.

Think of the First World War and it is more than likely that an image of soldiers in a trench will spring to mind. In many ways, the First World War has become synonymous with trench warfare. But why is this the case? Why did the concept become so prevalent? We’re going to find out more about trench warfare by looking the theory behind it, the reality of fighting in trenches and by focusing on a case study – the attack made by 18 DLI on Gavrelle Trench in 1917. You can work through the investigation in order or use the navigation tools at the top or left-hand side of the page to go to the section you are interested in.