As part of the research initiated by SBMO on the chain trenching phenomena, a series for centrifuge tests (mainly at 75g) were performed on model anchors embedded in reconsolidated and intact Gulf of Guinea clay. Vertical and inclined pull-out tests were performed both with and without a trench. Anchor movement and pore pressures (suction) at different positions in the soil below the anchor were monitored during loading to assess reverse end bearing mobilisation. The results demonstrate that the trench does not significantly affect reverse end bearing but the holding capacity for typical inclined loading is reduced by approximately 20% for this specific anchor and trench geometry. 2D and 3D total and effective stress finite element analyses were performed as part of the interpretation work and some results are briefly presented in this paper.