_CONFIDENTIAL!_
_FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY_
SPECIMENS OF BRITISH
TRENCH ORDERS
ARMY WAR COLLEGE
1917
[Illustration]
WASHINGTON
GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE
1917
WAR DEPARTMENT,
Document No. 590.
_Office of The Adjutant General._
WAR DEPARTMENT,
WASHINGTON, _May 15, 1917_.
The following specimens of British trench orders are published for the
information of all concerned.
(2598135, A. G. O.)
BY ORDER OF THE SECRETARY OF WAR:
H. L. SCOTT,
_Major General, Chief of Staff_.
OFFICIAL:
H. P. McCAIN,
_The Adjutant General_.
CANADIAN CORPS TRENCH ORDERS.
CONTENTS.
SUBJECT.
Paragraph.
Duties 1
Sentries 2
Rifles, equipment, and ammunition 3
"Stand to" 4
Bombs and grenades, care of 5
Machine guns 6
Firing at aeroplanes 7
Trench sides, undercutting of 8
Sanitation 9
Time-tables and organization of work 10
Log books and trench store books 11
Communications 12
Alertness 13
Rum 14
Arrangements in case of attack 15
Working parties on front trench 16
Working parties outside the front trench 17
Precaution when our mines are exploded 18
Ration parties when found from front trenches 19
Rations and cooking 20
Vermorel sprayers 21
Reliefs:
General 22
Points to be noted by company commanders 23
Guides 24
Smoking and talking 25
Rate of march to trenches 26
Procedure on arrival in trenches 27
Engineers 28
Chilled feet and frostbite, prevention of 29
CANADIAN CORPS TRENCH ORDERS.
=1. DUTIES.=--(_a_) One officer per company and one N. C. O. per
platoon will always be on duty.
(_b_) By night the officer and N. C. O. on duty will frequently patrol
the trench line to see that the sentries are alert and to inquire
whether they have any information to report about the enemy.[1]
(_c_) The N. C. O. coming on duty will go round and post new sentries
with the N. C. O. coming off duty.
(_d_) The length of each tour of duty will depend on the number of
officers and N. C. O.'s available in the company. _Normally_ each tour
should be, by night 2 hours, by day 4 hours, day commencing at morning
"stand to," and by night commencing at evening "stand to." In inclement
weather it may be advisable to reduce the tour to 1 hour.
(_e_) N. C. O.'s after posting sentries will report "All correct" or
otherwise to the officer on duty.
(_f_) The officer on duty will be responsible for sending in the
reports required by battalion headquarters, unless there is anything
unusual to report, when this duty will be performed by the company
commander.
(_g_) Men will be warned for duty by the platoon N. C. O. on duty. This
will be done at evening "stand to."
(_h_) On being detailed for duty a man will be informed at which hours
he will come on duty.
(_i_) When possible to do so, notice boards will be placed in each
section's trench, on which will be pinned daily all orders regarding
working parties, and a list of the men in the section, giving the times
at which they will come on sentry and other duty.
(_j_) Except under special circumstances, such, for instance, as a
sentry being killed or wounded, no sentry will be relieved by another
man unless the relief is properly carried out in the presence of a N.
C. O.
=2. SENTRIES=--=By night.=--(_a_) Sentries will be posted every 2
hours, except under bad weather conditions, when the length of the tour
of sentry duty may be reduced.
(_b_) From evening "stand to" till morning "stand to" one sentry to
every four men will be posted. If wiring or digging parties are out in
front, or listening posts are numerous, this number may be reduced.
(_c_) The next relief will remain within reach of the sentry.
(_d_) Every sentry is to be regularly posted by a N. C. O., who will
explain to him his duties and the front to be watched, and ascertain
that the sentry and his relief are aware of the position of the section
and platoon commanders, the sentries on either side, and whether there
are any patrols or working parties out in front. Should there be
salients in the line, the sentry will be carefully instructed, so as to
avoid any possibility of him firing toward his own trenches.
(_e_) By night or in places which have the reputation of being
dangerous, _i.e._, where enemy are suspected of mining, advanced
posts, etc., no man should ever be posted alone. There should either
be a double sentry post or the next relief should rest within kicking
distance of the sentry.
=By day.=--(_f_) The number of sentries required depends on the
proximity of the enemy's trench line and whether a good view to the
front can be obtained; normally one to every four days is sufficient.
(_g_) Every sentry will be provided with a periscope.
(_h_) Well-protected "look-out" posts for sentries will be built along
the front trench line.
(_i_) _Sending out of patrols._--Patrols will never be sent out without
definite orders as to what is required of them. Patrols will go out via
a listening post (if such exist). All listening posts will be warned of
the strength of the patrol and the approximate hour of departure and
return. Word will be passed _quietly_ along the line of sentries that a
patrol is out in front.
(_j_) As little challenging as possible will be done by sentries, and
then only in a low tone of voice.
=3. RIFLES, EQUIPMENT, AND AMMUNITION.=--(_a_) _Carrying and wearing
of._--Equipment will always be worn by men in front trenches.
(_b_) Ration and carrying parties, orderlies, etc., will wear
bandoliers and carry rifles.
(_c_) Parties at work between the front-line and reserve trenches may
be permitted to "pile" or "ground" arms. Wiring and digging parties out
in front of the fire trench will sling the rifle.
