field glasses, etc., to ascertain information about the enemy, his
trenches and wire. Any alterations in the enemy's lines must be
reported, and if any of the enemy are seen a report will be sent in
stating what dress they were wearing. The importance of forwarding all
such information will be impressed on all ranks.
=16. SNIPING.=--In every battalion a sniping section will be formed,
consisting of 1 officer and 25 N. C. O.'s and men. The officer will
carry out the duties of intelligence officer to his battalion. He
will render a daily report to his commanding officer containing the
following information:
Number of casualties known to have been inflicted on the enemy.
Number and location of snipers' posts.
Any alterations in the enemy's trenches or wire.
Number of telescope rifles in possession.
Number and location of fixed rifles and rifle batteries in action.
Any activity by the enemy.
Battalion sniping officers will get into close touch with artillery
observing officers within their sectors, and will give every assistance
to them.
=17. ARTILLERY SUPPORT.=--As a general rule, a forward observing
officer of an 18-pounder battery will be quartered at or near battalion
H. Q.
Requests for retaliation should be made to this officer, and brigade H.
Q. should be warned of the action taken.
Fire from howitzers and heavy batteries can, except in the case of the
S. O. S. signal, only be obtained through brigade H. Q. If retaliatory
fire is required from howitzers, it must be stated on what point it is
wished that the fire should be directed.
Any trench mortaring by the enemy should be immediately reported to the
officer commanding our trench mortars.
=18. "S. O. S." AND "TEST" SIGNALS.=--In the event of an infantry
attack by the enemy, a mine being fired, or other emergency, the S. O.
S. signal will be sent by the quickest route to the Field Artillery
battery covering the trenches concerned.
_The signal will be followed by the number of the trench, e.g., "S. O. S.
B4."_
The signal will be repeated to battalion H. Q., who will transmit it to
brigade H. Q.
On receipt of the S. O. S. signal all batteries covering the trenches
concerned will open a concentrated fire on the enemy's front line.
When necessity for fire no longer exists, a message to this effect will
be sent to the artillery and to brigade H. Q.
In order to test the efficient working of the artillery lines, "test"
messages will frequently be sent from the trenches to the supporting
battery.
The number of the trench will always be sent, e.g., "Test A 6."
The test will consist of one round of shrapnel fired on the "night
line" of the battery. No target will be given by the officer in the
trenches.
The time taken from the handing in of the message until the shell
bursts will be carefully noted and reported to battalion H. Q. The O.
C. battalion will enter the result of all tests in his daily report.
He will give the exact time at which the test was sent and will state
whether it was a "direct" or an "indirect" test. A "direct" test is
from trench to battery. An "indirect" test is from trench via battalion
H. Q. to battery.
=19. VERMOREL SPRAYERS.=--One man will be detailed to look after each
sprayer. A spare tin of solution will be kept with each sprayer.
Medical officers will periodically inspect both sprayers and solution.
=20. HOSTILE ARTILLERY FIRE.=--In reporting activity by the enemy's
artillery it is necessary to state:
(i) The time at which shelling began and when it ceased.
(ii) Your own position.
(iii) Whether howitzer or gun.
(iv) Direction from which shells arrive. Compass bearing should be
given if possible.
(v) Whether shells burst in the air or on "graze."
In reporting results of our own fire, state:
(i) Your own position.
(ii) Estimate distances short, over, right, or left, in yards.
Avoid vague statements.
(iii) Whether gun or howitzer.
(iv) Whether shrapnel or high explosive.
If shrapnel bursts in the air, judge whether range is correct by the
splash of the bullets on the ground and not by the burst.
=21. AIRCRAFT.=--On the approach of any of the enemy's aircraft three
blasts will be blown on a whistle. This will be the signal for all
ranks to keep perfectly still.
One blast on a whistle will indicate that the aircraft has moved away.
All aircraft belonging to the enemy will be heavily fired on by machine
guns and rifles as long as they are within range, but no firing will
take place without the order of an officer, who will first satisfy
himself that the aircraft is hostile. Directions should be given to
the men as to how many lengths in front of the aeroplane aim should be
taken. If a "Zeppelin" is sighted, a "priority" message will be sent to
brigade H. Q. reporting the fact and stating approximately where the
"Zeppelin" was seen and in what direction it was proceeding.
=22. MAPS.=--Maps with our own trenches marked on them will not be
taken into the front-line trenches.
=23. TELEPHONE MESSAGES.=--No messages regarding the action of our
own Artillery or other matters of an important nature will be sent by
telephone to the fire trenches. Such messages will be sent by orderly.
This is necessary because it has been found that the enemy has, at
times, read our messages by induction.
=24. SIGNALERS.=--The brigade signaling section is responsible for the
maintenance of communication between brigade H. Q. and battalions.
