letter from the trenches assignment

Spartacus Educational

Letters from the trenches.

Twelve and a half million letters were sent to the Western Front every week. In 1914 the Postal Section of the Royal Engineers had a staff of 250 men. By 1918 the Army Postal Service employed 4,000 soldiers. Letters only took two or three days to arrive from Britain. Even soldiers in the front line trenches received daily deliveries of letters.

Soldiers were also encouraged to write letters to friends and family in Britain. Most men decided it would be better to conceal the horrors of the trench warfare. As a result of the Defence of the Realm Act that was passed in 1914, all letters that the men wrote should have been read and censored by junior officers.

Some officers could not bring themselves to read their men's letters and these arrived in Britain unaltered. For example, Lieutenant John Reith later admitted in his autobiography, Wearing Spurs (1966): "I did my best to take an interest in the members of my platoon personally. In manual exercises and in extended order drill in a field I could take none; and they knew it. I was supposed to censor their letters home, but I informed them that they were on their honour not to say things they should not say, and I handed over the censor's stamp to the sergeant."

Primary Sources

(1) private h. f. leppard of east grinstead wrote a letter to his mother on 19th december, 1914. the letter was not censored..

The soldiers at the front need more rest. While in the trenches the water is over our knees most of the time. The war is going to last some time yet, and might be another twelve months before it is over. The war has only just begun and its going to be a war of exhaustion. After the regular armies have done their work it means that all the young lads at home being trained and disciplined and will take our place in the field. The sooner people understand this, the better, it will be for the nation.

(2) Private Stanley Terry of 15 North End, East Grinstead, wrote a letter to his family in November, 1915. The letter was not censored.

We have just come out of the trenches after being in for six days and up to our waists in water. While we were in the trenches one of the Germans came over to our trench for a cigarette and then back again, and he was not fired at. We and the Germans started walking about in the open between the two trenches, repairing them, and there was no firing at all. I think they are all getting fed up with it.

(3) Private James Mitchell of 7 Church Lane, East Grinstead, wrote a letter to his father on 17th October, 1914.

We started away just after dawn from our camp and I think it was about an hour later that we encountered the enemy. They were on the opposite side of the valley and as we came over the brow of the hill they opened on us with rifle fire and shrapnel from about 900 yards. We lost three officers and about 100 men killed and wounded in that half hour. I do not want any more days like that one. (this section censored) Anyway we drove the Germans back and held them there for eight days. I cannot tell you all I should like to, as it would never reach you.

(4) Rudolf Binding , letter (April, 1915)

I have not written to you for a long time, but I have thought of you all the more as a silent creditor. But when one owes letters one suffers from them, so to speak, at the same time. It is, indeed, not so simple a matter to write from the war, really from the war; and what you read as Field Post letters in the papers usually have their origin in the lack of understanding that does not allow a man to get hold of the war, to breathe it in although he is living in the midst of it. The further I penetrate its true inwardness the more I see the hopelessness of making it comprehensive for those who only understand life in the terms of peacetime, and apply these same ideas to war in spite of themselves. They only think that they understand it. It is as if fishes living in water would have a clear conception of what living in the air is like. When one is hauled out on to dry land and dies in the air, then he will know something about it. So it is with the war. Feeling deeply about it, one becomes less able to talk about it every day. Not because one understands it less each day, but because one grasps it better. But it is a silent teacher, and he who learns becomes silent too.

(5) In the 1930s Guy Chapman wrote an account of his experiences during the First World War .

I have an old platoon roll before me; three pages of names, numbers, trades, next-of-kin, religions, rifle numbers, and so forth. Faces come back out of the past to answer to these barren details, the face of this man dead, of that vanished for ever. Here and there rise memories of their habits, their nicknames, the look of one as he spoke to you, the attitude of another shivering in the night air, as he leaned over the parapet, watching with tired bloodshot eyes. Some of the faces have disappeared. did I know you? I censored your letters, casually, hurriedly avoiding your personal messages, your poignant hopes.

