Full text of "Elements of Trench Warfare: Bayonet Training"

See other formats

Google

This is a digital copy of a book that was preserved for generations on library shelves before it was carefully scanned by Google as part of a project

to make the world's books discoverable online.

It has survived long enough for the copyright to expire and the book to enter the public domain. A public domain book is one that was never subject

to copyright or whose legal copyright term has expired. Whether a book is in the public domain may vary country to country. Public domain books

are our gateways to the past, representing a wealth of history, culture and knowledge that's often difficult to discover.

Marks, notations and other maiginalia present in the original volume will appear in this file - a reminder of this book's long journey from the

publisher to a library and finally to you.

Usage guidelines

Google is proud to partner with libraries to digitize public domain materials and make them widely accessible. Public domain books belong to the
public and we are merely their custodians. Nevertheless, this work is expensive, so in order to keep providing tliis resource, we liave taken steps to
prevent abuse by commercial parties, including placing technical restrictions on automated querying.
We also ask that you:

+ Make non-commercial use of the files We designed Google Book Search for use by individuals, and we request that you use these files for
personal, non-commercial purposes.

+ Refrain fivm automated querying Do not send automated queries of any sort to Google's system: If you are conducting research on machine
translation, optical character recognition or other areas where access to a large amount of text is helpful, please contact us. We encourage the
use of public domain materials for these purposes and may be able to help.

+ Maintain attributionTht GoogXt "watermark" you see on each file is essential for in forming people about this project and helping them find
additional materials through Google Book Search. Please do not remove it.

+ Keep it legal Whatever your use, remember that you are responsible for ensuring that what you are doing is legal. Do not assume that just
because we believe a book is in the public domain for users in the United States, that the work is also in the public domain for users in other
countries. Whether a book is still in copyright varies from country to country, and we can't offer guidance on whether any specific use of
any specific book is allowed. Please do not assume that a book's appearance in Google Book Search means it can be used in any manner
anywhere in the world. Copyright infringement liabili^ can be quite severe.

About Google Book Search

Google's mission is to organize the world's information and to make it universally accessible and useful. Google Book Search helps readers
discover the world's books while helping authors and publishers reach new audiences. You can search through the full text of this book on the web

at |http: //books .google .com/I

, -"^

Of c-

Elements of
Trench Warfare

Waldron

Elements of
Trench Warfare

Bayonet Training

Captain William H. Waldron

29th U. S. Infantry ""

DISTINGUISHED GRADUATE INFANTRY AND

CAVALRY SCHOOL^ 1905

GRADUATE ARMY STAFF COLLEGE, 1906

GRADUATE ARMY WAR COLLEGE, 1911

ASSISTANT DIRECTOR ARMY WAR

COLLEGE COURSE, 1911-12

Author of

"Scouting and Patrolling"

"Tactical Walks'*

PUBLISHED BY

EDWIN N. APPLETON

1 Broadway, New York

1917

Price 75 Cents, poetage paid

, ,• * >

PKBSS or ISAAC GOLDMANN COMPANY, NEW YORK

f NOTICE

There is a wealth of material in this little book
2 that will interest the soldier. From the illus-
^ trations alone he will be able to obtain a good
^ general idea of the subject.

It is essentially a soldier's book, written in
language that he can understand. The price
has been kept within the limits of his pocketbook.

With a view to securing a wide distribution of
the book I desire to secure a representative in
every organization in the Army. I have an at-

k tractive proposition to make to competent parties.
A letter will bring particulars. My address
^Twrill be found in the Army List and Directory,
[f this is not available, a letter addressed as
follows will be forwarded to me :

^ Captain W. H. Waldron,

^ 29th Infantry,

J Care of "Infantry Journal,

Washington, D.- C.

(Signed) W. H. Waldron.

Vjt jL.\^' <^ v>^ vJ*

CONTENTS

Page
Chapter I. — The Organization of a Section of the

Position 9

Chapter II. — Obstacles. Construction, repair.^ Wire
entanglements, barricades, land mines, inunda-
tion 13

Chapter III. — Lookout and Listening Posts: Types.

Construction, service 27

Chapter IV. — Field Trenches: Traversed trenches.
Types of trenches. Drainage. Communication
trenches. Dugouts. Penetration of projectiles.
Communication. Trench mortar positions. Ma-
chine guns. Supporting points 33

Chapter V. — ^Use and Improvement of Natural Cover 60

Chapter VI. — Revetments: Sandbags. Fascines.

Hurdles. Gabions 74

Chapter VII. — Working Parties: Details of organ-
ization. Laying out tasks. Operations 90

Chapter ^ VIII. — Grenade Warfare : Organization and
tactics of grenadiers. Offensive operations.
Clearing fire trenches. Clearing communication
trenches. Night operations. Grenade patrols.
Notes on grenade warfare 97

Chapter IX. — Gas Warfare: Methods of dissemina-
tion of gas. Gas helmets, care and use of.
Sprayers 118

Chapter X. — Service in the Trenches: Preparations
for entering. Inspection of trenches. Tactical
dispositions. Going into the trenches. Informa-
tion routine. Observation field glasses. Snip-
ers. What to fire at. Use of rifle grenades.
Scouting and patrolling. Care of arms. Care of
trenches. Latrines. Maps. Frost bite. The
trench soldier's creed 128

Chapter XI.— The Attack in Trench Warfare 162

BAYONET TRAINING

Features of the Bayonet 175

Method of Carrying out Bayonet Training and
Hints to Instruction 177

CONTENTS 7

BAYONET LESSONS Page

Formation — ^Technique of Instruction 180

Lesson No. 1 —

Position of "Guard" 118

" "Rest" 184

" " "High Port" 184

" "Long Point" 184

The "Withdrawal After a Long Point 189

PROGRESSION

Vulnerable Parts of the Body 190

Lesson No. 2— "The Parries*^* 192

PRACTICE 194

Lesson No. 3— "The Short Point" 193

Lesson No. 4— "The Jab or Upward Point" 197

METHOD OF INJURING AN OPPONENT

Butt Strike 1 200

" II 200

" III 200

" IF 202

Practice 202

TACTICAL APPLICATION OF THE BAYONET.. 203

THE BAYONET ASSAULT 203

METHOD OF CARRYING THE RIFLE WITH

BAYONET FIXED 205

TEAMWORK 206

THE ADVANCE 206

THE CHARGE 206

ASSAULT PRACTICE 208

FINAL ASSAULT PRACTICE 209

ACCESSORIES 211

TARGETS 215

CONSTRUCTION OF GALLOWS 216

" DUMMIES 217

" "TURK'S HEAD" 218

" PARRYING DUMMY

TARGET 218

DISCS ON TARGETS 218

EXERCISES

Exercise 1 221

The Run 222

Exercise 2 223

INTRODUCTION

This little book has been prepared with a
view to placing before the soldier a store
of information on the subject of Trench
Warfare as it has been developed on the
battle fronts of Europe, and giving him
some idea of the nature of the service that
he will be called upon to perform when the
time arrives for him to do his "bit."

The illustrations have been carefully pre-
pared and arranged to the end that the sol-
dier may gain a fair knowledge of the
subject from them alone. The text is in-
tended to to treat the subject in a purely
elementary manner that the soldier may be
able to understand.

The size of the book is such that it may
be conveniently carried in the pocket and
referred to as occasion requires. The price
has been kept down to the point where it is
available to the soldier.

If the book assists in his preparation for
the front and, by reason of the knowledge
that he has gained from it, helps to make
him more efficient when he gets there, it
will have served its purpose.

The Author.

Chapter I

ORGANIZATION

The normal organization of an intrenched
position includes the following elements
from front to rear:

1. In front of the position and at a vari-
able distance from the first line fire trench
there is a line of wire entanglements. (See
Obstacles, p. 13).

2. Close up to the wire entanglements
there is an intrenched post known as the
* listening post," which is connected with
the first line .fire trench by a zigzag com-
municating trench. (See Listening Posts,
p. 27).

3. Then comes the first line fire trench
with attached machine-gun emplacements
at convenient points. (See Fire Trench
and Machine-Gun Emplacements, pp. 33
and 54).

4. The fire trench is so narrow that
lateral communication along it is effected
only with difficulty. In order to provide
a passageway a communication or supervi-
sion trench is provided a few yards in rear
of the fire trench. Passageways lead from

10 ELEMENTS OF TRENCH WARFARE

this communication trench to the fire trench
and to the dugouts located along it.

5. At a variable distance iw rear of the
fire trench (100 to 200 yards) the emplace-
ments for bomb-throwing apparatus and
trench mortars are located. These are con-
nected up laterally by a communication
trench which joins with the main com-
munication trench running from front to
rear through the position. (See Emplace-
ments for Trench Mortars, p. 51).

I 6. From 100 to 400 yards to the rear of

; the first line fire trench, and generally par-

/ allel to it, IS the supporting trench or cover

/ for the supports. This trpnch is invariably

' provided with strong overhead cover and a

system of dugouts for the protection of the

troops. (See Cover for Supports, p. 53).

7. This whole arrangement of trenches
is connected throughout from front to rear,
and laterally, by a system of zigzag com-
munication trenches.

Take this brief description together with

Plate 1, the drawing that accompanies this

volume, and study the two until you get the

. entire system fixed firmly in your mind;

» tf

.> ^*^ ^a i

••^-•

"io" . -1^

i'r^ ' V-.

♦-«J

•i

• .»

■-'-i,

\ \ . ^,

-jp.^

• '.1

//. t

^>/i

^^•li

I.'--.

f •

,1 r-

-I.

* •

I I

' 4

' /

//•-

-»

a:
o

It
It

V ^

! ORGANIZATION 11

:that is, until you get a mental picture of all
[the elements included in the system.
i After you have done this, study on
, [through the book in order that you may
know the purpose of each of these elements
Imd how one links up with the other.

This is the typical system now in use in
the European war theaters. Circumstances
rit certain places may render some varia-
ions necessary, and it must not be inferred
4 hat the trace of the works is the same
hroughout. As a rule the types of trenches
(altered when necessary to meet local con-
ditions) illustrated herein are the ones in
actual use on the war fronts.

All of these trenches and their accesso-
ries constitute what is known as the first
line. At a distance of from 2,000 to 5,000
yards in rear of this first line a second line,
organized in a similar manner, is to be
found.

At intervals of from 800 to 1,500 yards
along the first line-centers of resistance, or
'what we know as "supporting points," are
located. These consist of fortified villages,
or a network (labyrinth) of trenches, pro-
vided with every defensive device known
to modern warfare. The object of these

12' ELEMENTS OF TRENCH WARFARE

supporting points is to bring a flanking fire
to bear on the intervals between them, with
the idea that an attacking force cannot ad-
vance beyond them without capturing
them.

Plate 2 shows the general scheme of the
occupation of a sector of the line by a field
army of two divisions.

Chapter II

OBSTACLES

The element of the defensive line nearest
the enemy is a line or series of lines of ob-
stacles which are designed for the purpose
of:

1. Protecting the lines from surprise.

2. Reducing the momentiun of the at-
tack, by breaking up the unity of action
and cohesion.

3. Holding the enemy under the effective
fire of the defenders.

The conditions that obstacles should ful-
fil are as follows. They must —

1. Be close to the defender*s position. As
a rule on the western front they are not
more than from 50 to 100 yards distant.
If they are too close it may be possible to
throw hand grenades from the far edge of
them into the defender's trenches,

2. As far as practicable, be sheltered and
screened from the enemy. Shell fire is the
most effective method of destroying ob-
stacles. If they are not concealed they may
furnish aiming points for the enemy's fire
against the first line fire trench by his be-

14 ELEMENTS OF TRENCH WARFARE

ing able to estimate its location with refer-
ence to the obstacle.

3. Afford no cover or screen to the enemy.

4. Be so placed that the enemy will come
upon them as a surprise.

5. Be so constructed as to be difficult of
removal under fire and impracticable to ne-
gotiate while still reasonably intact.

6. Be arranged so as not to interfere
with a counter attack. The obstacles may
have occasional gaps left in them which
may be mined.

The different classes of obstacles are:
Abatis, low wire entanglements, high wire
entanglements, barricades, mines, fougasses,
crows feet, military pits with wire entangle-
ments, inundations, etc.

Plate 3. — ^Abatis.

Abatis (pronounced abatee) consists of
branches of trees lying parallel to each
other, butts pointing to the rear, and the

OBSTACLES 15

branches interlaced with barbed wire. All

leaves and small twigs should be removed
and the stiff ends of branches pointed. The
butts are staked or tied down or anchored
by covering them with earth. When more
than one row is used the branches overlap
the butts of those in front so as to make
the abatis about 5 feet high. An abatis
formed by felling trees towards the enemy,
leaving the butt hanging to the stump, is
called slashing.

Wire Entanglements
Barbed wire is the material most em-
ployed in the construction of obstacles. It
may be used in the following manner :

1. As a simple trip, for giving the alarm.
It is stretched just above the ground and
attached to some object that will cause a
noise to be made if molested.

16 ELEMENTS OF TRENCH WARFARB

2. A simple wire fence, to cause delay
and confusion to the enemy in his advance.

3. As an adjunct to tree and brushwood
entanglement.

4. As a wire entanglement.

5. As a covering for portable cylinders. .
The advantages of the barbed-wire en-
tanglement are:

1. It is easily and quickly made.

2. It is difficult to destroy.

3. It is difficult to get through.

4. It offers no obstruction to the view
and fire of the defense.

The low wire entanglement is constructed
as follows:

1. Drive stakes in the ground until they
project about 18 inches. The stakes should
be about 6 feet apart, those in each row be-
ing opposite the intervals in adjacent rows.

2. The wire is then passed loosely from
the head of one stake to another, wound
around each and stapled.

3. Where two or more wires cross they
should be tied together.

A more useful and efficient modification
of the low wire entanglement is made by
stapling the wire down the sides of the

OBSTACLES 17

stakes, allowing five or more feet of slack
wire between stakes. Drive the stakes in
the ground until the top is flush. This re-
sults in a loose network of tangled wires
difficult to get through, easily concealed and
difficult to remove.

The high wire entanglement is made by
driving stakes so that they protrude from
4 to 6 feet above the ground. They are
placed at irregular intervals 5 to 8 feet
apart. The head of each stake is connected
with the foot of adjoining stakes with the
wire loosely drawn, wound around the
stakes and stapled fast. Each center post
should be stayed by four wires. There
should be a trip wire about 9 inches^from
the ground all the way across the from and
another about a foot from the top ^ the
center posts. Barbed wire may then be
hung in festoons throughout the entangle-
ment, with no fixed pattern. To increase
the entanglement wire may be stapled to
the foot of the posts, as indicated in the
paragraph above, before they are driven.
Large nails should be driven in the tops of
the posts with half their length protruding.
A number of the wires in the entanglement
should be fastened together where they

lO ELEMENTS OF TRENCH WARFARE

cross. The wire should be passed through
paint, if practicable, to take away the bright
color. The post should be painted the color

of the surrounding country. Under the con-
ditions encountered on the western front
this work has to be done hastily. It is best,

OBSTACLES

therefore, to limit the first stage of con-
struction to just so many strands as will
form a nucleus for the whole entanglement,
in order that the area may be covered by
an obstacle before interruption occurs.

Tight wires help the enemy's advance by
forming supports for hurdles. It must be
constantly borne in mind that the wires
must not be stretched taut.

A portable wire entanglement is con-
structed by stretching wire loosely around
a wooden framework, either circular or
square or m^de on a knife rest, and rolling
it into position to close up gaps that may
have been made in the entanglement. The
illustration shows the wooden framework.

Ttf Marm

mmm/^f}w/w//^^////rj^??/m/mrf/////^?/

1 1

1 1
1 1
It
t »

Plate 5a. — Alarm trap.

ELEMENTS OF TKENCH WAILPARE

The ordinary repairs to entanglements
are made under cover of darkness by work-
ing parties detailed for the purpose. Iron
posts that can be quickly placed in position
are advantageous, their disadvantage being
that they may retard bullets that would go
through the ordinary wooden posts, thus
furnishing just that much cover and pro-
tection to attacking parties.

In the construction and repair of en-
tanglements care must be taken to see that
they are firmly fastened into the ground
with numerous stay posts or "deadmen."
This is to prevent the enemy from pulling
them to pieces with grappling hooks con-
nected to ropes that lead to his trenches
and are attached to powerful windlasses or
capstans.

OBSTACLES

Barkicades

Barricades are employed for the defense
of streets, roads, bridges, etc. They may
be made out of any available material such
as furniture, vehicles (overturned or with
wheels removed), carts filled with stones,
bales of goods, etc.

Where trees grow along the roadside they
may be felled across the road. If neces-
sary, barbed wire may be run through the
branches to make the passage more difficult.

Plate 7. — Plan of barricade
for blocking a road.

22 ELEMENTS OF TRENCH WARFARE

Barricades should not as a rule close the
road entirely to traffic. Passages are re-
quired to allow the defenders to pass
through when it is necessary to do so.
Hence they should be made in two parts,
one overlapping the other, as shown in the
illustration.

A fougass is a mine so arranged that
upon explosion a large mass of stones is
projected against the enemy. An excava-
tion is made in the shape of a frustrom of
a cone, inclining the axis in the direction of
the enemy so as to make an angle with the
horizon of about 45 degrees. The sides
splay outward slightly. A box of powder
is placed in a recess at the bottom. This is
covered with a platform of wood several
inches thick, on which the stones are piled.

The fuse is placed in a groove cut at the
back of the excavation, or the mine may be
exploded by means of electricity.

The line of least resistance for the charge
must be arranged so that the powder will
act in the direction of the axis and not ver-
tically. This is accomplished by throwing
the excavated earth on the crest towards
the defender's side and ramming it well.

To ascertain the powder charge for any

OBSTACLES 23

fougass, divide the number of pounds of
stone in the charge by 150. This gives the
number of pounds of powder in the powder
charge. Thus a fougass charged with about
70 pounds of powder will throw about 5
tons of stone over a surface about 160 yards
long and 120 yards wide.

PulTe 9 — Verbcal fougass

24 ELEMENTS OF TRENCH VVARFARE

When broken up a cubic foot of stone
weighs about 100 pounds.

A vertical type of fougass is also shown.
A charge of 25 pounds of powder should
scatter a cubic yard of stones over an area
about 200 by 100 yards.

Small Land Mines

Land mines are placed in the line of the
advance of the enemy and exploded either
by electricity or fuse from the defense.
They are made by digging holes from 2
to 3 yards deep, either by excavation or by
boring. In the former case the charge is
placed in a recess which extends into the
solid earth at the side of the hole, which
is then refilled and tamped. In the latter
case the charge is placed in the bottom of
the hole, which is then refilled and solidly
tamped. In common earth the powder
charge for a 2-yard hole is 25 pounds.
That for a 3-yard hole is 80 pounds. The
diameter of the crater formed will be about
twice the depth of the charge.

