A Different History Of Warfare

[Mountain Man]

This seems the best place to post something intended to lighten the mood somewhat and give us a fresh perspective on the seriousness of military history, so I give you:

The Backside of Military History

Military archaeology is a major field these days, with trench systems and bunkers being unearthed and studied in minute detail, but there is something else to consider: millions of troops dug in across Europe during WWI meant millions of field latrines dug, filled to capacity and covered over during that great conflict, the more so since this particular bodily function actually increases during times of stress. So I want you to picture military archaeologists of the future who unearth acres and aces of to be painstakingly analyzed to determine diet, bodily stresses, diseases and all the rest.

Can history possibly ever be seen in the same way gain?

[Karri]

One man's garbage is another man's treasure; I seem to recall that ancient garbage piles are one of the best sources of information for archaeologists.

[DARKPLACE]

When the Coppergate excavation completed one of the things that they reconstructed for the public was the outside toilet. It had a three foot high wattle fence so you could chat to your neighbours while delivering your daily donation. No roof though. I should imagine that that speeded things up in the winter.

[Mountain Man]

One man's garbage is another man's treasure; I seem to recall that ancient garbage piles are one of the best sources of information for archaeologists.

Yes, they are, which is what started me thinking, although truthfully I was thinking of the enormous amount of trash that must have been discarded by the armies all across Europe during WWI....and then my perverted sense of humor reared it's ugly head.

[Mountain Man]

When the Coppergate excavation completed one of the things that they reconstructed for the public was the outside toilet. It had a three foot high wattle fence so you could chat to your neighbours while delivering your daily donation. No roof though. I should imagine that that speeded things up in the winter.

Or when it rained? But then the Romans liked to use public toilets where they could chat, too.

[MarkV]

The BEF in WW1 developed quite a complex system for emptying trench latrines which were usually located in a spur off one of the communications trenches connecting the front line trench with the support trench. Where possible a trench trolly line was laid so that that the contents could by pushed to the rear. The job of being responsible for emptying the latrines was according to Brophy and Partridge (The Long Trail) often sought after as it kept the men so detailed away from the firing line and there was often an unofficial agreement between both sides not to shell each others latrines (Ashworth Trench Warfare 1914-18). Both the French and the Germans also had comparable sanitary systems. This was essential to avoid widespread outbreaks of disease and the medical statistics show that on the Western Front at least this was successful. Matters it seems were much less salubrious on the Eastern Front.

[Mountain Man]

The BEF in WW1 developed quite a complex system for emptying trench latrines which were usually located in a spur off one of the communications trenches connecting the front line trench with the support trench. Where possible a trench trolly line was laid so that that the contents could by pushed to the rear. The job of being responsible for emptying the latrines was according to Brophy and Partridge (The Long Trail) often sought after as it kept the men so detailed away from the firing line and there was often an unofficial agreement between both sides not to shell each others latrines (Ashworth Trench Warfare 1914-18). Both the French and the Germans also had comparable sanitary systems. This was essential to avoid widespread outbreaks of disease and the medical statistics show that on the Western Front at least this was successful. Matters it seems were much less salubrious on the Eastern Front.

And it was ultimately disposed of...where? All of the garbage, refuse and broken or discarded kit?
Trench lines, BTW, the 60cm trench railroads, rarely went to the front line of trenches because of the problems inherent on being shelled, so I suspect a bucket brigade. (60cm To No Man's Land)

[MarkV]

And it was ultimately disposed of...where? All of the garbage, refuse and broken or discarded kit?
Trench lines, BTW, the 60cm trench railroads, rarely went to the front line of trenches because of the problems inherent on being shelled, so I suspect a bucket brigade. (60cm To No Man's Land)

Learn to read - I said trench trolley line which were narrower than 60 cm trench railroads. These were definitely laid in the front line... The BEF actually had a very efficient system of disposing of all sorts of waste products from the front - recycling where possible which was the case with broken or discarded kit. Fecal matter went into cess pits and was later used as fertilizer by French and Belgian farmers. Used tins were tossed over the parapet into no mans land and acted as early warning for the approach of enemy patrols. However as the war progressed these were scavenged by said enemy patrols and at first used to make tin plate toys for sale to earn the ordinary soldier some extra dosh to support his kith and kin back home and later for a bounty paid by a blockaded country desperate for tin. As a result the practice was eventually discouraged and tins collected and sent to the rear for recycling. The BEF had specialist scavenging and salvage units usually part of the Army Service Corps.

[Mountain Man]

Learn to read - I said trench trolley line which were narrower than 60 cm trench railroads. These were definitely laid in the front line... The BEF actually had a very efficient system of disposing of all sorts of waste products from the front - recycling where possible which was the case with broken or discarded kit. Fecal matter went into cess pits and was later used as fertilizer by French and Belgian farmers. Used tins were tossed over the parapet into no mans land and acted as early warning for the approach of enemy patrols. However as the war progressed these were scavenged by said enemy patrols and at first used to make tin plate toys for sale to earn the ordinary soldier some extra dosh to support his kith and kin back home and later for a bounty paid by a blockaded country desperate for tin. As a result the practice was eventually discouraged and tins collected and sent to the rear for recycling. The BEF had specialist scavenging and salvage units usually part of the Army Service Corps.

