light trench mortars and their spare parts should be kept permanently
oiled. When not in use, mortars should be covered with sacking or
similar material.
Unboxed ammunition should be kept covered as far as possible and the
bright parts oiled immediately after arrival. Ammunition which has
been in store for some time should be used up first.
Sentries must be prepared to give the alarm on the first appearance of
gas, as a few seconds delay may involve very serious consequences.
Signals must be passed along by all sentries as soon as heard.
The earliest warning of a gas attack is given:
(a) By the noise of the gas escaping from the cylinders.
(b) By the appearance of a cloud of any color over the enemy's
trenches. If the attack takes place at night, the cloud will
not be visible from a distance.
(c) By the smell of the gas in listening posts.
(1) ACTION TO BE TAKEN IN THE TRENCHES ON GAS ALARM:
(a) Respirators to be put on immediately by all ranks (a
helmet, if no box respirator is available).
(b) Rouse all men in trenches, dug-outs and mine shafts, warn
officers and artillery observation posts and all employed
men.
(c) Artillery support to be called for by company commanders by
means of prearranged signals.
(d) Warn battalion headquarters and troops in rear.
(e) All ranks stand to arms in the front trenches and elsewhere
where the tactical situation demands.
(f) Blanket curtains at entrances to protected shelters to be
let down and carefully fixed.
(g) Movement to cease except where necessary.
(2) ACTION TO BE TAKEN IN BILLETS AND BACK AREAS:
(a) All men in cellars or houses to be roused.
(b) The blanket curtains of protected collars, etc., to be let
down and fixed in position.
(c) Box respirators to be put on immediately, the gas is
apparent.
H. Action During a Gas Attack:
(1) PROTECTIVE MEASURES:
There should be as little moving about and talking as possible in the
trenches. Men must be made to realize that with the gas now used by
the enemy, observance of this may be essential for their safety.
When an attack is in progress, all bodies of troops or transport on
the move should halt and all working parties cease work until the gas
cloud has passed.
If a relief is going on, units should stand fast as far as possible
until the gas cloud has passed.
Supports and parties bringing up bombs should only be moved up if the
tactical situation demands it.
If troops in support or reserve lines of trenches remain in, or go
into, dug-outs, they must continue to wear their anti-gas appliances.
Officers and N.C.O's must on no account remove or open up the masks of
the box respirators or raise their helmets to give orders. The
breathing tube may be removed from the mouth when it is necessary to
speak, but it must be replaced.
Men must always be on the look-out to help each other in case an
anti-gas device is damaged by fire or accident. When a man is wounded,
he must be watched to see that he does not remove his respirator or
helmet until he is safely inside a protected shelter; if necessary,
his hands should be tied.
Men must be warned that if they are slightly gassed before adjusting
their respirators or helmets they must not remove them. The effect
will wear off.
(2) TACTICAL MEASURES:
From the point of view of protection against gas, nothing is gained by
men remaining in unprotected dug-outs or by moving to a flank or to
the rear. It is, therefore, desirable that on tactical and
disciplinary grounds all men in the front line of trenches should be
forbidden to do these things. In support or reserve lines where there
are protected dug-outs, it is advisable for men to stay in them unless
the tactical situation makes it desirable for them to come out.
Nothing is gained by opening rapid rifle fire unless the enemy's
infantry attacks. A slow rate of fire from rifles and occasional short
bursts of fire from machine guns will lessen the chance of their
jamming from the action of the gas and tends to occupy and steady the
infantry.
It should be remembered that the enemy's infantry cannot attack while
the gas discharge is in progress and is unlikely to do so for an
appreciable time--at least 10 minutes--after it has ceased. It is, in
fact, a common practice for the enemy infantry to retire to the second
and third line of trench whilst gas is being discharged. There is,
therefore, no object in opening an intense S.O.S. barrage of artillery
on "No man's land" during the actual gas cloud and it is advisable
that the warning to the artillery of a gas attack should be a signal
differing from the ordinary S.O.S. signal, as the latter may have to
be sent later if an infantry attack develops.
It must be remembered that smoke may be used by the enemy at the same
time as, or alternately with, the gas and that under cover of a smoke
cloud he may send out assaulting or raiding parties. A careful
look-out must, therefore, be kept; hostile patrols or raiders may be
frustrated by cross-fire of rifles and machine guns and should an
assault develop the ordinary S.O.S. procedure should be carried out.
I. Precautions Against Gas Shells:
Owing to the small explosion which occurs with these shells, they are
liable to be mistaken for blinds, and even when the gas is smelt men
may not realize its possibly dangerous character at once and so may
delay putting on respirators or helmets until too late. Men sleeping
in dug-outs may be seriously affected unless they are roused. Men in
the open air are unlikely to be seriously affected by poison gas
shells, provided they put on respirators or helmets on first
experiencing the gas. The following points should therefore be
attended to:
(i) All shells which explode with a small detonation or appear to be
blind should be regarded with particular attention; the respirator or
helmet should be put on at the first indication of gas and blanket
protection of shelters adjusted.
(ii) Arrangements must be made for giving a _Local_ alarm in the event
of a sudden and intense bombardment with poison gas shells, but care
must be taken that this alarm is not confused with the main alarm.
Strombos horns must on no account be used to give warning of a gas
shell bombardment.
(iii) All shelters in the vicinity of an area bombarded with poison
gas shells must be visited and any sleeping men roused.
(iv.) Box respirators or helmets should continue to be worn throughout
the area bombarded with poison gas shells until the order is given by
the local unit Commander for their removal.
Lachrymatory or "tear" shells are frequently used by the enemy for the
purpose of hindering the movements of troops, for preventing the
bringing up of supports, or for interfering with the action of
artillery. Owing to the deadly nature of poison gas shells, however,
the precautions given in paragraph 60 above, must be taken for all gas
shells. The goggles are intended for use after lachrymatory
bombardments only, in cases where the irritant gas persists in the
neighborhood.
K. Action Subsequent to a Gas Attack:
1. GENERAL:
The most important measure to be taken after a cloud gas attack is to
prepare for a further attack. The enemy frequently sends several
successive waves of gas at intervals varying from a few minutes up to
several hours and it is therefore necessary to be on the alert to
combat this procedure. The following measures should be adopted as
soon as the gas cloud has passed:
(a) Removal of respirators.--Anti-gas fans should be used to
assist in clearing the trenches of gas, so as to admit of
respirators being removed. Respirators and helmets must not
be removed until permission has been given by the Company
Commander.
A sharp look out must be kept for a repetition of the gas attack, as
long as the wind continues in a dangerous quarter.
2. MOVEMENT:
Owing to the enemy gas sometimes causing bad after effects, which are
intensified by subsequent exertion, the following points should be
attended to:
(a) No man suffering from the effects of gas, however slightly,
should be allowed to walk to the dressing station.
(b) The clearing of the trenches and dugouts should not be
carried out by men who have been affected by the gas.
(c) After a gas attack, troops in the front trenches should be
relieved of all fatigue and carrying work for 24 hours by
sending up working parties from companies in rear.
(d) Horses which have been exposed to the gas should not be
worked for 24 hours if it can be avoided.
3. CLEARING DUGOUTS AND OTHER SHELTERS:
It is essential that no dugout be entered after a gas attack event
with box respirators or helmets adjusted, until it has been
ascertained that it is free from gas. The only efficient method of
clearing dugouts from gas is by thorough ventilation. The older method
of spraying is not efficient.
An appreciable quantity of gas may be retained in the clothing of men
exposed to gas attacks and also in bedding, coats, etc., left in
shelters. Precaution should, therefore, be taken to air all clothing.
4. VENTILATION:
_Natural Ventilation_.--Unless a shelter has been thoroughly
ventilated by artificial means, as described below, it must not be
slept in or occupied without wearing respirators, until at least 12
hours after a gas attack. It must not be entered at all without
respirators on for at least 3 hours. The above refers to cloud gas
attacks. In the case of gas shell bombardments the times cannot be
definitely stated, as they depend on the nature of the gas used and
the severity of the bombardment. With lachrymatory gases the times
after which shelters can be used without discomfort may be
considerably longer than those mentioned above.
_Ventilation by Fire_.--All kinds of shelters can be efficiently and
rapidly cleared of gas by the use of fires. Shelters with two openings
are the easiest to ventilate and where possible, dugouts with only one
entrance should have a second opening made, even a very small one, to
assist in ventilation.
In dugouts provided with a single exit at the end of a short passage,
the best results are obtained if the fire is placed in the center of
the floor of the dugout and at a height of about 9 inches.
In dugouts provided with a single exit at the end of a long and nearly
horizontal passage, the best results are obtained if the fire is
placed about one-third of the distance from the inner end of the
passage.