(_d_) _Loading of rifles._--Except when it is necessary to shoot, a
round will _never_ be kept in the chamber. Cut-offs will always be "in"
and the safety catch "back."
(_e_) The magazine will be kept charged with five rounds.
(_f_) Bayonets will always be fixed in front-line trenches.
(_g_) _Care of rifles._--Rifles and ammunition will be inspected
at morning and evening "stand to," and rapid loading will also be
practiced.
(_h_) Covered rifle racks will be constructed in each bay where rifles
will be kept. Breech covers will be kept on the rifles.
(_i_) In very cold weather sentries will occasionally work the bolt of
the rifle to prevent the striker becoming frozen. For the same reason,
in cold weather men will sleep with their rifles close to the body.
(_j_) All loading will be from pouch or bandolier; no ammunition must
ever be placed on ground or parapet.
(_k_) _Disposal of rifles, equipment, and ammunition._--Wounded and men
going sick will, if able to walk, wear their equipment and carry their
rifles. The rifles and equipment of men unable to carry them and also
those of dead men will be sent back to the dressing station. All other
rifles, however badly damaged, and equipment damaged or not required
will be sent back to the quartermaster. Damaged cartridges and empty
cases will be collected and returned to the quartermaster under company
arrangements.
(_l_) _Ammunition._--Every man will have 170 rounds in his possession.
(_m_) Platoon commanders will report at evening "stand to" whether
their ammunition is correct or otherwise.
=4. "STAND TO."=--"Stand to" will take place 1 hour before daylight and
1 hour before dusk. At this parade 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 in accordance with the orders
in force. Orders will be issued and steps taken to see that the men
understand them. After "stand to" in the morning and before "stand to"
in the evening rifles will be thoroughly cleaned and oiled.
=5. CARE OF BOMBS AND GRENADES.=--(_a_) Only a small percentage of
bombs will be kept in the front trenches. These will be kept in a
well-protected and dry bomb receptacle.
(_b_) Bomb stores will be built in the end of communication trenches in
the support line.
(_c_) Detonators and fuzes, except in the front lines, will normally be
kept in tins and not in the bomb.
(_d_) The battalion grenadier officer will make frequent inspection of
all bombs and grenades.
(_e_) The alarm posts for grenadiers will be close to where the bomb
stores are placed.
(_f_) No one, other than a grenadier, will interfere with the bombs and
grenades.
(_g_) Ammunition boxes in the trenches will be examined frequently to
see if the lids work easily.
=6. MACHINE GUNS.=--(_a_) The concealment and protection of
machine-gun emplacements is important--for this reason, except in
case of emergency, machine guns will not be fired from their regular
emplacements.
(_b_) Unless emplacements are well concealed, guns will not be mounted
except between evening and morning "stand to."
(_c_) Two men per detachment will always be on duty with the gun.
(_d_) Before dusk, while there is still sufficient light, each gun will
be laid on some particular spot either in or behind the enemy's front
line.
(_e_) Range cards will be prepared and kept with each gun.
(_f_) _Machine guns in the front line should be reduced to a minimum
sufficient to cover the front._
=7. FIRING AT AEROPLANES.=--Firing at aeroplanes will not be permitted
except by order of an officer.
=8. UNDERCUTTING TRENCH SIDES.=--(_a_) The undercutting of trench sides
to make shelters is forbidden.
(_b_) When shelters are made the required space from the ground level
downward will be cut out and a roof supported on reliable posts will be
made.
=9. SANITATION.=--(_a_) The importance of strict attention to
sanitation should be impressed on all ranks.
(_b_) Empty tins or other refuse will be collected in receptacles kept
for the purpose in the trenches and buried in a refuse pit.
(_c_) Latrines will be constructed in trenches leading from
communication trenches. Where the bucket system is employed, chloride
of lime or creosol will be freely used. The soil will be removed at
night and buried in a deep pit well away from the trenches; these pits
will be filled in when nearly full and labeled.
(_d_) The commanding officer is responsible for sanitation in his unit
and the medical officer will advise him in sanitary matters, making
daily inspections of latrines, refuse pits, and water arrangements.
Under the medical officer latrines and refuse pits will be attended
to by the regimental sanitary men and water duties by the R. A. M. C.
details attached.
=10. TIME-TABLES AND ORGANIZATION OF WORK.=--(_a_) A time-table will be
drawn up by each company commander. In this time-table he will allot
hours of work, rest, and meals.
(_b_) Working parties will be properly organized. Definite tasks will
be allotted. Each commander of a working party should know what work is
expected from his party before the hour appointed to commence, so that
no time is wasted in getting to work.
(_c_) Unless it can not be avoided, men should never be taken for
sentry duty without having had a reasonable period of rest, and when
this becomes necessary a report should be made to the C. O.
=11. LOG BOOKS AND TRENCH STORE BOOKS.=--(_a_) Each company commander
will keep a log book in which will be entered up daily the work done.
This log book will be handed over from one commander to another on
relief.
(_b_) A trench store book will also be kept in which will be entered
up all trench stores issued to the company. On relief, the incoming
company commander will give a receipt to the outgoing commander for all
trench stores taken over.
(_c_) Commanding officers are personally responsible that no trench
stores, bath mats, etc., are used as firewood.
