My father told me about a conversation he once had with my grandfather when he was a child. He asked his dad how soldiers in WW2 were able to dig foxhole so quick with my Grandfather's answer being, "when your getting shot at, your highly motivated to dig fast". Understatement of the century there Grandpa :)
Im gonna give your grandpa the benefit of the doubt and say that, while there may be no words that can truly describe that situation, he did phrase it be best way possible.😂😂😂
They should form a union. No slug mothers and wives should suffer the thought of their sons and husbands never returning to their side because of inadequate and limited company issued gear.
Seeing without being seen is the first lesson in building a fox hole. Never throw fresh lighter colored soil right in front of you. You have become a target from afar. Greetings from a veteran
When I was a kid (70 now) there were War Surplus Stores. All the stuff was dirt cheap ! We played army with some real gear! Had a canvas belt and canteen, I recall. I still remember the stainless steel taste of the water. Had helmets, uniform bits, hats etc. Loved going into that store. Mum would be searching for inexpensive camping gear for the family camping outings, I would be looking at all the stuff. The smell of real, oiled canvas still reminds me. We had a ww2 pup tent. Dad, brother and I dug a hole like you have there. Flat floor tho. And pitched the green canvas pup tent over it. It made a nice space you could stand up in. Dad said that’s how they used to do it in camp. The dirt piled up around it would add to the height but also be piled against the bottom of the tent so no water would come into the tent. 👍❤️🇺🇸
@@calimartormtor 👍. I need to find one around me now👈. Thanks for/ heads up. The one I remember was in Long Beach/CA and burned down at one point. Story was, live ammo was going off and firefighters were in danger. I think I remember trays of bullets just sitting out. (?) Yikes. That would have been in the 50’s. ❤️👍🇺🇸
@@unicorntv1232 aint many left in Australia now either. But TBH, in my mid 50s, Im more into civvie gear these days. Way lighter, way more expensive, but I like a good 10 15km hike a day camp and do same again over 2 to 3 nights. Im just not up to heavy packs 20kg a day. My old army pack is 4kg just to start lol. My civvie pack is half that and has a frame to keep it off my back much like an Alice pack, but lighter
And the nicest soil I have ever seen. No rock, no tree branches, no log and right in the nice open area, this soil is every grunt wet dream when it come to foxhole
we were taught to also dig separate "grenade holes" on the side of the main compartment and slanted floor. So if grenade finds it's way into your foxhole it rolls down to those pockets and you will have at least slight chance of surviving the blast.
G'day Tomas, apparently my great grandad was a victim of a likely friendly grenade rolling back from a misguided throw in WW1, killed the whole team of 3 or 4 I'm told. But what really happened is lost to time. I am glad to hear that there is some sort of strategy to at least limit the effects of a rolling fragmentation device. Cheers Duke.
Yup, a hole to kick a grenade in. We had that too, but maybe the Britts thought a that that wouldn’t work with a German potato masher grenade. Your hole is quite wide though. Lots of digging that might be better spent digging down deeper if possible, plus the whole hole could be covered with that roof. Walk around as little as possible in front of your foxhole, since it make your position harder to camouflage. Good to keep the history alive in this video!
Back during the WW2 war, each fox hole was dug out in teams of two's and fours. Your building alone and so far looking good you deserve a rest! Thanks for sharing
@@TAOutdoors The fighting position commonly known as the "Ranger Grave" could be constructed and camouflaged in 30 minutes. Dug one to confirm the Army manual estimate was correct. Your present fighting position would takes longer. I have lost count how many I have dug. They were usually done by sunrise.
I live near Toccoa Ga where the 101st trained pre-WW2. Their old training area is a wildlife management area and I like to go out there between hunting seasons. On my last trip I ran across an old old road (14' diameter trees growing between the tracks) with what is obviously old fighting positions. Long lines of mounds and depressions in lines. I was instantly humbled at the realization of the hands that made them.
As a child I was fascinated by WW2 foxholes and constructed more of them than I care to remember. I even incorporated hollow log chimneys for smoke, elaborate roofs, firing positions, camouflaged them, even camped in them. lol. You, like me dug, what my dad, a ww2 vet called 'lodges' or 'under ground huts' lol. He would laugh at me, and say in a battle scenario, by the time I dug my foxhole, I would either be dead, captured, or ordered to move forward or back. In the deserts of North Africa soldiers used their helmets and bayonets as tools, the same in New Guinea if they had lost their trenching tool. Placing logs over the foxholes gave some protection from shrapnel, weather, and falling tree tops during artillery bombardment. During the Battle of the Bulge many soldiers became casualties from wood splinters and falling tree tops. I currently use a wonderful, Chinese military, multipurpose trenching tool, as a kid I used an Australian ww2 military trenching tool.
I've built a few Army bunkers. I loved them! I made mine as best I could. Lots of over head protection and safety features. I spent a lot of time in them. Always remember aerial reconnisence! You want to keep that in mind. Always camo up around you. Blend it in with what is around you. God bless from Texas. US Army 69/71
I'm guessing troops under fire would've immediately filled sandbags and piled them to create cover as they continued to dig. I was struck how the peace in your wood contrasted the brutal artillery attacks that the 101st endured... Chilling to think of! Thank Mike, excellent thought inspiring video!
So much is owed to the “Greatest Generation”. Videos detailing the struggles, battles, and urgency of the Allies can’t be done enough… imho. And yes, Band of Brothers is an incredible series!
@StayMad Loser Nothing like lynching, beating and throwing acid in the face of decorated black veterans to say "thank you, now go sit in the back of the bus."
@@toddwilliams6301 This has nothing to do with living My life in hate. As a white person I have always been in awe of the Greatest Generation. What has always broken my heart was the viscous treatment when decorated black veterans came home. That's history, not hate. It's something every single American must learn so we stop repeating it over & over again. My uncle fought in WWII as a teenager, my entire family has served this country for 300 years, you think I hate it?? I love it, I just honest about it. Have a good one.
Not really sure if I would agree on "the greatest generation". It was clearly a generation that caused a lot of pain and suffering, which was caused by all sides, not only by the "bad ones" as you american like to think. Also it was a generation that caused a lot of tension due to a really, really narrow mindset. But for sure it was a very hard working generation, and one that was willing to give for their beliefs.
Just a tip from an Recce platoon soldier when sand bagging. 3/4 fill the bag, then when laying it down fold the empty quarter under and have the seam facing in so it is covered. Great effort . Love this channel
Outstanding! I’m a big WWII and now into WWI fan. The History and the Brave men & women who fought to save the World. My father Served in WWII with the Timberwolves under General Terry Allen. He fought in the Battle of the Bulge and Liberated Nordhausen Concentration Camp towards the end of WWII. Thank you for posting!
Para pit on the outside to catch grenades after tolling down a slope of dirt (mound ) and a grenade sump hole in the bottom next to the wall for enemy grenades. These will also help with light rain. A foot deeper would help for comfort and enemy fire. You have a nice shallow fighting position . The bench is a great idea. Camo the entire position with the natural flora around it and you should be good to go. Great video.
