This preserved section of trench (complete with overhead cover, hence “armoured”) is located adjacent to the Redipuglia War Memorial (Sacrario militare di Redipuglia) in Fogliano Redipuglia, Italy. It was originally constructed during the early battles along the Isonzo River in June to July, 1915. Inside, one can see the embrasures or firing loops on the uphill side, as well as ammunition/grenade niches below them and a pronounced firing step. In several spots there appears to be machine gun firing positions. Unfortunately I was not able to linger very long.
Near the entrance to the trench is the following inscription, carved into a piece of stone:
Trincea Blindata E stata costruita e presidiata dai gloriosi fanti della Brigata Siena (31 e 32 Fanteria) e successivamente dalla Brigata Savona (15 e 16 Fanteria) e dalla Brigata Cagliari (63 e 64 Fanteria) durante le azioni offensive del Giugno-Luglio 1915 (1 e 2 Battaglia dell’Isonzo).
Armoured Trench It was built and manned by the glorious infantrymen of the Siena Brigade (31st and 32nd Infantry) and subsequently by the Savona Brigade (15th and 16th Infantry) and the Cagliari Brigade (63rd and 64th Infantry) during the offensive actions of June-July 1915 (1st and 2nd Battles of the Isonzo).
Extra Credit is video series that examines topics related to history in the Thunder Bay District and exploring that history.
This episode , the fourth in sub-series on the former Kinghorn Subdivision, takes us to the area between Nipigon and Red Rock where the grade parallels the still active Canadian Pacific mainline for several miles (officially the CPKC Nipigon Subdivision). Here, one can witness the immense work that the Canadian Northern Railway (the original constructors of the line) did to build their grade outboard of the Canadian Pacific line. It was obviously very labour intensive and expensive, and as you will hear, not without human cost as well. This area contains some amazing geography and stunning views of the Nipigon River and Bay. In the links below you can see more of the area, including the video on the accident, and the full-length version.
Extra Credit is video series that examines topics related to history in the Thunder Bay District and exploring that history.
This episode , the third in sub-series on the former Kinghorn Subdivision, takes us to the Geraldton area where follow the grade to the site of Keemle Station. We begin at Wildgoose Beach Road (Milepost 130.4/29.6) travelling west 3 miles to the station at Milepost 133.2/32.4. Along the way we pass milepost markers, a long rock causeway and the remains of the siding at Keemle. This station was once home to a water tank and section house and on this visit I uncovered the concrete base of the tank and located what I believe was the site of the section house. In the links below you can see more of Keemle, including the results of my archaeology work, and the full-length version video.
Video of the former Canadian Northern Railway/CN-Kinghorn (Dorion) Subdivision (MP 147.5-150.2) at Dorion, ON. Features the grade as it passes through the former station with the remains of the siding, a small spur, the station grounds (including a well), section house and signage.
Video of the former Canadian Northern Railway/CN-Kinghorn (Dorion) Subdivision (MP 147.5-150.2) near Dorion, ON. Features the grade as it passes over numerous embankments with culverts and telegraph poles, including a rare one still standing.
Video of the former Canadian Northern Railway/CN-Kinghorn (Dorion) Subdivision (MP 147.5-150.2) north of Dorion, ON. Features the grade from the 180-foot bridge over Coldwater Creek south over numerous embankments with telegraph poles.
Video of the former Canadian Northern Railway/CN-Kinghorn (Dorion) Subdivision (MP 147.5-150.2) at Dorion, ON. Features the grade from the south bank of the Wolf River across Bible Camp Road to Coldwater Creek with signage, a rail and vegetation encroaching on the grade.
Video of the former Canadian Northern Railway/CN-Kinghorn (Dorion) Subdivision (MP 144.7-147.5) at Hurkett, ON. Features the grade as it crosses the Wolf River on a 130-foot deck plate girder bridge.
Video of the former Canadian Northern Railway/CN-Kinghorn (Dorion) Subdivision (MP 144.7-147.5) at Hurkett, ON. Features the grade as it skirts Hurkett Cove Conservation Area, crosses Black Bay Drive, passes a proposed station and approaches the Wolf River Bridge.
Video of the former Canadian Northern Railway/CN-Kinghorn (Dorion) Subdivision (MP 144.7-147.5) at Hurkett, ON. Features the grade as it crosses a small 23-foot trestle and skirts Hurkett Cove Conservation Area.
Poverty, Agony, Distress & Want! 