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A trench is a form of fortification employed by cutting a ditch, and raising a rampart or breastwork with the earth thrown up out of the ditch and used to protect troops from the enemy's fire.
Fire trenches were so sited and arranged that the troops occupying them could fire upon the enemy.
Support trenches were farther to the rear, and provided cover for troops who were sufficiently close to the front line to be able to reinforce it during a hostile attack, sometimes being arranged so that the occupants could bring rifle fire to bear on the enemy over the front line trenches.
Communication trenches provided a road along which troops could pass between the fire and support trenches and positions further to the rear without being exposed to fire. It was usually necessary for these to pursue a zig-zag course to protect them from enfilade fire.
If sufficient time was available, trenches were dug deep enough to accommodate a man standing. The parapet was never constructed to withstand a direct hit from a high explosive shell, the effect of which was minimised by dividing the trench into sections by means of traverses, or making it serpentine or zig-zag in plan according to local conditions.
Dug-outs were provided at intervals along the trenches to provide shelter during heavy bombardments and for use as dressing stations for the wounded, kitchens, etc. In wet ground it was frequently necessary to provide revetments to prevent the trench sides giving way, or even to use trenches built with sandbags above ground.
During the Great War concrete was employed to a large extent in the construction of the more permanent trenches, and special steel plates provided with loopholes were used for the parapets.
 Research Trench
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Abbreviations
Warfare