In dugouts provided with two or more exits, the fire should be placed
at the inner end of one of the exit passages.
In general, 1 pound of dry wood per 200 cubic feet of air space is
sufficient for clearance of any gas. The best fuel is split wood, but
any fuel which does not smoulder or give off thick smoke can be used.
The materials for the fire, _e.g._, the split wood, newspaper, and a
small bottle of paraffine for lighting purposes, should be kept in a
sand bag, enclosed in a biscuit tin provided with a lid. An improvised
brazier should be kept ready for use.
The fire must be kept burning for at least ten minutes and the
atmosphere in the shelter should be tested from time to time.
_Ventilation by Fanning_.--Dugouts can be ventilated by producing air
currents in them by means of special anti-gas fans.
If no anti-gas fans are available, ventilation can be assisted by
flapping with improvised fans such as sand bags, ground sheets, etc.
5. CLEANING OF ARMS AND AMMUNITION:
Rifles and machine guns must be cleaned after a gas attack and then
re-oiled. Oil cleaning will prevent corrosion for 12 hours or more,
but the first available opportunity must be taken to dismantle machine
guns and clean all parts in boiling water containing a little soda. If
this is not done, corrosion continues slowly even after oil cleaning
and may ultimately put the gun out of action.
After a gas attack, S.A.A. should be carefully examined. All rounds
affected by gas must be replaced by new cartridges immediately and the
old ones cleaned and expended as soon as possible.
All hand and rifle grenades exposed to the gas should have their
safety-pins and working parts cleaned and re-oiled.
All bright parts of light trench mortars, together with all
accessories and spare parts exposed to the gas, must be cleaned and
wiped dry as soon as possible after the attack and in any case within
24 hours, after which they should be thoroughly coated afresh with
oil. The same applies to ammunition which may have been exposed to the
gas.
Ammunition which, for any reason, had not been oiled, must be cleaned
and oiled and expended as soon as possible.
For details regarding the cleaning of guns and artillery ammunition
and signal equipment, see paragraphs 116 and 123.
6. TREATMENT OF SHELL HOLES:
In the neighborhood of shelters or battery positions where gas from
shell holes is causing annoyance, the holes and the ground round them
should be covered with at least a foot of fresh earth. Shell holes so
treated should not be disturbed, as the chemical is not thereby
destroyed and only disappears slowly.
Concealment From Aerial Observers.
A. 1. An aeroplane cannot conduct reconnaissance at a height of less
than 5,000 feet without being within easy range of
anti-aircraft artillery; nor of less than 2,000 feet without
coming into range of machine-gun and rifle fire.
2. To be observed from such heights, objects on the ground must be
distinguished by:
(a) Motion.
(b) Color contrast.
(c) Line contrast, or
(d) Shadows.
B. Concealment:
1. (a) On warning of hostile aircraft, troops on the march should
withdraw to the side of the road (if possible, into shade),
or lie down flat in the road and remain motionless.
(b) If it is necessary to continue the march, this should be
done in broken detachments, which are far less distinct
than continuous column.
(c) Troops in a trench should crouch down in the shadowy side
and remain motionless.
(d) Faces should never be turned up, as the high lights on
cheek-bones and foreheads then show up distinctly.
(e) Bright metal on arms, equipment and headgear must be kept
covered.
2. Artillery wagon-trains, etc., should if possible be halted
promptly on warning. When halted, their neutral coloring
protects them.
3. Trenches are best concealed:
(a) By avoiding, in construction, a too regular outline, and
following as far as possible the contours of the ground.
(b) By coloring the parapet and parados to match the ground.
This may be done most quickly by painted canvas; if the
latter is not available, by planting or strewing the loose
earth with surrounding herbage. In this work care must be
taken not to make the covering itself too conspicuous by
brightness or monotony of coloring.
(c) By covering the trench itself, where convenient, with a thin
material, colored like the parapet and parados.
(d) By avoiding all overt movement of troops in the trenches
under observation.
4. Buildings, _e.g._, ammunition dumps, hangars, etc., can be
completely concealed by being painted the color of the
ground they stand on and fitted with canvas curtains,
similarly painted and stretched from the eaves to the
ground at a horizontal angle of 35 degrees. These curtains
completely eliminate shadows.
5. Success in each work of concealment by camouflage is best
assured by the assistance of an aeroplane observer to test
and correct it.
* * * * *
Orders Governing Intrenchment Problems at Second Plattsburg Training
Camp.
HEADQUARTERS PLATTSBURG TRAINING CAMP,
PLATTSBURG BARRACKS, NEW YORK.
SEPTEMBER 22, 1917.
DIVISIONAL ENTRENCHING PROBLEM.
General Situation:
The Salmon river forms the boundary line between two states, the
"Blue" on the north and the "Red" on the south. War has been declared
and the Red Army is mobilizing near Keeseville. Mobilization by the
first Blue Army at Plattsburg has been completed.
Special Situation, Blue:
Our advanced troops are holding the line of the Salmon river against
strong detachments of the Red Army. The commanding general of the Blue
Army has decided to establish a second position on the line, _Bluff
Point to the bend_ (248) _in the Saranac river_.
The following order is issued by the Division Commander:
HEADQUARTERS, 101st Div.,
PLATTSBURG, N.Y.
23 Sept., '17, 9:00 A.M.
FIELD ORDERS,
No. 1.
1. Our advanced troops are holding the line of the Salmon river.
2. This division and 1 Brigade 102 Division will entrench along the
line: _Bluff Point_--_Chateaugay Branch Railroad_--_Saranac River_
(248).
3. (a) The Chief of Artillery will prepare the positions, and lines of
communication for his Brigade, determine his sectors, and submit his
plan of action.
(b) The 1st Brig. and 2 Bns. 267th Inf. will entrench the sector,
_Saranac River_ (248) to _Sand Road_, exclusive. The 2nd Brig. will
entrench the sector _Sand Road to Bluff Point_, both inclusive. The
supports will entrench on the line, _Saranac River_ (182)--_Cliff
Haven_.
(c) The Reserve--1 Brig. 102 Div. less 2 Bns., will construct
crossings on the _Saranac River_--under direction of the Chief of
Engineers, and prepare them for defense.
(d) The Chief of Engineers will supply tools for entrenching and lay
out the lines of entrenchments. He will repair the following trunk
roads: _Peru Road_, _Sand Road_, _Lake-Shore Road_; and construct a
transverse trunk line road from _Pulp Mill to O'Connell's Farm_, and
the necessary tram lines. The Engineer Depot for stores and material
will be established at _Plattsburg Barracks_.
(e) The Chief Signal Officer will establish necessary lines of
communication, utilizing equipment at _Plattsburg Barracks, Central
Station_. Aero Squadron at _Chazy_.
4. (a) The Chief Medical Officer will establish his dressing stations
in the _Butts_ of the rifle range and in ravine on _O'Connell's Farm_.
A field hospital will be established at the _Lozier Works_.
(b) Ammunition train and supply train will be parked in the _Fair
Ground_. Ammunition distributing stations at railroad spurs,
_Plattsburg Barracks_, and _O'Connell's Farm_. The Division Ordnance
Officer will locate the Ammunition Dumps along transverse trunk line
road.
(c) Field trains, until further orders, at north end of _Plattsburg
Barracks Reservation_. Distributing point, _Plattsburg Railroad
Station_--Regimental Supply Stations: _Saranac River_ 182;
intersection _Peru Road_ and _Rifle Range Road_, _Sand Hole_ in _Rifle
Range_, _Sand Road on O'Connell's Farm_, _Ravine on O'Connell's Farm_.
(d) The commander of trains will establish traffic regulations for all
roads.
5. Messages to _Statistical Office_.
WOLF,
Major General.
Official copy:
J.A. BAER,
Genl. Staff,
Chief of Staff.
Copies to:
Brig. and Regt. Commanders.
C. of E.
Div. Q.M.
C.S.O.
C.M.O.
Div. O.O.
C. of Tr.
* * * * *
HEADQUARTERS, 1ST BRIGADE, 101ST DIVISION,
PLATTSBURG BARRACKS, N.Y.
23RD SEPT., 1917, 6 P.M.
FIELD ORDERS
No. 1.
1. Strong detachments of the Red Army, now mobilizing at _Keeseville_,
are south of the _Salmon River_. Our advance troops are holding the
line of the _Salmon River_.
2. Our division and one brigade, 102nd Division, will entrench and
occupy the line _Bluff Point-Chateaugay Branch (D. & H.R.R.), Saranac
River_ (248). This brigade, reinforced by two Battalions, 267th
Infantry, will entrench and occupy the sector, _Saranac River_ (248),
_Sand Road_, exclusive.
3. (a) The 1st and 2nd Battalions, 267th infantry will entrench and
occupy the sector from the _Saranac River_ to a point 600 yards east.
