The Missery of the
W.W. I Winter Trenches

Described by
Henri Barbusse

from Collier's Magazine, 1917

"The war has changed many things, and it may have altered conceptions of military smartness as well. For from Paris, the home of 'mode' and 'chic', comes a daily fashion hint from the front that is upsetting. It is from Henri Barbusse (1873 - 1935), author of the novel Under Fire (Le Feu, 1916) and describes the winter costumes of a squad of French Territorials:"

"Hides, bundles, blankets, pieces of cloth, knitted hoods, woolen caps, fur caps, mufflers, wound around or worn like turbans, headgear knit and double knit, coverings and roofings of tarred, oiled or waterproofed capes and cowls, black, or all colors once of the rainbow; all these cover the men obliterating their uniforms as well as covering their skins, making them look immense and cumbersome..."

More articles about W.W. I trench warfare can be read here.