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8
trench notes
l i f e i n t rench war f are
In the trench warfare on the Western Front, an infantry
brigade’s defensive responsibilities depended upon where they
were at the time. On 21 March 1918, the first day of the German
Spring Offensive, the 173rd Brigade was responsible for 5,000
yards (4,600 m) of the front line. In 1918, the British Army
was responsible for 126 miles (203 km) of the Western Front.
The forty-two brigades, fourteen divisions, of the First Army
had to defend 33 miles (53 km). The thirty-six brigades, twelve
divisions, of the Second Army had 23 miles (37 km). The forty-
two brigades, fourteen divisions, of the Third Army had 28 miles
(45 km). The thirty-six brigades, twelve divisions, of the Fifth
Army possibly had the hardest task with 42 miles (68 km) of
front to defend.
Average distance marched per day – 15-20 miles, sometimes for
six out of seven days.
“Ma r c h i n g t h e y w e r e h a r d l y awa k e ;H a l t e d
,
, wh e t h e r
s i t t i n g o f s t a n d i n g
,
, t h e y w e r e i n s t a n t l y a s l e e p
.
.