=12. COMMUNICATIONS.=--(_a_) Artillery lines will be laid on one side
of a trench. Infantry lines on the opposite side.
(_b_) The Infantry brigade signal officer will exercise general
supervision over all lines in the brigade area, and will notify the
orderly officer of the Artillery brigade when any Artillery lines
require attention or relaying. He will assist the Artillery whenever it
may be possible to do so.
(_c_) Lines will be laid as low as possible, preferably not more than
9 inches from the bottom of the trench. They will be picketed into
grooves cut into the side of the trench, the pickets being securely
driven in at every reentrant bend and at every 10 yards along the
straight.
(_d_) Lines will be clearly labeled at every 100 yards and at every
junction with another line.
(_e_) All lines will be carefully patrolled at least once daily.
(_f_) One telephonist will always be on duty.
(_g_) Telephone communication to battalion headquarters and the company
on each flank will be frequently tested.
(_h_) All "dead" lines will be reeled up at once.
(_i_) Every man is to know the position of his platoon commander's
shelter and the company headquarters.
(_j_) At least two men per section of the support and reserve companies
must be able to act as guides to all the company headquarters of the
battalion.
(_k_) All officers must know the shortest route from their own
headquarters to those of the company on their flanks and to their own
battalion headquarters.
(_l_) It is the duty of every officer or man to fasten any loose wire
that he may see which has become temporarily detached.
=13. ALERTNESS.=--Anything seen or heard in connection with the enemy,
such as movements of individuals, transport wagons, troops, working
parties, etc., is to be reported to the nearest officer.
=14. RUM.=--(_a_) Rum will always be kept under the personal charge of
the company commander.
(_b_) The best time for a rum issue is in the early morning.
(_c_) No issue of rum will be made except in the presence of an
officer; any rum left over will be handed back to the charge of the
company commander.
(_d_) Men undergoing punishment for drunkenness will receive no issue
of rum for 14 days after the offense, unless it is necessary for
medical reasons.
=15. ARRANGEMENTS IN CASE OF ATTACK.=--(_a_) Company commanders will
insure that all ranks know what to do in case of bombardment, gas, or
attack by the enemy. They will occasionally test their arrangements by
practicing an alarm.
(_b_) All officers' servants, grenadiers, orderlies, etc., will have
duties allotted to them in case of attack.
=16. WORKING PARTIES.=--(_a_) All work on a fire trench will be carried
out by the garrison of the trench, assisted, if necessary, by the
garrison of the support and reserve trenches.
(_b_) All work in rear of fire trenches will be carried out by the
garrison of the support and reserve trenches.
(_c_) If possible, working parties will consist of complete units,
i.e., section, platoon, or company. Each unit will be commanded by its
own commander.
(_d_) Even when working under engineer supervision, Infantry officers
in charge of working parties will be responsible that the work done
satisfies tactical requirements.
=17. WORKING PARTIES OUTSIDE THE FRONT TRENCH.=--(_a_) A covering party
will always be provided for digging and wiring parties outside the
front trenches.
=18. PRECAUTION WHEN ONE OF OUR MINES IS EXPLODED.=--In the event of
one of our own mines being exploded, a clear space of 5 yards will be
kept on either side of the mouth of the mine shaft.
=19. RATION PARTIES WHEN FOUND FROM FRONT TRENCHES.=--Usually, rations
and stores will be carried up to the trenches by supports and reserves.
If this is not possible and it is necessary that men from the front
trenches have to be employed, not more than 10 per cent of the men in
the firing line are to be away from the trenches at the same time.
=20. RATIONS AND COOKING.=--(_a_) Ration parties from the support and
reserve trenches will be made up in complete units as in 16 (_c_).
(_b_) The company quartermaster sergeant will accompany the ration
parties for his company and report his arrival to the company
commanders.
(_c_) Great care is to be taken that ration and carrying parties make
as little noise as possible.
(_d_) Cooking, if possible, will be done behind the front-line trenches
and should be concentrated by sections or companies. Steps must be
taken to ensure that as little smoke as possible is made by the cooks'
fires.
(_e_) Unused rations will be returned to the quartermaster.
(_f_) Waste in any form will be discouraged.
(_g_) Arrangements should be made to ensure that soup or some hot drink
should be available for the men between midnight and 4 a. m.
=21. VERMOREL SPRAYERS.=--(_a_) Vermorel sprayers form part of trench
stores. They are provided for clearing gas out of trenches and shelters
after an attack, and for respraying helmets if necessary during a
prolonged gas attack.
(_b_) They will be distributed at easily accessible points in the
trenches and protected from shell fire.
(_c_) They must be kept one-third full of water. Six gallons of the
following solution to be used in them must be kept in corked rum jars
close to each sprayer. It must not be kept in the sprayers owing to its
corrosive nature:
Water, 3 gallons (one large bucket).
Sodium thiosulphate (hypo), 6 lbs. (two piled mess tins).
Sodium carbonate (washing soda), 2 lbs. (one mess tin).
(_d_) Each company will have a squad of men in charge of an N. C. O.
trained in the care and use of sprayers.
(_e_) On taking over trenches, the N. C. O. in charge of sprayers will
take over from the outgoing N. C. O. and will see that each is in order
and provided with solution.