The mines may be arranged in one or
more rows. The intervals between mines
should be such that the craters will nearly
but not quite join. The position of the

OBSTACLES

mines should be concealed as much as pos-
sible and further sophisticated by disturbing
the ground slightly at points where there
are no mines and so situated as to suggest
a systematic arrangement.

_»-- 3'd- -»

Platx 9a. — ^Land mine.

F, Line from powder charge to battery.
P, Powder charge.

Inundation

Backing up the water of a stream so that
it overflows a considerable area forms a
good obstacle, even though of fordable
depth. If shallow, the difficulty of fording
may be increased by irregular holes or
ditches dug before the water comes up, or
by constructing wire entanglements in the
water. It may be employed with advantage

26 ELEMENTS OF TRENCH WARFARE

when the drainage of a considerable area
passes through a restricted opening, as a
natural gorge, culvert or bridge.

Open cribs filled with stones, or tighter
ones filled with gravel, may form the basis
of the obstruction to the flow of the water.
The usual method of tightening spaces or
cracks between cribs is by throwing in
earth or alternate layers of straw, hay,
grass, earth, ox sacks of clay. A continu-
ous constructi"i, as shown in the illustra-
tion, may be employed. The ends of the
dam must be carried well into the solid
earth to prevent the water from cutting
around them. This type of dam is easily
destroyed by artillery fire, and cannot be
depended upon.

Plate 10— Dam o

Chapter III

LOOKOUT AND LISTENING POSTS

Except when the garrison are actually re-
quired to man the parapet, they will be kept
under cover, with the exception of a few
lookouts, whose duty it is to give timely
warning of the movements of the enemy.

When the opposing forces are in close
proximity to each other mining operations
are generally resorted to by both sides to
compass the destruction of the opposing
works and open the way for an attack.

Lookout and listening posts serve the
double purpose of having a few men at the
most advantageous places for observation
at the front and flanks and providing points
at some distance to the front of the first
line fire trenches from which listeners may
be able to discover the location and direc-
tion of enemy mining operations before
they really menace the fire trench.

In the normal case there will be some
natural cover available. Such, however, is
not always the case, and specially con-
structed observation stations have to be pro-
vided.

The posts should be placed in advance of

28 CLEMENTS OF TRENCH WARFARE

the first line trench, the distance depending
upon circumstances which have to be de-
termined in each particular instance. They
must be fully protected from reverse fire so
that there will be no chance of the observer
masking the fire of his comrades manning
the fire trench.

Unless the ground is very favorable it will
be found difficult to provide for observa-
tion above ground. Where there are natural
features such as embankments, mounds,
hedgerows, ruins of buildings, etc., it may
be possible to make provision for observa-
tion even by day.

Where a loophole is used, the type having
the narrower end outward should be pro-
vided.

In the open type of post the observation
directly to the front may be greatly facili-
tated by the use of the periscope. (Plate

11.)

A good, strong parapet thrown up and
chopped off at the comers will enable the
observer to cover areas from an oblique di-
rection from the post and protect him from
fire from the front.

In the covered type the observer is pro-

LOOKOUT AND LISTENING POSTS 29

vided loopholes having the splay towards
him. These may also be constructed to the
oblique rather than to the front. When this
is done, provision must be made to cover
the entire front of the position from the
several posts. (Plate 12.)

The post may be connected with the first
line fire trench by a narrow zigzag trench
or by an underground passage. If the for-
mer, it must be thoroughly concealed and
have no excavated earth visible. If it can
be located along a hedge or some other
natural feature its location may remain un-
known to the enemy for a considerable
length of time. Where a communication
gallery is constructed the roof and walls
must be suitably shored up by casing and
supports.

The sentinel in the listening post carries
no accouterments. It has been found that
the creaking noise made by equipment when
the sentinel moves has been taken for min-
ing operations of the enemy by his com-
rades.

Listening galleries should never be left
without a sentinel. There should be a
depot of arms and hand grenades near the
entrance to the gallery in case men are at-

[PI CSV) tn

\ -r 3o '«'

Plate 11. — Open type of listening post.

Plate 12. — Covered type of listening post

Plaik 13— a litening and obser

32 ELEMENTS OF TRENCH WARFARE

tacked while on duty from either above or
below ground.

Listening will be conducted at specified
times, or on some prearranged signal, and
for a definite period. During this time all
within the listening area, including the
trenches, must remain absolutely motion-
less.

Infantry manning a trench can assist lis-
tening by digging a small pit, 6 feet deep
below the trench, and running a bore-hole
out 20 feet or more.

The enemy is always listening for indi-
cations of the direction and position of gal-
lery heads. Work must therefore be car-
ried on with a minimum of noise. Shouting
down the shafts of galleries is absolutely
forbidden.

When the mining operations of the enemy
are detected a report should be made at
once to the officer in charge of that section
of the trench.

Chapter IV

FIELD TRENCHES

The next element of the defensive posi-
tion is the first line fire trenches. These are
located so as to have a good field of fire to
the front for several hundred yards and so
constructed as to give the greatest cover
and protection from the fire of the enemy.

An unbroken, continuous trench would
be exposed to enfilade fire. A shell, shrap-
nel or grenade bursting therein would have
widespread eflfect. To overcome these ele-
ments the trench is constructed in short
lengths, with traverses between them, and
technically known as the traverse type.

Better defilade is thus secured and the
material effect of any burst is confined to
narrow limits.

The trench interval between the traverses
is known as the "bay," which should not
ordinarily be longer than 18 feet. Longer
bays invite heavy casualties in case the
trench is enfiladed or a high explosive shell
finds its mark.

The illustration, Plate 14, shows a trace
of the traversed type of fire trench.

^ «

field trenches 35

Type of Trench

Formerly, protection from the enemy's
fire was obtained by thickness of parapet.
In the trench warfare of today it is obtained
by completely concealing the riflemen in a
deep, narrow trench with a very low para-
pet.

The height over which the average man
can fire is about 5 feet or about five-sixths
of his own height. This factor determines
the height of the parapet above the firing
banquet of the trench or the height of bot-
tom of loophole above the same point, when
the latter is employed.

':iimr ^msaim^ 'MM^.

mmmj^"^^^'*'^

Plate 15. — Simple standing trench. 1. Width at top,

3 feet 4 inches. 2. Width at bottom, over all, 2 feet
8 inches. 3. Width of firing banquet, 1 foot 4 inches.

4. Height of parapet above firing banquet, 5 feet.

5. Height of parapet above bottom of trench, 6 feet

4 inches.

FIELD TRENCHES 37

The type of trench in general use today
is the simple standing trench shown in
Plate 15.

Drainage

If a trench is to be occupied for any
length of time, especially if much ground
or falling water is to be encountered, drain-
age becomes of prime importance. Many
years ago a celebrated military authority
asserted that "nothing so saps the courage
of a soldier as to wet the seat of his
breeches." This may be accepted as a true
maxim, especially in cold weather. The
trench should therefore be made as dry as
possible. The floor of the trench should be
given a sufficient slope to the rear where
an intercepting drain should carry the water
to prepared sumps or to a point from which
it can be disposed of by drainage. Provi-
sion should also be made to exclude surface
drainage from the trenches.

A scheme for trench drainage is shown in
the illustrations (Plates 16, 17 and 18).

Overhead cover may be provided as
shown in Plates 19 and 20.

Loopholes are made wherever head cover
is provided. Where the enemy's trenches

Plate 16. — Method of draining trench.

(Tfe-)

Plate 17. — Details of
trench drainage.

Plate 18.— Detail of
trench drainage.

FuTi 19.— Overhead

PLAn ISb.— Overhea

PfctTE ZO,— OverhMd cover.

Plate 20a,— Overhead

FIELD TRENCHES 41

are close, there is considerable danger in
using them. Collective firing takes place
over the parapet. When loopholes are used
they should face half-right or half-left and
not directly to the front.

The disadvantages of loopholes are :

1. The difficulty of concealing firing
points. Loopholes give the enemy's snipers
an easy mark.

2. They lessen the number of rifles that
can be used at a given point.

3. The necessary head cover makes it
difficult to get out of the trench quickly.

4. Damaged head cover often spoils a
good firing point.

The three types of loopholes are :

1. Narrowest point of the opening near-
est the marksman. This type is most diffi-
cult to conceal, much of the parapet thick-
ness is cut away and, if of hard material,
tends to deflect the bullets into the firer's
face. This defect may be remedied some-
what by stepping the surface of the loop-
hole.

2. Narrowest point to the front. Easiest
to conceal but gives a limited field of view.

3. Narrowest point midway between the

ELEMENTS OF TRENCH WARFARE

front and rear. A compromise between the
first two types.

The following general remarks on the
construction of loopholes are taken from a
work based upon the experience gained dur-
ing the war in Europe :

1. The angle of splay is usually 60 de-
grees. The thicker the parapet the smaller
must be the angle of splay.

2. The marksman holds his rifle in a line

W^^A

Throat

Plate 21. — Types of loopholes.

Plate 22.— Methods of conitruciing loopfaalei

ELEMENTS OF TRENCH WARFARE

connecting the right shoulder, the eye and
the object, hence most of the body lies to the
left of the rifle. The loophole should be
made to the right, with a niche in the wall
of the parapet from the hip to the armpit,
to bring the left shoulder well forward. It
will be found that this permits the right
elbow to be placed on the edge of the para-
pet.

3. Box loopholes with screens or blindage
may be used, but should be placed by a
skilled marksman. The great disadvantage
is that the enemy notes these parapet altera-
tions. Steel loophole plates are now pro-
vided for this type of loophole. As the Ger-
mans sometimes use a steel bullet with great
penetrating power, it is advisable to place
two plates together to insure protection.

4. With every precaution that may be
taken it is difficult to conceal a loophole.
A good plan is to deceive the enemy by
using painted sandbags and preparing plenty
of dummy loopholes.

5. The minimum width of loopholes
should be 2j4 inches. If narrower than
this, it is impossible to use both eyes to
judge distances correctly.

6. The parapet should be so sloped that

FIELD TRENCHES

there is a maximum grazing fire when the
rifle is fired as it lies on the parapet.

To insure that the bullet will not graze
the parapet, although the sights are clear,
look through the barrel with the bolt re-
moved.

Communication Trench

In the first line fire trenches there are so
many crooks and turns and the trench itself
is so narrow that passage along the same is
very difficult. To provide for this lateral
communication a trench known as the com-
munication or supervision trench is dug. It
runs generally parallel to and a short dis-

« 33 —Type of coi

46 ELEMENTS OF TRENCH WARFARE

tance in rear of the fire trench and is con-
nected therewith by zigzag approaches. The
factor that determines the distance between
the fire trench and the communication
trench is that it should be at such a dis-
tance that a shell bursting in one of the bays
would not destroy the communication
trench.

The location of the communication trench
with respect to the fire trench and the ar-
rangements of the approaches is shown in
detail in Plate 1.

The profile of the ordinary commuhica-
tion trench is shown in Plate 23.

Dugouts

During the artillery bombardment few
men are left in the fire trenches. The re-
mainder of the garrison is held under cover
a short distance to the rear. This cover is
provided by a system of dugouts connected
with the fire trench through underground
passageways that lead to the communica-
tion trench. This arrangement is shown in
Plate 1.

A profile of the latest type of dugout is
shown in Plate 24.
The solid earth cover is from 12 to 18 feet

48 ELEMENTS OF TRENCH WARFARE

thick, which gives protection from all but
the very largest caliber shells.

Effective resistance is supplied by roofing
materials as follows :

1. From shrapnel bullets: 2-inch planks
covered with 12 inches of earth.

2. From 3-inch shells : 4-inch planks sup-
porting 4 feet of earth with a top layer of
heavy stones to cause an early shell burst.

3. From howitzers of less than 6 inches
caliber : 12-inch beams or logs covered with
8 feet of earth.

4. From the largest caliber guns: 15 to
25 feet of earth.

The following table shows the penetra-
tion of the German S bullet at a range of
200 yards : Inches

Steel plate }i

Broken stone 6

Brickwork, cement and mortar 9

Brickwork, lime and mortar 14

Sandbags 24

Sand, loose 30

Hardwood, oak, etc 38

Earth 50

Soft wood, poplar, etc 58

Clay 60

Dry turf 80

FIELD TRENCHES 49

In addition to the regular "dugouts" for
the supports, the latest type trenches have
squad dugouts just n rear of the bays of
the fire trench These prov de shelter dur-
ing bombardmei t for the members of the
squad not actually requ red on duty in the
trench I

Communications

The fire trench is connected with the

cover for supports by a system of zigzag

trenches having the profile shown in Plate

23. The arrangement is shown in Plate 1.

FIELD TRENCHES

Trench Mortar Positions
Somewhere between the first line fire
trench and the cover for the supports is a
line of emplacements for the trench mor-
tars. Plate 25 shows a profile of the em-
placement.

The arrangement of the position is shown
in Plate 1.

These trench mortars are used to hurl
charges of high explosives varying from
25 to 100 pounds into the enemy's lines.

PuiTE 2S1>.— Improviaed catapult.

FIELD TRENCHES S3

They have a range of from 300 to 1,800
yards.

Cover for Supports

At a variable distance to the rear of the
first line fire trench is located the cover for
supports, which is organized much in the
same manner as the first line system of
tjenches and affords a second position in
the system to fall back to in case of neces-
sity. These trenches are provided with
overhead cover and numerous dugouts for
the protection of the men.

Machine Guns

At every available place throughout the
defensive position machine guns are located,
typical positions of which are shown in
Plate 1.

The typical types of cover are shown in
Plates 26 and 27.

Machine guns are a 'very potent factor in
trench warfare. They are now being em-
ployed to a far greater extent than ever
before, and the number is increasing on all
the battle fronts as fast as they can be
manufactured. The machine-gun positions
are carefully concealed from the enemy,

FIELD TRENCHES

and fire is not opened until it is certain that
it will be effective.

The selection of the sites for the em-
placements should be made with a view to
bringing a powerful enfilade or oblique fire
on the attacking enemy at effective range.

56 ELEMENTS OF TRENCH WARFARE

to provide a flanking fire for supporting"
troops, and to sweep gaps in the line of
obstacles.

Their fire should cx)me as a surprise to
the attacking party.

In the construction of cover for machine
guns the following points should be ob-
served :

1. They must have a platform for the
gun and gunner. This may be provided for
in the construction of the emplacement or
built up with sandbags. The platform
should be 3 feet wide and 6jS^ feet in length.

2. If head cover is provided, it should
not differ in appearance from that con-
structed elsewhere in the trenches. The
loopholes must be blinded with gunny sacks.

3. The front of the emplacement should
be cut under to receive the leg of the tripod,
thus bringing the gun up closer to the par-
apet and furnishing more cover for the
gunner.

4. Splinter-proof shetlers should be pro-
vided near at hand for the members of the
gun detachment.

5. Where the enemy's trenches are near,
the position for the emplacement should be

FIELD TRENCHES 57

selected by day and the actual work done
under cover of darkness.

6. The guns should be located so that
they support each other by their fire. Alter-
nate positions should be constructed.

7. When located to enfilade straight lines
of trenches, special capioniers should be
constructed.

Supporting Points

At intervals from 800 to 1,500 yards along
the first line, supporting points are estab-
lished. They may consist of a fortified
village or a specially prepared position hav-
ing a "labyrinth" of trenches and rendered
well nigh impregnable to infantry assault
by every defensive device known to modem
warfare. They are designed to bring a
flanking fire to bear upon the intervening
intervals with the idea that troops cannot
pass beyond them until they are reduced.

Village Defense

The following was the actual scheme em-
ployed for the defense of a French village,
and exemplifies the thoroughness . with
which defenses must be organized.

The village was about 700 yards in rear

58 ELEMENTS OF TRENCH WARFARE

of the frontline, and had three keeps sur-
rounded with wire entanglements and in-
dependent of each other, but with an elab-
orate system of communication trenches.
Water and four days* rations were stored
in each keep, and wells dug. Each of the
keeps held about one company. • The com-
munication trenches were about 6 feet
deep, used as far as possible as fire
trenches, and well traversed. Firing plat-
forms were revetted with brushwood, and
shelters made all over the village. In ad-
dition to keeps, a series of lines existed in
the rear of the front line, intercommuni-
cating and provided with barbed wire. A
small wood on one point of the front was
defended by a network of low wire en-
tanglements and a line of high wire netting.

Every officer had to know all about his
section and its communications with right
and left. Telephone wires were laid low
down in communication trenches and fas-
tened a few inches from ground with
wooden pickets.

Machine guns were placed so as to flank
salients. A 65-mm. field gun was placed
in the front line to sw^ep the village, and
an observation station placed in a tree.

FIELD TRENCHES 59

The observer wore a green mask and green
sheet.

Great use was made of brushwood and
undergrowth to revet steps of firing plat-
form.

All work was carried out by regimental
officers and men without help from the
engineers, who were fully employed in
mining. The garrison of the village and
the front line trenches in the vicinity was
about one battalion, but the fire trenches
were sufficient for three battalions.

Chapter V

USE AND IMPROVEMENT OF
NATURAL COVER

A screen or mask consists of hedges,
crops, underbrush, etc., which hide the
rifleman without, however, protecting him
from fire.

Cover or shelter consists of walls, earth-
works, etc., which protect the rifleman
from fire.

On the battlefield, natural features that
screen and shelter should be utilized as
much as possible, as they possess the fol-
lowing advantages over artificial works:

(a) Their organization demands less
work.

(b) Concealment is easier.

They possess, however, certain disadvan-
tages:

(a) The protection is sometimes so ex-
cellent that, morally as well as materially,
it becomes difficult to leave the shelter.

♦ This chapter reprinted from Infantry Journal,

USE OF NATURAL COVER 61

Example: quarries with obstructed exits.
Therefore, good judgment must be exer-
cised in the selection.

(&) Some of them are too visible. Ex-
ample: large hedges. In this case their
range can be easily found.

As a general rule, do not occupy them
uniformly and do not change the appear-
ance of the organized parts.

Organization of the cover:

To organize the cover which protects
troops from fire, construct suitable posi-
tions for firing and resting. To utilize the
screens which merely hide the troops with-
out protecting them from fire, dig trenches
behind these screens in the following man-
ner:

(a) Choose the points which give the
best field of fire.

(fc) Construct cover for firing.

The constructions are usually "indivi-
dual" in the first period of work; after-
wards, they are organized "collectively.**
The covers are: (1) for riflemen lying
down, (2) for riflemen sitting down, and
(3) for riflemen standing up.

62 ELEMENTS OF TRENCH WARFARE

^(f>

Px«ATE 27a. — Use of the cover without improvement.

Plate 27b. — First period.

'♦«k««(«ri

Plate 27c. — Second period.
Progressive improvement of the cover.

Individual Organization of Natural

Cover

Examples of hasty individual cover be-
hind trees, bushes, or branches:

(a) Fallen tree (logs or branches), the

USE OF NATURAL COVER

Plate 27d. — First period.

Plate 27e. — Second period.

