When most of us think of trenches we think of WW1 but trenches played an important role in defensive positions on the eastern and the western front. On the Western front, trenches were included in elaborate and permanent coastal defenses such as those along the Normandy and Calais beaches as well as the border defenses of the Siegfried line of the Westwall. On the eastern front, the trenches tended to be more common as defensive positions dug by soldiers as temporary improvements or as part of winter quarters. As the war progressed hastily dug trenches were created on both fronts to provide protection in Festung cities as well as other "hold at all cost" positions. The German army taught their soldier to create a wide array of fox holes and fighting positions in addition to trenches. 

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These photographs were taken from a number of books,  online sources, and auction sites.  They are presented here for educational purposes.