(_f_) A man will be told off to each sprayer; he will be responsible
for testing it every day, and in case of a gas attack he will stand by
to use it when ordered.
RELIEFS.
=22. GENERAL.=--(_a_) Prior to taking over a new line of trenches the
commanding officer, adjutant, machine-gun officer, signaling officer,
and company commanders will reconnoiter the trenches.
(_b_) Machine guns will not be relieved at the same time as the
infantry.
=23. POINTS TO BE NOTED BY COMPANY COMMANDERS.=--(_a_) Number of men
holding line to be taken over and distribution.
(_b_) Shelter accommodation.
(_c_) Work being done and proposed. To ensure a continuity of work an
officer of the incoming battalion should go over line in daylight.
(_d_) Condition of the wire and defenses generally.
(_e_) Information as to the enemy, his habits, snipers, the work he is
doing, &c.
(_f_) Water supply.
(_g_) Artillery support.
(_h_) Communications.
(_i_) Dangerous points.
(_j_) Lines of advance to be used in a counter attack.
(_k_) Position of "shell trenches" or "feathers," or other cover from
enemy artillery fire.
=24. GUIDES.=--(_a_) Arrangements will be made between the C. O. of
relieving and about to be relieved battalions as to places 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 headquarters, and one
for battalion headquarters will be provided.
These guides must know the exact spot where they will meet the
relieving troops and the best and safest way to the trenches.
=25. SMOKING AND TALKING.=--After leaving the rendezvous there is to be
no smoking or talking till arrival in the trenches.
=26. RATE OF MARCH TO TRENCHES.=--The rate of marching to the trenches
from billets will not exceed 2 miles an hour.
=27. PROCEDURE ON ARRIVAL IN TRENCHES.=--(_a_) The troops being
relieved will not leave the trenches until all trench stores have been
handed over and receipts received, all the relieving troops are in
position, and new sentries have been posted and orders to move have
been received from the company commander.
(_b_) Platoon commanders will at once personally examine all firing
positions and satisfy themselves that each man can fire on the foot of
the nearest part of the wire entanglement.
(_c_) They will examine the ammunition and bomb magazines, vermorel and
other sprayers, and antigas solution vessels.
(_d_) When the relief is completed O. C. companies will report to that
effect to battalion headquarters.
(_e_) Men will not be dismissed till the O. C. company has received
reports from all his platoon commanders that everything is in order.
=28. ENGINEERS.=--(_a_) To insure continuity of work a few sappers
should live permanently in the trenches.
(_b_) Daily requisitions for engineering material required will be
forwarded by company commanders to battalion headquarters.
(_c_) The battalion commander will apply to the field company for the
material required through the brigade headquarters and will arrange for
carrying parties to take it in.
=29. PREVENTION OF CHILLED FEET AND FROSTBITE.=--(_a_) Before marching
to trenches, feet and legs will be washed and rubbed with antifrostbite
grease or whale oil under platoon supervision. Boots should be large
enough for two pairs of socks, and puttees must be put on loosely.
(_b_) The march to the trenches will be in ankle boots, every man will
carry two pairs of spare socks, spare grease, and towel.
(_c_) On arrival at the trenches, take off ankle boots and wet socks,
dry and grease feet, put on dry socks, gum boots (trench stores) or
paper stockings and ankle boots.
(_d_) During the tour in the trenches, circulation must be kept up by
movement; the restriction of the circulation of the lower limbs is the
principal cause of chilled feet.
(_e_) Boots and puttees will be removed at least once in every 24
hours, feet and legs will be dried, rubbed, and greased, and dry socks
put on.
(_f_) Gum boots will be taken off before troops march out on relief and
will be handed over as trench stores to the relieving unit.
(_g_) On arrival in billets, feet will be washed and rubbed; dry socks,
hot drinks, and food will be provided under battalion arrangements.
(_h_) Warming braziers made from 3 and 5 gallon oil drums will be
provided, and a daily allowance of 2 lbs. coke and 1/2 lb. charcoal per
man in the trenches. An extra pea-soup, tea, and sugar ration will also
be issued.
(_i_) C. O.'s are responsible that all trench pumps on charge are kept
in good repair and made use of to the fullest extent. The drier the
trenches are the fewer will be the cases of chilled feet.
C. H. HARRINGTON,
_B. G. G. S., Canadian Corps_.
OCTOBER 21, 1915.
FOOTNOTES:
[Footnote 1: The officer should remember that he is in the same
position as is the officer on watch on board a ship.]
SPECIMEN OF BATTALION TRENCH STANDING ORDERS.
1. Trenches are usually divided up into a certain number of bays; the
number of men to defend these bays depends on the length of trench
allotted to each company. Each section is detailed to guard a certain
number of bays.
2. N. C. Os. and men must always wear their equipment by day and night;
a man found not complying with this order commits a "crime."
3. Every company will stand to arms daily half an hour before dawn, and
half an hour before dusk and will remain so till dismissed by O. C.
company.
4. The enemy's trenches are so close that it is very important for the
men to have their rifle sights always at "normal," so that there will
be no necessity to alter the sights in case of alarm.
5. By night all bayonets are to be fixed, and 50 per cent of the men
on duty in the trenches are to be sitting on the firing platform with
their rifles by their sides.
