Trenches varied in size, but they were usually about 2-4 feet deep and 6-8 feet wide. They were often dug in a zig-zag pattern to minimize the chance of enemy fire hitting multiple people in the same trench if an artillery shell were to hit. The trenches also had protective embankments made of dirt or sandbags, which provided additional cover.
Trenches often became waterlogged and muddy, making them very uncomfortable for soldiers. The soldiers had to deal with harsh conditions, including cold, rain, and constant danger from enemy fire. To improve their living conditions, soldiers would sometimes construct rudimentary shelters within the trenches, using materials like wood and corrugated metal.
In some cases, trenches could become part of an extensive system of fortifications that included dugouts, bunkers, barbed wire, and minefields. These systems of trenches were designed to create defensive positions that could be difficult for enemy forces to penetrate, and they often stretched for miles across the battlefield.
Overall, the trenches of World War 2 were a vital part of the conflict and played a significant role in the strategies and tactics used by both sides. They offered protection and shelter to soldiers amidst the chaos and danger of the battlefield, but life within the trenches was often difficult, uncomfortable, and fraught with risk.