(b) The 266th Infantry, the sector from a point 600 yards east of the
_Saranac River_, connecting with the trenches of the 267th Infantry,
to a point 100 yards east of _Peru Road_.
(c) The 265th Infantry, the sector from a point 100 yards east of the
_Peru Road_, and connecting with the trenches of the 266th Infantry,
to the _Sand Road_ exclusive.
(d) The Brigade Machine Gun Battalion will organize and maintain
strong points along line regimental reserves. The C.O. of this
organization will, at once, consult with the regimental commanders
relative to preparation of machine gun emplacements and probable need
for re-enforcements within their respective sectors.
(e) The Brigade Signalmen will establish telephonic communications
between Brigade and Regimental Headquarters.
4. (a) The regimental commanders and senior officers of the two
battalions, 267th Infantry, will at once report to the Chief Engineer
of the Division for plan of entrenchments in their respective sectors.
(b) Tools and materials for entrenching will be supplied at the trench
sites.
5. Messages to Brigade Headquarters near _Peru Road_, east Savoy
Hotel.
GOODRICH,
Brigadier General, Commanding.
Official Copy:
WM. KIRBY,
Major of Cavalry, U.S.R.,
Adjutant.
Copies to:
C.O., 265th Infantry.
C.O., 266th Infantry.
C.O., 1st and 2nd Battalions, 267th Infantry.
C.O., Brigade M.G. Co.
Headquarters, 101st Division.
HEADQUARTERS, 1ST BATTALION, 265TH INFANTRY
PLATTSBURG BARRACKS, N.Y.
OCT. 16, 1917.
FIELD ORDERS
No. 1.
Blue print of trenches; scale 24 inches equals 1 mile.
1. The enemy strongly occupies a line of trenches immediately _South_
of the _Chateaugay Branch Railroad_, the center of their line being
about opposite the center sector of our first line of trench, _Sand
Road-Target Range Fence_, their line of trenches being within 50 yards
of the railroad at that point, and then retiring slightly from the
railroad to the _East_ and _West_.
The 264th Infantry occupies the section of trenches directly to the
East of us and the 266th Infantry occupies the section of trenches
directly to the West of us.
2. This battalion will take up a defensive position in the nearly
completed line of trenches, _Sand Road-Target Range Fence_, and as
rapidly as possible complete the trench system in the following order
of work:
a. Deepen all trenches to at least three feet.
b. Construct latrines.
c. Provide cover.
d. Revet work previously done.
3. a. Front lines, _i.e._, fire, communicating and support trenches:
Company "B" will occupy the _East_ sector, _i.e._, _Sand Road_ to
_Belgium Boyau_, inclusive, including _Slum Boyau_ and the salient at
_South_ end Reserve Trench immediately in rear of _East_ end of
Support trench.
Company "C" will occupy the _Central_ sector, _i.e._, from _East_
sector (_Belgium Boyau_, exclusive), to _Cardona Boyau_, inclusive,
including _Poire Boyau_.
Company "A" will occupy the _West_ sector, _i.e._, from _Central_
sector (_Cardona Boyau_, exclusive), to and including salient near
_Southwest_ corner of _Target Range Fence_.
b. Reserve Line: Company "D" will occupy the line from the _Target
Range Fence_ on the _West_ to a point 165 yards _East_ of the _Verdun
Salient_, one-half of the Company occupying the sector, _Target Range
Fence_, to a point 75 yards _East_ of the _Rams Horn Boyau_, including
_Rams Horn Boyau_, and the other half of the Company occupying the
sector from a point 75 yards _East_ of the _Rams Horn Boyau_ to a
point 165 yards _East_ of the _Verdun Salient_.
c. Machine Guns: Headquarters, 1st Platoon and 1st Platoon Machine Gun
Company, will report to the Commanding Officer, Company "A," for
assignment to the shell craters (converted) and dugouts (constructed
for machine guns), four in all, in the _West_ sector.
Headquarters, 2nd Platoon and Third Section (2nd Platoon) Machine Gun
Company, will report to the Commanding Officer, Company "C," for
assignment to the shell crater (converted), and dugout (constructed
for machine gun), two in all, in the _Central_ sector. Fourth section
(2nd Platoon), Machine Gun Company, will report to the Commanding
Officer, Company "B," for assignment to the shell crater (converted),
two in all, in the _East_ sector.
d. Trench Mortars: Two trench mortars have been assigned to the
_Central_ sector and the Commanding officer, Company "C," is charged
with the construction of emplacements therefor and the manning of
them.
4. a. Dressing stations have been established in the _Butts_ of the
rifle range and in ravine on _O'Connell's Farm_.
b. Ammunition distributing points are located at _Plattsburg Barracks_
and _O'Connell's Farm_.
c. Regimental supply stations are located at _Saranac River_ (182),
intersection _Peru Road_ and _Rifle Range Road_, _Sand Hole in Rifle
Range_, _Sand Road_ on _O'Connell's Farm_, and _Ravine_ on
_O'Connell's Farm_.
5. Battalion Headquarters are located in dugout in _Support_ trench
(West Tremont), midway between _Rams Horn_ and _Poire Boyaux_, to
which place messages will be sent.
BOSCHEN,
Captain, 56th Infantry, Commanding.
Copies to:
C.O., 265th Infantry.
C.O., Companies A, B, C and D.
C.O., M.G. Company.
C.O., Headquarters Company.
R.S.O.
* * * * *
HDQTRS. 1ST BATT., 265TH INFTY.,
PLATTSBURG BCKS., N.Y., _Oct. 17, 1917._
FIELD ORDERS
No. 2
1. DISPOSITIONS:
a. The assignment of companies to sectors is as announced in
Field Orders No. 1, these headquarters.
b. Company commanders are charged with the details of occupation
of the trenches and the proper disposition of the
"specialists" (bombers, grenadiers, auto-riflemen, etc.),
directing particular attention to the active and passive
areas of their sectors.
2. FIELDS OF FIRE: Company commanders must arrange for and obtain
the best fields of fire in their own sectors, and provide
for protection of visible areas in adjoining sectors by
lateral fire.
3. IMPROVEMENTS OR CHANGES IN TRENCHES: Company commanders before
making any changes or improvements in trenches will render to
battalion headquarters brief recommendations of changes
desired. These recommendations will be submitted at 11.00
a.m. and 3.00 p.m., after which hours the battalion
commander will inspect and if deemed necessary will be
ordered.
4. ORGANIZATION FOR WATCHING AND OBSERVATION:
a. Each company commander will organize a system for watching
the enemy by day and will establish look-out posts for this
purpose; this system will be augmented at night by patrols
if necessary.
b. The watching of the enemy must be continuous and long
occupation of the sector will not warrant any laxity.
5. ORGANIZATION FOR SUPPLY:
a. Company commanders will make the necessary details for
obtaining supplies; these details to be in charge of Mess or
Supply Sergeants and will not exceed three squads for each
lettered company.
b. _Food_: Machine guns details and members of the Medical Corps
assigned to each sector are attached to the lettered
companies for rations.
c. Cooked food will be at the _Food Station_ at 6.00 a.m., 11.50
a.m. and 5.00 p.m. daily, and will be distributed at that
point.
d. Company commanders will detail the Mess Sergeant, with an
appropriate detail (about 2 squads) to proceed to _Food
Station_, which is located at the wire entanglement on the
_west_ side of the _Target Range_ about 400 yards _north of
Brigade Headquarters_.
e. The details mentioned above will proceed via trenches,
leaving same at junction of _Tipperary_ trench and _Rams
Horn_ boyau in the following order:
Co. D: Detail will clear junction _Rams Horn_ boyau and
_Tipperary_ trench at 5.40 a.m., 11.10 a.m. and 4.40 p.m.
Co. A: Detail will clear junction _Tremont_ trench, and
_Rams Horn_ boyau at 5.30 a.m., 11.00 a.m. and 4.30 p.m.,
proceeding via _Rams Horn_ boyau.
Co. B: Detail will clear junction _Tremont_ trench, and
_Poire_ boyau at 5.35 a.m., 11.05 a.m. and 4.55 p.m.,
proceeding via _Poire_ boyau and _Tipperary_ trench.