6. In case of an attack, especially at night, it should be impressed on
the men that they should fire low; for one bullet that goes too low, at
least 90 go too high. A bullet that goes too high is wasted, whereas a
bullet that goes too low is a ricochet and is often more dangerous than
any other kind of bullet.
7. Section commanders are responsible that the men under their command
have sufficient standing room for the purpose of firing over the
parapet. It is very important to insure that the men have a clear field
of fire, and are able not only to see the enemy's trenches but also
the ground in the immediate vicinity of their own trench. It is of the
greatest importance to arrange that the men can fire comfortably from
the parapet and that they can get the butt comfortably into the hollow
of the shoulder when the rifle is resting on the parapet.
8. When making new trenches it should be impressed on the men that the
parapet must be at least 5 feet thick at the top in order to be bullet
proof.
9. If any part of the parapet requires repairing or altering, the
matter should be reported at once by the section commander to his
platoon sergeant, who will in turn report the matter to superior
authority.
10. The general work of repairing the trenches, fatigues, etc.,
will be carried out either by day or by night according to company
arrangements. Certain hours will be alloted for these tasks, and no
man in the company is to be employed in any kind of work out of these
hours, unless permission is obtained from O. C. company.
11. No man should ever leave his post in the trenches either by day or
by night, without the permission of the N. C. O. in charge of that post.
12. As a general rule, by night there should be at least one sentry
post to each ten yards of parapet.
13. By night double sentries should always be posted, if possible, and
no sentry should be kept on duty for a longer period than 1 hour at a
time. It should be so arranged that when one of the sentries is doing
his last 1/2 hour on sentry, his comrade will be doing his first 1/2 on
duty.
14. Sentries by night should always have their rifles resting on the
parapet ready to fire at moment's notice.
15. As few sentries as possible should be posted by day, so as to give
as much rest as possible to the remainder of the men.
16. By day any existing loop holes may be used by a sentry for
observation purposes, but this is strictly prohibited at night, =when
the sentry must look over the parapet=.
17. If a sentry is continually fired at, the section commander will
take steps to post him in another position, but not far away from the
original position.
18. By night arrangements must be made in each platoon for a N. C.
O.[2] to be continually on duty for the purpose of visiting the
sentries, etc., etc. He will report to his company officer at odd hours
and to his platoon officer at even hours.
19. Cases have occurred of men going to sleep on sentry duty. This is
the most serious crime a soldier can commit on active service. The G.
O. C. has clearly stated that in future, if any man has been convicted
by court-martial for this offense and sentenced to be shot, he will
confirm the sentence. There is no excuse for a man going to sleep on
sentry duty; if he is feeling too ill to perform this duty he should
report the fact to the N. C. O. on duty of his platoon, who will in his
turn report the matter to superior authority.
20. If an armed party of the enemy approaches the trench under a flag
of truce, they should be ordered to halt at a distance and lay down
their arms, and the matter should be reported at once to the O. C.
company. If the party fails to halt when ordered to do so, or does
not convey a flag of truce, they should immediately be fired upon. An
unarmed party should be halted the same way at a distance, and the
matter be reported to the O. C. company.
21. By night it is not necessary to challenge anyone in advance of the
trenches, but fire should be opened at once. If, however, the company
is sending out listening, working, or covering parties, these orders
should be modified, and special instructions issued to meet the case.
22. Men will be specially picked from the company for listening patrols
and as sharpshooters. These men will be given special privileges and
their work is such that they will be afforded greater opportunities of
being mentioned in dispatches.
23. It is the duty of officers and N. C. Os. to check men talking
loudly during the night, as this practice makes it impossible for the
sentries to hear any movement in front of the trenches. The Germans
take advantage of this talking by the British soldier during the night
to send listening patrols quite near to our trenches, and even build
trenches on clear moonlight nights close to our lines without our
knowledge.
24. All working parties must wear their equipment and carry their
rifles, but when actually working they can lay these on the ground
close to them.
25. All picks and shovels after use will be returned to the company
store.
26. Ration parties and parties carrying material for repairs,
etc., need not wear their equipment or carry rifles, but should be
accompanied by a fully armed N. C. O. as an escort.
27. Not more than twenty men are to be away from the company at the
same time. 1 N. C. O. and 4 men per platoon.
28. Every soldier must remember it is of the utmost importance to keep
his rifle clean and in working order whilst in the trenches. His very
life may depend upon this, as he is liable to be rushed at any moment,
either by day or by night. The dirty rifle means probably a jammed one
after the first round.
29. The first duty of a soldier, therefore, is to clean his rifle every
morning as soon as there is sufficient light to enable him to do so; an
hour will be appointed by O. C. company for this purpose. The platoon
sergeant will be responsible that section commanders superintend this
work, and inspect the rifles of their section. Any man who is found
with a dirty rifle will be made a prisoner.
30. All rifles by day to be in racks, except those used by the
sentries, and arrangements should be made by section commanders to
improvise racks if they are not provided.
31. Great care is to be exercised to keep the trenches clean and in
a sanitary condition. Platoon commanders will be responsible for the
latrines in their section of the trenches. Any man fouling the trenches
will be severely dealt with. No water is to be taken for drinking or
cooking purposes except from the water cart or tanks provided for this
purpose. Disregard of this regulation will probably cause an outbreak
of typhoid or dysentery amongst the men of the company.
