Source Evaluation - Trench Warfare

For this evaluation, I have chosen a primary source, being a picture taken in a trench during the
Gallipoli Battle.

1. What does this source reveal about the experiences of the soldiers at Gallipoli?

This source gives insight towards the readiness and defence within the inside of the trenches
of the Anzacs. It shows the soldiers leaning against the wall of the trench as to defend
themselves from incoming attack. When ready to attack the soldiers would simply stand up
and shoot, whilst still blocking the enemy gunfire by leaning as close to the wall as possible.
This shows the viewer that in the war, defence was always a priority as well as never letting
your guard down from enemy attacks.

2. Which aspect of the Gallipoli experience does this relate to? (eg. fighting, food, health...)

This source relates to the fighting and defence in particular.

3. What questions remain that have been left unanswered of life aspects in Gallipoli?
 What sickness affected the soldiers during the battle in Gallipoli?
 What conditions did they experience? Where they healthy or unhealthy?
 What other kinds of trenches were there?
 Is this the only size of trench there was?

4. What conclusions about life can be drawn about life at Gallipoli from this source?

This source draws the conclusion that defence and offence was an integral part of the battle
of Gallipoli. That letting your guard down could jeopardise the entire safety of a trench.

5. How useful is this source in understanding life at Gallipoli? Why?

This source has a high degree of usefulness when it comes to understanding life in Gallipoli.
This source helps the viewer understand the amount of limited space people were allocated
in a trench like this, the death and sickness that arose from cramped spaces like this and this
source also tackles the problem of offence and defence quite well.
1. What does this source reveal about the experiences of soldiers at Gallipoli?

This source reveals the living conditions within the trenches in Gallipoli, that were small,
cramped, dirty, muddy, unsafe and unclean. Some of the troops in this image look ill. The
soldiers on both sides had experienced heavy sickness from tetanus and septic wounds and
necessitated the evacuation of thousands of men from the battlefield. ... The lack of
sanitation in the Anzac areas caused the rapid spread of dysentery, known as the “Gallipoli
Gallop”
In this picture we can see a soldier holding a rifle with a helmet on top. It is possible that he
is attempting to trick the Turks into believing that someone is peeking over the trench to see
what's happening on the field.
This means that strategy is an integral part of the defence of trenches. If a Turk would fire at
the helmet, an Australian sniper would be able to shoot him. They often worked in pairs, one
being the decoy, the other shooting from a concealed position.

2. Which aspect of the Gallipoli experience does it relate to? (eg fighting, food, health...)

This source mainly relates to health and trench warfare.

3. What questions remain (haven't been answered) about this aspect of life at Gallipoli?

 Where did they go to the toilet?

 Are there any other kinds of trenches?
 Where do they keep their guns?
 How many people were allocated to a trench?

4. What conclusions can you draw about life at Gallipoli from these sources?

The conclusion that can be drawn would be that, trenches were disgusting, unsafe and most
importantly, deadly from the sickness to the somewhat neverending fear of death the
soldiers felt throughout until the end of the war.

5. How useful is this source in understanding life at Gallipoli? Why?

This source is very useful and understands the life aspect of fear and sickness one would be
destined to experience. I find this source to be one that can be easily understandable from
any point of view. One simple glance at this source and one can interpret the fact that
soldiers experienced the furthest thing from luxury with the constant fear of death from the
sickness or enemy gunfire.