Trenches

Building of permanent fortifications started in spring 1915. There were two kinds of trenches. Ones with firing platforms and others connecting different fortification parts together. Trenches quarried to solid rock or hollowed out to soft ground. Trenched were reinforced using wooden balks, stone walls or concrete. Depth and width of trenches vary a lot. Later (after 1916) trenches were very deep and wide.

Firing trenches were in frontline. They consisted of 5 - 20 meters long parts which were separated from each others with sharp curves. At this era firing sector of rifleman rated about 60 degrees. In some places there are firing trenches three different altitudes in the same slope.

Firing trench, II:8 (1999)                Trench II:8 (1983)
A firing trench. Steps helped riflemen climb to the firing platform from the bottom of the trench. Object II:8 (1999). A trench without firing platform connected to background shelters to front line fighting positions, object II:7 (1999).

Trench, II:7
Trench network in Länsimäki. In the middle of the picture there is a short firing platform wherefrom it could be possible to fire along the left side trench, if enemy invaded the position. Object II:7. (1999)


Stairs, II:7
Stairs made easier to climb from the trench. Object II:7. (1999)

 

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