For Germany is not the only foe that the Belgian Army has to fight. It must struggle ceaselessly with the weather and the treacherous water which oozes from the inhospitable soil and gnaws at the foundations of defences whereon shells and bombs fall day in, day out. It lives in a country which has a disagreeable climate; where rain persists for two-thirds of the year; where dense and quickly-forming fogs spread an icy murk in the winter; where fierce storms rise suddenly and at times blow with extraordinary violence.
A General Review of the Works Constructed.
Before we proceed to a short account of the main defensive works, special attention should be drawn to certain constructive features common to them all.
We must remember that it is impossible to excavate even to a slight depth, except in some parts of the more southerly front, where the ground rises on a gentle slope. Drive a spade in but a few inches, and you strike water. The result is that defence-works of all kinds have had to be built with imported material.
A SANDBAG COMMUNICATION TRENCH
With Arches and Duckboards.
A COMMUNICATION TRENCH, SOUTHERN PART OF FRONT
Revetted with Sandbags and Hurdles.