An odd subject indeed but one I've wondered about for a while. In a front line trench, what arrangements were made to cater for the men's bodily functions? Obviously the High Command would be keen to prevent the spread of disease but how would the problem of waste disposal be dealt with in combat conditions? Were defaulters given the unenviable task of digging pits? Somebody had to do it so can anyone shed any light on this subject?

Des

Latrine bays were usually dug either off a communications trench, but reasonably close to the front line trench or as part of the supervision trench that ran just behind the front line trench. There were official standards for latrines (depth, numbers, seat design, covers etc). I posted details of such a design in another thread recently. Yes they were emptied regularly and this was often a task allotted to defaulters (what they did with the contents is not recorded)
In active sectors snipers often sought to catch men who were caught short and exposing themselves whist relieving themselves in less protected spots (Kipling wrote an epitaph to a man killed in this way). Working out where the enemy latrines where located was an issue in active sectors and being spotted going to one could invite a round from a trench mortar (one reason for locating them off a comms trench a litle firther back than the supervision trench). In quieter sectors the latrines were often actually indicated with a pole and some form of flag and an unofficial agreement made that these were off limits for snipers and TM fire.

Diagram of a trench latrine here on the Liverpool Scottish Regimental Museum Website
http://www.liverpoolscottish.org.uk/trenchlatrines1.htm

I understand that the task was not one for defaulters but the trained 'sanitary squad'. I would guess that the proper administration of the latrines was far too much of an important issue to be left to the ill-disciplined unwilling of the company defaulters.

Here's Centurions previous post.
I hope to be able to provide a photo in the coming weeks!

Klicken-sie hier, bitte.

For those inordinately interested in these things, there is an interesting booklet entitled "Sanitary Exhibit" attached to the August, 1916 War Diary of the 3rd Canadian Sanitary Section. It includes descriptions of various improvised conveniences for latrines and other sanitary situations.

And this link might be of interest too "MO"

http://1914-1918.invisionzone.com/forums/i...atrines+toilets

Ah well, the old WW1 latrine joke then.

Jock 1 is sitting on the poles straining away when Jock 2 rushes in, up kilt and settles on the poles. Plop, plop, plop - Jock 1 says " Oh ye lucky............. " "Luck be damned " says Jock 2 "That was ma knife, fork and spoon "

I'll get my coat.....

Aye
Malcolm

in the words of the seller "a fascinating artefact"

260195569747 (item no on a famous auction site)

Dave

Good evening all.
What did these lads use to clean themselves after using the latrine?. Paper and water must have been in short supply.
Merry Christmas All.
Andy

The latest catalogue from Armchair Auctions (a one-man auctioneer of military books etc) lists A Second Book of Broadsheets, a bound volume published in 1929 of the original pocket literature first produced by The Times in April 1915 for men in the trenches. "They proved very popular with the troops (and no doubt very useful too)," notes the catalogue entry.


Moonraker

Thanks Centurion,

I think you may well have answered a question there,
one which only took shape when I read your post!

My GGF was one of two KIA for his unit on the same day.

He got hit by a trench mortar, while the other person, a 2nd Lt took a round from a sniper.

I wonder if they both served as examples to others?

Crikey, what a thought

Did officers get seperate toilets?



Kind regards

Click here for another thread on the subject.

I can remember reading a story about in the heat of battle when troops were moving forward from their trenches how the tin helmets had a second use.

makes sense.

Tony