(6) Charles Hudson , letter to his sister (undated, 1915)

We are now 150yd from Fritz and the moon is bright, so we bend and walk quietly onto the road running diagonally across the front into the Bosche line. There is a stream the far side of this - boards have been put across it at intervals but must have fallen in - about 20yd down we can cross. We stop and listen - swish - and down we plop (for a flare lights everything up) it goes out with a hiss and over the board we trundle on hands and knees. Still. Apparently no one has seen so we proceed to crawl through a line of "French" wire. Now for 100yd dead flat weed-land with here and there a shell hole or old webbing equipment lying in little heaps! These we avoid. This means a slow, slow crawl head down, propelling ourselves by toes and forearm, body and legs flat on the ground, like it snake. A working party of Huns are in their lair. We can just see dark shadows and hear the Sergeant, who is sitting down. He's got a bad cold! We must wait a bit, the moon's getting low but it's too bright now 5 a.m. They will stop soon and if we go on we may meet a covering party lying low. 5.10. 5.15. 5.25. 5.30. And the moon's gone. "Cot the bombs, Sergeant?" "'No. Sir, I forgot them!" "Huns" and the last crawl starts. The Bosch is moving and we crawl quickly on to the wire - past two huge shell holes to the first row. A potent row of standards are the first with a nut at the top and strand upon strand of barbed wire. The nut holds the two iron pieces at the top and the ends are driven into the ground 3ft apart. Evidently this line is made behind the parapet and brought out, the legs of the standard falling together. All the joins where the strands cross are neatly done with a separate piece of plain wire. Out comes the wire cutter. I hold the strands to prevent them jumping apart when cut and Stafford cuts. Twenty-five strands are cut and the standard pulled out. Two or three tins are cut off as we go. (These tins are hung on to give warning and one must beware of them.) Next a space 4ft then low wire entanglements as we cut on through to a line of iron spikes and thick, heavy barbed wire. The standard has three furls to hold the wire up and strive as we can, it won't come out. "By love, it's a corkscrew, twist it round" and then, wonder of wonders, up it goes and out it comes! It is getting light, a long streak has already appeared and so we just make a line of "knife rests" (wire on wooden X-X) against the German parapet and proceed to return. I take the corkscrew and Stafford the iron double standard. My corkscrew keeps on catching and Stafford has to extract me twice from the wire, his standard is smooth and only 3ft so he travels lighter. He leads back down a bit of ditch. Suddenly a sentry fires 2 shots which spit on the ground a few yards in front. We lie absolutely flat, scarcely daring to breathe - has he seen? Then we go on with our trophies, the ditch gets a little deeper, giving cover! My heart is beating nineteen to the dozen - will it mean a machine gun, Stafford is gaining and leads by 10yd. "My God," I think, "it is a listening post ahead and this the ditch to it. I must stop him." I whisper, "Stafford, Stafford" and feel I am shouting. He stops, thinking I have got it. "Do you think it's a listening post?" There! By the mound - listen." "Perhaps we had better cut across to the left Sir." "Are you all right Sir," from Stafford. I laugh, "Forgot that damned wire." (Our own wire outside our listening post). The LP occupants have gone in. Soon we are behind the friendly parapet and it is day. We are ourselves again, but there's a subtle cord between us, stronger than barbed wire, that will take a lot of cutting. Twenty to seven, 2 hrs 10 minutes of life - war at its best. But shelling, no, that's death at its worst. And I can't go again, it's a vice. Immediately after I swear I'll never do it again, the next night I find myself aching after "No Man's Land".

(7) John Reith , Wearing Spurs (1966)

I did my best to take an interest in the members of my platoon personally. In manual exercises and in extended order drill in a field I could take none; and they knew it. I was supposed to censor their letters home, but I informed them that they were on their honour not to say things they should not say, and I handed over the censor's stamp to the sergeant. I was thankful when our three days in billets were over and we were back in trenches again. I was still dreaming about Sailaway and Transport, still bewildered almost every time I woke, but there was at least a chance of something happening in the trenches and one was clear of CO and Adjutant.

(8) Harold Chapin , a self-censored letter to Calypso Chapin (23rd May 1915)

I have been up to my eyes in work (at the main dressing station in " ----- ") since Sunday morning when the British and French attack began (or rather when its fruits in wounded began to reach us. The actual attack began on Saturday night). Nominally I have been on night duty in the operating tent, but naturally with wounded and wounded and wounded flowing in neither night nor day duty means anything. I had had eight hours sleep in three days, when heavy fighting out here developed and the message came down for more bearers, so out I came with a dozen others by horse ambulance (time two a.m.) and going on on foot just as day was breaking, found a Regimental M.O. in a room in a gutted house with some half dozen wounded and two or three dead on the floor about him. His own regimental stretcher bearers were carrying and carrying the long mile down to a spot where an ambulance could meet them, in comparative safety. I gave a hand with my party of six and between us we carried down two: you have no idea of the physical fatigue entailed in carrying a twelve stone blessé a thousand odd yards across muddy fields. Oh this cruel mud! Back in " ----- " we hate it (the poor fellows come in absolutely clayed up), but out here, it is infernal.