Learn to post without insults. If you cannot do so, your post is not worth reading.

Provide the references for your statements. Frontline trenches had no room to spare for trolley lines in cramped trenches that often were flooded - there are no film clips of them in existence that I have seen - the only one I have ever seen documented was an overhead trolley system supported by crosswise beams, and it was used primarily to move ammunition and other heavy items. Even casualties were carried by hand out of the trenches and rations carried in by hand, so why would crap have a higher priority than that?There are, however, hundreds of film clips of troops moving supplies by hand and occassionally by mule to the forward trenches.

Be sure to include a factual reference for where all of the waste was disposed of, too, because that's what this post is about. Don't be a hijacker or a sidetracker.

[MarkV]

Learn to post without insults. If you cannot do so, your post is not worth reading.

Provide the references for your statements. Frontline trenches had no room to spare for trolley lines in cramped trenches that often were flooded - there are no film clips of them in existence that I have seen - the only one I have ever seen documented was an overhead trolley system supported by crosswise beams, and it was used primarily to move ammunition and other heavy items. Even casualties were carried by hand out of the trenches and rations carried in by hand, so why would crap have a higher priority than that?There are, however, hundreds of film clips of troops moving supplies by hand and occassionally by mule to the forward trenches.

Be sure to include a factual reference for where all of the waste was disposed of, too, because that's what this post is about. Don't be a hijacker or a sidetracker.

You really are a piece of work

1 See Kipling's History of the Irish Guards for a description of the operation of a man pushed trolly line to the front line trench

2. See Manual of Field Works All Arms HMSO for the official specifications for such a trolly or tram way

3.In set battles sections of light rails were pushed up to the very front, and ambulance trollies provided a swift and easy means of evacuation.
These little cars had room for two stretchers on the floor, and two upon supports above; they were easily pushed by one man where the grade was good,Official History of the Canadian Forces page 160

4. . The first trench tramway was built in May 1915, during the battle of Festubert and consisted simply of wooden rails and basic wooden trolleys. It was used by the Meerut Division to convey wounded from the regimental aid posts to the advanced dressing stations. On the way up to the front - the trolleys were loaded with fresh water and supplies. On the return journey - up to six injured men were either pushed along by field ambulance medics or if available, the trolley was pulled by a horse or mule. | Royal Engineers Museum

5. Construction. Made in lengths of 5 metres. Each section to from ¾ mile to a mile – 4 trollies for each section. Capacity. Each trolley carries two days rations for a company. Method of Employment. Trolleys run at intervals of about 100 yds – 3 men go with each trolley – war diary of the AA& QMG 8th Division

Trench trolly or tram lines were based on those used in British coal mines

[Mountain Man]

You really are a piece of work

1 See Kipling's History of the Irish Guards for a description of the operation of a man pushed trolly line to the front line trench

2. See Manual of Field Works All Arms HMSO for the official specifications for such a trolly or tram way

3.In set battles sections of light rails were pushed up to the very front, and ambulance trollies provided a swift and easy means of evacuation.
These little cars had room for two stretchers on the floor, and two upon supports above; they were easily pushed by one man where the grade was good,Official History of the Canadian Forces page 160

4. . The first trench tramway was built in May 1915, during the battle of Festubert and consisted simply of wooden rails and basic wooden trolleys. It was used by the Meerut Division to convey wounded from the regimental aid posts to the advanced dressing stations. On the way up to the front - the trolleys were loaded with fresh water and supplies. On the return journey - up to six injured men were either pushed along by field ambulance medics or if available, the trolley was pulled by a horse or mule. | Royal Engineers Museum

5. Construction. Made in lengths of 5 metres. Each section to from ¾ mile to a mile – 4 trollies for each section. Capacity. Each trolley carries two days rations for a company. Method of Employment. Trolleys run at intervals of about 100 yds – 3 men go with each trolley – war diary of the AA& QMG 8th Division

Trench trolly or tram lines were based on those used in British coal mines

Still with the insults? You really need to work on that. It turns you from an informed and interesting poster into someone like Massena, a troll.

The Regimental aid posts were not located in the first line trenches. I think the problem we are having is one of definitions. The trench systems had multiple lines, each one further to the rear. The first line, or front line, was the one in actual contact with the enemy, and the one from which assaults were launched. Anyone hit in that trench had to be carried to the rear, as is clearly seen in all of the existing film clips from the time. No trolleys in sight anywhere.

I'm very familiar with the actual trench railroads, the 60cm supply lines that serviced the trenches on both sides, which ,in fact, used prefabricated rail sections in order to allow rapid assembly and rapid repair since shelling was a constant problem. That is a separate subject.

I will look up the references you provided, as the information is of interest to me. Thanks for providing it.

[Mountain Man]

Meanwhile where was the trash disposed of? And why haven't those sites been subject to digs?