Military Instructors Manual Part 55

(e) Dogs and carrier pigeons. Sent out to the rear from battalion headquarters.

(f) One searchlight--with a radius of 3 miles--is furnished to each company.

(g) Noise. Klaxon signals, etc., give warning of gas attacks.

E. OBSERVATION:

(a) Observers: 1. Must be men of infinite patience, keen hearing and eyesight.

2. They are located behind the first line in positions combining good view with concealment.

3. Each is provided with a panoramic map, made from aeroplane photographs, of the enemy's trenches. On this must be promptly noted every slightest change in the trace, height of parapet, etc., of the enemy's line. Such notes greatly a.s.sist in locating machine gun emplacements.

4. Each observer will also record in a note book everything of importance, with the time observed.

5. A report of changes, with an abstract of observer's notes, is forwarded daily to regimental headquarters.

(b) Watchers (sentinels): 1. Stationed, one near the door of each dugout, in the first line, support and intermediate trenches.

2. They must be carefully concealed.

3. They must watch over the parapet (never through slits or loopholes) so as to have unrestricted view.

4. They are furnished with signal rockets and flares for prompt communication with the artillery, and have authority to use them.

5. Double sentinels are posted at night.

(c) Listening Posts: 1. Located, usually in sh.e.l.l holes, just inside the entanglements. Connected with front line by tunnels.

Protected from grenades by heavy gratings, when possible, and by concealment.

2. Occupied by 4 men (1 in command), in 3 reliefs. Usually occupied only at night unless our trenches are on a reverse slope.

3. Chief function is protection of the entanglements.

(d) Microphone Posts.--Installed usually behind the first line.

Intercept the enemy's telephone and ground-telegraph messages and any loud conversation in his trenches.

(e) Fixed Patrols.--Generally remain in sh.e.l.l holes in front of our entanglements.

(f) Reconnoitering Patrols: 1. Composed of from 3 to 5 men, commanded by a non-commissioned officer. Sent out at night only.

2. The company commander must promptly notify commanders of adjoining companies of the dispatch of these patrols, their time of departure, route and probable time of return.

3. Men should be a.s.signed to this duty by roster.

F. TRENCH WORK:

1. Constant battle with the elements, care for drainage, revettment, sanitation and storage.

2. Repair of the effects of bombardment.

3. New work, for better security, communication and observation.

4. Work in the open.

(a) Usually consists of repair or rearrangement of wire entanglements, digging new listening posts, etc.

(b) Effected by parties detailed by roster.

(c) They are guarded by fighting patrols, composed like reconnaissance patrols. Their best protection is in silence and concealment.

(d) Adjoining companies must be notified of their dispatch, location and probable time of return.

(e) This work, like all operations conducted outside the protection of the trenches, offers a valuable tonic to the morale.

G. OFFENSIVE OPERATIONS:

1. Sniping: (a) Snipers const.i.tute one of the most dependable and productive agencies of attrition.

(b) The best shots of the company are especially trained and a.s.signed for this duty exclusively.

(c) They operate in pairs and post themselves to cover any exposed portions of the enemy's trenches, especially his communicating trenches.

(d) They should be well supplied with all necessary special equipment; _e.g._, sniperscopes, telescopic sights, painted headgear, etc.

2. Mining Operations.

3. Raiding: (a) Object of raids: destruction of the enemy's defenses, disturbance of his morale, collection of prisoners and information.

(b) The personnel of raiding parties will usually include: A commander and second in command, bayonet men, bombers, engineers, signal men, stretcher bearers. Their numbers and proportions are regulated by the nature and difficulty of the task.

(c) Co-ordination with the artillery barrage is the essential of their success. The limit of advance, extent of operations, and time of return will therefore be set in advance and rigidly adhered to.

H. ROLE OF THE TRENCH COMMANDER:

1. Inspections: The men will be formally inspected twice daily at the general "stand to" by the company commander. Particular attention will be paid to the health of the men, condition of their feet and their clothing. Each man must have at least one pair of dry socks always available. Arms, gas masks, and other equipments will also be rigidly inspected.

2. Roster: The company commander will carefully supervise the preparation of the duty roster. An obviously equal distribution of the arduous duties involved in trench life is essential to the maintenance of morale.

3. Reports and Records: (Additional to those already required by regulations.) Log Book, Report of Casualties, Wind Report (daily), Bombardment Report (daily), Intelligence Report, which will include observer's notes and changes (twice daily), and a daily report of Work completed and Undertaken.

4. "One principle which the trench commander should never forget is the necessity for his frequent presence in the midst of his men.

* * * Direct contact with the troops on as many occasions as possible is the most certain way to gain their confidence."

[Ill.u.s.tration]

[Ill.u.s.tration]

Duties of the Company Commander.

1. To inspect the sector his company is to occupy, one day in advance of occupying it.

2. To a.s.sign segments to the platoons.

3. To prepare a plan of defense.

4. To connect by liaison with the companies on his flanks.

5. To have an agent or runner at Battalion Headquarters.

6. To prepare a plan for counter attacks.

7. To report to the Battalion Commander when his company has taken up its position: (a) Its situation.

(b) Security.

(c) Liaison.

(d) State of position left by predecessor.

(e) Defense of sector.

(f) Plan of counter attacks.

8. To inspect the trenches frequently to see that everything is in proper condition and that his men are in jubilant spirits.

9. To have platoon guides report to Battalion Headquarters on the date for the relief of his company and act as guides to the company that relieves him.

10. To keep a special log book in which the following are kept: (a) Work completed by his unit.

(b) Work under way.

(c) Work proposed.

11. Turn over to his successor: (a) Measures taken for security.

(b) Plan of attacks.

(c) Plan of counterattacks.

12. Have one officer on duty at all times.

13. "Stand to" will take place one (1) hour before daylight, and all available men will attend. There will be a thorough inspection.

Rapid loading will be practiced. The firing position of every man will be tested to see if he can hit the bottom of our wire.

Gas helmets will be inspected.

14. Time table--allot hours of work, rest and meals.

15. Supplies--make timely requisitions for them--be especially watchful about meals and rations--have no delays.

16. To have one watcher and one relief on duty near Company Headquarters at all times.

17. To get a good field of fire to the front and cover the sectors of each company on flanks.

18. (Subject to change) Red Rocket-Artillery Barrage wanted.

White Rocket Gas Attack.

19. To report twice daily all changes in wind direction.

20. To report to Battalion Commander when relieved.