water level rises to within two inches of the surface of the ground. In
consequence, the trenches were full of mud and water, and most of the
bivouacs and shelters were afloat. The mud was the worst, for although
only two feet deep, yet it was of the clinging variety, and made walking
impossible, so much so, that many a man has found it impossible to
withdraw his foot, has had to leave his gum-boot behind, go on in his
socks, and come back later with a shovel to rescue his boot. The water
was deeper and often came over one's gum-boots and up to one's waist,
but at least it was possible to walk slowly through it without fear of
getting stuck. To add to the discomfort of the garrison, the weather was
bitterly cold and often very wet, and though no Company remained more
than 24 hours in the front line, yet that was long enough for many to
become chilled and so start the terrible "trench foot."

"Trench foot," as it was called, was one of the most terrible
afflictions of winter trenches. After standing for a long period in
water or mud, or with wet rubber boots, the feet became gradually numbed
and the circulation ceased, while as the numbed area increased a dull
aching pain spread over the whole foot. Exercise to restore the
circulation would have prevented this, but for men who were compelled to
spend the entire day in one fire bay, exercise was impossible, and by
evening the numbness had almost always started. As soon, therefore, as a
Company came from the front line, it marched to the rest house. Here,
every man was given a hot drink, his wet boots and socks were taken
away, his feet rubbed by the Stretcher Bearers until the circulation was
restored, and then with dry socks and dry boots he remained for the next
24 hours in the warmer atmosphere of the rest house. Should action not
be taken in time, and a man be left for 48 hours with wet boots and
socks, the rest house treatment was insufficient, and he had to be sent
to Hospital, where, if gangrene had not set in, he could still be cured.