Co. C: Detail will clear junction _Tremont_ trench and _Slum_
boyau at 5.40 a.m., 11.10 a.m. and 4.40 p.m., proceeding via
_Slum_ boyau and _Tipperary_ trench.
f. These details will return to their respective sectors via
the indicated routes, moving in reverse order at five-minute
intervals, and company commanders will make necessary
arrangements for distribution of food within their
respective sectors.
g. Company commanders will cause the necessary police after each
meal to insure sanitary condition of trenches.
h. Food containers will be held in company until the next meal
hour when they will be returned to the _Food Station_.
i. _Water_: Water wagon will be at the _Food Station_ from 10.00
a.m. to 4.30 p.m. daily.
j. Containers for water will be furnished by Regimental Supply
Officer at the _Food Station_.
k. All men will carry full canteens of water when entering the
trenches.
l. Company commanders will detail the Mess Sergeant, with an
appropriate detail (about 2 squads), to proceed to the _Food
Station_ to procure water in containers; these details will
proceed via the routes indicated in paragraph 5, section "e":
Co. D, 2.00 p.m.; Co. A, 2.05 p.m.; Co. B, 2.10 p.m.; Co. C,
2.15 p.m.
m. These details will return to their respective sectors in
reverse order at five-minute intervals.
n. _Miscellaneous_: Details for obtaining tools, ammunition,
trench supplies, etc., will be arranged for as required.
o. Requisitions for miscellaneous supplies required will be
submitted by company commanders to the Regimental Supply
Officer not later than 3.00 p.m., October 17, 1917.
6. ORGANIZATION FOR LIAISON:
a. The Signal Officer will establish necessary telephonic
communications.
b. Each organization will detail one runner to report to the
battalion commander at regimental headquarters at 8.00 a.m.
c. Four runners will be detailed for duty with each company
headquarters and one runner will be detailed for duty with
each platoon headquarters. These runners should be lightly
equipped and wear a distinctive mark.
d. At least two men per section must be able to act as guides to
all company headquarters of the battalion.
e. Verbal messages will not be sent by runners; all messages
must be written.
f. Company commanders, or their representatives, will report
daily at battalion headquarters at 5.00 p.m.
g. There must be accurate communication between platoons in
company, and companies in battalion, in order to insure
co-ordinated action.
7. DEFENSE:
a. Immediately after the occupation of the trenches, company
commanders will make a careful estimate of all tactical
situations presented in their sectors and will plan for a
stubborn defense. Care must be exercised in providing for
defense in depth and lateral defense. The front line
trenches of each sector will be held until actually entered
by the enemy, and no sector will be abandoned until the
occupants are actually forced out.
b. The main line of resistance will be the support trenches
(_Tremont_) and special attention must be given to the
preparation for defense. If the front line trenches of any
sector be captured by the enemy there will be no withdrawal
from any other sector of the front line trenches for the
purpose of establishing a continuous line in the support
trench.
c. The company commander of the reserve will organize parties
for counterattacks and these parties will be held in
readiness at convenient points to insure prompt movement to
the front.
d. Continuous occupation of the trenches without fire action
must not cause a feeling of security and result in being
surprised by the enemy.
8. STAND TO: "Stand to" will take place at 5.00 a.m. and 5.00 p.m.,
daily. At this formation every available man will be
present. Rifles, ammunition, equipment, clothing, etc., will
be inspected. Rapid loading will be practiced. The firing
position of every man will be tested to see whether he can
hit the bottom edge of our wire. Gas helmets and respirators
will be inspected if worn. After "stand to" in the morning
and before "stand to" in the evening rifles will be
thoroughly cleaned and oiled.
9. TRENCH ORDERS:
a. Current "Trench Standing Orders" recently published from
Brigade Headquarters are in force.
b. During the occupation of the trenches it will be assumed
that, the trenches are under the observation and fire of the
enemy and all movement in the trenches will be conducted
accordingly. All movements of troops, either individuals or
groups, will be via the trenches at all times.
c. No one will be allowed to go overland between trenches or to
enter the trenches by the flank. All persons will enter the
trenches from the reserve trenches and no visitors will be
allowed in the trenches except on passes issued from the
Regimental Headquarters.
d. Commanding officers, Companies A and B, are responsible for
the posting of the necessary sentinels along the flanks of
the position (during the day), with instructions covering the
provisions contained in paragraph 9, sections "b" and "c."
10. REPORTS:
a. Company commanders will submit by 1.00 p.m., October 18,
1917, a report showing the dispositions and plan of defense
of their respective sectors.
b. Frequent reports of information obtained and any change of
conditions at the front will be made to battalion
headquarters when necessary.
BOSCHEN,
_Captain, 56th Infantry._
_Commanding._
Copies to:
C.O. 265th Infty.
C.O. Cos, A, B, C and D.
C.O. M.G. Co.
C.O., Hdq. Co.
R.S.O.
Company Organization (in Detail):
Company Headquarters:
1 Captain, commanding company,
1 First Lieutenant (senior), second in command,
1 First Sergeant, armed with pistol,
1 Mess Sergeant, armed with rifle,
1 Supply Sergeant, armed with rifle,
1 Corporal, company clerk, armed with rifle,
4 Mechanics, armed with rifle,
5 Wagoners (from Supply Company),
4 Cooks, armed with rifle,
2 Buglers, armed with pistol,
4 Privates, first class, company agent and signalmen.
_Equipment_: 15 rifles, 5 pistols, 8 automatic rifles (for
replacement), 40 trench knives (to be distributed as needed), 2
bicycles. Following from Supply Company: 1 rolling kitchen,
4-mule; 1 combat wagon, 4-mule; 1 ration and baggage wagon,
4-mule; 1 ration cart, 2-mule; 1 water cart, 2-mule; 16 mules,
draft.
_4 Platoons, each organized as follows_ (numbered 1 to 4 in company):
Headquarters:
1 First Lieutenant; 1st and 4th Platoons commanded by First
Lieutenants; 2nd and 3rd Platoons commanded by Second
Lieutenants, armed with pistol.
1 Sergeant, assistant to platoon commander, armed with pistol and
rifle.
_Equipment_: 1 rifle, 2 pistols.
1st SECTION: Bombers and rifle grenadiers:
1 Sergeant, armed with pistol and rifle,
3 Corporals, armed with pistol and rifle, 1 trained as rifle
grenadier; remainder trained as bombers,
6 Privates, first class, 2 armed with pistol and rifle, and
remainder with rifle only; 1 trained as rifle grenadier, and
remainder as bombers.
12 Privates, armed with rifles; 4 trained as rifle grenadiers,
remainder trained as bombers.
_Equipment_: 22 rifles, 6 pistols.
2nd SECTION: Riflemen:
2 Corporals, armed with pistols and rifles,
3 Privates, first class, armed with rifle,
7 Privates, armed with rifle,
_Equipment_: 12 rifles, 2 pistols.
3rd SECTION: Riflemen:
2 Corporals, armed with pistol and rifle,
3 Privates, first class, armed with rifle,
7 Privates, armed with rifle.
_Equipment_: 12 rifles, 2 pistols.
4th SECTION: Auto-riflemen:
1 Sergeant, armed with pistol and rifle,
1 Corporal, armed with pistol and rifle,
3 Privates, first class; 1 armed with rifle, 2 armed with pistols;
auto-rifle gunners, including 1 extra,
6 Privates, armed with rifle.
_Equipment_: 9 rifles, 4 pistols, 2 auto-rifles.
NOTE.--Sections numbered from 1 to 16 in company.
Personnel:
Commissioned:
Captain 1
First Lieutenants 3
Second Lieutenants 2
----
Total 6
====
Enlisted:
First Sergeant 1
Mess Sergeant 1
Supply Sergeant 1
Sergeants 12
Corporals 33
Mechanics 4
Wagoners (from Supply Company) (5)
Cooks 4
Buglers 2
Privates, first class 64
Privates 128
-----
Total 250
=====
Equipment:
Rifles 239
Pistols 69
Auto rifles 16
Trench knives 40
Bicycles 2
From Supply Company:
Rolling kitchen, 4-mule 1
Combat wagon, 4-mule 1
Ration and baggage wagon, 4-mule 1
Ration cart, 2-mule 1
Water cart, 2-mule 1
Mules, draft 16
====
Trench Standing Orders.
1. Duties.--A. One officer per company and one non-commissioned
officer per platoon will always be on duty. During their tour of duty
they will not be in their dugouts. They will frequently visit all
trenches occupied by their units. Every listening post will be visited
at least once by an officer during his tour of duty.
B. The officer and non-commissioned officer on duty will, when his
tour of duty is completed, turn over to the officer or
non-commissioned officer relieving him all orders, a report of the
work in progress, if any, and any other information of use.
C. At night the officer and non-commissioned officer on duty will
frequently patrol the trench line, to see that the sentries are alert
and to receive any reports they may desire to make.
D. The-non-commissioned officer coming on duty will go round and post
new sentinels with the non-commissioned officer coming off duty.
E. The length of the tour of duty will depend upon the number of
officers and non-commissioned officers on duty. Normally each tour
should be, by night, two hours; by day, four hours. This may be
modified, however, so that all officers and non-commissioned officers
will have an equal amount of this duty while in the trenches.
F. Non-commissioned officers, after posting sentinels, will report
"all is well" or otherwise to the officers on duty.