•»«k>«(*ri

Plate 27 i. — Third period.

height of which is at a maximum of 1 foot
above the ground :

(fe) Fallen tree, the top of which is
more than 1 foot above the ground.

Wood which does not afford sufficient

64 ELEMENTS OF TRENCH WARFARE

protection against bullets must be rein-
forced by earth at the right and against the
cover 1 foot behind. Plates 27d, 27e, and
27f show the progressive improvement of
the cover.

Plate 27g. — Sharp ridges, furrows, or top of a crest at
the end of a gentle slope.

Examples of hasty individual covers be-
hind a furrow, a crest, a heap of sand or
earth:

Dig the ground as near as possible to
crest A of 9ie furrow in the manner indi-
cated for the cover installed behind a fallen
tree more than 1 foot high.

..^

Plate 27h. — ^Narrow furrows.

Use the earth excavated between fur-
rows A and B to build up the earth be-
tween furrows B and C and fill up furrow
C; continue afterwards as for tiie sharp
ridge.

USE OF NATURAL COVER

Plate 27u — Low wall of earth, or earth and sand heaps,
more than 2 feet high (two methods, A or B).

(A) Lx)wer the height about 8 inches;
throw the earth forward. Dig a trench as
indicated in the figure.

(5) Make a loophole, in the pile of
earth, showing oneself as little as possible.
Improve the firing position by making a
place for the right leg and an elbow rest.

66 ELEMENTS OF TRENCH WARFARE

Examples of hasty shelters (individual)
arranged behind a large stone or heap of
stones.

A heap of stones, the top of which is
1 foot at a maximum above the ground :

Plate 27j. — First period.

Plate 27k. — Second period.

General Organization of Natural

Cover

This consists in connecting up and co-
ordinating the individual work^ under the
direction of the. squad commander. The
work should be carried out on the lines
adopted for the individual work and the
rules prescribed for the construction of ar-

USE OF NATURAL COVER

tificial cover (profiles, depths, various shel-
ters) should be followed as far as possible.
In arranging the cover, the squads should
utilize the natural features of the terrain.

Plate 27 1. — ^Arrangement for a mound of earth.

(♦fvi

Plate 27m. — Arrangement for a dry ditch.

• .•-.•.%••../-

Plate 27n. — Arrangement for a sunken road defended on
the aide towards the enemy.

68 ELEMENTS OF TRENCH WARFARE

Plate 27o. — Arrangement for a sunken road defended

from the rear.

Ditches full of water, drains, streams :

Plate 27p. — Arrangement of a large ditch.

o«oo

Plate 27 q. — Arrangement of a ditch full of water.

USE OF NATURAL COVER

Ordinary roads, road and railroad em-
bankments, and sunken roads:

Px«ATE 27t. — Arrangement of an ordinary road defended
on the side toward the enemy.

Plate 27s. — Same defended from the rear.

Plate 27 1. — Road embankment, defended from the rear.

70 ELEMENTS OF TRENCH WARFARE

Hedges and woods :

Dig a trench behind the hedge and throw
the earth against it ; make openings in the
hedge to facilitate view and fire (Plate

USE OF NATURAL COVER 71

27w). If the hedge is low, deepen the
trench, but make the parapet lower than
the hedge which masks it.

Avoid destroying the natural appearance
of the wood ; do not cut the trees and brush
on a certain depth, but cut off ' branches

72 ELEMENTS OF TRENCH WARFARE

where necessary to obtain a field of fire.
Behind this strip cut the brush and small
trees so as to make a path 3 to 4 yards
wide. Construct a trench behind the mask
of trees. The parapet can be raised up to
2 or even 3 feet. Construct abatis on the
parts of the border of the wood, where it
will not interefe with the fire.
Walls:

t'*«4-0,»0

Plate 28. — Arrangement of a wall more than 8 feet high

without making loopholes.

Plate 28a. — Arrangement of an iron fence
built on a low wall.

Chapter VI

REVETMENTS

A revetment is a covering or facing
placed upon an earth slope to enable it
to stand at an inclination greater than it
would naturally assume. Some revetments
also increase the tenacity of slopes and
diminish the injury by fire. The upper
parts of revetments that may be struck by
projectiles which penetrate the cover of
earth must not be made of materials of
large units which will splinter when struck.
The upper part of the revetments is tech-
nically known as crowning.

Sandbags

Sandbags are made of coarse canvas or
burlap. They are 33 inches long and 14
inches wide. They are filled loosely with
earth or sand about J^ cubic foot to a bag.
Having been placed in position they are
pounded down with a shovel to a rec-
tangular form when they will fill a space
about 20 by 13 by 5 inches.

The sandbag revetment is constructed by
laying alternate rows of headers and
stretchers, breaking joints. The tied ends
of the headers and seams of the stretchers

KEVETMENTS

are put into the parapet. Men working in
pairs lajr the bags and set them firmly in
place with a spade or mallet.
The advantages are:

1. The portability of the empty bags.
Only 62 pounds per one hundred bags.

2. They may be filled with any kind of
soil.

3. They are rapidly filled and easily
placed in position.

4. They are invaluable in making repairs.

5. They will not splinter.

The only disadvantage is that they are
not durable. The cloth soon goes to decay
and the filling material crumbles away.

Plate 29 shows the appearance of a sand-
bag revetment as seen from the front and
from the end.

76 ELEMENTS OF TRENCH WARFARE

A squad of six men with two shovels and
one pick should fill 150 bags in an hour.
One man uses the pick, two shovel the dirt
into the bag, one holds the bag open and
two men tie the bags. Having the filled
bags ready to hand ten men will lay 75
square feet of revetment in an hour. Four
men lay the bags and flatten them out
while six carry them.

Brush

Brush is used in many forms for revet-
ting.' Almost any kind will serve the pur-
pose. For weaving, it must be live and is
most pliable when not in leaf. It should
not be more than 1 inch in diameter at the
butt. When cut it should be assorted in
sizes for the different class of revetments.
Poles 2j^ inches in diameter are cut for
the supports.

Fascines

A fascine is a cylindrical bundle of
brushwood tightly bound. The usual
length is 18 feet, the diameter 9 inches,
and the weight normally about 140 pounds.
Lengths of 6 and 9 feet, which are some-
times used, are most conveniently obtained

H
H

78 ELEMENTS OF TRENCH WARFARE

by sawing a standard fascine into two or
three pieces.

Fascines are made in a cradle which
consists of five trestles, the outer ones be-
ing 16 feet apart. The trestle is made by
driving two sticks about 6J^ feet long and
3 inches in diameter in the ground and
lashed at the intersection as shown in
Plate 29a. In making the cradle, plant the
two end trestles first. Stretch a line from
one to the other over the intersection. Place
the others 4 feet apart and lash them so
that each intersection comes fairly to the
line.

To build a fascine, straight pieces of
brush, 1 or 2 inches at the butt, are laid
on, the butts projecting at the end 1 foot
beyond the trestle. Leaves should be
stripped and unruly branches cut, off, or
partially cut through, so that they will lie
close. The larger, straighter brush should
be laid on the outside, butts alternating in
direction, and smaller stuflf in the center.
The general object is to so dispose the
brush as to make the fascine of uniform
size, strength and stiffness from end to
end.

When the cradle is nearly filled, the fas-

REVETMENTS 79

cine is compressed or choked by the fascine
choker (Plate 30), which consists of two
bars, 4 feet long, joined 18 inches from
the ends by a chain 4 feet long. The chain
is marked at 14 inches each way from the
middle by inserting a ring or special link.
To use, two men standing on opposite sides
pass the chain under the brush, place the
short ends of the handles on top and pass
the bars, short end first, across to each
other. They then bear down on the long
ends until the marks on the chain come to-
gether. Chokers may be improvised from
sticks and rope or wire.

Binding will be done with a double turn

80 ELEMENTS OF TRENCH WARFARE

of wire or tarred rope. It should be done
in twelve places 18 inches apart, the end
binders 3 inches outside the end trestles.
To bind a fascine will require 66 feet of
wire.

Improvised binders may be made from
rods of live brush; hickory or hazel is the
best. Place the butt under the foot and
twist the rod to partially separate the fibers
and make it flexible, A rod so prepared is
called a withe. To use a withe, make a
half-turn and twist at the smaller end.
Pass the withe around the brush and the
large end through the eje Draw taut and
double the large end back takmg two half
hitches over its own standing part

A fasane revetment is made bj placing

Plate 31.— Fasdi

KEVETMENTS 81

the fascines as shown in Plate 31. The
use of headers and anchors is absolutely
necessary in loose soils only, but they
greatly strengthen the revetment in any
case. A fascine revetment must always be
crowned with sod or bags.

In all brush weaving the following terms
have been adopted and are convenient to
use:

Randing. — ^Weaving a single rod in and
out between pickets.

Slewing. — Weaving two or more rods to-
gether in the same way.

Pairing. — Carrying two rods together,
crossing each other in and out at each
picket.

Wattling. — A general term applied to the
woven part of brush construction.

A hurdle is a basket work made of brush-
wood. If made in pieces the usual size is
2 feet 9 inches by 6 feet, though the width
may be varied so that it will cover the de-
sired height of slope.

A hurdle is made by describing on the
ground an arc of a circle of 8-foot radius
and on the arc driving ten pickets, 8 inches
apart, covering 6 feet out to out. Brush is
then woven in and out and well compacted.

82 ELEMENTS OF TRENCH WARFARE

The concave side of a hurdle should be
placed next the earth. It warps less than if
made flat.

In weaving the hurdle, begin randing at
the middle space at the bottom. Reaching
the end, twist the rod as described for a
withe but at one point only, bend it around
the end picket and work back. Start a sec-

Platb 33.— Hurdle.

REVETMENTS 83

ond rod before the first one is quite out,
slewing the two for a short distance. Ham-
mer the wattling down snug on the pickets
with a block of wood and continue until
the top is reached. It improves the hurdle
to finish the edges with two selected rods
paired. A pairing may be introduced in
the middle, if desired, to give the hurdle
extra endurance if it is to be used as
a pavement or floor. If the hurdle is
not to be used at once, or if it is to be
transported, it must be sewed- The sew-
ing is done with wire, twine or withes
at each end and in the middle, with
stitches about 6 inches long, as shown
in Plate 33. About 40 feet of wire
is required to sew one hurdle. No. 14
is about the right size, and a coil of 100
pounds will sew forty hurdles. Three men
should make a hurdle in two hours, two
wattling and the third preparing the rods.

Continuous Hurdle. — If conditions per-
mit the revetment to be built in place, the
hurdle is made continuous for considerable
lengths. The pickets may be larger; they
are driven further apart, 12 or 18 inches,
and the brush may be heavier. The con-
struction is more rapid. The pickets are

84 ELEMENTS OF TRENCH WARFARE

driven with a little more slant than is in-
tended and must be anchored to the para-
pet. A line of poles, with wire attached
at intervals of two or three pickets, will
answer. The wires should be made fast to
the pickets after the wattling is done. They
will interfere with the weaving if fastened
sooner. Two men should make 4 yards of
continuous hurdling of ordinary height in
one hour.

Brush Revetment, — Pickets may be set as
above described and the brush laid inside
them without weaving, being held in place
by bringing the earth up with it. In this
case the anchors must be fastened before
the brush laying begins. The wires are not
much in the way in this operation.

Gabion Making, — A gabion is a cylin-
drical basket with open ends, made of brush
woven on pickets or stakes as described for
hurdles. The usual size is 2 feet outside
diameter and 2 feet 9 inches height of watt-
ling. On account of the sharp curvature
somewhat better brush is required for
gabions than will do for hurdles. The
gabion form is made of wood, 21 inches
diameter, with equidistant notches around
the circumference, equal in number to the

REVETMENTS

number of pickets to be used, usually eight
to fourteen; less if the brush is large and
stiff, more if small and pliable, the notches
should be of such depth that the pickets
will project 1 inch outside the circle. The
pickets should be \}^ to 2 inches in di-
ameter, 3 feet 6 inches long, sharpened,
half at the small and half at the large end.

86 ELEMENTS OF TRENCH WARFARE

To Make a Gabion. — The form is placed
on the ground. The pickets are driven ver-
tically in the ground, large and small ends
down, alternately. The dorm is then raised

a foot and held b> placmg a lashmg around
outside the pickets tightened with a rack
stick. (See Plate 36 )

The wattling is randed or slewed from
the form up. The form is then dropped
down, the gabion inverted, and the wattling
completed. If the brush is small, uniform,
and pliable, pairing will make a better watt-

REVETMENTS 87

ling than randing. If not for immediate
use, the gabion must be sewed as described
for hurdles, the same quantity of wire be-
ing required.

The gabion, when wattled and sewed, is
completed by cutting off the tops of the
pickets, 1 inch from the web, the bottom 3
inches. The latter are sharpened after cut-
ting and driving a pairing picket through
the middle of its length and a little to one
side of the axis. Three men should make
a gabion in an hour.

Gabions may be made without the forms,
but the work is slower and not so good.
The circle is struck on the ground and the
pickets driven at the proper points. The
weaving is done from the ground up. The
entire time of one man is required to keep
the pickets in their proper positions.

If brush is scarce, gabions may be made
with 6 inches of wattling at each end, the
middle being left open. In filling, the open
parts may be lined with straw, grass, brush,
or grain sacks to keep the earth from run-
ning out.

Gabion Revetment. — The use of gabions
in revetment is illustrated in Plate 37. If
more than two tiers are used, the separat-

88 ELEMENTS OF TRENCH WARFARE

ing fascines should be anchored back.
Gabion revetment should be crowned with
sod or sandbag.

The advantages of gabion revetment are
very great. It can be put in place without

extra labor, faster and with less exposure
than any other. It is self-supporting and
gives cover from view and partial cover
from fire quicker than any other form.
Several forms of gabions made of material
other than brush have been used. Some of
them are sheet iron, empty barrels and
hoops. The disadvantages of iron are that
it splinters badly, is heavy, and has not
given satisfaction. If any special materials
are supplied, the methods of using them
will, in view of the foregoing explanation,
be obvious.

Timber or Pole Revetment. — Poles too

REVETMENTS

large for use in any other way may be cut
to length and stood on end to form a re-
vetment. The lower end should be in a
small trench and have a waling piece in
front of them. There must also be a waling
piece or cap at or near the top, anchored
back. Plate 38 shows this form.

Miscellaneous Revetments, — Any recep-
tacles for earth which will make a staple,
compact pile, such as boxes, baskets, cans,
etc., may be used for a revetment. Canvas
or burlap stretched behind pickets is being
used to a great extent on the battle fronts
of Europe. If the soil will make adobe, an
excellent revetment may be made of them,
but it will not stand wet weather.

m(^^.

Plate 38. — Timber revetment.

Chapter VII

WORKING PARTIES

The infantryman will always be called
upon to construct the trench which he is
to occupy. Each company is provided with
portable tools, which the men carry, and
each infantry regiment is provided with
tools for the purpose. The digging tools
consist of picks and shovels.

When it has been decided to locate fire
trenches along a certain line officers will
lay out the cutting lines and mark them
with tape or otherwise. A company will be
assigned for the construction of a definite
section of the trench.

Let us work out the procedure, assuming
that the work may go on unmolested by the
enemy. Such, however, is not usually the
case. The enemy will do anything in his
power to prevent construction work. If,
however, we are familiar with the details
of the work and know how to go about it
in an orderly and systematic manner under
conditions of noninterference by the enemy,
we will be able to carry out these details of
organization and procedure under more or
less trying conditions when the time comes.

WORKING PARTIES 91

Officers have established the trace of the
trench and marked the cutting lines. It is
the ordinary traversed type, 18 feet bays
with traverses 5 feet wide and 5 feet deep,
as shown in Plate 14.

The company is composed of, say twelve
squads organized into three platoons of four
squads each. Six bays of the trench have
been assigned to the organization for con-
struction. This gives a task to each platoon
of two bays, including one complete traverse
and a half traverse on each flank.

Tools have been issued to the first and
third squads of each platoon, the front rank
men carrying picks and the rear rank men
shovels.

The company is marched in column of
squads to the site of the trench, approach-
ing it from the rear, and halted with the
head of the column fifteen paces in rear of
and opposite the right of the section as-
signed; that is, in rear of the first bay of
the section. The second platoon is then
conducted by the platoon commander and
halted with its head opposite the third bay.
The third platoon is in like manner con-
ducted to the rear of the fifth bay. Each
platoon commander then has the two rear

92 ELEMENTS OF TRENCH WARFARE

squads of his platoon, conducted to a point
behind the bay on his left, f. e., the second,
fourth and sixth respectively. This allows
two squads for the work in each bay, the
leading squad furnishing the first relief and
the rear squad the second.

The leading squad of each column is then
marched to a point two paces in rear of the
rear cutting line of the trench, where they
take off. their packs and lay their rifles on
them. The corporal and his rear rank man
fall out. The corporal assigns tasks, num-
ber ones to the first 2-yard section, number
twos to the second and number threes the
third.

The tasks are shown in Rate 39. The
corporal superintends the work. Number
4 rear rank marks out the cutting lines with
his shovel around the traverses and starts
work on them.

Experience has shown that the best
method of dividing up the work is to group
the men in pairs, one man with a pick and
one with a shovel and to prescribe that they
relieve each other.

The leading squads assigned to each bay
work at top speed for 30 minutes. At the
end of the twenty-eighth minute the cor-

'.i
1
t

1 -

L_.

;

i
^

94 ELEMENTS OF TRENCH WARFARE

poral of the rear squad brings his men up
and deploys them. At a signal from the
platoon commander the men of the first
and third squads drop their tools, get out
of the trench, and proceed to the rear,
where they rest. The men of the second
and fourth squads jump into the trench and
take up the task. At the end of another
30 minutes this procedure is again carried
out.

This scheme of assigning tasks and pro-
cedure was given an exhaustive test in 1915
in the course of testing out various types
of intrenching tools. It worked to perfec-
tion.

The bays are first completed, after which
the traverses begun by No. 4 rear rank are
finished up. Great care should be taken to
make the dimensions of the trench as accu-
rate as possible. The squad leader is held
responsible for this. He should provide
himself with two sticks. On one the fol-
lowing lengths are laid off: 1 foot, width
of berms, and height of parapet; 1 foot 4
inches, width of firing banquet, height of
firing banquet above bottom of trench, and
width of bottom of trench. The other stick
has the following lengths measured on it:

WORKING PARTIES 95

4 feet, depth of trench from ground surface
t.o the top of firing banquet ; 5 feet 4 inches,
depth of trench from ground surface to
bottom of trench. (See Plate 15 for di-
mensions of standing trench.)

When the circumstances are such that
the work of trench construction is inter-
fered with by the enemy, a modification of
the system outHned here will have to be
made, but the details should be adhered to
as closely as possible.

