Ghosts of the Trenches: Camouflage Tactics in World War I

14. Sunken Roads and Covered Paths

Moving troops and supplies undetected was a constant challenge on the exposed front. Soldiers made use of sunken roads—natural or excavated depressions below ground level—to stay out of sight. Where these routes were not available, paths were covered with branches, netting, or tarps to provide concealment from enemy observers and aircraft. The BBC describes how these hidden passageways became lifelines for safe movement in the war zone.