G. No man will be detailed for a duty in the trench without being
given suitable warning of this duty and be informed at which hour he
will come on duty.
H. The Company Commander will be responsible for sending any report
required by Battalion Headquarters.
2. Sentries.--A. The number of sentry posts required will depend on
the assumed propinquity or distance of the enemy, strength of
obstacles, ease with which sentry posts can be re-enforced and other
local conditions. Normally by day this should be one sentinel for each
platoon and at night three double sentinels for each platoon. There
must be sentries enough to insure alarm being given promptly in case
of attack and that local resistance is sufficient until help can
arrive.
B. The next relief will remain within an easy distance of the sentry
on post, usually in shelters provided for this purpose.
C. Every sentry is to be regularly posted by a non-commissioned
officer who will explain to him his duties and ascertain that the
sentry is aware of the position of the section and platoon commanders
and of the sentries on either side, and whether there are any patrols
or working parties out in front.
D. Every sentinel will report when an officer passes his post, "All is
well," or otherwise.
E. Every sentinel by day will be provided with a head-cover to blend
with the ground (this may be improvised), and while observing the
ground to the front will remain perfectly still. An empty sand bag or
some other suitable material may be utilized for this purpose.
3. Patrols.--A. It is the duty of all the troops holding the front
lines to establish a command of the ground in front of their parapet
up to the enemy's wire. This can be done by extended and constant
patrolling by night and reconnaissance by day so that the ground is
thoroughly well known to as large a portion as possible of officers
and men and so no enemy can move or remain in his front by night or
day without detection. One of the particular duties of these patrols
is to observe the condition of the wire entanglements.
B. Every patrol must have definite orders as to its mission; broadly
speaking, patrols may be divided into two classes: (1) reconnoitering
patrols, (2) fighting patrols.
C. The first duty of reconnoitering patrols is to obtain the
information for which they are sent out. They fight only in
self-defense or if any especially favorable opportunity arises to
inflict loss upon the enemy without prejudice to their mission. They
usually consist of two to six men, under an officer or
non-commissioned officer.
D. Fighting patrols are sent out for the express purpose of causing
loss or damage to the enemies by such means as engaging the enemy's
patrols or working parties, or by raiding saps, listening posts or
trenches. For identification purposes they should always endeavor to
secure at least one prisoner. Their strength depends upon the
resistance they are likely to meet with.
E. Company commanders are responsible for the orders given to patrols,
subject to any instructions which may be issued by higher authority.
They are also responsible that all troops, whom it concerns, including
companies on both flanks, are warned when and where patrols will be
out, length of time they will be out, and of the points to which they
will return.
F. Information gained by patrols is of little value unless transmitted
quickly to those whom it concerns. Patrol reports will be made out by
the commander of the patrol immediately upon his return and sent at
once to the company commander unless orders to the contrary have been
given.
4. Stand To.--A. "Stand to" will take place one-half hour after a
relief has been posted and one-half hour before being relieved. At
this parade every available man will be present. Rifles, equipment,
clothing, etc., will be inspected. Firing steps will be tested as soon
as practicable after reliefs have been posted to see that each man can
fire on the foot of the nearest part of the wire entanglement which he
is required to cover by his fire. The same procedure will be gone
through at the "stand to" one-half hour before being relieved. Other
"stand tos" may be ordered in the discretion of the company commander.
These should be sufficiently often to insure that every man turns out
promptly and knows his place in case of attack.
5. Machine Guns.--A. The concealment of machine gun emplacements is
important. Consequently, it is only at night or in case of attack that
machine gun crews will occupy their defense emplacements. At night
guns should take up other position than their defense emplacements and
fire a stated number of rounds in order to test out the guns and
mislead the enemy as to their numbers and real emplacements, after
which they will at once go back to their defense emplacements.
B. The guns and their crews will be tactically under the orders of the
company commander in whose sector they are located, but no alteration
will be made by him in their disposition or arcs of fire; he will,
however, bring before the senior machine gun instructor any
suggestions for improvements in machine gun dispositions for defense.
C. Two men per gun will always be on duty with the guns.
D. Range cards will be prepared and kept with each gun.
E. Officers and non-commissioned officers in charge of guns will
remain in close proximity to the guns. They will frequently inspect
their guns, emplacements, etc. They are responsible for cleanliness
and maintenance of the emplacements.
F. Machine gun commanders are responsible for guns always being ready
for action, and that emplacements are clear of all material except
such as is required for the service of the guns; that embrasures or
loopholes are kept clear of all obstructions which may interfere with
fire or view.
6. Reliefs.--A. Reconnaisance. Prior to taking over the line of
trenches the company commander, accompanied by his senior First
Lieutenant and First Sergeant, will reconnoiter the trenches.
B. Points to be noted by the company commanders. The following points
will be specially noted by company commanders before taking over
trenches:
1. Plan of occupation (number of men holding lines to be taken
over, their distribution and duties).
2. Shelter accommodations.
3. Work being done and proposed.
4. Conditions of the wire and defenses generally.
5. Information as to the enemy, his habits, snipers, and the work
he is doing, etc.
6. Water supply.
7. Artillery support.
8. Communications.
9. Danger points.
10. Location and condition of stores.
11. Liaison.
7. Guides.--A. Arrangements will be made between the company
commanders of the incoming and outgoing companies as to the rendezvous
where guides will be provided by the latter to conduct the incoming
troops to the trenches.
B. One guide per platoon, one for each company and one for battalion
headquarters will be provided. These guides must know the exact spot
where they will meet the relief troops and the best way to conduct the
units to the particular section of the trench they will occupy.
8. Smoking and Talking.--A. After leaving the rendezvous there will
be no smoking and talking until arrival in trenches. Strictest march
discipline will be enforced on the way to and from the trenches.
9. Procedure on Arrival at Trenches.--A. The troops being relieved
will not leave the trenches until the relieving troops are in position
and the new sentries have been posted, all trench stores have been
handed over and receipted for, and orders to move have been received
from the Company Commander.
B. Platoon commanders will at once personally see that all sentinels
are properly posted, that the non-commissioned officer is on duty,
that every man knows his place in case of attack, and that both flanks
of his platoon are in liaison with the adjoining platoon.
C. When reliefs are completed, Platoon Commanders will report to that
effect to the Company Commander.
D. Men will not be dismissed until the Company Commander has received
the reports from all of his Platoon Commanders that everything is in
order.
10. Log Books.--A. Each Company Commander will keep a log book in
which will be entered:
1. Work done.
2. Number of men working.
3. Hours worked.
4. Any information obtained from sentries, patrols, or other
sources.
They will also enter in this book a list of any trench stores that
come into their possession.
11. Equipment.--A. Equipment will be worn in the front trenches.
Haversacks, packs, and trench tools need not be worn, these will be
left in the shelters. In support and reserve trenches, they will be
worn at the discretion of the Company Commander.
B. Ration and carrying parties will wear equipment and carry rifles
unless otherwise ordered.
C. Pieces will be assumed to be loaded and locked at all times.
D. In the firing trenches bayonets will be fixed at night.
E. Non-commissioned officers and men of the firing line will at all
times be in possession of their rifles and bayonets. The rifles of men
in the support and reserve trenches or dugouts will be where they can
be quickly seized, even in the dark.
12. Stretcher Bearers.--A. Stretcher bearers will be stationed at a
point designated by the Company Commander.
13. Discipline.--A. Sleeping in the firing trenches will not be
permitted.
B. No man will enter the firing trench, except in discharge of his
duty, unless so ordered by his Company or Platoon Commander.
C. Sentries will remain standing unless the height of the parapet
renders this impossible.
D. Saluting and standing at attention, etc., will be as carefully
adhered to as when in camp except that sentinel will not let this
interfere with their duties.
14. Rations and Cooking.--A. Cooking will be done in the rear of the
reserve at a point to be designated.
B. Company Quartermaster Sergeants will accompany ration parties,
which will be limited in size to the actual needs for bringing up
cooked rations from the point where cooking is done, to the trenches.
At no time should this exceed ten per cent of the effective strength
of the unit from which sent.
C. Care will be taken that as little noise as possible be made by
these carrying parties.
15. Sanitation.--A. The importance of strict attention to sanitation
will be impressed upon all ranks.
B. The commanding officer of each unit is responsible for sanitation
in his sector. He will make frequent inspections of latrines, refuse
pits and trenches to ascertain that no unsanitary conditions exist.
C. Latrines will be constructed in the trenches, excreta kept covered
at all times and such disinfectants as may be provided will be used at
regular intervals. When filled within eighteen inches of the top, pits
will be filled with earth and labeled.