When night work is necessary the trace
should be staked out before complete dark-
ness sets in. If the trace can only be made
after dark, visible reference points needed
with white paper, white tape or screened
flashlights may be utilized. Stick to the de-
tails of the deployment, the laying out of
tasks and the procedure as indicated for
day work as closely as possible. Avoid
making any more noise than is absolutely
necessary ; allow no smoking and require
such conversation as is necessary to be made
in whispers. Protect the workers by a sys-
tem of patrols to the front.

Noncommissioned officers are held re-
sponsible for a systematic and orderly

96 ELEMENTS OF TRENCH WARFARE

execution of the work being performed by
their units. The captain cannot be every-
where along the line. He has to depend
upon the platoon and squad leaders in the
work. That is why you should study it
and know about it so as to be able to make
good when the time comes.

Chapter VIII

GRENADE WARFARE

The use of hand grenades as an imple-
ment of warfare dates back many centuries.
History records their use as far back as
1536. Up to the close of the eighteenth
century soldiers were trained in the throw-
ing of hand grenades, and for this reason
were called "grenadiers." At first there were
a few in each regiment, later entire com-
panies were formed, and finally each in-
fantry unit that corresponds to our bat-
talion of today had its own grenadier unit.

Then there was a period of time when
more open formations were adopted, when
there was less opportunity for the employ-
ment of grenades and their use was prac-
tically eliminated from the battlefield and
confined to sieges, where they have been
used more or less since the dawn of mili-
tary history.

With the advent of the Russo-Japanese
War came the extensive use of trenches on
the battlefield, and with the trenches came
the hand grenades which were used in large
quantities by both sides. This was espe-
cially the case when the fighting lines came

98 ELEMENTS OF TRENCH WARFARE

to close quarters and in the assaults against
the forts at Port Arthur.

When the European war resolved itself
into trench warfare, such as it is today, the
use of hand-thrown projectiles assumed an
importance heretofore never attained, and
today we find ourselves employing hand
grenades in every phase of the conflict.

Employment of Grenadiers

Grenadiers are employed on both the
offensive and defensive. They accompany
the attacking lines in the advance on the
enemy's position, they clear the fire
trenches and communication trenches after
parts of the enemy's lines have been taken,
and on the defense they assist the riflemen
in repelling attack and engage the . enemy
whenever he has obtained a lodgment in
the trenches.

Organization

While every infantryman receives a cer-
tain amount of instruction in grenade
throwing, there should be a grenadier squad
in each platoon specially instructed and
trained in this most effective auxiliary
method of trench warfare. Not all men
possess the temperament and qualifications

GRENADE WARFARE 99

necessary to make efficient grenadiers.
Hence the personnel of the grenadier squad
should be carefully selected. Strong phy-
sique, personal courage and steadiness in
emergencies are the qualifications that
count. Men fond of outdoor sports, other
things being equal, will be found the best.

The grenadier squad is organized as fol-
lows:

Front Rank.

No. 1. First bayonet man.

No. 2. Second bayonet man.

No. 3. Grenade thrower.

No. 4. Squad leader, observer and di-
rector.
Rear Rank.

No. 1. First carrier.

No. 2. Second carrier.

No. 3. Barricader.

No. 4. Barricader.

Duties

The duties of the several members of the
squad vary under different circumstances
of their tactical employment which will be
fully explained below. In general they are
as follows t

Bayonet Men. — The bayonet men move in

100 ELEMENTS OF TRENCH WARFARE

advance of the grenade throwers. When
the grenade thrower has thrown his gren-
ades into the objective trench the bayonet
men must be ready to take instant advan-
tage of the temporary demoralization of the
enemy caused by the explosions and clear
the way for a repetition of the operation.

Grenade Thrower, — The grenade thrower
must be ready and able to throw a grenade
at once whenever the bayonet men or squad
leader may direct.

Squad Leader. — The squad leader directs
the operations of the squad. He goes wher-
ever his presence is necessary. He keeps
a close watch to the flanks. He replaces
casualties and attends to the forwarding of
grenades to the thrower. He acts as a
grenade thrower whenever ^le can assist
the operations in that capacity.

Carriers. — The carriers carry as many
grenades as possible, and when their sup-
ply is exhausted they go to the reserve
depots and replenish. They are responsible
for a continuous supply of grenades to the
throwers.

Barricaders, — The barricaders are
charged with the construction of barricades.
They carry sandbags and tools for filling

GRENADE WARFARE 101

them. In addition they carry as many
grenades as possible. They hold themselves
in readiness to go forward and construct a
barricade or cover at any point designated
by the squad leader.

General. — ^All the men of the squad must
be trained and prepared to take over the
duties of any other member. Before un-
dertaking any operation each man of the
squad should thoroughly understand the
part he is to play in it.

Formation. — The formation for the sev-
eral classes of tactical employment will be
explained when each is considered below.

Offensive Operations

When it has been decided to attack a
certain sector of the enemy's position a de-
tailed reconnaissance is made with a view
to locating and developing every element of
the position, detailed plans are made and
imparted to all concerned. (See Chapter
XL)

The phases of the attack consist of: (1)
The artillery preparation; (2) the infantry
assault; (3) the occupation and organiza-
tion of the captured position, and prepara-
tion to meet a counter attack.

102 ELEMENTS OF TRENCH WARFARE

During the course of the artillery prep-
aration grenadier squads work their way
across "no man's land" and establish them-
selves sufficiently close to throw grenades
into the fire trenches. Failing in this they
accompany the assaulting troops.

When they are able to work up close
they cover the advance of the infantry as-
saulting lines by showering grenades into
the enemy's fire trenches after the curtain
of artillery fire has been extended back
into his position to prevent the supports
and reserves from coming up to the front.

All men of the squad carry as many gren-
ades as possible and such number as the
squad leader may designate act as throw-
ers, while the others act as carriers and
prepare the grenades for throwing. Ac-
curate throwing, properly observed and dis-
tributed, will greatly assist in preparing for
a successful assault.

Clearing Fire Trenches

No matter how well the infantry assault
on the enemy's fire treriches may be con-
ducted, it rarely succeeds in occupying the
hostile position throughout its entire length.
Casualties, loss of direction, and unexpected

— .i«iL^ nM;^:^

wmmw

fonet Mmn

Inmde Thrower
nade Carrier
\att Leader

S<fgy^y^-s^>,

-•v..

\ V \

c:/«i"^

/ ■ • ' I

1„ . -

<■>

(

■ A

i >

•

. ^.

> ••<

> •,

, -^ -

♦ •

•

V *

. C \ '\

t^ .'•.•: CVt* \

I » «. • > «i

Y.'tip

. ^

•• \^

i» "^ "V a v' "

'J <,'■

OF^ '^'t ■ •• •^•^•*« -»■•«* «»^.

s « ■ ^ ^

♦

v.-

GRENADE WARFARE 103

obstacles encountered are bound to break
up the assaulting line more or less, thereby
leaving gaps in the captured position. Fur-
thermore the attack on a line of trenches
takes place on a relatively small front by a
large number of men. When the trenches
are finally reached and a lodgment effected
there will be great overcrowding. Provi-
sion must be made immediately for extend-
ing the line, otherwise the casualties at
these points will be exceedingly heavy.
I It is the particular duty of the grenadier
squads to clear these "gaps'* of the enemy
as quickly as possible. For this purpose an
efficient and well-organized storming party
must be immediately available.

Let us say that, after careful artillery
preparation, the assault has reached the
enemy's fire trench. There is much over-
crowding at the points where lodgments
have been effected. There is a gap in the
line between two adjacent elements. How
is this cleared of the enemy ?

The grenadier squad immediately forms
for action. Two bayonet men are in the
lead, followed by the grenade thrower, who
is in turn followed by the two carriers.
Further to the rear are the two barricaders,

104 ELEMENTS OF TRENCH WARFARE

who carry a reserve supply of grenades in
addition to their sandbags and shovels. The
squad leader is where he can best direct the
operations.

The grenadier squad is formed as shown
in the first position, Plate 40.

1. The grendae thrower puts grenades :
(1) into bay 1, at A; (2) into bay 2, at D;
(3) into bay 1, at B; (4) into the traverse
leg at C.

2. When the four grenades have ex-
ploded the bayonet men rush into bay 1, the
leader advancing into the first leg of the
traverse trench below B, while his mate re-
mains in the bay for a moment.

3. The squad leader rushes around the
traverse to A, followed by the grenade
thrower.

4. When the bay and the next traverse
passages are all cleared of the enemy the
word "O. K." is passed back to the squad
leader by the bayonet men. The bayonet
men get into their proper positions and the
remainder of the squad rush into the cleared
bay 1 and. prepare for the further clearing
of succeeding bays in the same manner as
described above.

.V •

•» V

> *

f '

\ »

V /

f *

/ /

' \ f. '

•«* »* « Bi «« <•••, •«*•• Ml

* * *«to «M*

k ^ ^ »**

GRENADE WARFARE 105

Take the diagram on Plate 40. Study it
out in connection with the text and you will
see how this system works out.

The men work in pairs, the two bayonet
men together; the two carriers behind the
thrower ; the two barricaders sufficiently far
to the rear to be protected by a corner of
solid earth. The squad leader must of ne-
cessity go where his presence is necessary.
Usually he stays as near the grenade
thrower as possible.

When the enemy's grenadier parties are
also very active in the sector, the distances
between pairs are extended so that no more
than two men are exposed in any one bay
or traverse leg.

The formation of the squad must be pre-
served as long as possible. You will appre-
ciate that when losses occur the squad
leader will have to replace men and the
formation will have to be modified to meet
the changed conditions. This makes it ab-
solutely necessary that every member of the
squad be competent to take over the duties
of any other member.

When the squad has reached the limit of
its advance the barricaders will come for-
ward and construct a barricade in such

106 ELEMENTS OF TRENCH WARFARE

position that it is well in view from a corner
some distance behind.

No passing of bombs forward from man
to man is permitted. When the first car-
rier's supply is exhausted he returns to the
rear to secure a fresh supply from the re-
serve grenade carriers who are following
the grenade squad, and who have by now
advanced to a point where their supply is
available. As soon as his supply is replen-
ished he returns to his proper position in
the formation. Should the second carrier
run out of grenades the squad leader may
cause one of the barricaders to take all the
grenades in the possession of the two and
replace him while he goes to the rear to
secure a fresh supply.

In the meantime other grenadier squads
are clearing out the communication and
supervision trenches, blocking up the exits
to dugouts and destroying machine-gun de-
tachments that have thus far escaped. The
assaulting troops have passed on towards
the second line, covered by the curtain of
fire of the artillery.

Clearing CoMMtrNiCATioN Trenches
The clearing of communication trenches

GRENADE WARFARE 107

IS effected much in the same manner as ex-
plained for the fire trench. The grenadier
squad is organized and formed in the same
manner. The squad works its way into the
communication trench by bombing each leg
until they arrive at a point where the for-
mation, as illustrated in Plate 41, can be
assumed. The grenade thrower throws
grenades into the trench at B and then at
C. As soon as these have exploded the bay-
onet men take advantage of the confusion
to advance into the leg A-B under cover of
the shoulder fc/ the squad leader and
thrower advance to A, the carriers to the
point formerly occupied by the squad leader,
and the barricaders to the point formerly
occupied by the carriers. The thrower
then puts grenades into the trench at C
and then at D, after which the whole squad
advances another notch as formerly ex-
plained.

Where island traverses are encountered
the thrower puts a grenade on each side of
the traverse and one in the rear of it. The
bayonet men, one on a side, assault around
the traverse and meet on the far side, and
the operation proceeds as heretofore ex-
plained.

108 elements of trench warfare

Night Operations

The grenadier squads may be called upon
at night, to perform any of the services
that are theirs by day, and in addition may
be called upon to make night reconnais-
sances. For this work the men must be
able to organize and reorganize the squad
quickly and noiselessly. The throwers must
be particularly efficient. There must be the
highest order of team work.

Grenadier Patrols

Grenadier patrols are sent out at night to
make reconnaissances of the enemy's lines
with a view to getting information which
may include :

1. Location and organization of line.

2. The length of line occupied.

3. Numbers and disposition of occupy-
ing troops.

4. To get an acurate description of the
ground.

5. To locate observation and listening
posts or any other advanced positions.

6. To locate machine guns.

These patrols may consist of from two
men to the entire grenadier squad. In a

GRENADE WARFARE 109

patrol of six or eight men two of them
carry rifles and belts, bayonets fixed. The
remaining members of the patrol carry no
equipment except a haversack filled with
grenades. The grenades are used only in
case of emergency. It is a reconnoitering
patrol charged with gaining information
and therefore does not enter into an en-
counter with the enemy except as a last
resort.

The men move or crawl without noise
and take advantage of all cover that the
ground affords. If they suspect they are
observed, they should "freeze" to the
ground and remain absolutely motionless.
On dark nights it is easy to lose the direc-
tion and for the men to lose one another.
Every device or scheme to lessen risks in
this respect must be employed. The men
may tie themselves lightly together so they
will not proceed in a bunch and at the same
time retain connection with each other.

Notes on Grenade Warfare

The first step in the training of a gren-
adier is to overcome his fear of the grenade
itself. This is accomplished by first hav-
ing him practice fuse lighting with dummy

110 ELEMENTS OF TRENCH WARFARE

grenades having live fuses. The men will
be impressed with the fact that the gren-
ades are dangerous weapons and that
familiarity in handling them must not be
permitted to degenerate into carelessness.

The next step towards efficiency is the
development of accuracy of throwing. For
short distances it may be lobbed from the
shoulder by a motion similar to "putting
the shot." Stick grenades may be thrown
for a short distance like throwing a dart.
In the trenches the grenade should be
thrown with an overhand motion like the
bowler of a cricket ball, as there is danger
of exploding them by knocking the hand
against the back of the trench.

The men should be taught to throw from
all positions — standing, sitting, kneeling
and prone.

Should the grenade with a time fuse be
dropped in the act of throwing, there is time
to pick it up and throw it out of the trench
before it explodes. Under no circumstances
must it be allowed to explode in the trench.

Communication throughout the squad in
action should be maintained at all times.
System is required to insure the throwers
having a supply of grenades on hand all the

GRENADE WARFARE 111

time and that casualties are promptly re-
placed.

Quick action is essential to success.
Crawling and stalking give the enemy what
he is waiting for.

Arrangements to assist a storming party
by rifle and machine-gun fire are of the
utmost value and should be provided when-
ever possible. Care must be taken to pro-
vide a signal which will mark the progress
of the storming party through the trenches.
A helmet held up on a bayonet will do this.

All grenadiers must be especially trained
in the filling of sandbags and making sand-
bag barricades.

The work of the observer is difficult and
requires much practice. He must give his
directions to the thrower in no uncertain
terms. When the thrower has missed his
objective the observer will give positive di-
rections for the next throw. Instead of
saying "A yard too much to the left," he
will say, "Throw a yard to the right." Posi-
'tive directions, even if only half heard, are
of some use ; negative directions are certain
to be both confused and confusing. The
observer should be expert in the use of the
periscope.

112 elements of trench warfare

Hand Grenades and Petards

The hand grenade used by our allies on
the western front is the bracelet grenade
with automatic firing mechanism and con-
sists of a ball of cast iron filled with an
explosive and of a leather bracelet which is
fastened to the wrist. To the bracelet is
attached a piece of rope about 30 centi-
meters long, having an iron hook at its end.

Just before the grenade is thrown, the
hook is engaged in the ring of the rough-
ened wire of the friction primer placed
inside the fuse plug which closes the cast
iron ball. When the grenade is thrown,
the ring with the primer wire, held back
by the hook of the bracelet, is wrenched
off by a sudden movement of withdrawal
from the wrist and the fuse is fired. The
explosion takes place four or five seconds
later.

This grenade is supplied to the fighting
zone ready for use. It is quite complicated.
It can be thrown about 25 meters.

The German grenade is composite ; it can
be thrown by hand or fired from a rifle. As
a hand missile, it is used at short distances,
15 to 20 meters. It is composed of a cop-
per rod to the extremity of which is fixed a

GRENADE WARFARE 113

cast iron cylinder, grooved to facilitate its
breaking into small pieces at the moment
of explosion. The explosive is placed in-
side this cylinder, A copper tube, also con-
taining some explosive, is placed in the
interior. It is surmounted by a complicated
system for closing the grenade and for
automatic ignition by percussion, which re-
sults in at least 50 per cent, of misfires.

Used with the rifle, this grenade has a
maximum range of 400 meters. At the ex-
tremity opposite the grenade, the copper rod
ends in a copper stem about 3 centimeters
in length, movable about the axis of the

Plate 41c. — The latest type
British hand grenade.

a. Percussion cap.
h. Firing pin.

c. Safety pin. When in place
prevents firing pin from strik-
ing primer. It is removed just
before throwing the grenade.

d. Primer.

e. Chamber filled with high
explosive.

/. Cast iron shell, serrated.
g. Wooden handle.
h. Streamers, to keep the
grenade head-on.

GRENADE WARFARE 115

rod. This stem is covered with a copper
sleeve of slight thickness, which is attached
to it only at the extremity fastened to the
rod. The diameter of the exterior of the
sleeve must be such that it can be pushed
into the gun barrel without pressure. To
fire the grenade, a blank cartridge is placed
in the chamber of the rifle ; the quantity of
powder left in the cartridge is regulated
according to the distance at which the
missile is to be thrown. At the moment
of firing, the explosive gases penetrate be-
tween the sleeve and the stem and jam the
sleeve against the grooves of the barrel.
The sleeve and the stem, which is attached
to it, take a movement of rotation in the
grooves of the barrel, which insures the
direction of the missile and the maximum
efficiency of the explosive gases of the cart-
ridge.

The bracelet grenade and the German
grenade just described have to be made in
a factory. Attempts have been made to
construct similar missiles with the explo-
sives which are at hand at the front, ched-
dite and melinite. Several kinds have been
made: a primed cartridge and a primed
hand petard, fitted on a wooden paddle, a

116 ELEMENTS OF TRENCH WARFARE

preserved meat tin can filled with explo-
sive, etc.

The Germans have hand petards similar
to those of the Allies but with different
explosives. These missiles are primed by a
detonator and a slow match and can be
thrown about 30 meters. The dischai^e
takes place either automatically or by tinder.
They are made on the spot and very rap-
idly. The assaulting troops carry them in
baskets or strung on a circle of wire carried
on the shoulder.

GRENADE WARFARE 117

Grenades and petards constitute a terrible
weapon. The projectiles exert considerable
moral effect owing to the violence of their
explosion and the awful wounds they occa-
sion, and they make it possible to reach the
enemy at points where it is impossible to
use the rifle and bayonet.

Chapter IX

GAS WARFARE

Germany first made use of poisonous and
asphyxiating gases on the field of battle.
It has become an accepted element in the
present war. Every soldier should, there-
fore, have a knowledge of the various ways
in which gas is employed in the attack, as
well as the measures to be taken to coun-
teract its effect in the defense.

The two methods of disseminating the
gas over the battlefield are by emanation
and grenades charged with it.