YES, YOU WILL NEED A CROSS TIE TO SUPPORT THAT ROOF, WHEN THE BAGS OF SAND ARE LOADED WITH RAIN WATER. Very cool build. I look forward to the finished shelter.
a rough guide the wet sand bags would weigh about 30% heavier than dry sandbags . i estimate the sandbags on the untreated wood pole supports weigh about 300 lbs and when wet 390/400 lbs . overtime the wood will rot and the whole thing will collapse .
@@brain8484 Thanks for the math. I live in a desert, so we don't deal with sand bags very often. I know it rains a lot in that part of England and that sand holds onto water.
When you're this excited about digging a hole in the woods, you know you've found your passion in life! Great video, really cool to see the process and imagine what it must been like in Bastogne and similar situations✌
Mike this is so interesting…living history and getting a better understanding what preparing a defensive position must of been like during the war. Thankyou for this more of the same please 👍🇬🇧
Awesome! i've stumbled across actual foxholes (their remains) in the Hürtgen forest before, it gave me the chills standing amongst them. Some of them were still quite deep.
Totally agree regarding Band of Brothers. They really got first hand knowledge from veterans that were dying off day by day in the year 2001 and it was important to get their first hand knowledge. Really well done.
Man. Just cool. I love WWI and especially WWII history. My Dad served in the USN in the Pacific on transport ships and my Godfather served in the US Army 87th ID in Europe. My Gramma was a Riveter at Boeing. I’m a young 46 (A happy accident?) they’re all gone now but the memories of The Greatest Generation live on. B. O. B. is a great series. Read the book if you get the time. Keep the WWII content coming! Many Thanks!
Enjoyed this one Mike. Waiting for the next one. My Father was in WW2 he was lucky he came back home and had a really long life. She you in the next one. Cheers
I have the same shovel, works great but dont have the leather sheath. Got it from a guy on Facebook market place for 20 dollars lol. another great vid love the war/viking themed videos
Very good, thanks for sharing. 🙂 I think for all who don´t have a bunch of sandbags for the roof at hand, it also works to fill the splits between the roof bars with fern and moss from the site and then cover it with soil.
I believe it was Confucius who said “to know and not to do is not to know”. I applaud your efforts to genuinely “know” by doing. Keep up the good work.
when I was taught to dig foxholes we also made trench sumps, however we were always taught to extend the sump off into the ground as far as your arm could reach. This was called a grenade sump, so if a grnade was tossed into the hole, you kick it off into the sump and down into the hole where the explosion would be dampened by all the dirt.
This is honestly one of the coolest builds I think you've done just because of how unique it is and how knowledgeable you are about the construction of old foxholes and WWII in general. Can't wait to see more WWII content!
I'd like to see the published manuals from the time detailing how to dig in that you consulted before starting this. Key concept is 'slit trench'. Dig as narrow as you can make it and chest deep. The danger is from explosive indirect fire from above. Shells and mortar bombs. Then put on overhead cover and then keep digging for days to strengthen and improve.
I admire you so very much for the Scotland trip and for the cause you were supporting. I went to the site to make a donation but the page was closed. I would still like to donate if they are still accepting funds. Yes, I too am a history buff and thank you.
@ 16:30 when you were explaining about the water run off & the step down allowing you to use your bed as a bench it also will serve as a cavity for the cold air to settle so your sleeping in the warmer aria, this is similar to the snow shelters we build here in Canada
Tip on filling the sand bags; take a finger sized flexible branch(green) and bend it into a circle, put in the inside forward edge of the bag, let it "spring" open. Then you can get bigger shovel fulls of dirt with each scoop and a "free-er" hand to use.
Looks grand, personally I don't think I would have enough patience to carry out a build like this. Perhaps if I had more time away from my studies I'd be able to do more outdoor camping. I always enjoy watching your videos, just reminds me of what I don't do and frankly should do more of.
Of all the builds I've done, this was the most physically demanding. Such a small tool can be hard on the back, even when crouched down. Very repetitious but imagine having to do this whilst under enemy fire? Respect to those guys because that must have been seriously hard! Cheers for commenting.
@@TAOutdoors Normally, you would have at least two or three guys taking turns digging a foxhole. Plenty of room for two guys and a M1919 Browning in your foxhole.
I've dug many a hole that size, but with full sized shovel and mattock... Kudos to you (and our WW heroes) for doing it with that small trenching tool. Respect!
Try building this in the rocky mountains.. people in the east always make digging look so easy, and I'm sure it is when you have not many rocks to dig up and out of the way, 8 out of 10 time you can find yourself moving location of your little trench because you find a rock so big you have no way of digging it up or much less moving it if you did..
There is more to war than just bombs and guns, there is a lot of stories and knowledge to share. In England, unlike here, there was a lot of real life-or-death need to "bug out" and build "shelters", for both civilians and military. Things we do now for education or self reliance or peace of mind without the real immediate need to avoid becoming hamburger. I think it is important to remember this history, we don't know tomorrow and we don't know the needs we may yet to face.
To me it's crazy to think that men would have to build these fox holes and shelters in the matter of a few hours, all while knowing what was about to unfold, I'm sure the thought of the possibility of dying in that very spot was apparent to many. I have a lot of respect for people in combat, it must be an eerie experience, one I'm not sure many could truly endear, I know I couldn't. Hats off to all the veterans and active service, you have my respect.🙏
I can imagine the thought of fighting without a hole would make the digging a little quicker. Definetly mad respect to veterans, I wouldn't stand a day in battle.
WOW! 2 million subs. 'I've been with you a long time, since you were quite a small channel. Congrats , I'm very happy for your success! So many people can't stand to see someone else succeed, in a world where so many see one persons success as causation for their own lack of success ... I just wanted to take a moment to recognize your hard work and perseverance , Good on you sir!
Absolutely loving this build so far, please keep this as a permanent shelter. You defiently kit it out with appropriate gear. Are all those logs from your old bushcraft shelter LOL
In the late 1950s, my dad took my brother and me to a place called Silverstein's Surplus in Detroit and bought each of us a folding E tool. Sometime later he taught us to dig a foxhole similar to yours. I recall it was a huge undertaking for 8 & 9-year-olds...I swear that is the reason my back aches today! I can't imagine doing it as an adult unless someone was shooting at me! It took us much more than 10 hours as well. Nice job on the fighting position!
Nice job you did! I enjoyed it greatly. Keep em coming! My dad and uncle's were paratroopers in WW2. My uncle jumped into Normandy the night before D day. They have long since passed. I love history.
Thank you Mike... I too really like the movie series "Band of Brothers." My mind boggles over the hardships endured by the troops on the ground... In the thick of combat and the horror they experienced. Looking forward to your next episode. Again, Thank you!
