Was there more than one German Switch Line?

What does it mean?

Can anyone supply a trench map for August 1916 which also shows this particular Switch Line?

Looking forward to finding out.

TIA
David

There were several switch lines created during the Battle of the Somme. This thread contains a definition:

http://1914-1918.invisionzone.com/forums/i...st&p=369074

In German, switch lines can often be identified by the word -Riegel as part of the name of the trench. These lines were vital in preventing attacks from spreading laterally.

I don't have a map available.

Robert

Also Riegelstellung.

Thanks Robert and SiegeGunner, that answers my question.

If anyone out there has a map of this switch line, I'd love to see it.

TIA
David

I wonder if it's on here?

http://1914-1918.invisionzone.com/forums/i...;hl=switch+line

I see the term "switch trench".

Very briefly, a trench to the rear or on a flank which was not connected to the main front line. The trenches at Roeux, south of Arras are an excellent example where staggered trenches and fortified redoubts were staggered back for several kilometres behind the front line.

A very well known Switch Trench was the one that went through High Wood. I don't know if that was the same as a Switch Line. It can be seen on maps in Terry Norman's THe Hell They Called High Wood. It would have been a bad memory for survivors, especially of the 47th London Division and the 50th Northumberland in 1916.

Mike

Mike, a switch line might be one trench or it might be a parallel line of two or more trenches serving the purpose.

Robert

I agree Tom. Just one point though, Roeux is directly to the east of Arras, not south.

Quite right. I must have been sitting on my compass

Thanks, Robert. I have a lot to learn about trench defensive systems.