Size of a slit trench?

Were British soldiers given instructions on a standard size - depth, length width - for a slit trench, or were they dug to suit the circumstances? My father's old oppo once told me a two-man trench was the same size as a grave.

 

I’m not sure of the British Army.....but for Canadian’s they were instructed:

 

And (you didn’t ask but) In WW1 Canadian Trench’s orders here maintenance etc etc

https://wartimecanada.ca/sites/default/files/documents/CC Trench Standing Orders.pdf

 

And this manual in WW1 even taught the best way to site and build trench’s on “craters” from mining or shell craters

https://wartimecanada.ca/sites/default/files/documents/Consolidation of Trenches.pdf

 

The US 1942 manual (FM7-10, Rifle Company Rifle Regiment) recommended a total depth of 6 to 7 feet for slit trenches and foxholes, depending on the height of the occupants, with a firestep two feet from the bottom. The width of a slit trench or double foxhole was supposed to be six feet.

 

Slit Trenches - WW2 Civil Defence and Home Guard - Suffolk




I guess the size would vary with the ground type, North Africa, Italy, Normandy, Holland, the time of year and your speed need - are we lilkely to be shelled in 10 minutes

TD

 

Sorry - I misread the thread title..

I'll put Latrines of the Fighting Nations 1939-45 back on the shelf...

 

Here the Brittish version

Field Service Pocket Book Part I Pamphlet No 7 Field Engineering

 

Cheers - could picture the diagrams but couldn't remember what they were in.

 

Abandoned BEF trench near the Yser Canal 1940.
Photo from my collection.

 

Thanks for all your helpful replies, chaps.