The Coltman Trench is a recreated World War One trench system built in the grounds of the Museum and used for educational purposes and events.

To commemorate the beginning of the 100-year anniversary of the start of the start of World War One the Coltman Trench system was refurbished in 2014 to include some additional features and new exhibits.

Our trench system was opened in 1993 by Jack Staley, a veteran of  the South Staffordshire Regiment, who had served in both the First and Second World Wars. The area is a reconstruction of a 100 metre section of British front line trench from the First World War. It is named after Lance Corporal William Coltman VC and serves as a memorial to him and all of the soldiers of Staffordshire who served in that war.

Lance Corporal Coltman was a stretcher bearer in the 1st/6th North Staffordshire Regiment and was the most highly decorated soldier of the First World War winning, in addition to his Victoria Cross, the Distinguished Conduct Medal and Bar and the Military Medal and Bar. Other features of the trench are named after the seven additional Regimental winners of the Victoria Cross in World War One.

The primary purpose of the Coltman Trench is as an educational facility, providing visitors with some idea of the conditions soldiers lived and fought in during the First World War. Museum visitors may tour the Trench on their own but organised parties, including schools, are encouraged to arrange special visits where uniformed tour guides are able to explain and demonstrate aspects of the Trench and Trench Warfare.

During regular special events the Trench is manned by living history groups and each year our very popular ‘Night in the Trenches’ takes place close to Remembrance weekend.

See more under Visitor Info and Events.

The Coltman Trench is available for hire for filming and private functions. Please contact the Museum Events’ Officer to discuss in more detail on attendant@staffordshireregimentmuseum.com or 01543 434394