Carmarthen Pals

British Postcards of the War

Home Lessons IBDP History IB History Paper 2 Topics Causes and Effects of 20th Century Wars First World War (1919-1918) World War One Letter From the Trenches

World War One Letter From the Trenches

This modern history lesson idea ‘World War One Letter From the Trenches’ is a great opportunity for students to immerse themselves in the lives of soldiers during World War One. Writing letters home from the trenches was an integral part of communication for those fighting on the front lines, often providing solace amidst hardship. Through this activity, students will gain insight into life in the trenches and develop an understanding of what it was like to endure such a challenging and emotional experience.

Students can hone their skills of using correct historical terminology to accurately depict events and feelings they are likely to encounter when writing a letter home from the frontline. This can be a meaningful exercise that promotes empathy while generating a sense of appreciation for all that brave men and women endured during this tumultuous time.

They will also gain an even greater understanding of why writing letters home provided much needed solace for soldiers who had been through so much and had to leave behind loved ones – even if the letters never arrived due to censorship measures. By reflecting on some of these wartime stories, feelings of sympathy and admiration can be cultivated within your classroom as your students discover our shared human history.

The Cunning History Teacher lesson plan offers guidance on how to effectively approach this topic with your class, developing their understanding by prompting them think more deeply about life in the trenches. It encourages creative thinking while teaching appropriate language when talking about war, enabling them to have powerful conversations around difficult topics which could later help shape their wider views on current conflicts still being fought today.

Ultimately, this activity is an invaluable addition to any modern history curriculum as it allows students explore topics with sensitivity while focusing on one of history’s most iconic wars: World War One!

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CHC2D-Letter from the Trenches Assignment

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CHC2D-Letter from the Trenches Assignment-Students assume the role of a Canadian soldier fighting in the trenches of World War 1 and write a letter back home. Rubric, terminology and instructions included. The assignment can be edited in Microsoft Word.

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Letters from the trenches

Subject: English

Age range: 11-14

Resource type: Worksheet/Activity

Last updated

13 December 2012

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• Memories from the trenches

During the First World War , letter writing was the main form of communication between soldiers and their families, with around two billion letters delivered by the British Army Postal Service in wartime. In fact, in 1917 alone, more than 19,000 mailbags were sent across the Channel every day, containing letters and parcels destined for British troops fighting on the Western Front . Soldiers dedicated much of their rest time to letter writing and the letters - from both sides - are arguably the only accurate source of information about what life was really like in the trenches. There were censorship guidelines in place that prevented full disclosure of sensitive information, but the soldiers regularly found ways to deliver the information they wanted to impart.

Receiving letters from home was also very important for morale, helping soldiers feel connected to their loved ones while they endured the horrors of trench warfare . These letters also provide a fascinating insight into what life was like during wartime for those who were waiting for their family members to return. Thankfully, many of the letters written by soldiers and their families are still in tact today, with the majority of them held in museum archives. Below are extracts of a few letters written from within the trenches, as well as some snippets from letters written by those who had managed to leave.

“Whilst asleep during the night, we were frequently awakened by rats running over us. When this happened too often for my liking, I would lie on my back and wait for a rat to linger on my legs; then violently heave my legs upwards, throwing the rat into the air. Occasionally, I would hear a grunt when the rat landed on a fellow victim.” R L Venables “To get a ‘cushy’ one is all the old hands think about. A bloke in the Camerons wanted a ‘cushy’ bad! Fed up and far from home he was. He puts his finger over the top and gets his trigger finger taken off and two more besides. “I’m off to bonny Scotland!” he says laughing. But on the way down to the dressing station, he forgets to stoop low where an old sniper is working. He gets it through the head.” Robert Graves "We must looked out for our bread. The rats have become much more numerous lately because the trenches are no longer in good condition. The rats here are particularly repulsive, they are so fat - the kind we call corpse-rats. They have shocking, evil, naked faces, and it is nauseating to see their long, nude tails." Erich Maria Remarque “We slept in our clothes and cut our hair short so that it would tuck inside our caps. Dressing simply meant putting on our boots. There were times when we had to scrape the lice off with the blunt edge of a knife and our underclothes stuck to us. “ Elizabeth de T’Serclaes - a nurse on the front line “If you have never had trench foot described to you, I will explain. Your feet swell to two to three times their normal size and go completely dead. You can stick a bayonet into them and not feel a thing. If you are lucky enough not to lose your feet and the swelling starts to go down, it is then that the most indescribable agony begins. I have heard men cry and scream with pain and many have had to have their feet and legs amputated. I was one of the lucky ones, but one more day in that trench and it may have been too late.” Harry Roberts

