Trench Warfare in the Alps
During World War I, the French and British fought trench warfare at great heights, including as high as 3,900 meters (12,800 feet) in the Alps. The trench systems required steep terrain, and the trench profiles were adjusted to accommodate this. In some cases, trench systems were even built within glaciers. However, this method of trench warfare was not always successful. For example, in the Alps, Ortler and his men had to adapt their trench profiles to accommodate the terrain.
The Importance of Hand Grenades
The hand grenade was an essential tool during World War I. The US's entry into the war delayed the development of trench warfare tactics and materials, but grenades still served as essential tools to the soldiers. The hand grenade was a simple explosive device that can explode by accidental strike or graze. It was an effective weapon and could be deployed during battles such as the American Civil War (1861-1865) and the Russo-Japanese War (1904-1905).
Random Shelling and its Consequences
The constant shelling of trench warfare brought a lot of random death, especially to busy sectors of the battlefield. Large shell-bursts buried men in large numbers. New recruits and rookie soldiers were often warned against peering over the parapet. A sniper's bullet could also kill someone, but this type of shelling was less deadly and less lethal. Approximately 200,000 men died on the Somme battlefield.
The Role of Snipers in Trench Warfare
Snipers were a crucial element of trench warfare. They stayed in the trenches undeterred by weather conditions and were often alone. They carried periscopes and occasionally rested to regain strength before a strike. Snipers learned that even the slightest mistake could be fatal. This heightened the dangers of trench warfare, and the role of snipers in trench warfare became an important one.
German Pillboxes for Protection
Pillboxes were concrete guard posts that provided cover and protection to soldiers during trench warfare. They were built along the trench lines and on the outskirts of towns. Their thick walls and roofs protected their soldiers from artillery bombardments and allowed them to fight from inside. These concrete fortifications were also known as 'pillboxes' by British soldiers. These structures also provided shelter for entire garrisons, which is why they were considered essential during the First World War.
The French Periscope Rifle
The periscope rifle was developed in 1915 as a solution to trench warfare needs. The rifle had a telescopic sight and a fitting device that had to be lined up to be used. The trigger had to line up, too. It was a bolt-action weapon. It was a popular weapon during World War I, but was rarely effective. The French, Russian, and German armies all used this rifle.
