If you’ve ever seen a war movie set in the World War I era, you might think you know a thing or two about trench warfare. It’s just digging a ditch in the ground and hiding in it while bullets fly overhead, right? 

Well, not quite. The reality of trench warfare was far more complex, strategic, and surprisingly innovative for its time.

SOFREP original art

Trench warfare was integral to World War I and significantly influenced military strategies during World War II. It’s a fascinating subject because of the mechanics of digging and living in these trenches and the strategic thinking that went into their use on the battlefield.

In this piece, we’ll explore how trenches in warfare evolved, what life was like for the soldiers within them, and how their legacy has influenced wars in the present day.