The trench keeps your men out of sight from the enemy. It also confines them in wet, cold, and cramped conditions.
Two dangers require your vigilance:
Disease
Trench Foot
Disease
Disease can increase due to missions and nightly events. Even a man in sound health may be laid low without warning. Rats, lice, and poor hygiene all contribute. Personal cleanliness and trench hygiene are therefore of the utmost importance.
If left unchecked, disease will spread and weaken your platoon. It may well do the enemy’s work for them.
Trench Foot
Trenches collect water, and constant movement through mud keeps soldiers’ feet wet. Over time, this leads to Trench Foot.
Rain makes it worse. Keeping duckboards intact and the trench in good repair helps reduce exposure when the ground is saturated. If wet conditions persist, however, prevention becomes difficult.
Ignore it too long and the damage is done. A gangrenous foot is no small matter.
Bottom Line
Platoon health requires constant attention. Neglect it, and the strength of your command will suffer.
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