Duckboards are the slatted timber paths, or walkways, laid down in the trenches and camps etc., at the front. They bear a resemblance to the sloping boards leading up to duck houses at the edge of a pond, hence the name. Their purpose was to aid movement across muddy, flooded and battle-torn land.[1]
References / notes
- ↑ Edward Fraser and John Gibbons (1925). Soldier and Sailor Words and Phrases. Routledge, London p.83.
Glossary of words and phrases
The above term is listed in our glossary of words and phrases of the Armed Forces of Great Britain during the Great War. Included are trench slang, service terms, expressions in everyday use, nicknames, the titles and origins of British and Commonwealth Regiments, and warfare in general. These words and phrases are contemporary to the war, which is reflected in the language used. They have been transcribed from three primary sources (see Contents). Feel free to expand upon and improve this content.
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