Battalion signalers are responsible for communications within the
battalion.
All wires must be pinned in to the sides of trenches. Infantry wires on
the S. and E. sides and Artillery wires on the N. and W. sides.
Pins for this purpose can be obtained from brigade headquarters.
All wires will be labeled with the name of the battalion at least every
50 yards.
Officers in charge of battalion signalers are responsible that all
disused or unlabeled wires within their areas are reeled up.
All wires will be patroled at least once every 24 hours.
=25. MEDICAL OFFICERS.=--Medical officers attached to battalions will,
in addition to looking after the sick and wounded, be responsible for
the sanitation of the trenches generally, paying particular attention
to the water supply and latrines. Battalion sanitary sections will work
under the orders of the medical officer.
The medical officer will accompany the commanding officer periodically
on his visits round the trenches.
Stretcher bearers are responsible that the rifles and equipment
(including field glasses, wire cutters, etc.), of all men who are
wounded are taken with them to the dressing station. The medical
officer will instruct the N. C. O. i/c stretcher bearers to see that
this order is carried out.
The arms and equipment of wounded men will be sent to the field
ambulance with them, the ammunition having first been removed from
pouches and magazines. Field glasses, wire cutters, etc., will not be
sent to the field ambulance but will be sent to battalion headquarters.
The arms and equipment of men who are killed will be collected at
battalion headquarters and handed over to the quartermaster for return
to the base.
=26. RATION PARTIES.=--Parties to carry rations, water, and material to
the companies in the front line will be detailed from the companies in
reserve.
=27. EMPTY CARTRIDGE CASES AND RUBBISH.=--At intervals throughout the
trenches sandbags will be hung up as receptacles for empty cartridge
cases and chargers. Others will be hung up for the collection of
rubbish. Sandbags to be labeled accordingly. All empty cases and
chargers thus collected will be sent each evening to battalion H. Q.
for transmission to the base.
=28. DRESS, ETC.=--Men must be properly dressed at all times and as
smart and clean as circumstances will allow.
All men must shave daily.
Discipline as regards saluting, standing to attention, etc., will
receive as much attention in the trenches as in billets.
=29. PRISONERS.=--Should any prisoners be captured they will be
immediately searched, and all documents found on them will be forwarded
to brigade H. Q. without delay. Germans usually carry all documents
in the skirt pockets of their tunics. A telephone message will be
dispatched to brigade H. Q. stating to what regiment the prisoners
belong.
All ranks will be warned that should they find themselves in the hands
of the enemy it is only necessary for them to give their number, name,
and regiment. No other information whatever will be given.
=30. RETURNS.=--The following returns are due at brigade H. Q. daily
when in the trenches:--
At 5.15 a. m.--Situation and wind By telephone.
At 11.00 a. m.--Strength and casualty return "
Daily report on typed form By orderly.
Artillery intelligence report "
At 4.00 p. m.--Situation and wind By telephone.
At 5.30 p. m.--Intelligence report By orderly or telephone.
At 9.00 p. m.--Return of material required for
trench construction to be sent
up the following evening By telephone.
Activity by the enemy's aeroplanes will always be reported.
_______,
_Brigade Major, ______ Brigade_.
55TH (WEST LANCASHIRE) DIVISION TRENCH ORDERS.
THIS BOOK IS NOT TO BE TAKEN BEYOND THE FRONT TRENCHES.
Every officer, and every noncommissioned officer in command of any body
of troops, is to be in possession of this book and to be thoroughly
conversant with its contents.
J. K. COCHRANE,
_Lieut. Colonel, General Staff_,
_55th (West Lancashire) Division_.
JANUARY, 1917.
CONTENTS.
Section.
Duties 1
Sentries 2
Patrols 3
Alertness 4
Stand to 5
Arrangements in case of attack 6
Machine guns 7
Cooperation between artillery, etc 8
Method of dealing with crater formed by mine explosion 9
Reliefs--
(_a_) Reconnaissance 10
(_b_) Points to be noted by company commander 10
(_c_) Guides 10
(_d_) Smoking and talking 10
(_e_) Rate of march to trenches 10
(_f_) Procedure on arrival in trenches 10
Wiring 11
Organization of work on defenses 12
Log books 13
Undercutting trench sides 14
Communications 15
Ration parties from front trenches 16
Firing at aeroplanes 17
Rifles, equipment, and ammunition 18
Precautions against gas attacks 19
Action during enemy gas attack 20
Action after enemy gas attack 21
Action during gas shell bombardment 22
Discipline with regard to carrying small box respirators 23
Vermorel sprayers 24
Sanitation 25
Rations and cooking 26
Care of grenades 27
Steel helmets 28
Issue of rum 29
Chilled feet and frost bite 30
55TH (WEST LANCASHIRE) DIVISION TRENCH ORDERS.
