What was a firebay and how did it help in WW1 trenches?

Question

I need to know what a firebay was and how it was connected to World War one trenches.

Answer 1

Front-line trenches were not dug in straight lines. Otherwise, if the enemy had a successive offensive, and got into your trenches, they could shoot straight along the line. The French tended to build zig-zag trenches. However, the British Army preferred a system where each trench was dug with alternate fire-bays and traverses. Fire-bays were straight sections of trench where the troops did their shooting. Each fire-bay was protected at the side by a barrier of earth and sandbags.

Answer 2

Front-line trenches were not dug in straight lines. Otherwise, if the enemy had a successive offensive, and got into your trenches, they could shoot straight along the line. The French tended to build zig-zag trenches. However, the British Army preferred a system where each trench was dug with alternate fire-bays and traverses. Fire-bays were straight sections of trench where the troops did their shooting. Each fire-bay was protected at the side by a barrier of earth and sandbags.

Answer 3

Spooky! The first two answers are exactly the same.... The wonders of cut'n'paste!