No doubt about it, its a grand effort. For the full authenticity mind, once your about three quarters of the way to finishing it, the authenticity will be there when you move a few miles towards the imaginary enemy lines and have to start afresh on a new hole. Also as your a fan of Bastogne, surely the ultimate experience would be to do this in December with frozen ground, ideally snow covered, while wearing a summer uniform and having 20 rounds of ammunition and half a days worth of C rations. Perhaps a good twenty mile hike across country in prelude to digging would get you in the correct authentic mood for it. :)
Very interesting video, I’ve actually considered digging a foxhole in the woods where I shoot my videos to use as a prop when demoing rifles from that era. Mega WWI-WWII history nerd here. And speaking of the Battle of Bastogne episode in Band Of Brothers I just got a genuine 1942 US Army overcoat like the ones they are all wearing through that episode
THANKS FOR SHARING a splendid new historic reenactment series. 😍 I am also enjoying the fine macro photography of the mushroom, the snail, and a spray of autumn leaves.🥰 With the sandy soil available, I was pleased to see that you included sandbags to fill. Those filled bags will slow down 'incoming' and the double log wall will probably further stop the ordinance (other than High Explosives) they used in the day. I do feel you could have RAISED the log portion by a couple of courses so that you could comfortably sit up inside the shelter. (I groaned a bit when you cut down the posts that could have accommodated that.)🙄 Since you are not in combat and are not pressed for time, it would be beneficial to prevent water inflow by building a peaked roof over the entry point. BEFORE you do the roof, you MIGHT line the earthen walls with posts to stabilize the soil against 'Noise, Vibration, and Harshness'😊. Well, these days it would be 'subsidence.'
Cheers James! Didn’t want to raise the roof any higher as the idea was to keep it low profile like the ones I had seen in ww2 images. The idea of this shelter was to keep it fairly simple. Only build in a day (and this is autumn/winter hours so limited on daylight hours). So things like peaked roofs and reinforcing the walls are secondary to what I wanted to achieve for this video. BUT, this is an ongoing series, so plenty more opportunity for developing more to the foxhole 😁 Cheers for commenting
@@TAOutdoors Right. You already have a larger and deeper structure than the typical foxhole. I have since had some internet education on period foxholes, bunkers, and trench systems. I have visited various WWI systems along the Western Front.
Your knowledge of the past can help inspire many to go out and survive if another war happens in modern time line ,,bravo for the awesome vid can even build a cabin with the foxhole start up
Good attempt.. I have to give you credit for that. But the demensions are the width of a weapon, issued rifle, and depth or length is 2x the weapon... normally there will be two of you building one each side by side.. So once completed, you connect the two... the front should have firing ports out the corners with aiming stakes. You and your buddy would have overlapping firing lanes. As for the overhead cover must be 6 inches deep to protect from standard morter fire, then a gernade sump would be dug. It's a build on and constant improvement project so the position can transform from individual to buddy to crewserved weapons pit. The over head cover is established with sand bags if possible.. but with the logs, a ponch is laid over it, then the dirt piled up 6 inches deep... But a good try. Trust me, it's an exhausting project to build as time is limited. Frontal cover is esential also. Movies get it wrong so many times. A good source is the SMCT-10. It's unclassified. As for British Army requirements I have to admit I am not familiar with but should not be far from the same standard. Most of the references are availible to the general public as it also feeds the requirements for national defense knowledge and preperations. The overhead portions are usually constructed from 4 x 4 beams placed over the sandbags for the sides and then a sheet of plywood over that and the sandbags piled on that. Great vid.. thanks!
@@casinodelonge Perhaps... I don't mean to knock his project. But it does not fit doctrine from 30 years service. More like a hasty shelter for bad weather. But it is a nice attempt with no doctrine to go by. Roof needs 6 inches of overhead cover, sump is missing the 12" hole .. anyway.. Watching it did bring back some memories. I tried researching some British doctrine but nothing was availible. I do know that during WWII the British were still practicing WWI trench tactics on fighting positions vs our Two Man Fighting positions. So it's more like a long term shelter in situation. It's gets a bit better on the 2nd video as more info comes in for him. But again, like all things, it is a learning curve.
@@robertcole9391 shelter trench back in my day (late 80's) was a 2 man fighting position with a covered area to protect from mortars or (ahem) nearby nuclear detonations !
The real trouble in building on of those will be when you stay in for a couple of days. Already after a few days living outdoors you will notice the effects of dirt and small cuts in your hands, and how easily they get infected. Imagine this in a situation where you have to constantly dig with improvsides tools, in a cold and wet environment. You will be absolutely miserable after a week. Also what your experiment showed nicely, Is how open these holes still are. Not only are you not protected from above, but it will also be ridiculously cold inside. I can absolutely see them throw everything they find over the holes to the point where they basically live in a pile of branches, raincoats and dirt, just to get some insulation and protection from the environment.
In the battle of the bulge foxholes were widely used due to german artillery. It was cold and miserable and didn't always protect soldiers from the blasts however you would be surprised at how long the 101st airborne lasted in those foxholes in the freezing weather while being completely surrounded by the germans.
@@peteraugust5295 Long enough. Stuff like this isn’t supposed to be perfect. It’s just to help you get low to improve your chances of survival. Plus you’d have a whole group of men doing this. Not just one guy. You’re acting like this is supposed to be some in-depth defensive fortification which just isn’t it’s intended purpose As far as infections and cuts, I’ve spent plenty of time out primitive camping foraging around doing stuff like this. And I’ve never had an infection. Wash your hands maybe? Or let your hands develop calluses I guess? If you’re so worried about your hands then just wear gloves.
Love The Band of Brothers. Can’t tell you how many times I’ve watched that series. The Pacific is good too, so that’s another series you should watch if you haven’t already.
A term used often in the Infantry, "constantly Improving your foxhole". Excellent job especially with the sandbags and overhead coverage. This would be more of a fighting position rather than a field expedient foxhole. Some advice and history, if I were building this foxhole to be a fighting position I would place a log the length of the front to prevent the enemy from rolling a hand grenade in. That way they'll have to get lucky and hope to bounce it in over the log. Also, add camouflage to the top and around the front and sides. The enemy can't hit what they can't see. In the U.S. Army, in our foxholes, We would build grenade pits in the event that a grenade made it into the foxhole. These doubled as water runoffs, lessons learned from WWII and Vietnam. Soldiers would also draw range cards or sector cards for the platoon leader/company commander so that the sectors of fire were clearly defined and he knew the effectiveness of his platoon/company. *Have not watched the second video when making this comment.
I have watched Band of Brothers every Thanksgiving break for like the last 12 years. I never wanted to experience a night in a Fox Hole but I sure appreciate the nights spent in them in the winter of 1945.