D. Urinal cans will be provided and men required to use these cans and
contents will be emptied as often as necessary into deep pits at least
one hundred yards from the trenches. Empty tin cans, particles of food
and other refuse will be collected in receptacles kept in the trenches
for that purpose and carried to the rear and buried in pits. This is
usually done at night.
Emergency Dumps for Companies (Material).
1. Any large shell crater will do for these or holes can be dug 10' x
10,' x 5' deep.
CONTENTS OF DUMP.
10 rolls barbed wire.
8 coils French accordion wire.
30 long screw stakes.
50 short screw stakes.
4 prepared wire blocks (gooseberries).
STORES FOR COMPANY.
100 very flares.
6 S.O.S. rockets.
2 verminal sprayers.
1 strombos horn. (gas alarm)
rubber boots.
periscopes.
200 revolver ammunition.
1 log book.
1 set maps.
1 set air photos.
1 defense scheme.
2. These are taken over and signed for. Each dugout must have a gas
blanket and some form of gas alarm (usually empty shell case.)
STORES AT BATTALION HEADQUARTERS.
1 strombos horn.
2 verminal sprayers.
300 very flares.
20 S.O.S. rockets.
500 revolver ammunition.
50 ground flares.
[Illustration: Plate #28]
Conclusion.
The present army of the United States had its inception at Plattsburg
in 1915. The first regiment of the Business Mens' Training Camp will
go down in history as the first chapter of preparedness.
The training camps of 1916, not only at Plattsburg, but at various
other places throughout the United States, constituted the second
chapter.
We are just finishing chapter three in the officers' training camps of
1917.
This book brings together the essential points of the instruction
given at the second and probably the last of the officers' training
camps at Plattsburg, in such a way that an officer may refresh his
memory when he is about to take up with his men any of the subjects
covered.
It is hardly necessary to add that no attempt has been made to cover
fully any branch of the work. The bibliography provides for further
study and the books in it should be at every officer's command.
As the war progresses many changes will be made; not only will methods
change but some branches now considered essential may be cast aside as
useless.
Nothing but work can make the pages of any military book have real
meaning. This book gives what are now considered the essentials of
military training. If it has brought to the conscientious officer
points he might otherwise have forgotten to the detriment of his
command, it will have served its purpose.
Bibliography.
CHAPTER II. I.D.R.
Balck "Tactics" Vol. 1. Infantry.
Howell "Lectures on the Swiss Army."
Bjornstadt "Lectures on the German Army."
"Drill and Field Training" (English)--Imperial Army Series.
"Instructions on the Offensive Conduct of Small Units." War
Department, May, 1917.
"Notes on the methods of attack and defense to meet the Conditions
of Modern Warfare." Army War College, April, 1917.
Privates Manual. (Moss.)
"Instructions for assembling the Infantry Pack," Ordnance
Department. Pamphlet No. 1717 Manual of Military Training. (Moss.)
CHAPTER III. PHYSICAL TRAINING.
"Manual of Physical Training." (Koehler.)
"Field Physical Training of the Soldier." Special Regulation No.
23.
Voice Culture. (Robert Lloyd.) (In lecture form.)
CHAPTER IV. SMALL ARMS FIRING MANUAL.
Bull's Eye Scorebook.
U.S. Marines Scorebook.
"How to Shoot." (Moss.)
"Notes on training for Rifle Fire in Trench Warfare." Army War
Coll., April, 1917.
"The Rifle in War." (Eames.)
"Suggestions to Military Riflemen." (Whelen.)
"Musketry" sheets from First Camp, Plattsburg, New York.
"Control of the Firing Line." Army Service School.
"Musketry Training." (Pickering.)
"A Synopsis of the Rifle in War." Army Service Schools.
British--"Aids in Musketry." "Fire Problems." (Pilcher.)
"Fire Orders"--"Direction and Control"--"Musketry"--Imperial Army
Series.
"Lecture and Lessons on Musketry and Instructions for Officers and
N.C.O.S. Musketry Diagrams." (Clutterbuck.)
"Notes on Bayonet Training." Army War College, March, 1917.
"British Manual of the Bayonet." Ordnance Pamphlet No. 1715 and No.
1866. (Pistol.)
"Notes on Bombing." (McClintock.)
"Notes on Grenade Training"--Plattsburg Training Camp.
"Notes on Grenade Warfare." Army War College.
CHAPTER V. MILITARY SKETCHING AND MAP HEADING.
"Military Map Reading." (Sherrill.)
"Military Sketching and Map Reading." (Grieves.)
"An Officer's Notes" (Parker.)
"Topography." (Sherrill.)
Engineers Field Manual.
"Manual of Infantry Training." (Moss.)
"Training Manual in Topography, Map Reading and Reconnaissance."
(By Major Spalding, U.S.A.)
"Military Sketching and Map Reading." (Capt. Barnes.)
CHAPTER VI. ARTICLES OF WAR.
"A Guide to the Articles of War." (Professor Eugene Waumbaugh.)
Manual of Courts Martial.
CHAPTER VII. ARMY REGULATIONS.
"Manual for Commanders of Infantry Platoons." Translated from the
French by the Army War College, 1917, War Department Document No.
626. a.r., 1913.
CHAPTER VIII. (FIELD WORK.)
"Notes on Field Fortification." Army Service Schools, 1916.
"E.F.M." and Addendum thereto.
"Elements of Trench Warfare." (Waldron.)
"Field Entrenchments." (Solano.)
"Scouting and Patrolling." (Waldron.)
"Scout Instruction." (McKenney.)
"Scout's Handwork." (McKenney.)
"The 2nd Matabele War." (Baden Powell.)
"Aids to Scouting." (Baden Powell.)
"Manual of Military Training." (Moss.)
"Small Problems in Infantry." (Bjornstadt.)
"S.M. Tactics."
"A Military Primer." (Marshall & Simonds.)
"Technique of Modern Tactics." (Von Allen.)
"Night Movements." (Burnett.)
"Night Operations for Infantry." (Dawkins.)
CHAPTER IX. (FEEDING MEN.)
"Manual for Army Cooks."
"Mess Sergeant's Handbook." (Holbrook.)
"Mess Officer's Assistant."
"Mess Account Book." (Frink.)
"Handling the Straight Army Ration." (Holbrook.)
"Manual of Military Training." (Moss.)
"Field Service." (Moss.)
CHAPTER X. (PERSONAL HYGIENE AND FIRST AID.)
"Manual of Military Training." (Moss.)
"Lectures on Military Sanitation and Management of Sanitation
Service," Army Service Schools.
"Lectures" delivered at Plattsburg Training Camp, 1917.
"Elements of Military Hygiene." (Ashburn.)
"Red Cross Pamphlet on First Aid."
"Manual for Non-Coms. and Privates."
CHAPTER XI. (SIGNALING.)
"United States Signal Book."
"Infantry Drill Regulations."
CHAPTER XII. (GUARD DUTY.)
"Manual of Interior Guard Duty."
CHAPTER XIII. (COMPANY ADMINISTRATION.)
"Company Administration." (Waldron.)
"Army Paper Work." (Perrin-Smith Pub. Co.)
"Notes on Organizations." (Waldron.)
"Synopsis of Work Done at 1st Plattsburg Camp." (Farley.)
"Army Paper Work." (Moss.)
"Army Regulations."
CHAPTER XIV. (CONFERENCES. STUDY. S.P.I. EXAMINATIONS.)
"Examinations in Military Science," Harvard University, 1917.
CHAPTER XV. (TRENCH WARFARE.)
"Field Fortifications." (Lt. Henri Poire.) Plattsburg, N.Y., 1917.
"The French Automatic Rifle." (Capt. Gene Loriot.)
"Notes on Liaison in Modern Warfare."
"Notes on the Method of Attack and Defense to Meet the Conditions
of Modern Warfare."
"Machine Gun Tactics." (Applin.)
"Grenades, Hand and Rifle." (Solano.)
"Training for the Trenches." (Vickers.)
"Studies in Leading Troops." (Vernois.)
"Tactical Decisions and Orders." (Buddecke.)
"Problems in Leading Troops--Army Service Schools."
"Battle Orders." (Von Kiesling.)
"70 Problems." (Morrison.)
"Tactical Principles and Problems." (Hanna.)
"Technique of Modern Tactics." (Bond and McDonough.)
"Estimating Tactical Situations." (Fitch.)
The Book Department, Army Service Schools, Fort Leavenworth, Kansas,
or the United States Infantry Association, Washington, D.C., will get
any books available.
INDEX.
CHAPTER 1. PAGE.
Schedules; 1
CHAPTER 2.