MLA Citation/Reference

"Memories from the trenches". HistoryLearning.com. 2024. Web.

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• WW1 Trench Assignment: A Clear and Personal Letter from the Front Lines

Discover the raw and unfiltered emotions of soldiers in World War I with this easy-to-read letter from the trenches assignment. Gain a unique insight into the daily struggles and triumphs of those on the front lines, as they express their hopes, fears, and experiences in their own words. This powerful assignment offers a glimpse into the humanity and resilience of those who lived through one of the most tumultuous periods in history. Dive into this compelling piece of history and let the voices of the past speak to you directly.

What are some examples of letters from the trenches in World War 1?

During World War 1, soldiers wrote letters to their loved ones from the trenches, describing the harsh conditions they faced. One soldier wrote, "Dear Mother, the trenches are filthy, brutal, cold and uncomfortable. Well, at least I'm alive, although the trenches are boring me to death. Everybody is so lifeless and gloomy." This heartfelt letter captures the grim reality of life in the trenches, where soldiers endured unimaginable hardships.

Another soldier wrote, "My dearest wife, the trenches are a living hell. The constant fear of enemy attacks, the stench of death, and the never-ending mud are taking a toll on my spirit. I miss you and our children more than words can express. I pray for the day when this war will be over, and I can hold you in my arms again." This emotional letter reflects the deep longing and despair experienced by soldiers as they fought in the trenches.

In yet another letter, a soldier wrote, "Dear Father, the trenches are a place of unrelenting misery. The cold seeps into my bones, and the constant shelling leaves me on edge. But I find solace in the camaraderie of my fellow soldiers, who keep me going through the darkest of times. I hope and pray for a swift end to this war, so I can return home to you and Mother." These letters from the trenches provide a poignant glimpse into the experiences of soldiers during World War 1, showcasing their resilience and unwavering hope amidst unimaginable suffering.

What was read by soldiers in the trenches?

Soldiers in the trenches were not just reading sensational fiction, but also delving into poetry, handicrafts, and even railway timetables, as noted by Theodore Wesley Koch in his 1917 book. The demand for Hundred Best Poems anthologies and books on various subjects suggests that soldiers sought a diverse range of reading material to occupy their time and minds during wartime.

What was written in letters by soldiers during WW1?

During World War 1, soldiers wrote letters detailing their experiences in the trenches, discussing injuries sustained in battle, and recounting their active service in various regions such as the Dardanelles and India. These letters provided a personal and raw insight into the realities of war, giving loved ones a glimpse into the day-to-day struggles faced by soldiers on the front lines. Additionally, some soldiers wrote about the advancements in technology, the movement of troops, and the harsh conditions at the railheads in France, providing a comprehensive view of the war effort.

Soldiers also used their letters to convey the challenges they faced during training before being deployed overseas. The letters served as a means to share the physical and mental preparation required for combat, giving recipients a better understanding of the rigorous process soldiers underwent before entering the battlefield. Furthermore, the correspondence touched on the logistical aspects of war, such as the movement of troops and the conditions at railheads in France, shedding light on the infrastructure and support systems essential for military operations during WW1.

In their letters, soldiers painted a vivid picture of their wartime experiences, giving insight into the harsh realities of combat and the emotional toll it took on them. These letters provided a personal connection to the war, giving readers a deeper understanding of the sacrifices made by soldiers and the challenges they faced on a daily basis. From the trenches to the training grounds, the letters conveyed the multifaceted nature of war and the diverse experiences of those who served during WW1.

A Soldier's Perspective: Life in the Trenches

Life in the trenches was grueling, yet it forged an unbreakable bond among soldiers. The constant threat of enemy attacks, the harsh living conditions, and the ever-present fear took a toll on one's physical and mental well-being. Despite the adversities, camaraderie and loyalty flourished in the trenches, as soldiers relied on each other for survival. The daily struggle for survival and the shared experiences created a profound sense of brotherhood that transcended the horrors of war.

