In the European War the aim in constructing fire trenches seems to be to minimize and localize artillery effect as far as possible. The main excavation along the front is a continuous, very deep, communication, not in itself prepared for active defense. The actual firing is done from banquettes or firing steps just to the front of the passage or from trenches dug as far as 5 or 10 feet in front of the main excavation and reached by short passages. [Figs 15] and [16] show the type of this construction. [Fig. 17] shows a fire trench with parades and shelter.
Fig. 15
Two Methods for Communication Trenches in rear of Firing Trenches
Communication Trenches in rear of Firing Trenches