Infantry drill regulations; 31
School of the soldier; 31
Instruction without arms; 31
Attention; 32
Position of; 32
Heels together and on a line; 32
Feet turned out equally, forming angle of 45 degrees; 32
Knees extended without stiffness; 32
Trunk erect upon hips; 32
Shoulders falling naturally; 32
Arms hanging naturally; 33
Head erect, chin raised; 33
Rests; 33
Position of rest and at ease; 33
Fall out; 34
Rest; 34
At ease; 34
Parade rest; 34
Eyes right; 34
Right face; 34
Right half face; 34
About face; 34
Hand salute; 34
Forward march; 34
Double time, march; 34
Mark time, march; 34
Half step, march; 34
Right step, march; 34
Squad, halt; 34
By right flank, march; 34
To the rear, march; 34
Change step, march; 34
Manual of arms; 35
Purpose; 35
Commands and cautions; 35
Order, arms; 35
Present, arms; 35
Port, arms; 35
Right shoulder, arms; 35
Left shoulder, arms; 35
Parade, rest; 35
Trail, arms; 35
Rifle salute; 35
Fix bayonet; 35
Unfix bayonet; 36
Inspection arms; 36
School of the squad; 36
Object; 36
Composition of squad; 36
Fall in; 36
Fall out; 36
Count off; 36
Inspection arms--right dress, front; 36
Guide right; 37
Take interval; 37
To reform; 37
Take distance; 37
Assemble, march; 37
Stack arms; 37
Take arms; 37
Oblique, march; 37
In place, halt; 37
Resume march; 38
Right turn; 38
Right half turn; 38
Squads right; 38
Squad right about; 38
School of the company; 38
Object; 38
Composition; 39
Fall in; 39
Platoon movements; 40
Leading platoon; 40
Rear platoon; 40
Questions which come up in daily military life; 40
Answers; 41
Insignia; 41
For second lieutenants; 41
Company right, march; 42
Platoons right, march; 42
Squads right, march; 42
Right turn, march; 42
Column right, march; 42
Platoons, column right, march; 42
Squads right, column right, march; 42
Squads right, platoons, column right, march; 42
Squads right about, march; 43
Right into line, march; 43
Right front into line, march; 43
Platoons, right front into line, march; 43
Route step, march; 43
Right by twos, march; 43
Squads right front into line, march; 43
Dismiss the company; 43
To fall in company when it cannot be formed by squads; 44
For muster; 44
In aligning company; 44
To march squad without unnecessary commands; 44
As skirmishers, march; 44
Assemble, march; 45
Kneel; 45
Lie down; 45
Rise; 45
Loadings and firings; 45
Arming; 45
Sight-setting announced; 45
Fire at will; 45
Clip fire; 45
Unload; 45
Extended order; 45
Corporal cautions; 46
Left face; 46
Company right; 46
Deployments; 46
As skirmishers, guide right, march; 46
To deploy from column or squad; 46
Assemble, march; 47
Platoons, assemble; 47
Platoons, columns; 47
Squad columns; 47
No. 1's forward, march; 48
Captain points out new line; 48
Disadvantage; 48
Advantage; 48
Being in skirmish line; 48
By platoon; 48
Commands; 48
School of the Battalion; 49
Basis; 49
Arrangement; 49
Number; 49
Center; 49
Band; 49
Dressing; 49
To form the battalion; 49
Other than ceremonies; 49
For ceremonies; 49
To dismiss the battalion; 50
To rectify the alignment; 50
To rectify the column; 50
Helpful hints to beginners; 50
In column of squads; 50
In column of companies; 51
Line of companies; 53
In battalion line; 54
Inspections; 55
Special points of company; 55
Battalion inspection; 56
Regimental inspection; 56
Ceremonies; 56
Battalion review; 56
Battalion parade; 57
Regimental parade; 58
Regimental review; 58
Fire direction; 58
Fire control; 58
Fire discipline; 58
The colonel; 59
Position; 59
Duties; 60
The major; 60
Position; 60
The general; 61
Duties; 61
Special; 62
Battalion staff; 63
Positions; 63
Duties; 64
Position; 65
Duties: before fire action; 65
during the action; 65
Buglers; 66
Position; 66
Duties; 66
Must be proficient in; 67
Range estimators; 67
Platoon leader; 68
Position; 68
Duties; 68
Thereafter; 69
First sergeant; 70
Guides; 70
General rules; 70
Equipment; 70
Close order; 71
Taking intervals and distances; 71
To form the company; 72
Alignments; 72
Exercise for; 74
Result; 74
Platoon Guides; 75
Position; 75
Duties; 75
Corporal; 76
Position; 76
Duties; 76
Thereafter; 76
The private; 78
Position; 78
Duties; 79
Packs; 81
Cartridge belt; 81
To attach first-aid pouch; 82
To attach canteen cover; 82
To attach pack carrier to haversack; 82
To attach cartridge belt to haversack; 83
To attach bayonet scabbard to haversack; 83
To attach intrenching tool carrier to haversack; 83
To assemble the full equipment (without rations); 84
To make the pack; 85
To assemble the pack; 85
To assemble the full equipment (with rations); 86
To make the pack; 86
To assemble the pack; 86
To adjust to the soldier; 86
To assemble full equipment, less the pack (with
rations); 87
To assemble full equipment, less the pack (without
rations); 88
To discard pack without removing equipment from
body; 88
Care of equipment; 89
Leather; 89
Woolen clothes; 89
Mending; 89
Cloth equipment--dry cleaning; 89
Washing; 89
Instructions on making packs; 89
Methods; 89
Adjusting cartridge belt; 90
Distribution of intrenching tools in the squad; 90
CHAPTER 3.
Physical training; 91
Physical training; 91
Bayonet training; 91
Time schedule; 91
Formations; 92
Second formation; 93
Commands; 93
Kinds of and how given; 93
First lesson; 94
Second lesson; 95
Third lesson; 96
Fourth lesson; 98
Fifth lesson; 99
Voice culture; 103
CHAPTER 4.
Use of modern arms; 105
Small arms firing; 106
Slow fire; 109
Rapid fire; 109
Pistol; 112
Nomenclature and care; 112
Manual for the pistol; 112
Position; 116
The grip; 116
The trigger squeeze; 117
Position and aiming drills; 117
Quick fire; 118
Classes of fire; 118
Slow fire; 118
Quick fire; 118
Automatic fire; 118
Trench; 118
Score; 119
Course; 120
Slow fire; 120
Quick fire; 120
Automatic fire; 120
Trench fire; 120
Bayonet training; 120
Functions of; 120
General practice; 120
Technique of bayonet combat; 121
Manual of the bayonet; 122
Progressive exercises; 124
Machine guns; 128
Mode of action; 128
Fire; 129
Inconspicuousness; 129
Offensive reinforcement of a front momentarily stationary; 130
Defensive; 130
General rules for installation; 131
Employment of fire and instruction; 132
Resume; 132
Points before firing; 133
Points during firing; 133
Points after firing; 133
Grenade instruction; 134
Introduction; 134
Working of grenades in use; 136
Instruction in throwing; 138
Instruction in grenade organization; 139
Points to remember; 141
CHAPTER 5.
Map sketching; 143
Class room--map reading; 143
Taking up map scales; 143
Field work--strict scale map making; 145
Road sketch; 146
Area sketch; 146
Problem; 150
Class room--problem; 150
Field work--problem; 154
Class room--problem; 155
Field work--problem; 157
problem; 158
Map reading; 159
CHAPTER 6.
Helpful references to the articles of war; 161
Military law; 161
Article 1; 161
Definitions; 161
Article 2; 161
Persons subject to military law; 161
Articles 3-18; 162
Courts martial classified; 162
Method of entering a charge against a man; 163
Specification; 164
General remarks; 164
Article 31; 164
Order of voting; 164
Article 39; 164
Limit upon prosecutions; 164
Article 54; 165
Fraudulent enlistment; 165
Article 58; 165
Desertion; 165
Article 61; 166
Absence without leave; 166
Article 62; 166
Disrespect toward President and others; 166
Article 63; 166
Disrespect toward a superior officer; 166
Article 64; 167
Assaulting or wilfully disobeying superior officer; 167
Article 65; 167
Insubordinate conduct toward a non-commissioned officer; 167
Article 68; 167
Disorders; 167
Article 69; 168
Breaking arrest; 168
Article 75; 169
Misbehavior before the enemy; 169
Article 83; 169
Neglect of military property; 169
Article 84; 169
Waste or unlawful disposal of property issued to soldiers; 169
Article 85; 169
Drunk on duty; 169
Article 86; 170
Misbehavior of sentinel; 170
Article 92; 170
Murder or rape; 170
Article 93; 170
Various crimes; 170
Article 94; 171
Frauds against the government; 171
Article 95; 171
Conduct unbecoming an officer and a gentleman; 171
Article 96; 171
General articles, the catch all; 171
Examples; 172
Problem 1; 172
Problem 2; 172
Problem 3; 172
CHAPTER 7.
