So how easy was it for British & Canadian soldiers to keep clean and healthy in Normandy?
Couldn't be too hard, right? /1
#WW2 #SWW #History
You're an front line infantryman in a two man covered slit trench. Maybe 100m from the enemy
From dawn to dusk you're hunched underground, making the best of things in a covered trench 6' long, 3' deep and 2 1/2' wide or so.
With your mate crammed in there with you. /2
You know you're under constant observation by enemy observers and marksmen, who scan the ground looking to punish any foolish or unlucky opportunity target.
They may not get you, but their rounds may well kill or maim your friends. /3
Night offers a modicum of respite.
In darkness fresh, hot grub is bought up in large thermos flasks from the cooks in B Echelon. It's good hearty stuff.
The problem is the closer you are to the enemy, the more likely it'll be delayed or obliterated by an errant 155mm shell. /4
You can always tuck into food from your compo crates, which is fine, or 24 hour ration pack... or the famed emergency ration in a sticky spot.
The latter is really nice.
Chocolate laced with amphetamine or high dose of caffeine.
Yum. /5