Thx a lot for this video! I had a lot of fun and entertainment, inspiration and... memories! :o) I was a conscript, a rookie in the german army in the mid 90s. I build a lot of similar structurs for a couple of months... Your stuff gave me some flashbacks! That's for sure. :D I'd like to share some points of view with you. For context: The Bundeswehr (BW) didn't enter the KFOR yet. So, the BW was still pretty based on experiences from WWII. Of course: West Germany had a strict military neutral position 'til end of the 90s and the experiences of the former NVA was fading away due to political and personal changes. Long terms short: I learned this stuff pretty much the same way as in WWII, with pretty much the same old equipment. ;o) I have 6 major thoughts. a) Out of the army you'll never get the same experience of doing something/anything like this! The Army a massive organisation!!! You're literally NEVER alone in the woods. You are part of something. The smallest unit is a squad of up to 10 comrades. You don't think smaller than that. So, you may build your own foxhole, but your building it in company. It makes a difference in your mindset. b) At my time we had almost the same awesome spade as you have (without the pick), but, no other useful tool at all. No saw, no propper knife, nothing. We had no lanyard and only two sand bags. This would limit your foxhole a lot!^^ At the other side: your still member of a big army with a lot of tools, if you can grab some: proper size spades, pickaxes, saws, axes, etc... you share them! c) stability - I'd never would build such a wide foxhole: much more work, less stability for the roof, never enough material, you're sharing it with at least 10 people!!! ;o), less cover. d) middle pole - don't add one for stability! It's a fighting area - you don't wanna get stuck on something. e) sand bags - sand bags filled with compressed sand are heavy, but in fact: waterproof! The flood defence troops are building dams with it! ^^ But, with build in sand bags your cover is definitly gone. f) spoil - the spoil isn't bulletproof, wood isn't, sand bags aren't, but, the soil is in some way. If you're building for defence: put every part of construction below ground level. These are the lessons I learned from my instructors and from own experience. They may help to get you some extra fun into your projects. :-) Happy XMas! Pete
You're at a disadvantage when doing this, because it was often two men to a foxhole it ensured it could be done quickly and it had a lot of benefits that you're lacking so kudos for sure.
Hi, My name is John and I'm from czech republic. Few months ago I bought a ww2 bunker on border of Czechoslovakia. Your video was really inspirating for me and thank you really much
We found some well built fighting positions close to a trail. We tore off the tops and tore down all the poles, dumped it all back in the hole. Company set up for the night across and a bit back down the trail. Our hole for the night ended up being about 30 yards from the position we tore up. Nothing happed during the night. We set out after breakfast, passed the holes that we tore up. They had all been rebuilt during the night. Scared the hell out of me.
I know the addiction; I have always been fascinated with early American frontier life along with its' corresponding wars. Being bushmen and history buffs is not a bad hobby.
Good stuff, it is important to know not only what the soldiers went through but what they had to do that with, not that I believe in war but if it happens the more you know they more likely you are to survive. Thanks for the video
I use that trenching tool for gardening now and love sitting there digging holes. Reminds me of my Grandfather who was a coal miner from St. Helens, in the TA before the war, and then signed up for the six years with the Royal Engineers, digging holes and blowing stuff up in France (taken off the beach at Dunkirk), North Africa, and Italy (Sicily and Anzio). Ted would have preferred gardening.
I really enjoy your channel. Love the way you incorporate history into your vids. Actually, even giving more information on your research, I bet school kids would get more interested in history. Thanks Mike! Ohio, USA
look at how nice and accommodating the weather and ground conditions are to this endeavor - and then imagine being at the Battle of the Bulge and trying to make a foxhole - in war one always has to do these things under the very worst possible circumstances
Very realistic and a good reflection of how it was done, apart from one thing. When placing the sand bags on top of the log roof and patting them, you should have said "there, that's not going anywhere" or "that's got it". Jus sayin😂
Epic build ,can you imagine having to do one of these in the rain, under fire, full webbing on, true grit and determination, really enjoyed this first part, will be getting my son watching these as he is a military history buff, and now in the ccf army cadets, he is in overdrive on techniques/tactics etc, brilliant, good health and safe travels, cheers craig
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Who's ready to go down the WW2 route with me?! Watch the First Night in the Foxhole here: ruclips.net/video/SR_rvWb_reQ/видео.html
❤️ im waiting to see more WW2 related content
I'm a history JUNKEE. You can lead anywhere anytime, and I will follow.
Nice rake private ...
Nice
At your command
My father told me about a conversation he once had with my grandfather when he was a child. He asked his dad how soldiers in WW2 were able to dig foxhole so quick with my Grandfather's answer being, "when your getting shot at, your highly motivated to dig fast". Understatement of the century there Grandpa :)
Im gonna give your grandpa the benefit of the doubt and say that, while there may be no words that can truly describe that situation, he did phrase it be best way possible.😂😂😂
Hats off to slugs for doing everything snails do without the safety gear!!
Lol. 😅😂🤣. No helmets! 🐌
So true never thought of that.. 😆😂
I had a stroke reading that and it took me 20s to understand lmfao
Enjoy the pun there.
They should form a union. No slug mothers and wives should suffer the thought of their sons and husbands never returning to their side because of inadequate and limited company issued gear.
Seeing without being seen is the first lesson in building a fox hole. Never throw fresh lighter colored soil right in front of you. You have become a target from afar.
Greetings from a veteran
Oh wow! Are you a WWII veteran? My Grandparents and Great Uncles that served have all passed away.
Thankfully the South of England only has dangerous Pigeons.
@@kittye8340 No no just a Iraq and long before that Lebanon veteran
@@shootingsportstransparency7461 I see. Well, I was curious!!! What other interesting things do you have to share?
@@kittye8340 Not much, just enjoying TA outside and his dad
When I was a kid (70 now) there were War Surplus Stores. All the stuff was dirt cheap ! We played army with some real gear! Had a canvas belt and canteen, I recall. I still remember the stainless steel taste of the water. Had helmets, uniform bits, hats etc. Loved going into that store. Mum would be searching for inexpensive camping gear for the family camping outings, I would be looking at all the stuff. The smell of real, oiled canvas still reminds me.
We had a ww2 pup tent. Dad, brother and I dug a hole like you have there. Flat floor tho. And pitched the green canvas pup tent over it. It made a nice space you could stand up in. Dad said that’s how they used to do it in camp. The dirt piled up around it would add to the height but also be piled against the bottom of the tent so no water would come into the tent. 👍❤️🇺🇸
At 51 now and i still get like a kid in a candy store when i go to the Army/Navy surplus shop.
@@calimartormtor 👍. I need to find one around me now👈. Thanks for/ heads up.
The one I remember was in Long Beach/CA and burned down at one point. Story was, live ammo was going off and firefighters were in danger.
I think I remember trays of bullets just sitting out. (?) Yikes. That would have been in the 50’s. ❤️👍🇺🇸
@@unicorntv1232 aint many left in Australia now either. But TBH, in my mid 50s, Im more into civvie gear these days. Way lighter, way more expensive, but I like a good 10 15km hike a day camp and do same again over 2 to 3 nights. Im just not up to heavy packs 20kg a day. My old army pack is 4kg just to start lol. My civvie pack is half that and has a frame to keep it off my back much like an Alice pack, but lighter
Same same here brother.
I'm 70, been living and playing Army since I was 5 years old.
US Army 69/71
@@glennbrymer4065 I’m a sister. Lol. Total tomboy when I was a kid !! 👍🇺🇸
I was an infantryman and Combat Engineer for 22 years, and that's more sophisticated than any fighting position I ever dug by hand...
And the nicest soil I have ever seen. No rock, no tree branches, no log and right in the nice open area, this soil is every grunt wet dream when it come to foxhole
I plan on enlisting as an Army Combat Engineer in the future. Do you have any advice you would share?