32. Stretcher bearers will be stationed at a place appointed by the C.
O. If a man is wounded, information should be sent at once to these
stretcher bearers, whose duty it is to carry wounded to the aid post or
dressing station.
Men should not be taken from the firing line for this purpose.
33. No soldier is to be buried nearer than 300 yards from the trenches.
34. In each platoon a N. C. O. will be detailed for duty by day. This
N. C. O. will do no night duty, but will get a full night's rest.
His duties are to post the day sentries and to see that they are
alert and carrying out their duties correctly. He will be generally
responsible for the cleanliness of his lines and will frequently visit
the latrines. It is part of his duties to see that any loose ammunition
lying about is collected.
35. The platoon sergeant will always send, if possible, a N. C. O.[2]
to draw the rations, and this N. C. O. will be responsible for their
safe delivery. This especially applies to the issue of coke. The C. S.
M. will, prior to his day of relief from the trenches, always collect
the articles of trench equipment supplied for his company and make out
a list of the same. These articles will be handed over to the company
sergeant major of the relieving company.
36. The system of passing down messages by word of mouth, man to man,
must not be used. If an officer or N. C. O. has anything important to
report he should do so in writing. If there is no time to do this,
a special messenger should be intrusted with a verbal message which
should afterwards be confirmed in writing.
37. Special instructions have been issued as to precautions against
gas. These are to be strictly followed.
FOOTNOTES:
[Footnote 2: An acting N. C. O. will not be employed on this duty.]
BRIGADE STANDING ORDERS FOR THE TRENCHES.
=1. RELIEFS.=--(_a_) When a battalion is taking over a new line of
trenches the company commanders will invariably visit the trenches on
the day previous to that on which the relief takes place. They will
gain as much information as possible from the company commanders they
are relieving.
(_b_) An officer of each company should proceed in advance to the
trenches on the day of the relief to take over, during daylight, all
trench stores, ammunition, etc. Mutual receipts for these will be
signed.
(_c_) Machine gunners, bombers, snipers, and signalers will not be
relieved on the same day as companies. They should proceed to the
trenches 24 hours before their battalions, and take over their posts
during daylight.
(_d_) The strictest march discipline will be maintained by all parties
proceeding to or from the trenches. An officer will march in rear of
each company to ensure that it is properly closed up.
(_e_) Reliefs will be carried out as quietly as possible. No smoking
or lights will be allowed after reaching a point to be decided on by
battalion commanders.
(_f_) Guides at the rate of one per platoon, machine gun, or bombing
post will invariably be arranged for by brigade headquarters when
battalions proceed to the trenches. Likewise, when battalions are being
relieved, a similar number of guides will be detailed by them to meet
relieving units.
(_g_) On taking over a line of trenches a company commander will
at once get in touch with the companies on his right and left; he
will ascertain the position of the nearest supporting troops, of the
reserve ammunition, of any machine guns or bombing posts, and of his
battalion headquarters; he will ascertain the best and quickest means
of obtaining artillery support, and he will have all wires, including
the artillery wire, if there is one, tested. When his platoons have
taken over, and he is satisfied that all is correct, he will inform
his commanding officer by telephone that the relief of his company is
complete.
(_h_) The actual relief of trenches should be carried out in the
following manner:
The platoon being relieved gets on the firing step.
The relieving platoon files in behind and halts. On the word
"pass," which will be given quietly, being passed along, the
relieved and relieving platoons will change places. The company
commander of the relieving company will then supervise the posting
of sentries by his platoon commanders. He will satisfy himself
that each post is properly relieved and that the orders for the
post are correctly handed over. The greatest care and attention to
detail are necessary in this.
The exact frontage for which each platoon commander is responsible will
be clearly defined.
Before dismissing his company the company commander will ensure that
each man has an alarm post from which he can use his rifle freely and
fire at the bottom of our own wire entanglements. Each man must also
know the position of company headquarters, the reserve ammunition, and
latrines. Every company commander in the front line will have control
of the grenadiers employed on his front.
(_i_) Within 24 hours of taking over a new line of trenches a company
commander will forward a report on his trenches as follows:
Garrison of trench.
Field of fire.
Distance from enemy's trench.
General condition of trench.
Whether every man has a post from which he can fire at the bottom
of our own wire entanglements.
Number of efficient loopholes.
Whether the parapet is bullet proof throughout.
Whether sufficient traverses.
State of our wire.
State of enemy's wire.
Drainage.
Number of boxes of reserve ammunition.
Number of bombing posts and of bombs with each.
Number of rounds of VERY pistol ammunition.
Number of VERMOREL sprayers.
Number of gongs.
A rough sketch showing the position of bombers' posts, machine guns,
grenade stores, and reserve ammunition should accompany the report.
(_j_) Before handing over trenches, officers commanding companies
will draw up a statement containing all available information on the
following points:
Our own trenches and wire.
The enemy's trenches and wire.
Habits of the enemy.
Any part of trench which receives more than ordinary attention
from the enemy's guns.
Number of bombing posts and bombs at each.
Number of machine guns on company's front.
Work in hand or contemplated.
What artillery covers the front, and how it is best and quickest
obtained.
