Strategy and tactics of trench warfare/ construction and design of trenches
Defensive
The defense system was 5 times better than the attacking system. In WW1 trenches. First of all had barbed wire along the top of front line because when the enemies were trying to take over a trench this made it really hard work for the enemies to get through as a result the defense could kill them and hold them back easier.
Another tactic was not to build trenches in straight lines but to build trenches diagonally or in a zigzag type of pattern so if enemies tried to invade another part of the trenches there could be some other protection from the sides as they wouldn't know if there is a man waiting on the other side of the trench to kill him.
The trenches had channels gong back so when the enemies finally did get in the font part of the trench the defense had a quick escape route if there were just too many of them or they would usually go and attack them so they wouldn't invade and gain territory.
Another tactic was not to build trenches in straight lines but to build trenches diagonally or in a zigzag type of pattern so if enemies tried to invade another part of the trenches there could be some other protection from the sides as they wouldn't know if there is a man waiting on the other side of the trench to kill him.
The trenches had channels gong back so when the enemies finally did get in the font part of the trench the defense had a quick escape route if there were just too many of them or they would usually go and attack them so they wouldn't invade and gain territory.
Offense
For offensive tactics they dug trenches towards the enemies’ trenches to try and hear what was being said so the defense could get ready for an attack. Another way was that they would go and attack them but they would do this early morning or at dawn so that the enemy couldn't see them. They would go slowly and try not to make any noise. Also they would use planes to go over the enemy’s trench or they would use heavy artillery to bomb them. One this was done the soldiers would run and attack the trench. They thought that this was smart because they thought that the bombs would distract the enemy and then they would have an open lane to go and attack.
CONSTRUCTION
The trenches were hand dug into the ground. they were there for safety reasons so that you could hide in them so the enemy could not see you. the soldiers were equipped with shovels and picks to dig a large portion of the trench at once. after the trenches were dug and constructed, sandbags, barbwire, and wooden frames were being brought to reinforce the the trench. Wooden planking were also put in place to prevent men from standing and getting drenched in water.