Yeah I was going to say god dam
@@boocomban that was the best part haha
@@_Odinn_ join the Marines
we were taught to also dig separate "grenade holes" on the side of the main compartment and slanted floor. So if grenade finds it's way into your foxhole it rolls down to those pockets and you will have at least slight chance of surviving the blast.
G'day Tomas, apparently my great grandad was a victim of a likely friendly grenade rolling back from a misguided throw in WW1, killed the whole team of 3 or 4 I'm told. But what really happened is lost to time. I am glad to hear that there is some sort of strategy to at least limit the effects of a rolling fragmentation device. Cheers Duke.
Yup, a hole to kick a grenade in. We had that too, but maybe the Britts thought a that that wouldn’t work with a German potato masher grenade.
Your hole is quite wide though. Lots of digging that might be better spent digging down deeper if possible, plus the whole hole could be covered with that roof.
Walk around as little as possible in front of your foxhole, since it make your position harder to camouflage.
Good to keep the history alive in this video!
@@eyeofthetiger4184 grenade holes come from ww1
It's called a "grenade sump" and must be dug with care so as to direct shrapnel away from the occupant!
Grenade sump.
Our modern world: Watching a good Brit fellow digging holes in the ground and the material is 87 times more entertaining than the best tripe on TV. :)
And no 'diversity' in sight!
That's definitely true.
@@japersjolly8763 What is wrong with diversity? Why would you even make such a comment unless you're a bigot and/or a racist?
@@TheJimtanker Don't be thick.
@@japersjolly8763 i like you
Back during the WW2 war, each fox hole was dug out in teams of two's and fours. Your building alone and so far looking good you deserve a rest! Thanks for sharing
So that’s why they could dig them in 30 minutes 🤣
@@TAOutdoors They were under a lot of stress and were motivated to get done quicker. :)
@@TAOutdoors The fighting position commonly known as the "Ranger Grave" could be constructed and camouflaged in 30 minutes. Dug one to confirm the Army manual estimate was correct. Your present fighting position would takes longer. I have lost count how many I have dug. They were usually done by sunrise.
@@TAOutdoors I'm pretty sure going off what we can imagine
They probably had to build there's in less time and with bombardments of god knows what.
@@michaelfrank2266 Usually done by the time it was to move somewhere lese ... and start again ;)
I live near Toccoa Ga where the 101st trained pre-WW2. Their old training area is a wildlife management area and I like to go out there between hunting seasons. On my last trip I ran across an old old road (14' diameter trees growing between the tracks) with what is obviously old fighting positions. Long lines of mounds and depressions in lines. I was instantly humbled at the realization of the hands that made them.
3 miles up 3 miles down!
Is the museum at Camp Toccoa still there?
As a child I was fascinated by WW2 foxholes and constructed more of them than I care to remember. I even incorporated hollow log chimneys for smoke, elaborate roofs, firing positions, camouflaged them, even camped in them. lol. You, like me dug, what my dad, a ww2 vet called 'lodges' or 'under ground huts' lol. He would laugh at me, and say in a battle scenario, by the time I dug my foxhole, I would either be dead, captured, or ordered to move forward or back. In the deserts of North Africa soldiers used their helmets and bayonets as tools, the same in New Guinea if they had lost their trenching tool.
Placing logs over the foxholes gave some protection from shrapnel, weather, and falling tree tops during artillery bombardment. During the Battle of the Bulge many soldiers became casualties from wood splinters and falling tree tops. I currently use a wonderful, Chinese military, multipurpose trenching tool, as a kid I used an Australian ww2 military trenching tool.
I've built a few Army bunkers.
I loved them! I made mine as best I could. Lots of over head protection and safety features. I spent a lot of time in them. Always remember aerial reconnisence!
You want to keep that in mind. Always camo up around you. Blend it in with what is around you.
God bless from Texas.
US Army 69/71
The foxhole is never finished!
I'm guessing troops under fire would've immediately filled sandbags and piled them to create cover as they continued to dig. I was struck how the peace in your wood contrasted the brutal artillery attacks that the 101st endured... Chilling to think of! Thank Mike, excellent thought inspiring video!
So much is owed to the “Greatest Generation”. Videos detailing the struggles, battles, and urgency of the Allies can’t be done enough… imho. And yes, Band of Brothers is an incredible series!
Yeah, incredible propaganda for sure.
@StayMad Loser Nothing like lynching, beating and throwing acid in the face of decorated black veterans to say "thank you, now go sit in the back of the bus."
Go ahead and live your life in hate. It seems to be getting places. /sarc
@@toddwilliams6301 This has nothing to do with living My life in hate. As a white person I have always been in awe of the Greatest Generation. What has always broken my heart was the viscous treatment when decorated black veterans came home. That's history, not hate. It's something every single American must learn so we stop repeating it over & over again. My uncle fought in WWII as a teenager, my entire family has served this country for 300 years, you think I hate it?? I love it, I just honest about it. Have a good one.
Not really sure if I would agree on "the greatest generation". It was clearly a generation that caused a lot of pain and suffering, which was caused by all sides, not only by the "bad ones" as you american like to think. Also it was a generation that caused a lot of tension due to a really, really narrow mindset.
But for sure it was a very hard working generation, and one that was willing to give for their beliefs.
If there is anything that gives you motivation to get up and get out its this man right here.
Just gonna take a second to appreciate the quality of that leather holder it was in. You can’t buy quality like that anymore.
Well you can. But it's expensive. Leather is actually pretty easy to work and cheap to buy raw so making your own is entirely possible.
Not only can you buy that quality, but you can trade, barter, and swap for it. Made a few axe sheathes for reenactors.
Thats German engineering and quality for you. I have one of those entrenching tools myself and it couldnt be made any tougher.
@wyomarine6341I heard the Americans used pig skin on their shoes to save money. And then the poor soldiers had to get a mirror shine on that junk.
@wyomarine6341 so it must have just been really crap rough leather.
Bushcraft and military history, mega stuff!
I don't think a more manlier combo exists.
Just a tip from an Recce platoon soldier when sand bagging. 3/4 fill the bag, then when laying it down fold the empty quarter under and have the seam facing in so it is covered.
Great effort . Love this channel
Outstanding! I’m a big WWII and now into WWI fan. The History and the Brave men & women who fought to save the World. My father Served in WWII with the Timberwolves under General Terry Allen. He fought in the Battle of the Bulge and Liberated Nordhausen Concentration Camp towards the end of WWII. Thank you for posting!
Neither of those wars had anything to do with ‘saving the world’ it’s not marvel comics
Para pit on the outside to catch grenades after tolling down a slope of dirt (mound ) and a grenade sump hole in the bottom next to the wall for enemy grenades. These will also help with light rain. A foot deeper would help for comfort and enemy fire. You have a nice shallow fighting position . The bench is a great idea. Camo the entire position with the natural flora around it and you should be good to go. Great video.
I can't imagine having the time to build a foxhole that big or elaborate during combat
YES, YOU WILL NEED A CROSS TIE TO SUPPORT THAT ROOF, WHEN THE BAGS OF SAND ARE LOADED WITH RAIN WATER. Very cool build. I look forward to the finished shelter.
a rough guide the wet sand bags would weigh about 30% heavier than dry sandbags . i estimate the sandbags on the untreated wood pole supports weigh about 300 lbs and when wet 390/400 lbs . overtime the wood will rot and the whole thing will collapse .