Emanation

This method has for its object to create
a poisonous or irritant atmosphere. This is
accomplished by means of the arsenic and
phosphorous gas being forced through tubes
in the direction of the enemy or by means
of liquefied chlorine, bromide, phosgene and
sulphuretted hydrogen gas stored in cylin-
ders under high pressure. To be success-
ful the gas attack must be attended by the
following conditions :

1. The weather must be comparatively
calm with a wind blowing in the direction

118

GAS WARFARE 119

of ithe enemy at about 5 miles an hour. If
the wind is too strong the gas will be car-
ried over the enemy's trenches so rapidly
that it will not settle in them. If the wind
be too light the gas will be carried up into
the air and disseminate or may even be
blown back into our own trenches, in which
case chloride of lime scattered about freely
will disperse them.

2. There must be no rain, for that would
quickly disseminate the gas and negative the
effect.

3. The attack must come as a surprise.
If the elements of surprise are missing and
the enemy has time to take protective meas-
ures, the effect is lost. If the surprise is
complete, the enemy trenches should be
emptied very quickly.

4. The gas used must be heavier than the
air, so that it will sift into the enemy's
trenches as it passes them. It is imprac-
ticable to decide upon any definite hour for
launching the gas attack. Everything de-
pends upon the direction and velocity of
the wind. If an hour has been tentatively
designated and the wind changes, the at-
tack will have to be postponed.

120 ELEMENTS OF TRENCH WARFARE

When an assault follows the gas attack
the men should wear the smoke helmets for
at least 30 minutes after the dissemination
has ceased; in fact they must not be re-
moved until the order to do so is given by
the officer commanding the attack. You
will appreciate that the enemy's machine
gunners may have better protection than
the men in the bays of the trenches.

Shell and Grenade Method

In this method the gas dissemination is
effected by means of shells or bombs being
fired into the enemy's trenches containing
the desired substances which are released
and give off irritant fumes on explosion.
The grenades used weigh about 1 pouild.
They are similar in appearance to the or-
dinary tin can grenade. Their effect in a
trench will continue for 20 to 30 minutes.
In the attack a large number should be con-
centrated in a particular area to produce a
large volume of gas. They are thrown by
hand, trench mortar or catapult.

Defense

Surprise must be guarded against in
every possible way. The direction of the

GAS WARFARE 121

wind must be continually watched, and
when its velocity and direction are spe-
cially favorable the protective measures
must be kept ready for instant use and spe-
cial observers posted. Previous to an at-
tack the enemy may remain comparatively
quiet for several days. Noises like the
moving of sheet iron may be heard. Pre-
parations may be observed along the posi-
tion. When the attack* starts a hissing noise
is heard; this latter is one of the indica-
tions that may be evident at night.

Helmets

Each man on duty in the trenches is pro-
vided with two smoke helmets, specially de-
vised and constructed so as to absorb the
gas and neutralize its effect, and which if
properly cared for and used will provide
complete protection from any substance
likely to be used by the enemy. They are
fitted with a valve tube through which to
breathe and with goggles to see through.
There are certain rules prescribed for their
care and use.

1. They must not be removed from the
protective covering except for actual use
against an attack.

122 ELEMENTS OF TRENCH WARFARE

2. When the helmet has been used once
it should be replaced by a new one.

Dummy Helmets

Dummy gas helmets will be provided in
each organization by which the men may
be practiced in putting them on. The men
must be thoroughly drilled in the methods
to be employed.

The following directions accompany the

Plate 40a.— Gas

GAS WARFARE 123

helmets issued to the British Army. When
our helmets are issued it is probable that
each will be accompanied by a complete set
of rules for its use and full instructions for
the method of getting into it and for its
care and preservation.

Direction for Use and Care of Tube

Helmets

Description

These helmets are the same as the smoke
helmet already issued, except that stronger
chemicals are added and a tube valve pro-
vided through which to breathe out. The
tube valve makes the helmet cooler and
saves chemicals from being affected by the
breath. The wearer cannot breathe in
through the tube valve ; this is intended for
breathing out only.

Directions for Use

Remove paper cap from mouthpiece of
tube valve. Remove service cap. Pull hel-
met over head. Adjust so that goggles are
over eyes. Tuck in skirt of helmet under
coat collar and button coat so as to close
in skirt of helmet. Hold the tube lightly
in lips or teeth like stem of pipe, so as to

124 ELEMENTS QF TRENCH WARFARE

be able to breathe in past it and out
through it.

Breathe in through mouth and nose, using
the air inside the helmet. Breathe out
through tube only.

Directions for Care of Tube Helmet

1. Do not remove the helmet from its
waterproof case except to use for protection
against gas.

2. Never use your tube helmet for prac-
tice or drill. Special helmets are kept in
each company for instruction only.

Should the goggles become misty during
use they can be cleared by rubbing them
gently against the forehead.

When lacrimatory gases are used goggles
affording mechanical protection may be
worn, as these gases are not likely to irri-
tate the lungs, though they sometimes pro-
duce sickness.

Improvised Methods

If a soldier does not possess one of the
official pattern respirators, the following
measures will be found useful:

1. Wet and wring out any woolen article,
such as a stocking or muffler, so as to form

GAS WARFARE 125

a thick pad large enough to cover the nose
and mouth, and press firmly over both.

2. Place in a scarf, stocking or handker-
chief, a pad of about three handfuls of
earth, preferably damp, and tie it firmly
over the mouth and nose.

3. A wet cloth pulled down over the eyes
will be found useful as additional protec-
tion, .especially against certain gases other
than chlorine or when the gas is too strong
for the ordinary respirator.

4. A stocking, wetted with water and
soda solution or tea, folded into eight folds
and firmly held or tied over the nose.

5. A sock folded fourfold similarly wet-
ted and held or tied. If the sock or com-
forter has been soaked in soda solution it
will still act efficiently when dry, though, if
possible, it should be moist. The spare
tapes from puttees may be used for tying
on the sock.

6. Any loose fabric, such as a sock, sand-
bag, woolen scarf or comforter, soaked in
urine, then wrung out to allow of free
breathing and tied tightly over the nose
and mouth.

In the absence of any other cloths, the

126 ELEMENTS OF TRENCH WARFARE

flannel waistbands issued for winter use
could be used for this purpose.

Knapsack Sprayers

Knapsack sprayers are issued for use to
clear gases out of the trenches after the
cloud has blown over. A man with the
sprayer on his back (and wearing his smoke
helmet) slowly traverses the trench, work-
ing the spray. If this is not done the heavy
poisonous gas may linger in the trench for
days and be a source of great danger.

If supports or reinforcements enter a
trench charged with gas, they should be
preceded by a man using a sprayer.

Sprayers are charged with sodium
thiosulphate — more commonly known as
"hypo" — 6 pounds being dissolved in a
bucket of water and a handful of ordinary
washing soda added.

Garden syringes and buckets may be
used if sprayers are not available, but these
are not so effective. Sprayers should be
charged before they are taken up to the
trenches, and should be kept ready for im-
mediate use.

Every officer defending a trench against
an enemy gas attack should endeavor to

GAS WARFARE 127

collect information whenever possible, to
be sent to headquarters through the usual
channels. Particularly valuable is the cap-
ture of apparatus used by the enemy either
for disseminating gas or for protection
against it. If a shell attack is made, un-
exploded shells or portions of them should
be sent through to headquarters at once.
The time of day, duration of attack, color,
taste or smell of gas used, effect on the
eyes breathing, and all other symptoms
should be noted. New gases may be used
at any time, and speedy information greatly
forwards the adoption of preventive mea-
sures.

Chapter X
SERVICE IN THE TRENCHES

Preparations for Entering Trenches

Preparing to enter upon a period of ser-
vice in the trenches the company common-
der makes a complete inspection of the
company which includes:

1. Inspection of rifles and ammunition.

2. Inspection of equipment, contents of
packs, intrenching tools, field glasses, wire
cutters, first-aid packets, emergency rations,
gas helmets identification tags, canteens,
clothing, etc.

3. Canteens to be filled with water.

4. Test bayonets, fix and unfix.

5. Have company fill magazines.

Inspection of Section

The company commander precedes the
company into the trenches and makes a
tour and inspection of the section assigned,
which includes :

1. Layout of the trenches: fire trench,
supervision trench, communication trenches,
machine-gun positions, snipers' positions,
listening and observation trenches, dugouts,
latrines, etc.

128

SERVICE IN THE TRENCHES 129

2. Locate telephones, reserve ammuni-
tion and munitions depots, water supply,
gas alarms, tools and any trench accessories
and utilities that may be included in the
section.

3. Get any information of the enemy that
may be of value from the outgoing com-
pany commander.

Tactical Disposition

The company commander will then make
his tactical dispositions. In occupying the
trenches a certain section of the line is as-
signed to each company. This section con-
tains so many bays of the trench. The fol-
lowing dispositions are suggested as meet-
ing the requirements under our organiza-
tion:

1. The company is organized into four
platoons of four squads each.

2. The section of the line assigned to the
company contains eight bays.

3. Support No. 1 consists of the first and
second platoons.

4. Support No. 2 consists of the third
and fourth platoons.

5. From Support No. 1 : Two squads of
the first platoon occupy bays 1 and 2; two

» » * • «* » *r* **^

I ^ - >

--^-

SERVICE IN THE TRENCHES 131

squads of the second platoon occupy bays
3 and 4.

6. From Support No. 2: Two squads of
the third platoon occupy bays 5 and 6 ; two
squads of the fourth platoon occupy bays
7 and 8.

7. Each squad establishes a double senti-
nel post in the bay assigned to it and the
remaining members go into the squad shel-
ters just in rear of the bays. This gives
three reliefs for a double sentinel post and
allows one extra man to be utilized as "run-
ner," etc.

8. The remainder of the company is es-
tablished in the company dugouts.

9. Depending upon the length of the
tours of duty of the company in the first
line trenches, the squads are changed ac-
cording to a system that will have to be
varied to suit the occasion, the squads in
support taking their place in the fire
trench and those in the fire trench return-
ing to the support.

Going Into the Trenches

Platoons enter by not more than two
squads at one time, thus minimizing the
danger from shell fire. The platoon com-

132 ELEMENTS OF TRENCH WARFARE

mander will explain to his squad leaders
♦ the extent of trench to be taken over and
the action to be taken in case they are
caught under shell fire or rapid fire while
going up to the trenches. A second in com-
mand in each squad will be designated, so
that if casualties occur among the squad
leaders the relief will proceed as previously
arranged.

The operation will proceed in silence.
Rifles must be carried so that they do not
show over the parapet. On reaching the
fire trench the men of the first relief are
posted to relieve the old detail and each man
finds out any points that may be useful from
his predecessor on that post.

Information to be Obtained

The platoon commander confers with the
commander of the outgoing party and se-
cures all the information possible about the
position which includes :

1. Behavior of enemy during period pre-
ceding relief, and any point in their line re-
quiring special information, e. g,, enemy
may have cut wire as though preparing to
attack.

SERVICE IN THE TRENCHES 133

2. Machine-gun emplacement may be sus-
pected at some particular point.

3. Anything ascertained by patrols about
ground between firing lines, thus avoiding
unnnecessary reconnaissance.

4. Any standing arrangements for patrols
at night, including point at which wire can
best be passed, ground to be patrolled, or
place where they can lie under cover.

5. Any parts of trench from which it is
not safe to fire. Such positions are apt to
occur in winding trenches, and are not al-
ways recognizable in the dark.

6. Special features of trench, recent im-
provements, work not completed, dangerous
points (on which machine guns are trained
at night), useful loopholes for observation.

7. Places from which food and water can
be safely obtained.

8. Amount of ammunition, number of
picks, shovels and empty sandbags in that
section of 'the line.

Information on these points cannot al-
ways be given properly by word of mouth.
Written notes and plans should therefore be
handed over to a platoon commander tak-
ing over for the first time.

134 ELEMENTS OF TRENCH WARFARE

Every man is required to see that he has
a good firing position for all directions.
Commanders must satisfy themselves that
men have done this, and report. The whole
line ''Stands to Arms'* during the hour be-
fore dawn.

After dark, unless the moon is bright,
rifles should be left in firing position on the
parapet. All men not on sentry should keep
rifles, with bayonets fixed, in the trench.

Routine

1. Double sentinel posts are established
in each bay. They are on post one hour at
a time.

2. When the enemy's trench-mortar de-
tachments are active, special sentinels will
be posted to give notice of coming bombs.

3. Every man in the platoon is to know:

(a) The location of the platoon reserve
ammunition and munitions.

(&) The location of latrines.

(c) The topography of the trenches in
the platoon section and the adjoining sec-
tions, including the approaches. The loca-
tion of the accessory defenses, listening and
observation posts, machine-gun positions.

I'T' ^r t II IttatedptM

136 ELEMENTS OF TRENCH WARFARE

11. Platoon commanders may divide the
tour of supervision of the platoon sector
with the squad leaders.

12. The whole company stands to arms
during the hour before dawn.

Observation

Observation of the enemy's line should
be continuous. The observation and firing
system will be arranged so that all parts of

f ^'^^ vT

Parafoet j^

a Por0jf0,f:

•

i^0oo€N Loop Hoi,0.

Plate 43.

SERVICE IN THE TRENCHES

137

the enemy's line will be under observation
and fire at all times.

Plate 42 shows the arrangement in gen-
eral. The appliances for carrying it out are
shown in Plates 43, 44 and 45.

The observation is conducted through a
small loophole made by a stick through the
parapet or an iron tube run through and
directed toward the point to be observed.
To conceal the exit a few tufts of earth
and grass are placed there in an irregular
manner. Steel loopholes may also be em-
ployed for observation and firing purposes.

138 ELEMENTS OF TRENCH WARFARE

They may be arranged a yard or two apart,
so that one man observing through one can
direct his mate using the rifle at the other
so that he may bring fire to bear upon any
member of the enemy's force that exposes
himself at the point under observation.

The loopholes, both observation and fir-
ing, are arranged slantwise in the parapet
so that the observer does not look straight
to his front nor does the firer fire in that
direction.

An aiming rack constructed so as to re-
sist the recoil of the rifle and not derange
its aim on firing may be arranged near the
observation loophole. When the enemy ex-
poses himself all that is necessary is a press
on the trigger and the bullet goes straight
to its mark. Such an aiming rack may be
easily constructed, as shown in Plate 44.

Observation of the enemy trenches may
also be effected by use of the periscope or,
in the absence of one of these, by a looking
glass in a slanted position fastened to a stick
planted at the rear wall of the trench and
protruding over the parapet, to reflect his
trenches. (See Plate 45.)

service in the trenches 139

Field Glasses

The enemy's trench usually appears com-
pletely deserted, but on observing it through
field glasses you are astonished by the de-
tails revealed. You will see, from time to
time, the eye of the enemy observer who
shows himself at the loophole, or any other
activity that it capable of being observed
from the outside. The observer watching
through the field glasses will soon become
so familiar with the appearance of the op-
posing trenches that he will be able to detect
immediately any alteration in the obstacles,
or changes that may be made, such as the
establishment of new listening or observa-
tion posts, new sap heads, machine-gun em-
placements, etc.

Observers are charged especially with de-
tecting the location of machine-gun em-
placements. The examination should be so
complete and detailed as to prevent their
existence without their location being accu-
rately known.

Any observations of enemy activities, of
any nature whatever, are reported imme-
diately so that they may be passed on to the
commander whose unit is manning the
trenches directly opposite the same.

140 ELEMENTS OF TRENCH WARFARE

Loopholes should be screened at the rear
by a sandbag split and hung over them.
They should be carefully concealed to pre-
vent their location being discovered by the
enemy. There must be no alteration in the
parapet where they are located.

/'.-:

PtATE 4S.— Lookinj-glas,

PtATE 45a —
head cover
MacbacDul

142 elements of trench warfare

Snipers

The enemy's sojourn in the trenches
should be made as disagreeable to him as
possible. He must be kept continually on
the alert. Our operations must be made a
constant menace to him. It is in this way
that casualties are effected and he is grad-
ually worn out. One of the best methods
of accomplishing all of the above is the em-
ployment of snipers, who are specially se-
lected and trained in this branch of trench
warfare.

The snipers are on duty all day, but they
have their nights in bed. They conduct
their operations in pairs and are given a
definite post to occupy and in exceptional
cases may be given a roving commission.
The advantage of having the same, men
regularly on the same post is that they learn
thoroughly the appearance of every square
foot of the ground included in their area
of observation and are able immediately to
note any change that may take place. They
soon learn where to look for the enemy and
in fact learn the habits, etc., of the enemy
occupying their sphere of observation.

The sniper must be an expert in :

SERVICE IN THE TRENCHES 143

1. The construction of loopholes by day
and by night.

2. The use of telescopic sights, field
glasses, periscopes and all optical contri-
vances designed for observation purposes.

3. The selection of good positions for
sniping.

4. Judging distances and estimating or
measuring ranges.

5. Rifle firing. He should be an expert
rifleman in order that full advantage may
be taken of the opportunities to inflict losses
on the enemy.

6. In trench warfare each pair of snipers
will be required to report each evening to
the company commander the result of their
day's operations.

What to Fire At

When the enemy makes his attack you
will generally fire at those who appear in
the sector that has been allotted to you to
cover. You may, however, abandon your
target on your own initiative under the fol-
lowing circumstances and fire :

1. On officers and non-commissioned offi-
cers. These can be recognized by their
gestures. They are generally in the center

144 ELEMENTS OF TRENCH WARFARE

of groups and get up and start first. They
should be disabled, as this is the surest way
of breaking up the attack.

2. At a group on the move. Fire should
be concentrated on an advancing group.
The time when the group is preparing to
start its rush may be indicated by rifles be-
ing raised and the movements that take
place along the line. After a rush has
started, look out for the late comers trying
to rejoin their comrades. They make good
targets.

3. When the enemy attempts to build up
his line to the front by a process of infil-
tration, that is, by having single men crawl
from one point to the other, each man
should be fired on during his advance.

4. Fire will be immediately concentrated
on any machine gun that comes into action.
With the German gun prolonged firing heats
the water in the jacket to the boiling point
and puffs of steam are given oflF. Do not
be deceived into thinking that this neces-
sarily gives away the position of the gun,
for this steam has been piped to a distant
place and allowed to escape so as to draw
fire that otherwise might be directed on the
real position of the gun.

SERVICE IN THE TRENCHES 145

5. On signallers or runners. These are
carrying information that will probably be
of benefit to the enemy's commander. You
will appreciate the necessity of preventing
this.

, 6. On an enemy showing a flank. No
opportunity must be lost to fire upon an
enemy that exposes his flank. The fire of a
single rifleman down the flank may cause a
whole line to retreat.

Use of Rifle Grenades

Rifle grenades are capable of causing
more losses to the enemy than bombard-
ment. The rifle grenade arrives at its des-
tination unexpectedly without any noise;
it explodes before one has even time to get
out of the way. As it does not arrive at
fixed hours like the bombardment, the
enemy cannot continually avoid it by tak-
ing refuge in his dugouts and shelters;
when he is moving about a trench which is
subject to rifle grenading he must be con-
tinually on the alert. This perpetual men-
ace, hour in and hour out, day in and day
out, renders his sojourn in the trenches ex-
tremely disagreeable.

