Field Sanitation

[floydragsdale]

Field Sanitation.

This is a subject that us grownups never discuss. Yet, young folks of school age will ask questions about it.

When armies were on the move during aggressive campaigns and with stagnate fronts, field sanitation could prestnt an ongoing dilemma.

How did the Army contend with that situation?

A carry over from the days of the “outhouse” solved the problem. Of course, the Army didn’t have a supply of a modern day outhouses. However, every Soldier carried an entrenching tool, and to say the least, he knew how to dig a hole in the ground.

When conditions permitted, slit trenches (six ft deep, 2ft wide and usually 15ft long or longer) were dug. So, when a Soldier had to go, that’s where he went. Like a cat, he covered things up after the fact.

When an outfit moved on, the slit trench was always filled in with dirt. Mother took nature took over from there.

Floyd
424th Regiment

[connie]

slit trench latrine

Hi, Floyd,

The dimensions of the latrine slit trench raise some questions in my mind. I'm guessing that the 6' depth was because there are so many men using the trenches this kind of capacity is needed. I am picturing something to be squatted over... not something to provide shelter from enemy fire...?

The 2' width would probably be necessary just to dig a trench this deep. But it seems also to pose the possibility of accidentally falling in. Did the sides slope at the ends of the trench to allow for a way out should someone be so unfortunate?

Connie

[floydragsdale]

Hi Connie:

In a combat zone slit trenches were always dug on the reverse slope of a hill. I never knew of anyone falling in one of those trenches, nor did any such tales get put in circulation.

When the action was heavy a Soldier simply had to use Yankee ingenuity. That happened to me several times; yet, there always seemed to be a way to get relief.

Rear echelon outfits had time to make the latrine area more comfortable. I recall one that had fir lined seats. How about that?

A two foot wide trench was not difficult to straddle.

Floyd

[connie]

Thanks, Floyd,

The kids have it right. This is detail missing from most history books. Buy it is an essential part of daily living and sanitation.

Wondering about covering things over before leaving... The spot where you were when the bulge broke out, for example. I'm suspecting that when the orders came to pull out there was little time for shovel work...?

Connie

[floydragsdale]

Hello Connie:

Shovel work was done after each man used the facalities. Thus, if the Company left the area in a rush to get out there was no exposed sewage to deal with.

When G Company was pulled off the lines (ca 12/18) in the early stages of the Bulge it took several hours to alert all the troops. Several men, with their entrenching tools, could have filled the trench in minutes.

We left our battle stations in an orderly fashion. That is to say by squads; one at a time. Our squad was the last one to leave and we were caught in a barrage of rcket fire. What a scary incident that was.

One way or the other, it did't matter. Never, was there exposed sewage in an "outdoor latrine." As each man used it he covered the evidence after using it.

Floyd