A list of trench stores, ammunition, etc., will also be drawn up
ready for handing over. All stores should be carefully stacked in a
convenient place. Ammunition, VERY lights, sandbags, etc., sufficient
for at least 24 hours consumption, should invariably be handed over to
the relieving unit.
(_k_) The following constitute trench stores and will be handed over on
relief:
S. A. A.
Shovels.
Picks.
Loophole plates.
Balers.
Fixed rifle batteries.
Sniperscope rifles.
Braziers.
Catapults.
Grenade throwers.
Rifle racks.
Rifle grenade firing stands.
Hand grenades.
Rifle grenades.
VERY pistol cartridges.
Gongs, bells, and alarms.
VERMOREL sprayers.
Pumps.
Reserve rations.
The following will not be handed over:
VERY pistols.
Pistols, illuminating, 1-1/2 inch.
Telescopic rifles.
Periscopes.
Telephones.
Battalion entrenching tools will not be taken to the trenches. Should
the existing tools in the trenches be considered insufficient,
application should be made to brigade headquarters for a further
supply.
=2. SENTRIES.=--As a general rule, the following numbers of sentries
will be posted:
_By day._--One sentry for every 3 bays, exclusive of bombers, snipers,
and machine gunners.
_By night, in a fog or snowstorm._--One double sentry for each bay,
exclusive of bombers and machine gunners.
Sentries will invariably be posted and relieved by a N. C. O. under the
orders of the platoon commander.
It must be recognized that no fixed rules can be laid down as regards
the number of sentries that are necessary and battalion commanders will
use their discretion in the matter. The number required will depend on
the proximity of the enemy, the tactical situation, and, above all, on
the state of our own wire entanglements.
=3. OFFICER AND N. C. Os. OF THE "WATCH."=--In every company in the
firing line the company commander will arrange for his officers to take
it in turns to be on "watch" throughout the twenty-four hours.
Likewise in each platoon the platoon commander will detail a N. C. O.
of the watch.
The officer and N. C. Os. of the watch will visit all sentries, bombing
posts, and machine guns within the area of their command once every
hour by day and by night.
At night the officer of the watch will carry a VERY pistol. VERY lights
should be used sparingly, as they are often difficult to obtain.
The time when lights are most required is when the Germans are not
sending any up.
=4. STANDING TO ARMS.=--Troops will always stand to arms one hour
before daylight and one hour before dark. They will remain under arms
in the first instance until the enemy's lines are visible, and in
the second instance until darkness comes on. At these hours company
commanders will arrange for the inspection of arms, ammunition, and
equipment by platoon commanders. The latter will satisfy themselves
that each man is in possession of two smoke helmets; ammunition will be
made up to 120 rounds per rifle when troops stand to arms.
Whenever men stand to arms company commanders will order the parapet to
be manned to insure that every man has a post from which he can fire at
the bottom of our own wire.
At the inspection of rifles at the hours of standing to arms platoon
commanders will satisfy themselves that the bolt action is working
freely. A thorough inspection of arms will be held at midday, at which
hour men will be washed and shaved.
=5. GAS ATTACKS.=--(i) It is to be impressed on all ranks that the
smoke helmet issued to them affords complete protection against all
forms of gas used by the enemy.
(ii) All ranks will invariably carry on their persons smoke helmets.
Instruction is to be given in the method of adjusting smoke helmets
rapidly, condemned helmets being used for this purpose.
(iii) Smoke helmets will be inspected at morning and evening "stand to."
(iv) The direction of the wind will be studied and special precautions
taken when it favors a gas attack by the enemy.
(v) On the first sign of gas, whether it is detected by sight or smell,
the sentries will sound the alarm gongs and bells which are hung up at
intervals throughout the trenches. On hearing this alarm every officer
and man will at once adjust his smoke helmet and fall in on his alarm
post. Nobody will remain in dugouts. To make certain of the warning
reaching everybody the order "Put on smoke helmets" will be passed from
man to man throughout the trenches held by the ---- division.
(vi) The officers in command of the trenches opposite the section of
the enemy's line from which the gas is proceeding will send the S. O.
S. call to the artillery, and will order rapid fire to be opened on the
enemy trenches. Neighboring sectors of defense will be at once warned.
(vii) When the gas cloud is sufficiently thick to hide the enemy's
front parapets, machine guns and rifles will open fire in short bursts
on fixed lines covering the enemy's trenches, in order to inflict
casualties, pierce gas tubes, and break up the density of the enemy's
gas cloud.
(viii) Garrisons of trenches on the flanks of the front threatened will
be prepared to open a flanking fire on the enemy should he attempt to
advance from his front line.
(ix) As soon as the S. O. S. call has been sent to the artillery,
messages will be sent to brigade H. Q. and the artillery "Gas
trench(es)________________________________."
(x) Rifle bolts and machine-gun crank handles to be worked backwards
and forwards while gas is about, to prevent the gas from impairing the
action.
(xi) Vermorel sprayers to be used in trenches and dugouts in the
affected area as soon as the gas has passed over, in order that gas
helmets may be taken off.
(xii) Measures will be taken to prevent stragglers.
=6. FIXING OF BAYONETS.=--Bayonets will always be fixed during the
hours of darkness, during a snowstorm, or thick mist, or when the
proximity of the enemy renders this course advisable.
