Barbed wire trench defences. Germans (one balanced on a supporting plank) working on barbed wire defences during World War I (1914-1918). This view dates from around 1914 or 1915. During the war, barbed wire defences of the trenches increased to form dense impenetrable thickets. Extensive trench systems were dug by both sides as the opposing armies fought to a standstill on the Western Front in northern France and Belgium. Many millions fought and died in what was one of the largest wars in history. This photograph is from the Bain News Service, one of the USA's earliest news picture libraries.