Before rifle grenades are thrown careful

146 ELEMENTS OF TRENCH WARFARE

observation of the opposing trench must
have been made to determine the point
where the grenade is likely to do the great-
est damage.

Rifles are placed in the aiming racks and
the grenades fired from time to time, day
and night, at moments when it seems pro-
pitious. In this way a sentinel may be
taken by surprise ; a non-commissioned offi-
cer or officer may be caught unawares.

It should be remembered tiiat we ^wiB
probably be able to throw twenty grenades
to the enemy's one. Advantage should al-
ways be taken of this munitions superiority.
Every man of the enemy we can put out of
action is one less to kill us in the advance
which will eventually come. Sometimes the
enemy will try to reply. Here is where our
munitions superiority comes in again. We
can fairly shower him with grenades and
make him take to his shelters.

It may be advisable to execute a sudden
burst of grenade fire. This is started by a
volley and followed by fire at will.

When the artillery has destroyed parts
of the enemy's trenches or makes breaches
in his obstacles by day he will endeavor to
repair them at night. He may be consider-

SERVICE IN THE TRENCHES 147

ably annoyed and losses inflicted upon him
by a well-directed shower of rifle grenades
arriving at points where his working par-
ties are located. To make this effective the
rifle racks should be placed in position and
secured during the day after trial shots
have demonstrated conclusively the direc-
tion and angle for them.

Shelling

You will be impressed by the shells, espe-
cially the big ones. The din and blast of the
explosions are, to say the least, terrifying.
But you will soon come to know that the
shell often makes more noise than it does
harm and that, after a terrific bombard-
ment, by no means is everybody destroyed.

HOW TO PROTECT YOURSELF
FROM SHELLS

The big shell, which is so appalling, is
only really dangerous if it falls on the place
where a man is standing, because the splin-
ters rise in the air. Fall down flat when
the shell bursts. Even if you are quite
close, there is comparatively little risk. Get
up immediately after the explosion, espe-
cially if you are 200 to 300 yards away

148 ELEMENTS OF TRENCH WARFARE

from the place where it burst. The splin-
ters do not fall for some time after the
explosion.

The steel helmets and the infantry pack
will furnish considerable protection from
shrapnel fragments and balls.

During the Combat

The safest place to avoid the enemy's
shell fire when the attack has been launched
is close up to the enemy's position, where
the artillery fire has to cease for fear of
placing shells indiscriminately in his own
troops and ours. Some men, completely
distracted, lie down with their face to the
ground. They will be crushed where they
lie. Artillery fire, when it is violent, tends
to throw the ranks into confusion and dis-
order. You have only ears for the roar of
the approaching shell. You slow down and
attempt to seek cover where there is no
cover. The unit breaks up, and runs wild
or stops altogether. Disorder and confu-
sion means massacre.

March strictly in place. To the front is
your safest haven of refuge. Get hold of
the frightened ones and keep them in place.

SERVICE IN THE TRENCHES 149

You will need them to help you when you
reach the goal.

In the Trenches

Dugouts with strong overhead cover are
provided for your protection when not ac-
tually required to man the trench. In some
places it may be possible to dig shelter
caves and shore up the roofs.

Scouting and Patrolling

Scouting and patrolling to the front is
of greatest importance. It is kept up both
day and night. The units occupying the
first line send out patrols whenever neces-
sary. They are frequently able to obtain
valuable information and at the same time
serve to counteract the enemy's efforts in
this direction.

The patrols generally consist of a junior

To the Reader: You will find a wealth of infor-
mation on the methods to be employed by scouts
and patrols in a little book similar to this one in
size, entitled "Scouting and Patrolling/' by the
author of this volume. Published and for sale
by the United States Infantry Association, Wash-
ington, D. C. Price 50 cents, by mail, postpaid.
Get your copy^ now and prepare yourself for these
important duties.

150 ELEMENTS OF TRENCH WARFARE

officer or non-commissioned officer and
from four to six selected men. Their op-
erations are conducted in accordance with
the situation and the mission they are
sent on.

Hand grenades are frequently carried for
both offensive and defensive operations.
Grenade patrols always carry them. The
operations of patrols may include :

1. Reconnaissance of sectors of the ene-
my's position with a view to determining
his dispositions and arrangement of ob-*
stficles.

2. Making sketches of positions.

3. Capturing prisoners.

4. Opposing enemy patrols.

5. Harrassing the enemy.

When the patrol goes out every man in
the sector of the firing line must be in-
formed of such fact and the possibility of
its returning through his post. It is not
sufficient to simply notify the men on post
at the time the patrol goes out, as a man
cannot always be trusted to pass the infor-
mation on to his relief. Word should be
quietly taken along the line by the non-
commissioned officer in charge of the relief

SERVICE IN THE TRENCHES 151

in person. When the patrol is out, special
instructions have to be given with respect
to firing. To cease firing altogether is very
undesirable. It arouses the enemy's sus-
picions. A few trustworthy riflemen are
directed to fire high at intervals. No lights
are sent up while the patrol is out.

If the patrol is to remain stationary, sim-
ilar to the outguard of an outpost, com-
munication may be maintained by means of
a string, spelling out the messages by Morse
code, two jerks meaning a dash and one
jerk meaning a dot.

Where night patrols have to remain out
under trying conditions special dugouts
should be reserved where they can rest
upon their return.

Care of Arms*

The infantryman's rifle is his best friend.
The personal care that he gives to it is in-
dicative of his soldiemess and discipline.
Your rifle must be kept in prime condition,
otherwise it may fail you at a critical mo-
ment. A canvas breech cover that will pro-
tect the bolt and magazine mechanism will
be found a great advantage when the rifle
is not in use. Care must be taken to ex-

152 ELEMENTS OF TRENCH WARFARE

elude mud and dirt from the bolt mechan-
ism. Do not put mud-covered cartridges
into the magazine. Wipe them off first.
Arrange a proper receptacle near your post
for the storage of your reserve ammunition.
Be careful that you do not clog the muzzle
of the rifle with mud and dirt. If fired in
this condition it will ruin the rifle. Be care-
ful not to clog up the sight cover with mud.
Oil the rifle frequently with good sperm
oil. Half of the oilers in the squad should
be filled with oil and the other half with
Hoppe's No. 9 Powder Solvent.

Rifles must be carefully inspected daily
by platoon commanders and the men re-
quired to work on them during the periods
off post.

Care of Trenches

Repairs will have to be made daily. The
widening of trenches in the making of re-
pairs should be strictly forbidden. Under
no circumstances must they be altered in
any manner except on the order of the
company commander.

Platoon commanders will go over every
part of the trench several times daily with
the squad leaders of the various sections
and decide upon the repairs and improve-

SERVICE IN THE TRENCHES 153

ments to be made. A complete and thor-
ough police will be made prior to being re-
lieved. All refuse will be removed. Fired
cartridges will be disposed of , as they might
get imbedded in the trench floor and hinder
subsequent digging.

Each squad leader will be held strictly
responsible for the state of police of the
section of trench occupied by his squad.

Latrines

Latrines are located at convenient points
in the trenches. For the men on duty in the
first line they are generally dug to the flank
of a connecting trench and connected there-
with by a passageway. Their location is
plainly marked.

The rules of sanitation are even more
strictly observed in trenches than they are.
in soldier camps. The trenches and pas-
sageways must not under any circumstances
be defiled. Latrines should be kept clean
and sanitary. They will be carefully pro-
tected from flies. The free use of chloride
of lime daily is an absolute necessity.

Maps

A complete detailed plan of our own
trenches and as much as is known of those

154 ELEMENTS OF TRENCH WARFARE

of the enemy opposite should be made, and
be available for study and to refer to in
making reports. Every bay of the trench
should be numbered, every traverse lettered.
All junction points of fire and communicat-
ing trenches, all dugouts, all posts, mortar
positions, machine-guns positions, observa-
tion posts, and any points that it may be
necessary to refer to in reports should be
designated by numbers.

Frost Bite; Chilled Feet

The causes are :

1. Prolonged standing in cold water or
liquid mud.

2. Tight boots and leggings, that inter-
fere with the blood circulation.

Prevention

1. Before going into the trenches wash
the feet and legs and dry them thoroughly.
The British Army has an issue of an anti-
freeze mixture which will probably be is-
sued to our troops also. The feet and legs
should be rubbed with it. Put on perfectly
dry socks. An extra pair of dry socks
should be carried.

2. During the period of service in the

SERVICE IN THE TRENCHES 155

trenches the feet should be treated in this
manner from time to time.

3. When the feet are cold, hot water will
not be used for washing nor will they be
held close to a fire.

4. Rubber boots must be worn only in
the trenches. On no account must they be
worn while on reserve.

Trench Soldiers' Creed

To be of the greatest effectiveness in the
trench every soldier, personally and collec-
tively, must be able to adopt the following
creed and live up to it :

1. We are here for two purposes, to do
as much damage as possible to the enemy
and to hold our section of the line against
all attacks. We are doing everything in
our power to accomplish these missions.
We realize that every man of the enemy
confronting us that is not placed hors de
combat will be there ready to shoot us down
when the assault takes place. We realize
also that if the enemy makes a lodgment on
our section of the line that it endangers
others and a costly counter attack may be
necessary. We Tvill hold on.

2. With the means at hand and those we

156 ELEMENTS OF TRENCH WARFARE

are able to devise we will make the enemy's
stay in his trenches as uncomfortable and
disagreeable as possible. All of our utilities
are being utilized to thfe fullest extent arid
our various detachments are organized and
their tactical operations are conducted with
this object in view.

3. We have done everything possible to
strengthen our line.

4. If, despite all the precautions we can
take and the hardest fight we are able to
make, the eneniy succeeds in effecting a
lodgment on our section of the line, we will
meet him with the bayonet and fight to the
last drop of our blood.

5. We are all familiar with the tactical
dispositions in our section of the line. Those
of us on the flanks connect up with the
platoons to our right and left. We know
the route to company and battalion head-
quarters and know where the nearest sup-
port is located. We know the position of
our machine guns and the sector they cover.
We are in constant communication with the
observing posts that cover our front, and
our observing posts covering the other pla-
toons are in constant communication with
them.

SERVICE IN THE TRENCHES 157

6. We know the firing position assigned
to us and are familiar with the use to be
made of the accessories furnished us. We
can fire over the parapet at the foot of our
wire entanglements to repel night attack.

7. We will at all times be careful about
needlessly exposing ourselves. We appre-
ciate the fact that it is absolutely stupid to
get killed or wounded in the trench through
negligence. By so doing one has served
no purpose and a soldier cannot be replaced.
Our leaders have warned us of the espe-
cially dangerous places. We know where
they are and avoid them except when our
presence there is necessary as a matter of
duty.

8. The sections of the enemy's line that
we are to cover with our fire have all been
pointed out and each of us is familiar with
same. We have located the enemy's loop-
holes and are doing our best to keep them
under fire.

9. We know our way and move noise-
lessly about the trenches. When we enter
and leave it is with absolute silence.

10. We are doing our utmost to collect
information about the enemy, his defenses,
his activity, his movements, and especially

158 ELEMENTS OF TRENCH WARFARE

his night operations. All of this informa-
tion we transmit immediately to the platoon
leader.

11. We know the best way to get over
our parapet to reach the enemy.

12. Our appliances for protection from
gas attacks are complete and ready for in-
stant use. We have our helmets on our
persons ready to put on. We are familiar
with their use and have confidence in their
effectiveness. We will wait for the signal
to don our gas helmets (signal is usually
made by beating a gong, and care must be
taken to follow exactly the directions for
putting on the gas helmets; carelessness
may mean your disablement).

13. Our trenches are drained and every
precaution is being taken to keep the drains
and sump holes in condition to perform
their functions.

14. We have rendered the parapets and
shelters throughout our sector bullet-proof,
and effective measures are being taken to
prevent them from caving in.

15. We are keeping our trenches sanitary
and clean; our reserve munitions are care-
fully stored in their proper places ready for

SERVICE IN THE TRENCHES 159

instant use. Refuse is always placed in re-
ceptacles when it can be carried away. We
do not under any circumstances litter up
our trench floor. Our empty shells are col-
lected and sent to the rear.

16. Our rifles are our best friends. We
keep them clean, well oiled, and in readiness
for instant use. Our bayonets we have
with us at all times ready to be placed on
the rifle. We protect our rifle ammunition
from the mud, as we realize that muddy
cartridges will clog the breech mechanism
and cause mal-function.

17. We are taking every precaution to
prevent "trench feet;" when practicable we
take off our shoes and rub our feet for 15
minutes each day. We do not wear tight
sho^s and leggings that tend to interfere
with blood circulation. We each have a
pair of dry socks to put on. We do not
wear rubber boots except when it is abso-
lutely necessary.

18. We observe the orders regarding the
wearing of equipment.

19. We do not drink any water except
that from authorized sources. We replen-
ish our canteens whenever practicable.

160 ELEMENTS OF TRENCH WARFARE

In addition to the above the platoon com-
mander must be able to adopt the follow-
ing and live up to them :

1. My sentries are posted in the proper
places. They are posted by noncommis-
sioned officers. They have the proper or-
ders. No man is ever on duty more than
one hour at a time. I visit them at fre-
quent intervals.

2. I have a runner ready to carry a mes-
sage to company headquarters. I realize
that any information of the enemy that I
may secure may be of great importance at
regimental and other headquarters. I will
therefore send it back with the utmost dis-
patch.

3. I am familiar with the methods of
communicating with the artillery, of giving
them information and of asking them for
support.

4. My patrols operating to the front at
night have been properly instructed and are
doing their duty effectively. All sentries
in the trench have been notified when they
are out and cautioned to look out for their
return.

SERVICE IN THE TRENCHES 161

5. I have given complete and detailed in-
struction covering what to do in case of
gas attacks and the sending out of the
S. O. S. signal. I have gas and attack mes-
sages already prepared 5ind ready to send
after inserting the time and place in them.

6. I know the naame of every man in my
platoon and they all know me.

7. I am here to inflict as much damage
as possible on the enemy and to hold my
part of the line. / will do it!

Chapter XI

THE ATTACK IN TRENCH WAR-
FARE

Objectives

The objectives which must be dealt with
in the attack of an intrenched position such
as will be found on the western front are :

1. The trenches of the first line.

2. The supporting points.

3. The trenches of the second line.

By a study of the text preceding this you
must realize that in the defense of these ob-
jectives there will be employed artillery,
rifles, grenades and machine guns.

Artillery Preparation

The first phase of the attack is the artil-
lery preparation. In order that the infantry
may make the attack with a minimum of
losses, the artillery must have destroyed
the wire entanglements and obstacles that
obstruct the advance, or at least have suffi-
ciently breached them to permit their being
negotiated. The destruction of these ob-
stacles is never complete. It would require
too great an expenditure of ammunition.
The infantry occupying the hostile trenches

162

ATTACK IN TRENCH WARFARE 163

must be simply overwhelmed with artillery
fire so that they will be unable to man the
parapets when the assault is launched. Dur-
ing the artillery preparation the hostile in-
fantry does not occupy their firing positions
in the trenches but remain in their dugouts,
which are fully protected from all but the
heaviest shells. Only a few observers are
left in the trenches.

When the bombardment against this par-
ticular part of the line ceases the infantry
leave their dugouts and man the firing posi-
tions. To prevent this is one of the most
important as well as most difficult tasks of
the artillery. This may be effected by a
well-directed fire on the exits to the dugouts
with a view to caving them in and thus pre-
venting the egress of the occupants. The
enemy may sometimes be induced to leave
his shelter prematurely by the following
ruse:

1. Cease the artillery fire.

2. Open a heavy rifle fire ; this causes the
enemy to believe that the assault has begun
and he will man his parapets in strength.

3. After waiting for several minutes open
the artillery again with even increased vigor.

The hostile infantry may be forced out

164 ELEMENTS OF TRENCH WARFARE

of his dugouts by the use of shells and
grenades containing suffocating gases which
penetrate the shelters and make them un-
tenable.

The artillery is also charged with putting
the enemy's artillery out of action to pre-
vent them from firing upon the attacking
infantry.

If the enemy artillery is left free, it will
shell our trenches and approaches, causing
casualties and confusion. and thus interfer-
ing with the formation for the attack. The
location of hostile batteries is effected by
aerial reconnaissance.

Another task of the artillery is to pre-
vent the hostile reserves from coming up to
reinforce their firing lines. These reserves
will be located back in the second line until
their presence is required at the front. As
long as the artillery preparation continues
they remain in the shelters, but as soon as
it ceases they man the trenches. The artil-
lery must therefore extend its fire to the
second line and continue it while the first
line is being rushed. Back of the second
position the enemy holds strong reserves.
The entrance of these into action must be
prevented. This is accomplished by extend-

ATTACK IN TRENCH WARFARE 165

ing the curtain of fire still further to the
rear. The supporting points must receive
a lion's share of attention for, bristling with
machine guns and trench mortars, they are
the really dangerous elements to the in-
fantry attack after it passes the first line
trenches.

The weapon which inflicts the greatest
losses on the assaulting infantry is the ma-
chine gun, which appears suddenly out of
the ground and lays low whole units. By
a careful reconnaissance these machine-gun
positions are ferreted out and every pos-
sible means are taken to effect their destruc-
tion.

The effectiveness of the artillery prepara-
tion depends simply upon superiority of
guns and munitions. In this respect we
now possess a great advantage, for the state
of our munition supply is such that our ar-
tillery may fire several shells to one of the
enemy. This is what established the su-
periority.

Organization of Infantry Attack

The organization of the attacking in-
fantry corresponds in a general way to the
organization of the position being attacked.

166 ELEMENTS OF TRENCH WARFARE

A first line of assault is organized. Its mis-
sion is the capture of the enemy's first line
trenches. A second line follows, having for
its mission the assault and capture of the
second line trenches. A separate organiza-
tion of these two lines is necessary for the
reason that the first attacking line is gen-
erally so disorganized in the fighting that
it no longer possesses the cohesion neces-
sary to carry it through to the second line.
It has been found necessary fo launch a
comparatively fresh and intact force
against it.

As the first position is organized into sev-
eral separate lines of defense, so also is the
firt attacking line organized and launched
in two or more waves, those in rear being
in the nature of reinforcements to those in
front.

Objectives

Each unit of the attacking line is as-
signed a distinct objective. Certain units
are given the mission of attacking the sup-
porting points to prevent their enfilading
the units advancing through the intervals
between them.

The main efforts are made along the
lines between the supporting points, as to

ATTACK IN TRENCH WARFARE 167

assault the latter would entail a casualty
list not commensurate with the results. The
effort against them is made with a view to
neutralizing their effect. If the attack is
successful in the intervals, the supporting
points will fall as a result.

