17 3 18 Garand Picture of the Day

[WarPig1976]

The emplacement is dug out as per "The book" too. A horseshoe shape.

[browningautorifle]

A horseshoe shape.

I'm wondering if there's more to it, as if it goes back to the right. The overhead protection could just be a door into a bunker. This could be a fighting post only and the edge of a large fortification...

[WarPig1976]

This could be a fighting post only and the edge of a large fortification...

More than likely. That's how they liked to play defense, supporting strongpoints.

[Paul S.]

. . . it goes back to the right. The overhead protection could just be a door into a bunker. ...

That is the overhead protection for where those off watch slept at night while one squaddie pulled 'stag' or sheltered when receiving incoming Arty.

[browningautorifle]

the overhead protection

Yes...I spent 35 years in the infantry. I just suspect this isn't a stand alone trench. I think it may be a fighting post on the edge of something bigger. On a proper defensive position, only the fighting holes are left open. The whole rest is covered, if you have time...

[Bob Seijas]

Weather is warm, maybe late spring 1945? War is over, so just leave everything and go home?

[FRANKKASSEL]

wonder where this was taken at its a great image

[browningautorifle]

War is over, so just leave everything and go home?

I talked to a lot of guys that did that very thing.

[Paul S.]

Yes...I spent 35 years in the infantry. I just suspect this isn't a stand alone trench. I think it may be a fighting post on the edge of something bigger. On a proper defensive position, only the fighting holes are left open. The whole rest is covered, if you have time...

It is definitely one of a number of fighting positions along an in depth defensive line. The Germans had the siting and tactics of mutually supporting fighting positions down to a fine art during both wars.