From the soldier's perspective, life in the trenches was a relentless battle against the elements and the enemy. The never-ending cycle of trench warfare brought about a sense of hopelessness and despair, yet it also instilled a deep sense of resilience and determination. Soldiers endured long hours of monotony, interspersed with moments of intense combat. The relentless bombardment and the constant threat of gas attacks created a constant state of alertness and vigilance. Despite the hardships, the soldiers found solace in the bonds they formed with their comrades, as they stood together in the face of unimaginable danger.

The Harsh Realities of War: A Firsthand Account

As a soldier on the front lines, I witnessed the brutal and unforgiving nature of war firsthand. The deafening sounds of gunfire, the sight of comrades falling, and the constant fear of death were the harsh realities that defined my experience. The emotional and physical toll of war is something that cannot be fully comprehended unless experienced firsthand, and it is a reality that stays with me long after the battle has ended.

Surviving the Front Lines: A Letter Home from WW1

Dear family,

I write to you from the front lines of the Great War, a place of unimaginable horror and suffering. The constant bombardment, the stench of death, and the ever-present fear are a heavy burden to bear. Yet, amidst the chaos and destruction, I find solace in the camaraderie of my fellow soldiers and the hope for a better future.

Every day is a struggle for survival, as we face the relentless onslaught of enemy forces. The trenches provide little respite, and the harsh conditions take a toll on both body and mind. But I am determined to endure, to fight for our freedom and for a world where such atrocities will never be repeated. I cling to the memories of home and the love of my family, knowing that they are my anchor in this sea of turmoil.

Although I am thousands of miles away, your love and support sustain me in the darkest of times. I long for the day when I can return to you, to embrace you once more and to share the stories of our triumphs and hardships. Until then, know that I am fighting with every ounce of strength within me, and that your unwavering faith in me gives me the courage to carry on. Together, we will survive this war, and build a better future for generations to come.

With all my love,

[Your Name]

In conclusion, the letters from the trenches of WWI offer a poignant and personal insight into the harsh realities of war. The soldiers' accounts are not only a valuable historical resource, but also a reminder of the human cost of conflict. Through their vivid descriptions and heartfelt sentiments, these letters convey the courage, resilience, and sacrifice of those who endured the unimaginable hardships of the battlefield. It is important to continue to preserve and share these invaluable firsthand accounts to ensure that the experiences of those who fought in the trenches are never forgotten.

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Lesson Tutor: A Letter from the WW1 Trenches: a history and language arts assignment

A Letter From a World War I Trench By Melanie Marshall

• Read about soldiers in the trenches in World War I.
• Research the meanings of terms such as no-man’s land, airplanes, and gas masks.
• Determine in your own mind who fought whom.
• Where did battles take place? Where were the German troops? Where were the U.S. troops?

Now write a letter home from the perspective of the soldier in the trenches.

Alternate assignment: Keep a journal of five days in the trenches during an ongoing attack.

An example of this assignment follows, courtesy of William Marshall, 6th grade student.

Dear Mom and Dad,

The day before yesterday, we advanced to a nearby town, which we garrisoned in. We woke up with our eyes burning and the taste of mustard in our mouths.  A call came in that we had just been gassed and to put on our gas masks. They told us that the enemy was advancing and that we would have to protect the town. So we set up everything we had. Unfortunately, we only had about fifteen 10mm rifles with 500 rounds each, one mortar with 100 rounds, forty grenades, and a scope! But only twenty people.

When the enemy finally came, they were huge! We used all the grenades and mortars we had, but they just kept coming! We finally had to retreat, seeing that we were highly outnumbered, outgunned, and we had lost fifteen men. As fast as we could, we ran to our outpost to warn the others. But when we got there, it was deserted! So we ran back to headquarters. But while we were going there, a German plane flew over us and dropped a barrel in front of us. When it hit the ground, all this gas came from it. Unfortunately, some didn’t have a gas mask, for it had been destroyed. Those people died.

Our number was now two and it was ever growing smaller as the Germans were taking us out one by one. We finally reached headquarters at dawn, seeing that we didn’t sleep. They were all surprised that any of us had survived. They took us to the hospital where we have to stay for a while.

Signed, William

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