Moriaty Posted 17 December , 2006 Share Posted 17 December , 2006 I have just bought a postcard of the Loos Trenches, Blackpool, the caption says "Telephone dugouts, these are situated in the front line trenches and are connected up with Battalion Headquarters, wires have to be tested and repaired everyday, often under shell fire". It looks as if they were "manned" by war wounded. What were these trenches? Were they for tourism, information, fundraising or recruiting? When were they dug and how long did they last? Does anyone know about them? Did other towns have anything similar? Moriaty Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PhilB Posted 17 December , 2006 Share Posted 17 December , 2006 This has come up before and should be searchable. Phil B Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Moriaty Posted 17 December , 2006 Author Share Posted 17 December , 2006 I did try and do a search, but without success..... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tom Morgan Posted 17 December , 2006 Share Posted 17 December , 2006 If I remember correctly, a forum member said that these trenches were on the South Shore. Tom Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
auchonvillerssomme Posted 17 December , 2006 Share Posted 17 December , 2006 this is one link http://1914-1918.invisionzone.com/forums/i...lackpool+trench Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mick D Posted 17 December , 2006 Share Posted 17 December , 2006 could you post a copy of the postcard or pm me a scan of it ? I have heard of the trenches before but was unaware that a post card was made ! Mick D Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Moriaty Posted 17 December , 2006 Author Share Posted 17 December , 2006 I think a series of at least 4 postcards were made by "Mr Brown, The Popular Brown Photographer, Savoy Studios, 9 Central Beach (opposite North Pier) and 2 West Street, Blackpool". Mike D, if you can PM me with a postal address, I can send you a photocopy of the postcard, I dont think I can cope with scanning it! Moriaty Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Roxy Posted 17 December , 2006 Share Posted 17 December , 2006 I've always wondered about the trenches - I've never seen any evidence when I've flown over Blackpool. Roxy Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
myos Posted 17 December , 2006 Share Posted 17 December , 2006 Loos trenches at Blackpool http://www.rossallbeach.co.uk/loostrenchesww1p.htm Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Moriaty Posted 17 December , 2006 Author Share Posted 17 December , 2006 Myos, thanks very much for the link with the pictures of Blackpool's Loos trenches - very interesting. Thanks Moriaty Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
n cherry Posted 18 December , 2006 Share Posted 18 December , 2006 I live not too far from Blackpool and they were I believe dug as a fund raising exercise on the 'racecourse' which is now part of Blackpool International Airport.... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Martin Brown Posted 18 December , 2006 Share Posted 18 December , 2006 In answer to the question about other towns having sets I believe there was a set in Hyde Park, London, that were dug, like the Balckpool trenches, as a display piece. Other towns had more straightforward practice trenches! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
libster Posted 18 December , 2006 Share Posted 18 December , 2006 I live not too far from Blackpool and they were I believe dug as a fund raising exercise on the 'racecourse' which is now part of Blackpool International Airport.... The site of the trenches is now occupied by a small park bounded by the M55 extension towards Blackpool centre (formerly a railway line) to the east and Watson Rd to the south. Nothing is visible on the ground. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Spud Trevor Posted 18 December , 2006 Share Posted 18 December , 2006 Hello, I asked a question about the Blackpool trenches because of the medal shown below. Helpful members explained that the trenches were to show holidaymakers what the real trenches in France were like. The medal initials stand for King's Lancashire Military Convalescent Hospital, and it was believed that convalescing troops explained trench life to the visitors. The medal was given in thanks to one of these men. Hopefully of interest, Spud Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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