The trenches were basically muddy, dirty, and very uncomfortable holes in the ground where soldiers lived for months on end. Can you imagine living in a hole with rats, lice, and machine guns blaring in your ears 24/7? It was a nightmare come true, with soldiers on both sides suffering from trench foot, shell shock, and other gross diseases.
But, despite the awfulness of the trenches, there were some pretty amazing stories of camaraderie and bravery that came out of them. Like the time when Axis and Allied soldiers had a secret Christmas party together in 1914, where they exchanged gifts and sang carols together! It just goes to show that, even in the midst of war, there's always room for a little holiday cheer.
World War 1 begins July 28, 1914 | St. Tammany Parish Library
