Mr. Oddly Fox

Trench Firing Training

These lantern slides were used by the British Army in their infantry training, they would be projected in a lecture hall to demonstrate the positions a soldier would take in certain situations others include how to use the cover of trees and walls.

This series shows a section of sergeants and men demonstrating how to fire from a simple straight trench. Each slide shows a position for using cover, loading, firing and reloading. These guidelines were laid out in the British Army’s Musketry Regulations of 1909, which were later reprinted with minor changes and additions in 1914.  It is likely that the photographs for the slides were taken in the months before or just after the war began in 1914.

In the first image we can see how the simple trench is straight with a firing step for the men to place their foot on.  Here they can be seen resting the butt of the rifle on the step while loading a 5-round charger.  Note how they are below the lip of the trench and protected from any incoming fire.  Slide four shows just how small a profile the men offered while firing. 

While trench warfare rapidly evolved once it had begun in late 1914 these trench firing positions remained relevant and were taught throughout the war. More on British rifle and infantry training here

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