Items From the Front.

[Subdeacon Joe]

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The daily routine of front line service varied from the mundane to the dramatic. A typical day would begin with 'stand to arms' at dawn, with all men manning the front line trench. Weapons would be cleaned, a tot of rum and breakfast consumed. Day sentries would be posted, with other men allowed to sleep until lunchtime. Meals would often consist of tinned food, sometimes served cold. In the afternoon trenches would be repaired before 'stand to' again at dusk. Activity intensified at night. Men would leave the trenches to repair parapets and barbed wire, to go on patrol across no man’s land and sometimes to raid German positions. Sentries would be on guard throughout.

This routine varied and was punctuated by danger. In active sectors both sides would engage in aggressive raiding and the fire of artillery, machine guns and snipers would be more prevalent. By contrast, some sectors were quiet and relatively passive, with a 'live and let live' mentality. A soldier’s experience depended on this variety. It also depended on the theatre in which a soldier served, with differences in the weather, terrain and nature of combat all affecting day-to-day experience.

A unit would spend a few days in the front line, followed by periods in reserve and rest. Away from the line men were engaged in training and labour. They would benefit from a bath and a full night’s sleep, regular hot meals and even some time to themselves. Another of a soldier’s pleasures was post from home, helping maintain a connection with loved ones. Leave was usually granted once a year.