@@brain8484 Thanks for the math. I live in a desert, so we don't deal with sand bags very often. I know it rains a lot in that part of England and that sand holds onto water.
Love this build!
Maybe you could do ww2 inspired food that would be cool
@@freddyoutdoors ww2 inspired food-sorry, but is this ? Starvation ?
@@landscape7734 I know but Be a good to do the whole thing and live it like they once did in war time
Yeah, Spam, Hamburgers, powdered eggs, Fruit loaf, Tea/Coffee, Beans etc etc etc ...
really love this one
When you're this excited about digging a hole in the woods, you know you've found your passion in life! Great video, really cool to see the process and imagine what it must been like in Bastogne and similar situations✌
Mike this is so interesting…living history and getting a better understanding what preparing a defensive position must of been like during the war. Thankyou for this more of the same please 👍🇬🇧
Awesome! i've stumbled across actual foxholes (their remains) in the Hürtgen forest before, it gave me the chills standing amongst them. Some of them were still quite deep.
Indeed, one can't help but imagine the men who died in those holes.
Many if those were probably shell holes
My great grandfather was in the hurtgen forest
Totally agree regarding Band of Brothers. They really got first hand knowledge from veterans that were dying off day by day in the year 2001 and it was important to get their first hand knowledge. Really well done.
Man. Just cool. I love WWI and especially WWII history. My Dad served in the USN in the Pacific on transport ships and my Godfather served in the US Army 87th ID in Europe. My Gramma was a Riveter at Boeing. I’m a young 46 (A happy accident?) they’re all gone now but the memories of The Greatest Generation live on.
B. O. B. is a great series. Read the book if you get the time. Keep the WWII content coming! Many Thanks!
Band of brothers is just such an epic! Best mini series ever made!!
I’ve seen it more times than I want to admit…
Enjoyed this one Mike. Waiting for the next one. My Father was in WW2 he was lucky he came back home and had a really long life. She you in the next one. Cheers
Band of Brothers, undoubtedly one of my favorite WW2 series! And what a great project!
I have the same shovel, works great but dont have the leather sheath.
Got it from a guy on Facebook market place for 20 dollars lol.
another great vid love the war/viking themed videos
The post war designs share a lot in common with the wartime pieces.
Very good, thanks for sharing. 🙂 I think for all who don´t have a bunch of sandbags for the roof at hand, it also works to fill the splits between the roof bars with fern and moss from the site and then cover it with soil.
I believe it was Confucius who said “to know and not to do is not to know”. I applaud your efforts to genuinely “know” by doing. Keep up the good work.
I love military styled shelters. But i'll never get over the cabin. Greetings from Poland
Band of Brothers is an amazing show. One of my favorites.Can’t wait to see more WWI and WW2 type content.
when I was taught to dig foxholes we also made trench sumps, however we were always taught to extend the sump off into the ground as far as your arm could reach. This was called a grenade sump, so if a grnade was tossed into the hole, you kick it off into the sump and down into the hole where the explosion would be dampened by all the dirt.
This is honestly one of the coolest builds I think you've done just because of how unique it is and how knowledgeable you are about the construction of old foxholes and WWII in general. Can't wait to see more WWII content!
Another Band of Brothers fanatic! I watch it a couple times a year at least :)
Good to hear more BoB nutters out there!
Nothing or no one should ever underestimate the introspective joy of digging a hole!
Ahhh yes the Bundeswehr entrenching tool, i heve one myself, perfect for... well digging also love the spike for a primitive pickaxe
Great video really liked that you would stop and talk about what you were doing.
I'd like to see the published manuals from the time detailing how to dig in that you consulted before starting this. Key concept is 'slit trench'. Dig as narrow as you can make it and chest deep. The danger is from explosive indirect fire from above. Shells and mortar bombs. Then put on overhead cover and then keep digging for days to strengthen and improve.
I admire you so very much for the Scotland trip and for the cause you were supporting. I went to the site to make a donation but the page was closed. I would still like to donate if they are still accepting funds. Yes, I too am a history buff and thank you.
Love watching all hear videos. Cabins, shelters, and now foxholes. Cool stuff!
Cheers!
@ 16:30 when you were explaining about the water run off & the step down allowing you to use your bed as a bench it also will serve as a cavity for the cold air to settle so your sleeping in the warmer aria, this is similar to the snow shelters we build here in Canada
Tip on filling the sand bags; take a finger sized flexible branch(green) and bend it into a circle, put in the inside forward edge of the bag, let it "spring" open. Then you can get bigger shovel fulls of dirt with each scoop and a "free-er" hand to use.
Always a fan of ww1 and 2 era bushcraft
Looks grand, personally I don't think I would have enough patience to carry out a build like this. Perhaps if I had more time away from my studies I'd be able to do more outdoor camping. I always enjoy watching your videos, just reminds me of what I don't do and frankly should do more of.
Of all the builds I've done, this was the most physically demanding. Such a small tool can be hard on the back, even when crouched down. Very repetitious but imagine having to do this whilst under enemy fire? Respect to those guys because that must have been seriously hard! Cheers for commenting.
@@TAOutdoors Normally, you would have at least two or three guys taking turns digging a foxhole. Plenty of room for two guys and a M1919 Browning in your foxhole.
@@TAOutdoors As you get deeper you shovel the dirt into your steel helmet as the small shovel is inadequate to moving dirt out of the hole.
I've dug many a hole that size, but with full sized shovel and mattock... Kudos to you (and our WW heroes) for doing it with that small trenching tool. Respect!
Try building this in the rocky mountains.. people in the east always make digging look so easy, and I'm sure it is when you have not many rocks to dig up and out of the way, 8 out of 10 time you can find yourself moving location of your little trench because you find a rock so big you have no way of digging it up or much less moving it if you did..
Liked the video and build. It looked like something Shawn Kelly likes to build.
There is more to war than just bombs and guns, there is a lot of stories and knowledge to share. In England, unlike here, there was a lot of real life-or-death need to "bug out" and build "shelters", for both civilians and military. Things we do now for education or self reliance or peace of mind without the real immediate need to avoid becoming hamburger. I think it is important to remember this history, we don't know tomorrow and we don't know the needs we may yet to face.
1 of the cleanest entrenching tool and case I have ever seen.
So lucky we are able to make something like this for recreational purposes and not for the actual reason they were meant for.
To me it's crazy to think that men would have to build these fox holes and shelters in the matter of a few hours, all while knowing what was about to unfold, I'm sure the thought of the possibility of dying in that very spot was apparent to many. I have a lot of respect for people in combat, it must be an eerie experience, one I'm not sure many could truly endear, I know I couldn't. Hats off to all the veterans and active service, you have my respect.🙏
I can imagine the thought of fighting without a hole would make the digging a little quicker. Definetly mad respect to veterans, I wouldn't stand a day in battle.
