Russian Saps

[albert]

I read about the Russian saps dug at Serre and the grievous mistake that they were not used. They seem to be described as shallow excavations. How deep were these dug so as not to be blown in during the bombardment?

[bob lembke]

I read about the Russian saps dug at Serre and the grievous mistake that they were not used. They seem to be described as shallow excavations. How deep were these dug so as not to be blown in during the bombardment?

My understanding that "Russian saps" were saps dug forward and constructed with a roof, in contrast to a tunnel. The implication is that the "roof" was thin, and certainly would not withstand a shell hit. I have wondered about these, but I have read reputable reports of them being used. I seem to recall that where I read about it it was in preparation for an attack in an up-till-then quiet sector. Hard to see how an alert defense would not notice this effort and call in artillery fire, unless the lines were very close together. One could empty your front line temporarily for a quick barrage against such an attempt. Must have taken a day or so at least to advance such a structure a significant distance.

Bob Lembke

[truthergw]

Hi Bob. That was how I understood them but I recently saw an illustration where the ' tunnel' is brought up at a sharp angle and stops just short of the surface so that the explosion opens out to the surface at the end of the tunnel rather than above. The same illo showed one breaking into a crater, same idea.

[centurion]

I think this may be a case of the name remaining the same but the thing changing over time. Illustrations of siege warfare in the 18th century show Russian saps just as Bob descrbes them but as artillery improves they become shallow tunnels as Tom describes.

[stu]

You should read Peter Bartons excellent book on the Somme, there is some really good information and illustrations on the Russian Saps.

Stuart

[manchester terrier]

If you have a look at this thread

 

You will see the info i supplied on russian saps from the field engineering manuals

hope its of interest

cheers

baz

[Old Tom]

Hello,

They were used by 18 Div on the first day of the Somme. Essentially a means of getting closer to the enemy line without being seen. They provided no protection against artillery fire.

Old Tom