Soldiers Hygiene in the Trenches

 


Life in the trenches during a soldier's regular two weeks almost always left soldiers with little or no options for bathing. As we can see in this image, a number of Canadian soldiers availed themselves of a water-filled shell hole during a lull in the action to shave and to wash their faces and feet. Keeping one's feet clean and dry was an essential task to avoid contracting "trench foot," or rotting feet, caused by standing too long in water-logged boots and socks.

While the exact unit and date remain unidentified, the scene aligns with known conditions in reserve or support areas near major battle zones such as the Somme, Vimy Ridge, or Passchendaele. (The grassy terrain and lack of trench infrastructure suggest this was taken in a rear area, possibly during a lull in operations or between offensives.)


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