WOW! 2 million subs. 'I've been with you a long time, since you were quite a small channel. Congrats , I'm very happy for your success! So many people can't stand to see someone else succeed, in a world where so many see one persons success as causation for their own lack of success ... I just wanted to take a moment to recognize your hard work and perseverance , Good on you sir!
Cheers for the support Ed!
Much love for TA outdoors thank you for making my prepping 10 fold better
Absolutely loving this build so far, please keep this as a permanent shelter. You defiently kit it out with appropriate gear. Are all those logs from your old bushcraft shelter LOL
In the late 1950s, my dad took my brother and me to a place called Silverstein's Surplus in Detroit and bought each of us a folding E tool. Sometime later he taught us to dig a foxhole similar to yours. I recall it was a huge undertaking for 8 & 9-year-olds...I swear that is the reason my back aches today! I can't imagine doing it as an adult unless someone was shooting at me! It took us much more than 10 hours as well. Nice job on the fighting position!
Here extremely early for the first time... Huge fan of the channel! Keep it up!
Nice job you did! I enjoyed it greatly. Keep em coming! My dad and uncle's were paratroopers in WW2. My uncle jumped into Normandy the night before D day. They have long since passed. I love history.
I appreciate the passion and dedication this guy has for his builds but I would've been like, FU everyone I'm using a regular shovel.
For dang sure, in a hot situation you would NOT have a regular shovel or spade at hand!
Thank you Mike... I too really like the movie series "Band of Brothers."
My mind boggles over the hardships endured by the troops on the ground... In the thick of combat and the horror they experienced.
Looking forward to your next episode. Again, Thank you!
No doubt about it, its a grand effort. For the full authenticity mind, once your about three quarters of the way to finishing it, the authenticity will be there when you move a few miles towards the imaginary enemy lines and have to start afresh on a new hole.
Also as your a fan of Bastogne, surely the ultimate experience would be to do this in December with frozen ground, ideally snow covered, while wearing a summer uniform and having 20 rounds of ammunition and half a days worth of C rations. Perhaps a good twenty mile hike across country in prelude to digging would get you in the correct authentic mood for it. :)
Perfect soil and perfect wood material. Still a nice building. Respect!
Very interesting video, I’ve actually considered digging a foxhole in the woods where I shoot my videos to use as a prop when demoing rifles from that era. Mega WWI-WWII history nerd here. And speaking of the Battle of Bastogne episode in Band Of Brothers I just got a genuine 1942 US Army overcoat like the ones they are all wearing through that episode
I love the things you built. Also with your dad. You are knowledgeable and skilled. Love watching your Videos.
THANKS FOR SHARING a splendid new historic reenactment series. 😍 I am also enjoying the fine macro photography of the mushroom, the snail, and a spray of autumn leaves.🥰 With the sandy soil available, I was pleased to see that you included sandbags to fill. Those filled bags will slow down 'incoming' and the double log wall will probably further stop the ordinance (other than High Explosives) they used in the day. I do feel you could have RAISED the log portion by a couple of courses so that you could comfortably sit up inside the shelter. (I groaned a bit when you cut down the posts that could have accommodated that.)🙄 Since you are not in combat and are not pressed for time, it would be beneficial to prevent water inflow by building a peaked roof over the entry point. BEFORE you do the roof, you MIGHT line the earthen walls with posts to stabilize the soil against 'Noise, Vibration, and Harshness'😊. Well, these days it would be 'subsidence.'
Cheers James! Didn’t want to raise the roof any higher as the idea was to keep it low profile like the ones I had seen in ww2 images. The idea of this shelter was to keep it fairly simple. Only build in a day (and this is autumn/winter hours so limited on daylight hours). So things like peaked roofs and reinforcing the walls are secondary to what I wanted to achieve for this video. BUT, this is an ongoing series, so plenty more opportunity for developing more to the foxhole 😁 Cheers for commenting
@@TAOutdoors Right. You already have a larger and deeper structure than the typical foxhole. I have since had some internet education on period foxholes, bunkers, and trench systems. I have visited various WWI systems along the Western Front.
Your knowledge of the past can help inspire many to go out and survive if another war happens in modern time line ,,bravo for the awesome vid can even build a cabin with the foxhole start up
Good attempt.. I have to give you credit for that. But the demensions are the width of a weapon, issued rifle, and depth or length is 2x the weapon... normally there will be two of you building one each side by side.. So once completed, you connect the two... the front should have firing ports out the corners with aiming stakes. You and your buddy would have overlapping firing lanes. As for the overhead cover must be 6 inches deep to protect from standard morter fire, then a gernade sump would be dug. It's a build on and constant improvement project so the position can transform from individual to buddy to crewserved weapons pit. The over head cover is established with sand bags if possible.. but with the logs, a ponch is laid over it, then the dirt piled up 6 inches deep... But a good try. Trust me, it's an exhausting project to build as time is limited. Frontal cover is esential also. Movies get it wrong so many times. A good source is the SMCT-10. It's unclassified. As for British Army requirements I have to admit I am not familiar with but should not be far from the same standard. Most of the references are availible to the general public as it also feeds the requirements for national defense knowledge and preperations. The overhead portions are usually constructed from 4 x 4 beams placed over the sandbags for the sides and then a sheet of plywood over that and the sandbags piled on that. Great vid.. thanks!
Wow so intelligent, nice information👍
@@gavinryan1899 Was my career for 30 years. If constructed properly, they do work.
Is this what I would have called a "shelter trench" back in the day..?/
@@casinodelonge Perhaps... I don't mean to knock his project. But it does not fit doctrine from 30 years service. More like a hasty shelter for bad weather. But it is a nice attempt with no doctrine to go by. Roof needs 6 inches of overhead cover, sump is missing the 12" hole .. anyway.. Watching it did bring back some memories. I tried researching some British doctrine but nothing was availible. I do know that during WWII the British were still practicing WWI trench tactics on fighting positions vs our Two Man Fighting positions. So it's more like a long term shelter in situation. It's gets a bit better on the 2nd video as more info comes in for him. But again, like all things, it is a learning curve.
@@robertcole9391 shelter trench back in my day (late 80's) was a 2 man fighting position with a covered area to protect from mortars or (ahem) nearby nuclear detonations !
Brings back old memories of my time in the military. I was in 101st airborne 1/502 INF C Co.
The real trouble in building on of those will be when you stay in for a couple of days. Already after a few days living outdoors you will notice the effects of dirt and small cuts in your hands, and how easily they get infected. Imagine this in a situation where you have to constantly dig with improvsides tools, in a cold and wet environment. You will be absolutely miserable after a week.
Also what your experiment showed nicely, Is how open these holes still are. Not only are you not protected from above, but it will also be ridiculously cold inside. I can absolutely see them throw everything they find over the holes to the point where they basically live in a pile of branches, raincoats and dirt, just to get some insulation and protection from the environment.
He is not actually in world war 1 but I guess your right
After a few weeks of digging holes you form some effective callouses
In the battle of the bulge foxholes were widely used due to german artillery. It was cold and miserable and didn't always protect soldiers from the blasts however you would be surprised at how long the 101st airborne lasted in those foxholes in the freezing weather while being completely surrounded by the germans.