The waves of the first line are directed
against the first position, the second against
the second position. The reserves held un-
der the orders of the division commander
are employed where the development of the
situation dictates.

Further to the rear, and under orders of
the supreme commander, large bodies of
reinforcements are held ready to be moved
rapidly to points where progress has been
made to such an extent that maneuver op-
erations are practicable.

Preparation for the Assault

Preparatory to the assault, numerous saps
(trenches) are run out to the front from
the main firing trenches. The night before
the attack, a parallel is broken out connect-
ing the sap heads. This parallel is amply
supplied with short ladders and is occupied
by the companies composing the first wave
of the attack. The saps and the main

168 ELEMENTS OF TRENCH WARFARE

trenches are also filled with men assigned
to the following waves, who will move into
the parallel as soon as the first wave leaves
it. As the artillery preparation ceases, the
first waves rush up the ladders in succes-
sion and move out to the assault.

The First Wave

As the artillery preparation against the
first line is completed and the curtain of fire
shifted far into the enemy's position, the
infantry of the first wave emerges from the
parallel and moves out. The formation and
gait depend upon the distance to the hostile
trench. If the artillery preparation has
been eflFective and the distance is not more
than 100 yards, it is expected that the wave
will be able to reach the fire trench without
firing, except possibly when the wire is
reached. If the distance is much greater
than 100 yards, it is necessary to cover the
advance with rifle fire. This is accom-
plished by a line of skirmishers deployed at
extended intervals, which precedes the wave
at about 50 yards. The wave starts out at
a walk, carefully aligned. It afterwards
takes up the double time and advances by

ATTACK IN TRENCH WARFARE 169

rushes until the wire entanglements are
reached.

From this moment the period of the
charge and individual combat begins. The
men can no longer be kept from firing.
Each tries to protect himself with his rifle.
Each man locates his opening in the wire
through which he is to go and makes for it.
The line reforms on the other side. With
rifles at the high charge (a position to our
old head parry, but slanting slightly upward
from right to left) the line rushes upon the
enemy. Each man runs straight towards
the part of the trench in front of him and
jumps upon the parapet. By rifle shots and
bayonet thrusts he destroys everything in
his way. Men selected in advance take
charge of the prisoners. The line is re-
formed, lying down just beyond the fire
trench, and fire is opened against the sec-
ond line. Men are positively forbidden to
enter the communication trenches. They
are most inviting for cover, but a man rarely
gets out of them.

The grenadier squad proceed to their
work of clearing the fire and communica-
tion trenches.

170 elements of trench warfare

The Second Wave

The second wave of the first line starts
forward at the moment the first wave
reaches the hostile trenches. If it starts
sooner, it will unite with the first at the
entanglement and become involved in the
fight for the fire trench. It will be broken
up prematurely and will be unable to take
advantage of the developments of the fight
of the first wave. The reinforcement by
the second wave and the disorganization
produced by the assault lead to a mixture
of units in the trenches of the first position.
Before starting out to the assault of the
next trench it is necessary that order be
restored. When this is accomplished the
attack is launched against the second line.
In front of the supporting points the com-
bat rages. The men are barely able to hold
on the outer edges. In the interval the ad-
vance has reached high tide and has ex-
panded like a wave and stopped. This is the
limit that can be expected of the first line.

Hasty cover is prepared and advantage
taken of such cover as may exist. All ele-
ments of the attack open fire on the second
position.

attack in trench warfare 171

The Second Line

Under the cover of these operations the
second line has come up in a series of three
lines, where it is built up compact at the
position of the stopped first line. From
this point its attack against the enemy's sec-
ond line is launched. The lines are worked
up to a point from which the assault is to
be made, and when the time comes the first
wave dashes out to the attack, followed by
the second wave in the same manner as the
assault against the first position was made.

The action of the two lines of attack may
be expected to overwhelm the greater part
of the two main hostile positions. At cer-
tain points, however, the resistance will
hold out, and, if not overcome, will consti-
tute points of support to which the enemy
may bring up reinforcements and even turn
the tide of battle by a counter attack.

To deal with these points that hold out,
as well as with hostile reinforcements which
may arrive, the reserve is launched into ac-
tion, which brings the attack into the open
ground beyond the second line of defense,
and maneuver operations are begun. The
mobile units are rapidly thrown into action,
and large forces from the general reserve

^ I

172 ELEMENTS OF TRENCH WARFARE

are hurried to the point where the lines of
defense are broken through.

From what has gone before we may de-
duce that the following conditions must pre-
vail to attain success in an attack on a
prepared position :

1. The attack must be planned down to
the most minute detail.

2. There must be a greatly superior force
of artillery concentrated at the point of at-
tack, and the artillery preparation must be
thorough.

3. The infantry must be sufficient in num-
ber, training and morale to perform the
tasks that will be demanded of them.

4. The arrangements for the supply of
ammunition to the firing line must be
planned and carried out in all its details.

5. Plans for meeting counter attacks must
be thorough and complete. The capture of
a position is often less difficult than its re-
tention.

6. Finally, every officer and man must
know exactly what he is to do.

Bayonet Training

Waldron

BAYONET TRAINING

The system of Bayonet Training stated
herein is taken from the provisional Manual
of Bayonet Training of the British Army.
In the vernacular of the day, it is the "real
dope."

Every battalion should have a bayonet
assault practice course constructed along
the lines indicated and the work of training
should be systematically conducted. The
noncommissioned officers should be taken
out on a "Tactical Walk" on the course
and all the features of the exercises ex-
plained. This is followed by their practical
training over the course and this in turn
is followed by the instruction of the pri-
vates of the organization.

Features of the Bayonet

To attack with the bayonet effectively
requires good direction, strength and quick-
ness, during a state of wild excitement and
probable physical exhaustion. The limit of
the range of a bayonet is about 5 feet
(measured from the opponent's eyes) but
more often the killing is at close quarters,

175

176 BAYONET TRAINING

at a range of 2 feet or less, when troops
are struggling hand to hand in trenches or
darkness.

The bayonet is essentially an offensive
weapon — ^go straight at an opponent with
the point threatening his throat and deliver
the point wherever an opening presents it-
self. If no opening is obvious, one must be
created by beating off the opponents weap-
on or making a "feint point" in order to
make him uncover himself.

Hand to hand fighting with the bayonet
is individual, which means that a man must
think and act for himself and rely on his
own resources and skill; but, as in all
games, he must play for his side and not
only for himself. In a bayonet assault all
ranks go forward to kill or be killed, and
only those who have developed skill and
strength by constant training will be able
to kill.

The spirit of the bayonet must be incul-
cated into all ranks so that they go forward
with that aggressive determination and con-
fidence of superiority born of continual
practice, without which a bayonet assault
will not be effective.

The technical points of bayonet fighting

BAYONET TRAINING 177

are extremely few and simple. The essence
of bayonet training is continuity of prac-
tice.

Method of Carrying out Bayonet

Training and Hints to

Instructors

An important point to be kept in mind
in Bayonet Training is the development of
the individual by teaching Kim to think and
act for himself. The simplest means of
attaining this end is to make men use their
brains and eyes to the fullest extent by
carrying out the practices so far as possible,
without words of command, i. e., to point
at a shifting target as soon as it is station-
ary, to parry sticks, etc. The class should,
whenever possible, work in pairs and act
on the principle of "master and teacher.'*
This proceedure in itself, develops individu-
ality and confidence. Sharp jerky words
of command which tend to make men act
mechanically, should be omitted. Rapidity
of movement and alertness are taught by
competition in fixing and unfixing the bay-
onet and by other such quickening move-
ments.

178 BAYONET TRAINING

As the technique of bayonet fighting is
so simple, long detail is quite unnecessary
and makes the work monotonous. All in-
structions should be carried out on com-
mon-sense lines. It should seldom be neces-
sary to give the details of a "point" or
''parry" more than two or three times, after
which the class should acquire the correct
positions by practice. For this reason a
lesson or daily practice should rarely last
more than half an hotir. Remember that
nothing kills interest so easily as monotony.

The spirit of the bayonet is to be incul-
cated by describing the special features of
bayonet and hand to hand fighting. The
men must learn to practice bayonet fighting
in the spirit and with the enthusiasm that
animates them when training for their
games, and to look upon their instructor
as a trainer and helper. Interest in the
work is to be created by explaining the rea-
sons for the various positions, the method
of handling the rifle and bayonet and the
uses of the points. Questions should be
put to the men to find out if they under-
stand these reasons. When men realize the
object of their work they naturally take a
greater interest in it.

BAYONET TRAINING 179

Progression in bayonet training is regu-
lated by obtaining first correct position and
good direction, then quickness. Strength
is the outcome of continual practice.

In order to encourage dash and gradually
strengthen the leg muscles from the com-
mencement of the training, classes should
be frequently practiced in charging short
distances over the bayonet practice courses.

All company officers anci noncommis-
sioned officers should be taught how to in-
struct in bayonet training in order that they
may be. able to teach their squads and
platoons this very important part of a sol-
dier's training, which must be regularly
practiced during the whole of his service
at home, and during his periods of rest be-
hind the firing-lines.

The greatest care should be taken that
the object representing the opponent and
it& support should be incapable of injuring
the bayonet or butt. Only light sticks are
to be used for parrying practice.

The chief causes of injury to the bayonet
are insufficient instruction, in the bayonet
training lessons, failure to withdraw the
bayonet clear of the dummy, and placing
the dummies on hard, unprepared ground.

BAYONET LESSONS

Formation. — Intervals or distances are
taken as prescribed in paragraphs 109 and
111 I. D. R, Bayonets are fixed, paragraph
95, I. D. R.

Technique of Instruction. — Before re-
quiring the soldier to take a position or
execute a movement for the first time, the
instructor should show him the position or
how to execute the movement, stating the
essential elements and explaining the pur-
pose that they serve.

Illustrate the position or movement a
second time, requiring careful observation
so that the men will be taught to use their
eyes and brains right from the beginning.

Now, require the men to assume the posi-
tion or execute the movement under con-
sideration. Accuracy and expertness will
be developed by practice.

Fatigue and exhaustion should be care-
fully guarded against. They prevent proper
interest being taken in the exercises and
delay the progress of the instruction.

The training consists of five lessons and
the Final Assault practice.

180

BAYONET LESSONS 181

Lesson No, 1

The First lesson is divided into :

1. The position of Gtmrd, from which
the various bayonet attacks are made.

2. The position of High Port, which is
assumed when advancing.

3. The Long Point, which is the normal
method of bayonet attack.

4. The Withdrawal, which follows the
attack.

The Position of GUARD

Being at the Order Arms: Raise the
piece with the right hand^ throw it to the
front. Grasp with both hands, the left at
a convenient place above the rear sight so
that the left arm is only slightly bent ; right
hand at the small of the stock and held
just in front of the navel. The rifle is held
naturally and easily, without constraint,
barrel inclined slightly to the left. At the
same time the left foot is carried forward
to a point in a natural position such as a
man walking might adopt on meeting with
resistance. The left knee is slightly bent,
right leg straight and braced. The right
foot is flat on the ground with the toe in-
clined to the right front.

BAYONET LESSONS 183

The common faults that will be noted in
assuming the position are:

1. The body will be leaned back from the
hips, which causes unsteadiness and does
not permit quick and aggressive action.

2. The left arm is bent too much, which
raises the point of the bayonet too high and
produces a certain amotmt of constraint.
The left hand should grasp the piece at such
a point that will avoid this defect. A little
practice will show the exact place to hold
the hand to obtain the maximum effect.

3. The right hand may be held too low
and too far back, which has the effect of
raising the point of the bayonet and giving
a faulty position to the left arm and hand.

4. The rifle may be grasped too tightly
with the hands, which produces rigidity
and restrains freedom of movement. The
left hand merely guides the bayonet in the
attack, the right furnishes the power be-
hind the thrust, hence great care should be
taken to see that the left arm is not de-
prived of its freedom of action by gripping
the rifle too hard with the left hand.

184 BAYONET LESSONS

The Position of "REST"

The feet are retained at the position of
Guard. The piece is lowered and held in
the easiest and most comfortable position.

The Position of HIGH PORT

Being at the position of Guard. Without
changing the position of the hands on the
piece, carry the rifle so that the left wrist
is level with and directly in front of the
left shoulder. The right hand is level with
the belt.

Practice will be had at the position of
High Port with the right hand quitting the
piece, it being held approximately in posi-
tion with the left hand alone. This will be
found advantageous when jumping ditches,
climbing out of trenches, surmounting ob-
stacles, etc., leaving the right hand free.

The Position of LONG POINT

Being at the position of Guard. Thrust
the point of the bayonet vigorously towards
the point of the objective, to the full extent
of the left arm, the stock running along
side of and kept close to the right inner
fore arm. The body is inclined forward;

BAYONET LESSONS 185

left knee well bent; right leg braced, and
weight of body pressed well forward with
the sole of the right foot, heel raised. The
chief power in the Point is derived from
the right arm with the weight of the body
behind it, the left arm and hand being em-
ployed to direct the point of the bayonet
at the objective.

The eyes must be fixed on the objective.
In making the point other than straight to
the front the left foot will be moved later-
ally in the direction to which the point is
made. After progress has been made in
the execution of the simple point as in-
dicated above, practice should include step-
ping forward with the rear foot when the
assault is delivered.

The common faults in the execution of
the Long Point will be noted as follows:

1. The rifle is drawn back slightly before
delivering the point, which makes for a
momentary loss of time that may give an
opponent the advantage and should be as-
siduously guarded against.

2. The stock of the piece is held too
high, which makes the guiding of the point
of the bayonet with the left hand more

POSITION OF GUARD

BAYONET LESSONS 187

difficult, and reduces accuracy in delivering
the point at the exact spot intended.

3. The eyes are not directed on the point
of the attack. This is an error. One that
may cause a man to miss his mark. The
soldier must realize what this means in
hand to hand fighting. The opponent will
get himu

4. The left knee is not sufficiently bent,
which does not allow the point to be made
with the force intended.

5. The body is not thrust sufficiently for-
ward, which reduces just that much the
force of the attack.

6. The point is started at too great a dis-
tance from the objective to make a hit
Practice must be conducted in making the
point until the soldier knows the exact dis-
tance at which he will have to start to pro-
duce the maximum effect. This distance
is between four and five feet.

During the later stages of the instruction
the men should also be taught to step for-
ward with the rear foot when delivering
the point.

BAYONET LESSONS

The withdrawal After a
Long Point

Being at the position of Long Point. To
withdraw the bayonet Draw the piece
straight back until the right hand is well
behind the hip. Immediately assume the

THE WITHDR.

BAYONET LESSONS 189

position of Guard. If the leverage or prox-
imity of the object transfixed with the
bayonet renders it necessary, prior to the
withdrawal, the left hand is slipped up close
to the stacking swivel.

In the preliminary instruction all Points
will be immediately followed by a with-
drawal, prior to assuming the position of
guard.

PROGRESSION

After the several positions hereinbefore
described have been learned, the Points
should be made at a definite place on a tar-
get, such as the throat, the stomach, the
head, etc.

As progress is made, the pause between
the point and the withdrawal is shortened
until the soldier comes directly to the posi-
tion of Guard from the point. Proficiency-
will finally be attained in making a "feint
point" at one part of the target and the
real point at another, for example: Feint
at the head and point at the right thigh;
feint at the stomach and point at the neck,
etc.

Attacks at a retreating foe should be
made against the kidneys, the position of
which should be shown to the soldier.

Vulnerable Parts of the Body

If possible, the point of the bayonet
should be directed against the opponents
throat, especially in hand to hand fighting.
The point of the bayonet will easily enter
and make a fatal wound on penetrating a
few inches. Other and more or less ex-

190

PROGRESSION 191

posed parts are the face, chest, lower abdo-
men, thighs and the region of the kidneys
when the back is turned. Four to six inches
penetration is sufficient to incapacitate and
allow for a quick withdrawal, whereas if
a bayonet is driven home too far it is often
impossible to withdraw it.

As soon as the nomenclature of the posi-
tions and movements are learned the men
should work in pairs. They should be
practiced in pointing in various directions.
1. At the opposite man's hand, which be
places in various positions on and oflF the
body. 2. At thrusting rings tied on the
end of a stick.

This practice is conducted without word
of command, so that the eyes and brain
may be trained

It is not sufficient that a dummy be mere-
ly transfixed. Some particular spot on the
dummy should constitute the target. Discs
or numbers should be placed on the dummy
and the men required to point at a distance
of about five feet from it and later as they
become more proficient, to point after ad-
vancing several paces. The advance must
be made in a practical manner and the point
delivered with either foot to the front.

192 PROGRESSION

The rifle must never be drawn back when
making a Long Point in a forward move-
ment. The impetus of the body and the
forward stretching of the arms supply
sufficient force.

The bayonet must be withdrawn immedi-
ately after the Point has been delivered,
and a forward threatening attitude assumed
by the side of or beyond the dummy.

To guard against accidents the men must*
be at least five feet apart and the bayonet
scabbard should be on the bayonet.

The principles of this practice should be
observed when pointing at dummies in
trenches, standing upright on the ground
or suspended from gallows. They should
. be applied at first slowly and deliberately.
No attempt must be made to carry out the
Final Assault Practice until the men have
been carefully instructed in and have thor-
oughly mastered the preliminary lessons.

Lesson No. 2
The Parries

Being at the position of Guard: The
right or left parry is executed by vigorously
straightening the left arm, without bending

PROGRESSION 193

the wrist or twisting the rifle in the hand,
and forcing the piece to the right or left
far enough to fend off the adversary's
weapon. The eyes must be kept on the
weapon that is being parried and not on
the eyes of the opponent as indicated in our
bayonet combat training.

The common faults in the execution of
the parries consist of:

1. Making a wide, sweeping parry, with
no forward movement of the bayonet or
body in it.

2. The eyes are taken off the weapon
that is being parried.

The men should be taught to regard the
parry as a part of an offensive movement,
namely of the Point, which would immedi-
ately follow it in actual combat. For this
reason, as soon as the movements of the
parries have been learned they should al-
ways be accompanied by a slight forward
movement of the body.

Parries will be practiced with the right
as well as with the left foot forward, pre-
paratory to the practice of parrying when
advancing.

194 progression

Practice

Men when learning the parries should be
required to observe the movements of the
rifle carefully, and should not be kept
longer at this practice than is necessary for
them to understand what is required, that
is vigorous, yet controlled action.

The men work in pairs with scabbards
on the bayonets, one man pointing with the
stick and the other parrying it. The posi-
tion of guard is resumed after each parry.
At first this practice must be slow and de-
liberate, without being allowed to become
mechanical, and will be progressively in-
creased in raj^idity and vigor.

Later a point at that part of the body
indicated by the opposite man's hand should
immediately follow the parry, and, finally
sticks long enough to represent the oppo-
nents weapon at the position of guard
should be attached to dummies and parried
before delivering the point. (See Targets.)

