in a word, it was devastating. conditions were dirty and wet, physical movement was restricted for long periods of time - especially agonizing since the threat of shelling was constant and little could be done to defend oneself in such an event. not to mention disease was rampant. the fighting had reached a character of attrition. with only small, infrequent, and often undone gains, it was difficult for soldiers to feel that they were accomplishing anything, and they lost faith