=7. COUNTER ATTACKS.=--As soon as possible after taking over a new line
battalion commanders will draw up and submit to brigade headquarters
their scheme for counter attacking the enemy should he gain possession
of any part of their line.
In framing this scheme it must be borne in mind that in every line of
trenches there are certain points which would be of value to the enemy
if captured by him, whereas there are others which would be of little
use to him.
Should the enemy attack and occupy any portion of our trenches he will
be immediately counter attacked and driven out by the nearest body of
troops. All ranks must clearly understand that counter attacks made at
once and without hesitation will usually be sucessful, even if made by
small numbers, but that a counter attack, once the enemy has been given
time to establish himself, is a very difficult and costly operation.
=8. MINES.=--Should the enemy fire a mine in or near our trenches the
crater thus formed will be immediately occupied by the nearest troops.
This order will be made known to all ranks.
=9. FIRING BY DAY AND NIGHT.=--By day men will only fire when a target
offers itself. If the enemy is in the habit of showing himself at any
particular point, the attention of the platoon commander should be
drawn to it. The latter will inform the battalion sniping officer, who
will tell off a sniper's post to watch the spot.
By night all firing must be organized. If the enemy is believed to
be working on his trenches or wire, the company commander will give
directions to his platoon commanders to fire five rounds rapid at
certain stated times. He will first ascertain that no patrols from
neighboring companies will be out at these hours.
A certain number of fixed rifles will be placed in every trench and
fired by the sentries. These rifles will be laid on certain selected
spots.
Indiscriminate firing by day or night is forbidden.
If the enemy attacks, rapid fire will be opened without waiting for
orders.
=10. COMPANY MEETINGS.=--Officers commanding companies will hold
meetings of their platoon commanders and N. C. Os. each evening in the
trenches. Only a few officers and N. C. Os. should be present at each
meeting. At these meetings the following points should be discussed:
Work required to place our trenches in a better state of defense
and to improve the comfort of the men.
Work to be done during the next 24 hours.
It is essential that all work which has to be carried out at night
is explained to all noncommissioned officers in daylight.
Any alterations noticed in the enemy's trenches or wire.
What steps can be taken to annoy and harass the enemy.
Action in case of attack.
=11. WORK ON TRENCHES.=--Work on trenches should as far as possible be
carried out during daylight.
=12. GARRISONS OF TRENCHES.=--It is an invariable rule that during
daylight the front-line trenches should be held as lightly as is
compatible with safety. At night the garrison must be strengthened.
The actual strength of garrisons will be governed by the tactical
situation and by the number of support and communicating trenches at
hand.
With proper support and communicating trenches only sentries and
snipers should be in the front-line trenches during daylight. To these
will be added bombers if there are any old communicating trenches
leading to the enemy's lines or if the proximity of the enemy demands
their presence.
=13. DISCIPLINE.=--(_a_) Sleeping in the front line trenches will not
be allowed unless there is an absence of support trenches.
(_b_) No dugouts will be constructed without the permission of the
battalion commander. All dugouts must be made splinter proof. Work on
them will not be commenced until sufficient material is at hand. If it
can be avoided dugouts will not be constructed in the fire trenches.
(_c_) No man will leave the trenches without permission from an
officer. This order will be made known to all ranks.
(_d_) Cooking should not take place in the front-line trenches.
Whenever possible cooking will be done under company arrangements in
order that the men may have their meals at regular hours.
Washing and shaving should be carried out in support trenches when
possible.
(_e_) All parties moving within the trench area will be correctly
marched by an officer or N. C. O.
(_f_) Orderly room should be held daily in the trenches unless
circumstances render this impossible.
(_g_) Sentries are strictly forbidden to wear any covering over the
ears.
(_h_) An officer will always be present when an issue of rum takes
place.
(_i_) Equipment will never be taken off in the front-line trenches
except in the case of working parties, when equipment may be removed by
order of the company commanders. In support trenches equipment may be
removed at the discretion of battalion commanders.
(_j_) Sentries will remain standing at all times unless the height of
the parapet renders this impossible.
(_k_) All parties, with the exception of stretcher bearers, moving
in the trench area will wear their arms and equipment. Orderlies may
be excused wearing their equipment at the discretion of commanding
officers.
(_l_) The wearing of cotton bandoliers by working parties and orderlies
is forbidden, nor are these bandoliers to be hung up in the trenches.
(_m_) Ammunition must be kept in a thoroughly clean state. If the
ammunition is not clean jambs will occur. Ammunition will be frequently
inspected.
(_n_) The "undercutting" of trenches is strictly forbidden. Drains will
always be cut down the center of a trench and not at the sides.
(_o_) When mining is in progress in any of the trenches occupied by the
brigade the sandbags filled with earth from the mine will on no account
be used in the front trenches or other points which are visible to the
enemy.
=14. RECONNAISSANCE AND PATROLLING.=--The best security against attack
is active patrolling and constant observation of the enemy's lines, so
that he can not undertake any new work without steps being taken to
prevent its continuance.
The enemy's wire will be constantly patrolled to insure that he has cut
no gaps in it with a view to launching an attack.
Patrols will also frequently visit our wire to insure that it is
efficient.
The front of our own fire parapet should be examined nightly.