Notes on army regulations; 175
Authority exercised; 175
Abusive language; 175
Respect to superiors; 175
Remarks by officers; 175
Furloughs; 175
Men on furloughs; 175
Men in foreign countries; 175
No payments; 175
Desertion; 175
Abandoned clothes; 175
Reward; 175
Costs of apprehension; 176
No pay or clothes; 176
Will be restored; 176
Absent without leave; 176
Discharge of enlisted men; 176
Final statements; 176
Certificate; 176
Loss of discharge certificate; 177
Physical disability certificate; 177
Death of soldier; 177
Effects; 177
Will be delivered; 177
Medal of honor; 178
Certificate of merit; 178
Quarters; 178
Saturday; 178
Neglect of rooms; 178
Destruction of tableware; 178
Chiefs of squads; 178
Premises; 178
Company commanders; 178
Arms; 178
Accountability and responsibility; 178
Example; 179
Loss of public property; 179
Ration; 179
Forfeiture; 179
Pay; 179
Allotments; 180
Class A; 180
Class B; 180
Compensation for death or disability; 181
Additional insurance; 182
Deposits; 182
A lost deposit book; 182
Payment; 183
Withdrawal of deposits; 183
Interest; 183
Forfeiture; 183
Officers and men; 183
Furloughed to reserve; 183
Transportation; 183
Discharged soldier; 183
Transfer of claims; 183
Notes on the laws of war; 183
CHAPTER 8.
Practice marches; 187
Field work; 188
An order; 188
Do not deploy too early; 188
Fire direction; 189
The troops; 189
Defense; 190
Leadership; 190
Communications; 191
Night operations; 191
Patrols; 191
Leader; 191
Conduct of; 192
Report; 192
Return; 193
Advance guard; 193
Rear guard; 194
Flank guard; 194
Camps; 194
March outpost; 194
Outpost; 195
Outline of field service regulations; 197
Land forces of U.S.; 197
Military information; 197
Transmission of information; 198
Questions and answers on; 206
CHAPTER 9.
Feeding men; 213
In camp; 213
On the march; 214
For individual cooking; 214
In the trenches; 215
Rations and cooking; 215
Camping and camp sanitation; 216
General principles; 216
CHAPTER 10.
Personal hygiene and first aid; 221
Personal hygiene; 221
Bathing; 221
Sexual indulgence; 222
Exercise; 222
Cleanliness of surroundings; 223
Preventable diseases; 223
Typhoid fever; 223
Dysentery; 223
Malaria; 224
Tonsilitis and colds; 224
Measles; 224
First aid; 224
Grounds; 224
Poisoned wounds; 225
Diagnosis tag; 225
Treatment of wounds; 225
Bleeding wounds; 225
Fainting, heat exhaustion and shock; 226
Sunstroke; 226
Burns and scalds; 226
Freezing and frostbites; 226
Fractures; 226
Treatment; 227
Artificial respiration; 227
Trench foot; 227
CHAPTER 11.
Signaling; 229
Semaphore; 229
First cycle; 229
Second cycle; 229
Third cycle; 229
Fourth cycle; 230
Doubles; 230
Instructing; 230
Second step; 230
Third step; 230
Fourth step; 230
Wig wag; 232
Points to remember; 233
Letter codes; 233
Arm signals; 234
Forward, march; 234
Halt; 234
Double time, march; 234
Squads right, march; 234
Squads left, march; 234
Squads right about, march; 234
Change direction or column right, march; 234
As skirmishers, march; 234
As skirmishers, guide center, march; 235
As skirmishers, guide right, march; 235
Assemble, march; 235
Range, or change elevation; 235
What range are you using?; 235
Are you ready?; 235
Commence firing; 235
Fire faster; 235
Fire slower; 235
To swing the cone of fire; 235
Fix bayonet; 236
Suspend firing; 236
Cease firing; 236
Platoon; 236
Squad; 236
Rush; 236
CHAPTER 12.
Guard duty; 237
Guards; 237
Formal guard mounting; 238
Ceremony; 238
First detail; 239
Other details; 239
Sergeant major; 239
Adjutant; 239, 240, 241
Officer of the guard; 240
New officer of the day; 240
Commander of the guard; 241
Guard duty in the trenches; 241
CHAPTER 13.
Company administration; 245
Notes on organization; 245
Prepare in advance to receive men; 245
Duties; 245
If in cantonments; 246
If in tents; 246
Men reporting; 246
Issue of equipment; 247
Organization; 248
Day's routine; 249
Reveille; 250
Mess; 250, 251
Sick call; 250, 251
Morning instruction; 250
Afternoon instruction; 251
Retreat; 251
School call; 251
Tattoo; 251
Call to quarters; 251
Taps; 251
Sundays and holidays; 252
Details; 252
Paper work; 252
Military correspondence; 253
Morning report; 254
Ration return; 254
Sick report; 254
Duty roster; 254
Monthly return; 255
Service record; 255
Discharge; 255
Final statement; 255
Muster roll; 255
Pay roll; 256
Names; 257
Losses; 257
CHAPTER 14.
Conferences; 259
Study; 259
Syllabus: Small problems for infantry; 261
Examinations; 269
Military science and tactics; 275
Minor tactics; 275
CHAPTER 15.
Trench warfare; 287
General principles; 287
Instructions to be issued by battalion commander; 287
Attack of a defensive position; 289
Attacking from trenches; 291
Defense of trenches; 296
Liaison; 298
Trench orders; 299
Selection of site; 302
Trench construction; 303, 307
General arrangement; 303
System of laying out trenches; 307
Revettments; 308
Sod; 310
Sand bags; 310
Concrete work; 310
Gabions; 310
Trench armament; 311
Loopholes; 311
Trench bottoms; 311
Communication trench; 313
Latrines; 315
Shelters; 315
Dugouts; 317
Sentries; 317
Position; 317
Entrances; 317
Galleries; 318
Bomb-traps; 318
Interior; 318
Depots for supplies; 318
Telephones; 319
Departure parallel; 319
Machine gun emplacements; 319
Listening posts; 321
Wire entanglements; 321
High entanglements; 321
Tracing entanglements; 322
Low entanglements; 322
Loose wire; 322
Criticisms by Lieut Henri Poire; 322
Occupation; 325
Two main classes of relief; 325
General principles of relief; 325
Mechanism of relief; 325
Attack during the march; 328
The stay in the trenches; 329
Four objects of a trench commander; 329
His plan of defense; 329
Organization of defense; 329
Liaison; 331
Observation; 331
Trench work; 333
Offensive operations; 334
Rule of the trench commander; 335
Duties of the company commander; 335
Duties of platoon leaders as officers on duty; 339
Duties of platoon leaders; 339
In front line trenches; 340
Duties of non-commissioned officer on duty; 341
Patrols; 342
Sentinels; 342
Machine guns; 342
Snipers; 343
Organization of a platoon; 344
Deployments; 346
Normal battalion formation in attack; 347
General principles of the platoon formation in assault of
fortified positions; 349
Remarks regarding forming of wave from close order; 353
Some questions a platoon commander should ask himself; 354
Defensive measure against gas attacks; 356
General considerations; 356
Nature of gas attacks; 356
Gas clouds; 356
Gas projectiles; 358
Tear or lachrymatory shells; 359
Poison shells; 359
Smoke; 359
Mine and explosion gases; 359
Protection of shelters; 360
Methods of protection; 360
Shelters which should be protected; 361
Protection of weapons and equipment; 361
Small arms and S.A.A.; 362
Hand and rifle grenades; 362
Light trench mortars; 362
Action to be taken in trenches on gas alarm; 363
Action to be taken in billets and back areas; 363
Action during gas attack; 364
Protective measures; 364
Tactical measures; 364
Precautions against gas shells; 365
Action subsequent to a gas attack; 367
General; 367
Movement; 367
Clearing dugouts and other shelters; 367
Ventilation; 368
Natural; 368
By fire; 368
By fanning; 369
Cleaning arms and ammunition; 369
Treatment of shell holes; 370
Concealment from aerial observers; 370
Orders governing intrenchment problems; 372
Company organization; 384
Company headquarters; 384
Headquarters; 384
Personnel; 385
Commissioned; 385
Enlisted; 386
Equipment; 386
Trench standing orders; 386
Duties; 386
Sentries; 387
Patrols; 388
Stand to; 389
Machine guns; 389
Reliefs; 390
Guides; 391
Smoking and talking; 391
Procedure on arrival at trenches; 391
Log books; 392
Equipment; 392
Stretcher bearers; 392
Discipline; 392
Rations and cooking; 393
Sanitation; 393
Emergency dumps for companies (material); 394
Contents of dump; 394
Stores for company; 394
Stores at battalion headquarters; 394
Conclusion; 396
Bibliography; 397