_The Director_: “Now, Captain Hodges, let us assume that you are going
to send Private Alley back with the message; just what instructions
would you give him?”
_Captain Hodges_: “I would say to Private Alley:
“‘You go back to the captain. Repeat your message to him. Tell him
about what happened at the point during the halt. Tell him I am
sending a patrol to investigate the place where the enemy was fired
on.’
“I would adopt the Director’s suggestion and send one of my runners with
Private Alley. I would say to him:
“‘You go with Private Alley to the captain. See what he does to meet
the situation, hear his orders, and bring back information of all
this to me.’”
_The Director_: “That appears to cover the situation very well.
Lieutenant Baker, what message would you send to Sergeant Roberts?”
_Lieutenant Baker_: “I would say to Private Bailey, who was present when
I gave Private Alley his instructions:
“‘Go to Sergeant Roberts and tell him what I have done to meet the
situation.’”
_The Director_: “Let us assume that you have selected Corporal Jansen as
the patrol commander to investigate the place where the enemy was fired
on. Corporal Jansen has reported to you. What orders do you give him,
Captain Hall?”
_Captain Hall_: “As we march along I would say to Corporal Jansen:
“‘You have heard the message just brought back by Private Bailey.
Take the front rank of your squad and reconnoiter the edge of that
wood (pointing). An enemy identification is especially desired.
Report the facts to the battalion commander when he comes up. Rejoin
the advance party when you can.’”
_The Director_: “I think these orders cover the situation admirably. I
hope you all now appreciate the multitude of little problems that come
up for solution in the course of a tour of advance guard duty.”
* * * * *
=Advance Guard= =Card No. 6=
=Director’s Key=
1. Hand out slips bearing Situation No. 6. Explain that each man is
now to consider himself as being Lieutenant W.
2. Discussion of enemy patrol. Reconnaissance from advance party—from
support.