First World War practice trenches [14 photos] in NU049034

Shared description

First World War practice trenches

Extensive First World War practice trenches survive as earthworks on the heather moorland between Rothbury and Cartington. The trenches comprise isolated and more complex systems of zigzag (of both angled and box form) trenches which represent front-line fire and support trenches with connecting communication trenches between. Shallow parapets are also visible as are a number of dugouts and saps.

The practice trenches were probably originally constructed by the 18th (Service) Battalion (1st Tyneside Pioneers) Northumberland Fusiliers in the winter of 1915-1916.

The system was surveyed and part excavated in 2007 and 2008 by the Coquetdale Community Archaeology Group. The excavations revealed the trenches to have been constructed with corrugated iron revetting, drains and fire-steps. A number of phases were identified suggesting that the trenches were reused on a number of occasions, perhaps by subsequent troops later in the war. Elements may have also been reused during the Second World War. The lack of relics or military remains suggested that the trenches were dug as exercises in construction, rather than being occupied for lengthy periods or used for practice combat.

About 0.5km to the south of the trenches are the remains of a late 19th century firing range NU0502 : View south from felled woodland near path to Cartington. The range target is marked on the 1897 and 1922 Ordnance Survey maps suggesting that it remained in use during the war.

Pastscape: Link

Archive Link

Northumbrian Gunner: Link

Archive Link

The Western Front Association: Link

Archive Link

BBC: Link

BBC Guide: Link

Northumberland National Park: Link

English Heritage Conservation Bulletin: Link

Digging the trenches - a photo by johndal: Link

by Andrew Curtis

Created: Sat, 8 Feb 2014, Updated: Fri, 26 Jun 2020

14 images use this description:

NU0403 : Flooded First World War practice trench system above Cartington by Andrew Curtis

NU0403 : First World War practice trenches above Cartington by Andrew Curtis

NU0403 : First World War practice trenches & hollow-ways above Cartington by Andrew Curtis

NU0403 : First World War practice trenches, Rothbury Common by Andrew Curtis

NU0402 : Disused rifle range above Rothbury by Andrew Curtis

NU0403 : View of First World War practice trenches from 'no man's land', Rothbury Common by Andrew Curtis

NU0403 : Dug-out & First World War practice trenches above Cartington by Andrew Curtis

NU0403 : Extensive system of First World War practice trenches, Rothbury Common by Andrew Curtis

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