@@mattgranger1221 spare me with your Band of brothers Knowledge...
How long did they last? Do you even have any idea?
@@peteraugust5295 Long enough. Stuff like this isn’t supposed to be perfect. It’s just to help you get low to improve your chances of survival. Plus you’d have a whole group of men doing this. Not just one guy. You’re acting like this is supposed to be some in-depth defensive fortification which just isn’t it’s intended purpose
As far as infections and cuts, I’ve spent plenty of time out primitive camping foraging around doing stuff like this. And I’ve never had an infection. Wash your hands maybe? Or let your hands develop calluses I guess? If you’re so worried about your hands then just wear gloves.
Love The Band of Brothers. Can’t tell you how many times I’ve watched that series. The Pacific is good too, so that’s another series you should watch if you haven’t already.
A term used often in the Infantry, "constantly Improving your foxhole". Excellent job especially with the sandbags and overhead coverage. This would be more of a fighting position rather than a field expedient foxhole. Some advice and history, if I were building this foxhole to be a fighting position I would place a log the length of the front to prevent the enemy from rolling a hand grenade in. That way they'll have to get lucky and hope to bounce it in over the log. Also, add camouflage to the top and around the front and sides. The enemy can't hit what they can't see. In the U.S. Army, in our foxholes, We would build grenade pits in the event that a grenade made it into the foxhole. These doubled as water runoffs, lessons learned from WWII and Vietnam. Soldiers would also draw range cards or sector cards for the platoon leader/company commander so that the sectors of fire were clearly defined and he knew the effectiveness of his platoon/company. *Have not watched the second video when making this comment.
I have watched Band of Brothers every Thanksgiving break for like the last 12 years. I never wanted to experience a night in a Fox Hole but I sure appreciate the nights spent in them in the winter of 1945.
Thx a lot for this video! I had a lot of fun and entertainment, inspiration and... memories! :o)
I was a conscript, a rookie in the german army in the mid 90s. I build a lot of similar structurs for a couple of months... Your stuff gave me some flashbacks! That's for sure. :D
I'd like to share some points of view with you. For context: The Bundeswehr (BW) didn't enter the KFOR yet. So, the BW was still pretty based on experiences from WWII. Of course: West Germany had a strict military neutral position 'til end of the 90s and the experiences of the former NVA was fading away due to political and personal changes. Long terms short: I learned this stuff pretty much the same way as in WWII, with pretty much the same old equipment. ;o)
I have 6 major thoughts.
a) Out of the army you'll never get the same experience of doing something/anything like this! The Army a massive organisation!!! You're literally NEVER alone in the woods. You are part of something. The smallest unit is a squad of up to 10 comrades. You don't think smaller than that. So, you may build your own foxhole, but your building it in company. It makes a difference in your mindset.
b) At my time we had almost the same awesome spade as you have (without the pick), but, no other useful tool at all. No saw, no propper knife, nothing. We had no lanyard and only two sand bags. This would limit your foxhole a lot!^^ At the other side: your still member of a big army with a lot of tools, if you can grab some: proper size spades, pickaxes, saws, axes, etc... you share them!
c) stability - I'd never would build such a wide foxhole: much more work, less stability for the roof, never enough material, you're sharing it with at least 10 people!!! ;o), less cover.
d) middle pole - don't add one for stability! It's a fighting area - you don't wanna get stuck on something.
e) sand bags - sand bags filled with compressed sand are heavy, but in fact: waterproof! The flood defence troops are building dams with it! ^^ But, with build in sand bags your cover is definitly gone.
f) spoil - the spoil isn't bulletproof, wood isn't, sand bags aren't, but, the soil is in some way. If you're building for defence: put every part of construction below ground level.
These are the lessons I learned from my instructors and from own experience. They may help to get you some extra fun into your projects. :-)
Happy XMas!
Pete
Great Nod to history and the Brothers who served and gave their all.
You're at a disadvantage when doing this, because it was often two men to a foxhole it ensured it could be done quickly and it had a lot of benefits that you're lacking so kudos for sure.
Hi,
My name is John and I'm from czech republic. Few months ago I bought a ww2 bunker on border of Czechoslovakia. Your video was really inspirating for me and thank you really much
FINLAND WAR BUNKER IM FINLAND
hyvä juttu bro
JOO
I watched band of brothers just this year first time. i was a kid when it was on HBO. Glad i went back to watch it now. Its amazing
Second
We found some well built fighting positions close to a trail. We tore off the tops and tore down all the poles, dumped it all back in the hole. Company set up for the night across and a bit back down the trail. Our hole for the night ended up being about 30 yards from the position we tore up. Nothing happed during the night. We set out after breakfast, passed the holes that we tore up. They had all been rebuilt during the night. Scared the hell out of me.
I know the addiction; I have always been fascinated with early American frontier life along with its' corresponding wars. Being bushmen and history buffs is not a bad hobby.
Good stuff, it is important to know not only what the soldiers went through but what they had to do that with, not that I believe in war but if it happens the more you know they more likely you are to survive. Thanks for the video
I’ve dug many a hole in my day and can confidently say this is a good one.
Good job digging that using only an E tool. I am an army vet and we used full sized shovels and full sized pick axes lol
I use that trenching tool for gardening now and love sitting there digging holes. Reminds me of my Grandfather who was a coal miner from St. Helens, in the TA before the war, and then signed up for the six years with the Royal Engineers, digging holes and blowing stuff up in France (taken off the beach at Dunkirk), North Africa, and Italy (Sicily and Anzio). Ted would have preferred gardening.
Man google is really keeping tabs on me, started watching Band of Brothers for the first time and now I’m being recommended this.
I have one of those shovels it has a date of 1966 and yes I have used it quite a bit. Very useful German made tool.
I really enjoy your channel. Love the way you incorporate history into your vids. Actually, even giving more information on your research, I bet school kids would get more interested in history. Thanks Mike! Ohio, USA
Band of brothers & the pacific are a brilliant watch! Seen them so many times…
look at how nice and accommodating the weather and ground conditions are to this endeavor - and then imagine being at the Battle of the Bulge and trying to make a foxhole - in war one always has to do these things under the very worst possible circumstances
Some people have no idea but digging is so tiring but it's really fun in my opinion!
Eine sehr ausgefallenes Idee für ein Lager, da hast du aber eine Menge Arbeit rein gesteckt, klasse 👌👍👌
Very realistic and a good reflection of how it was done, apart from one thing. When placing the sand bags on top of the log roof and patting them, you should have said "there, that's not going anywhere" or "that's got it". Jus sayin😂
Think I'm gonna do one of these in the near future.
Looking forward to seeing whats next.
Epic build ,can you imagine having to do one of these in the rain, under fire, full webbing on, true grit and determination, really enjoyed this first part, will be getting my son watching these as he is a military history buff, and now in the ccf army cadets, he is in overdrive on techniques/tactics etc, brilliant, good health and safe travels, cheers craig
Doing it in the rain in full kit, body armour ect, for days on end with little to no sleep, it sucks. One of the shittest things you can go through.
Something tells me that this will be very useful information for kids growing up at the moment