Year 6 Lesson Demo

• History
• Primary Education

Within 4 years, the areas between the trenches completely changed. It became a no man's land. Why do you think the area was called this?

Vermin such as rats and lice were a huge annoyance for the soldiers. Some spent time in between battles chasing and killing them.

Guarding the trench was an important responsibility and there were severe penalties for falling asleep! Why do you think this was the case?

Soldiers often wrote diaries about life at war as well as letters home to their families. Many have been preserved and act as valuable sources of information.

Not only did dogs keep soldiers company, they also delivered messages and even groceries between the trenches.

360° video of trenches in WW1

While checking out the video, you can look in all directions.

Give it a try!

Soldiers took it in turns to sleep during the day as the night was a good time to spy on the enemies. 

With a periscope, soldiers were able to see the enemy without risking their lives. A periscope works with 2 lenses by reflecting images from the outside down through the pipe.

Trenches were made in zigzag lines. Why do you think they were built like this?

Tangled barbed-wire was used to prevent the enemy from approaching the trench to attack.

What piece of equipment did soldiers use to help them see in the distance without getting hurt?

1. Kaleidoscope
2. Telescope
3. Radarscope
4. Periscope

What disease was caused by standing in water for too long?

1. The plague
2. Trench foot
3. Trench plague
4. Water foot

The constant bombing caused.......

1. trench shock
2. bomb shock
3. shell shock
4. war shock

Why did some soldiers stay awake at night?

1. They were scared of getting attacked.
2. They were not tired.
3. They were worried.
4. They were spying on the enemy.

What do you think this soldier is doing? Why?

What next?

You've learnt a little bit about the life of a soldier in World War 1. 

Can you now do some research into what life was like for a soldier in WW2?