The men must be taught to parry points
made at them:

1. By an enemy in a trench when they
are themselves on the parapet.

PROGRESSION 195

2. By an enemy on the parapet when they
are on the trench.

3. When both are fighting on the same
level at close quarters in a deep trench.

Lesson No, 3
The Short Point

Being at the position of Guard: Shift
the left hand quickly towards the muzzle
and draw the rifle back to the full extent
of the right arm, the butt either upwards
or downwards, according as a low point or
high point is to be made. Deliver the point
vigorously to the full extent of the left
arm.

The short point is used at a range of
about three feet. In close fighting it is the
natural point to make when the bayonet
has just been withdrawn after a long point.
If a strong withdrawal is necessary the
right hand should be slipped above the back
sight after the short point has been made.

By placing two discs on a dummy the
short point should be taught in conjunction
with the long point, the first disc being
transfixed with the latter and the second
with the former. On delivery of the long

THE SHORT POINT

PROGRESSION 197

point if the left foot is forward, the short
point would take place with the right foot
forward and vice versa.

The parries should be practiced from the
position of the short point.

Lesson No. 4

The Jab or Upward Point

Being at the position of Short Point:
Shift the right hand up the rifle and grasp
it above the balance, at the same time bring-
ing the piece to an almost vertical position
close to the body. From this position, bend
the knees and jab the point of the bayonet
upwards into the throat or under the chin
of the opponent.

The common faults in this movement
are:

1. The rifle is drawn backward and not
held sufficiently upright.

2. The rifle is grasped too low with the
right hand.

From the position of Jab, the men will
be practiced in fending off an attack made
on any part of their body by an opponent.

PROGRESSION 199

When making a Jab from the position of
guard, the right, being the thrusting hand,
will be brought up first.

The Jab can be employed successfully in
close quarter fighting in narrow .trenches
or when embraced by an enemy.

METHODS OF INJURING AN
OPPONENT

It should be impressed upon the soldier
that, although a man's point has missed, or
has been parried or his bayonet has been
broken, he can, as attacker, still maintain
his advantage by injuring his opponent in
one of the following ways :

Butt Strike I. Swing the butt up at the
opponent's crotch, ribs, forearm, etc., using
a half arm blow and advancing the rear
foot.

This is essentially a half arm blow from
the shoulder, keeping the elbow rigid. It
can be executed only when the rifle is
grasped at the small of the stock.

Butt Strike II. If the opponent jumps
back so that the first butt strike misses, the
rifle will come into a horizontal position
over the left shoulder, butt to the front.
The attacker will then step in with the rear
foot and dash the butt into his opponent's
face.

Butt Strike III. If the opponent retires
still further out of distance, the attacker

200

METHODS OF INJURING AN OPPONENT 201

again closes up and slashes his bayonet
down on his opponent's head or neck.

Butt Strike IV, If the point is beaten
or brought down, the butt can be used effec-
tively by crashing it down on the opponent's
head with an over-arm blow, advancing the
rear foot When the opponent is out of
distance Butt Strike III can again be used.

In individual fighting the butt can also
be used horizontally against the opponent's
ribs, forearm, etc. This method is im-
possible in trench fighting or in an attack,
owing to the horizontal sweep of the bay-
onet to the attacker's left.

The men must be impressed with the fact
that the butt must never be used when it is
possible to use the point of the bayonet
effectively.

Butt Strikes can be used only under cer-
tain conditions and in certain positions. If
the soldier acquires absolute control of his
weapon under these conditions he will be
able to adapt himself to all other phases of
close in fighting. For example, when a man
is gripped by an opponent, so that neither
the point nor the butt can be used, the knee
brought up against the crotch or the heel

202 METHODS OF INJURING AN OPPONENT

Stamped on the instep may momentarily
disable him and make him release his hold.
When wrestling the opponent may be
tripped by forcing his weight On to one leg
and then kicking that leg from under him.
These methods will only temporarily dis-
able an enemy, who must be killed with the
bayonet.

Practice

When the men have been shown the
methods of using the butt and the knee,
they should be practiced by affixing several
discs on a dummy and executing combina-
tion exercises at them. For example, point
at one disc, use the knee on another fixed
low down, jab at a third, etc. For practice
with the Butt, light dummies should be used
to prevent injury to the piece.

TACTICAL APPLICATION OF THE

BAYONET

A bayonet assault should preferably be
made under cover of fire, or darkness or as
a surprise. Under these circumstances the
prospect of success is greatest, for a bay-
onet is useless at any range except in hand
to hand fighting.

The bayonet is essentially a weapon of
oifense to be used with skill and vigor. To
await an opportunity for using the bayonet
entails defeat. An approaching enemy will
simply stand out of bayonet range and shoot
down the defenders.

In an assault the enemy should be killed
with the bayonet. Firing should be avoided.
A bullet passing through an opponent's
body may kill a friend who happens to be
in the line of fire.

The Bayonet Assault

Training in the final assault is conducted
only after the soldier has received a thor-
ough course of instruction in the prelimin-
ary lessons and has acquired complete con-

203

204 APPLICATION OF THE BAYONET

trol over his weapons. This training must
approximate-as nearly as possible the condi-
tions of actual fighting. Instructors should
endeavor by every means in their power to
arouse the interest and imagination of the
men. Each problem should be carefully ex-
plained beforehand so that every man may
have a complete knowledge of just exactly
what is being attempted. Each target must
be regarded as an armed opponent and each
line of targets as an enemy line, attacking,
defending or retiring, to be disposed of
accordingly.

Any tendency towards carelessness and
slackness must be corrected at once and all
the men must be impressed with the fact
that a practice assault that is not carried
out with quickness, vigor and determination
is worse than useless.

Lack of imagination or lack of under-
standing of what is being attempted, lead-
ing to a violation of the principles of tactics
in practice assaults against dummy targets,
can only lead to disaster in a real assault
against the enemy.

Nervous tension, due to the anticipation
of an attack, the advance across the open
and the final dash at the enemy all com-

APPLICATION OF THE BAYONET 205

bine to tire an assaulting party. It is only
by their physical fitness and superior skill
with the bayonet that they can overcome a
comparatively fresh foe.

Accuracy in directing the bayonet when
moving rapidly or surmounting obstacles;
a thrust of sufficient force to penetrate
clothing and equipment; a clean with-
drawal, which requires no small effort,
especially when the bayonet is fixed by a
bone ; are all of the greatest importance.

Method of Carrying the Rifle wiTft

Bayonet Fixed

1. A quick, short advance. Carry the
rifle at the position of "High Port." This
position is suitable for close formations. It
minimizes risks of accidents when sur-
mounting obstacles. It can be maintained
with the left hand alone, allowing a free
use of the right when necessar}^

2. Long advance, in close formation.
Carry the rifle slung over the left shoulder,
barrel perpendicular, sling to the front.
This allows the free use of both hands.

3. Long advance, in open order. Carry
the rifle at the "Trail."

206 application of the bayonet

Teamwork

The importance of teamwork, discipline,
and organized control throughout the con-
duct of the bayonet assault cannot be too
strongly impressed upon the men. In this,
as well as in all other tactical operations,
success can only be achieved through the
closest cooperation of all concerned. While
individual initiative is to be encouraged, it
must be strictly subordinated to the will of
the leader of the assaulting party. The
failure of an enterprize can usually be
traced to the lack of this close cooperation.

The Advance

1. All members of the attacking party
must "go over the top," that is, leave the
trench, or rise from cover simultaneously.

2. The first stage, especially of a long
advance, is slow and steady — ^not faster
than the pace of the slowest man.

Such an advance has a decided moral
effect on the enemy. It will produce the
maximum shock at the moment of impact.
It allows the attacking force to reach its
objective without undue exhaustion. On
the other hand, if the assault is allowed to

APPLICATION OF THE BAYONET 207

develop without control and in a haphazard
fashion, the moral effect of the steady ad-
vance of a resistless wall of men is lost
and the defenders will be given time to dis-
pose of their opponents in detail.

The Charge

The actual charge will not be delivered
over a greater distance than 20 paces.
Within the last ten paces the piece will be
brought to the position of guard. The
alignment will be maintained as far as pos-
sible until actual contact is gained.

As soon as a position is carried and
prior to any further advance or any other
operation whatsoever, the line must be re-
formed and every precaution taken against
a counter attack. In Trench Warfare, the
indiscriminate pursuit with the bayonet
must never be permitted unless orders to
that effect have been given by the leaders
of the assaulting party. The attacking
troops are not so fresh as the enemy and
experience has shown that unorganized
pursuit is exposed to ambuscades and ma-
chine gun fire. In most cases the work of
immediate pursuit is better accomplished
by the supporting artillery assisted by the

208 APPLICATION OF THE BAYONET

rapid fire of the infantry on the retreating
enemy.

Assault Practice

Throughout the period of training the
men, the men should be constantly practiced
in:

1. The recognized method of carrying
the rifle with the bayonet fixed.

2. The rapid advance out of deep
trenches.

3. Teamwork and control of advancing
line. Fire discipline, direction and control.

4. The art of using the bayonet with
effect in the cramped space of communica-
tion and fire trenches.

5. Reforming and opening fire after an
assault.

6. Acting as leaders of an attacking
party.

FINAL ASSAULT PRACTICE

One of the best methods of training a
command in the final assault is to construct
a section of trench, forming a course, over
which the training may be conducted. The
edges of the trenches should be protected
by logs anchored back in the parapets or
solid ground. Constant use will soon wear
them down if this precaution is not taken.
Cinders placed on the course are a great
advantage, for they prevent the men from
slipping.

When dummy targets are laid on the
ground or on parapets, care should be taken
to see that the earth under them is free
from stones, otherwise bayonets will be in-
jured when the thrust penetrates clear
through the dummy and into the ground.

For this practice work it will be well to
select the bayonets of the company that
are most worn and use them exclusively.

Most interesting and practical problems
in the tactics of trench warfare can be
solved by combining the assault practice
with other forms of training such as the
operations of grenadier squads in clearing

209

210 FINAL ASSAULT PRACTICE

fire trenches and communication trenches;
throwing hand grenades, to cover the as-
sault; barricading with sandbags and the
construction of trenches.

The illustration herein shows a type of
Final Assault Practice course, that may be
prepared with a minimum expenditure of
labor and material. It occupies a space of
about 100 feet in width and may be of vary-
ing depth according to the elements that it
is desired to introduce. A platoon of four
squads with the squad leaders taken out of
the line and placed in rear to direct their
squads, may be run over the course with
safety after the men have had sufficient
preliminary training. The elements of this
course are:

1. A line of traversed type of fire trench.
There being four bays, 18 feet long with
6 foot traverses. This trench is the simple
type of standing trench shown in the
profile.

2. A supervision trench located parallel
to and about 50 feet in rear of the fire
trench. Profile shown.

3. Communication zigzags from the sup-
ervision trench. to the fire trench.

i' \

'•*• }.

.A.

• I

, * » ■ -—

FINAL ASSAULT PRACTICE 211

4. Two communication zigzags of three
legs each running to the rear from the
supervision trench.

5. The location of squad dugouts in rear
of the bays of the fire trench and platoon
dugouts just in rear of the supervision
trench are indicated. It is not necessary
for the purposes to excavate these. The
location of the entrances in the trenches
should be indicated.

The starting line is 40 feet in front of
the traversed fire trench. This may be a
deep trench or merely a line as desired.
The trench gives good practice for the men
in getting out of a fire trench, quickly and
forming a line beyond. The whole system
of trenches should be constructed on ground
that can be easily drained.

Accessories

1. Portable gallows for the suspension
of from one to four targets are constructed
and located at such points as may be desired
in the area between the fire trench and the
supervision trench and that to the rear of
the latter.

FINAL ASSAULT PRACTICE

2. Shell craters may be excavated in the
open spaces mentioned above in which
dummy targets may be placed.

3. Portable Turk's Head may be con-
structed and placed at such points as may
be desired in the trenches or in the open
spaces above ground.

4. Dummy targets may be placed where-
ever desired.

FINAL ASSAULT PRACTICE 213

214 FINAL ASSAULT PRACTICE

FINAL ASSAULT PRACTICE

Targets

Target A. Consists of a portable gal-
lows having one dummy target.

Target B. Consists of a portable gal-
lows having two or more dummy targets.

Target C. Consists of a portable gal-
lows the same as Target A, having a dummy
target with the stick protruding to the front
to represent the opponent's bayonet.

Target D. Consists of a dummy target
to lie on the ground or rest against the side
wall of the trench.

Target E. Is a Turk's Head,

216

FINAL ASSAULT PRACTICE

Construction of Gallows

The gallows for targets A, B, and C is
constructed as shown in the plate. Two
standards are made as indicated and joined
together by pieces of 2x4 of the desired
length at A and B. For Target A this
length should be about 6 feet; for Target
B at least 5 feet should be allowed for each
dummy. Where more than two targets are
hung the top cross piece had better be a
4x4 instead of a 2x4.

(• C««<trw<t Tav*

^/««t far ^mt/o»% ^r Ovmmt^t.

final assault practice 217

Construction of Dummies

The dummy may consist of a gunny sack
filled with straw and packed tightly. It
may be an old uniform stuffed with straw.
A more elaborate form that tends to hold
the bayonet when it is thrust into it may
be made as follows:

1. Split a sack along the side and across
the end forming a manta. Lay it on the
ground.

2. Place a layer of straw about 20 inches
wide and nearly the length of the sack,
allowing a few inches at the top and bottom
for folding over. Now place a layer of
good stiff sod on the straw. Follow this
with another layer of straw. Follow this
of sod and straw until the dummy is 8 or
10 inches thick. Then put a one-quarter
board with the grain up and down on top
of the whole.

3. Fold in the sides and top tight and sew
them together with a strong twine and a
baling needle.

4. Run a strong rope around the outside
edges, turning it at each corner to make a
loop by which the dummy may be hanged
to the gallows.

218 FINAL ASSAULT PRACTICE

For those dummies that are to sit on the
ground a piece of 2-inch plank placed
across the bottom before the sacking is
folded and sewed will form a good base.
On these the rope will be omitted.

Construction of 'Turk's Head"

On the end of a pole about six feet long
place a ball of straw about 9 inches in
diameter, packed tightly in gunny sacking.
Sharpen the other end of the pole so that
it may be stuck in the ground.

Construction of Parrying Dummy

Target

Take one of the ordinary dummies. Put
a Turk's Head on- a stick about 4 feet long
and nail some canvas or gunny sacking to
the other end so that the edges will spread
out. Sew the canvas to a point on the
dummy about two-thirds of the way down
the front and suspend it from the top with
strong ropes attached to the upper comers
of the dummy.

Discs ON Target
With a view to attaining accuracy in the

FINAL ASSAULT PRACTICE 219

points, cardboard discs about 3 inches in
diameter should be placed on the front of
the dummies. The soldier should not mere-
ly try to hit the dummy with his bayonet,
but he should endeavor to make hits on
the discs.

EXERCISES

The exercises that may be devised with
this equipment are of an infinite variety,
ranging from practice runs of one man to
each bay of the trench, merely going into
and out of the trenches, to an entire squad
assaulting each bay with targets placed all
along the course.

The following are suggested exercises:

Exercise 1

Number of men to make the run : Four,
one at each bay.

Targets: No. 1. One Target D, half ex-
posed on parapet at the left corner of Bay
4 to represent a man firing over the parapet.

No. 2. One Target D, resting against
the rear wall of the fire trench of Bay 4,
at the opening of the dugout, to represent a
man just emerging from the squad dugout.

No. 3. One Target A, midway between
the fire trench and the supervision trench.

No. 4. One Target E, in supervision
trench.

221

222 EXERCISES

No. 5. One Target D, in supervision
trench at the entrance to the communication
trench.

No, 6. One Target D, on the ground to
the rear of the supervision trench. Note.
Targets for the man making the run against
Bay 4 are stated. Those for the other men
making the run are similarly located.

The Run

The method of making the run will be
explained for the man making the run at
Bay 4. The other men proceed in a similar
manner.

Being in the prone position at the start-
ing point the soldier rises quickly to his
feet and advances at the double time (not
running) towards Target No. 1, the piece
being carried at the "High Port." When
within about 8 paces of Target No. 1 the
piece is brought to the position of guard
and when at the proper distance the target
is attacked with a vigorous "Long Point."
This is followed by a clean withdrawal.

The soldier then jumps into the fire
trench and attacks Target No. 2 or attacks
from over the fire trench as is desired. He

EXERCISES 223

then climbs out of the fire trench and con-
tinues his advance attacking Target No. 3
with a Long Point; No. 4 with a Long
Point ; No. 5 with a Short Point and No. 6
with a Long Point, each -being followed by
a clean withdrawal of the bayonet.

Exercise 2

Number of men to make run: Two
squads, one at Bays 1 and 2, and the other
at Bays 3 and 4.

Targets: The targets are given only for
the four men making the run against Bay 4.
Those for the other three bays are similarly
arranged.

No. 1. Four Targets D, half exposed
on parapet of bay to represent men firing
over the parapet.

No. 2. Four Targets D, lying on ground
or in shell crater a few feet in rear of the
bay.

No. 3. Four Targets A or C, in the
open area about midway between the fire
trench and the supervision trench.

No. 4. Four Targets D in the bottom
of the supervision trench.

224 EXERCISES

No, 5. Four Targets E, a few yards in
rear of the supervision trench.

The run is conducted in the same manner
as explained for Exercise 1. Additional
precautions will have to be taken to prevent
the men from injuring one another with
their bayonets.

The line attacks Target No. 1. The men
jump over the fire trench landing on the
parados and immediately attack Target
No. 2. The line passes on towards Target
No. 3, jumping all trenches encountered
and attack Target No. 3 with a parry and
a point if Target C is used and with a point
if Target A is used. The line then goes
into the supervision trench and attacks
Target No. 4, climbing out immediately and
advancing on Target No. 5 which is at-
tacked by a "Jab."

In order to save time a second line may
be started from the starting line when the
first has passed beyond the fire trench and
towards the supervision trench.

After the men have been taken through
a thorough course of training in the in-
dividual instruction, problems should be
devised in which a squad assaults a section

EXERCISES 225

of the trench system under the direction of
the squad leader. This is followed by exer-
cises conducted by the platoon leader, the
strength of the platoon being as many
squads as can be employed at one time on
the front of the section of trench system
available.

(jlQ '- :. 'm

EDWIN N. APPLETON

PUBLISHER OF

MILITARY BOOKS

1 Broadway, New York

Eastern Distributers for
•THE MOSS PUBLICATIONS"

(Major Jas. A. Moss)

MAJOR M. B. STEWART
"THE BANTA PUBLICATIONS"

and

CAPTAIN W. H. WALDRON

Any Military or Naval Book desired

Internet Archive Audio

Featured

Top

Images

Featured

Top

Software

Featured

Top

Books

Featured

Top

Video

Featured

Top

Mobile Apps

Browser Extensions

Archive-It Subscription

Save Page Now

Full text of "Elements of Trench Warfare: Bayonet Training"

See other formats