This far more encouraging image shows a group of early war French soldiers enjoying a meal in the trenches somewhere in the Lorraine region of France. This area saw early French advances against the German Army until events further west brought a standstill to operations. In this photo, note the firing ports which have been built into the forward beam of the trench.

 

 

 

 

from the photo gallery of the War Times Journal

 

 

 

 

 

French soldiers in Alsace using a trench periscope.

Coliers’ photographic history of the European war

P.F. Colier & Son

N.Y. 1916

 

 

 

 

US 18^th Infantry, 1^st division troops in front line trench Jan 20, 1918