Curiously, down in what was left of the weeds, the reality was often at odds with collective perception.
What of the Chinese trench and grave diggers?
Aside from the major battles, troops might spend only a week at a time in the trenches.
One relative (wife's grandfather) was requested to accept overseas service whilst in the Territorial Force. After his one year contract in France he was invited to extend his service - he declined.
It was not like WW2 where you signed up for the duration.