=1. DUTIES.=--(_a_) One officer per company and one N. C. O. 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, if possible, by an officer once
during his tour of duty.
(_b_) The officer on duty will, when his tour of duty is finished,
inform the officer relieving him and report to him the situation, work
in progress, and any other information of use.
(_c_) 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 about the enemy to report.
(_d_) The N. C. O. coming on duty will go around and post new sentries
with the N. C. O. coming off duty.
(_e_) The length of each tour of duty will naturally 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 night commencing at evening "stand to." In
inclement weather the tour of duty must be reduced.
(_f_) N. C. O.'s after posting sentries will report "all correct" or
otherwise to the officer on duty.
(_g_) Men will be warned for duty by the platoon sergeant 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_) 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.
(_j_) When possible to do so, notice boards will be placed in each
sections' 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 duties.
(_k_) The company commander will be responsible for sending in the
reports required by battalion H. Q.
=2. SENTRIES.=--(_a_) The number of sentry posts required depends on
the propinquity or otherwise of the enemy, the strength of obstacles,
the ease with which sentry posts can be reinforced, and other local
conditions. There must be sentries enough to insure that the alarm
is given promptly in case of attack, and that local resistance is
sufficient until support can arrive. Brigade commanders are responsible
that these requirements are met.
(_b_) Sentries will be relieved every two hours, except under bad
weather conditions, when the length of a tour of sentry duty will be
reduced.
(_c_) The next relief will remain within arm's length of the sentry.
(_d_) Every sentry is to be regularly posted by a N. C. O., who will
explain to him his duties and ascertain that the sentry and his relief
are 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.
(_e_) In important places, i.e., where enemy are suspected of mining,
advanced posts, etc., no man should be posted alone. There should be a
double sentry.
(_f_) No man who has been on work during the day will be placed
on sentry till he has had at least 4 hours for rest, unless it is
unavoidable.
(_g_) When the line is held by small posts at a considerable distance
apart, a visiting patrol will also be maintained. This patrol will be
responsible for the passing of orders along the line of posts.
(_h_) All orders are to be passed along the line by one platoon N. C.
O. on duty to the next N. C. O. on duty.
(_i_) Every sentry is to report when an officer passes his post "all
correct" or otherwise.
(_j_) During daylight no more sentries should be posted than are
actually necessary to insure that the whole front to be watched is kept
under efficient observation.
(_k_) Every sentry by day will be provided with a periscope.
=3. PATROLS.=--(_a_) It is the duty of troops holding the front line to
establish a command of the ground in front of their parapet up to the
enemy's wire. This can only be done by active and constant patrolling
by night and reconnaissance by day, so that the ground is thoroughly
well known to as large a proportion as possible of officers and other
ranks, and so that no enemy can move or remain in it by day or night
without fear of death.
(_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 an especially favorable opportunity presents itself
of inflicting loss on the enemy without prejudice to their mission.
They usually consist of from 2 to 6 men under an officer.
(_d_) Fighting patrols are sent out with the express purpose of causing
loss or damage to the enemy by such means as engaging enemy 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 on the nature of the resistance
they are likely to meet with.
(_e_) Battalion 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
are warned when and where patrols will be out, and of the point to
which they will return.
(_f_) The 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 on his return and
dispatched at once by way of the battalion H. Q. to brigade H. Q.,
unless orders to the contrary have been given.
=4. 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 by anyone who
observes it and at any time.
=5. STAND TO.=--"Stand to" will take place one hour before sunrise and
at sunset. At this parade every available man will be present. Rifles,
ammunition, equipment, clothing, etc., will be inspected. Firing steps
will be tested as soon as it is dusk to see that each man can fire on
the foot of the nearest part of the wire entanglements immediately to
his front. They are not to be tested at "stand to" in the morning.
Rifles, ammunition, and equipment will be inspected after "stand down"
in the morning and at "stand to" at night. Orders will be issued and
steps taken to see that the men understand them. Gas helmets and other
protective appliances will be inspected in accordance with the orders
in force.
The time for "stand to" will be fixed weekly by brigade headquarters.
=6. ARRANGEMENTS IN CASE OF ATTACK.=--(_a_) The action to be taken
in case of attack is laid down in defense schemes, divisional,
brigade, and battalion, with reference to each form of attack which is
considerable probable.
(_b_) In addition, minor defense schemes will be drawn up for each
company front, based on battalion defense schemes, and platoon
commanders also will keep up schemes based on that for the company and
dealing specially with the action of their respective platoons.
(_c_) All the above schemes, divisional, brigade, battalion, company,
and platoon, will be handed over at each relief to the relieving
formation, unit, etc. They will be made out in consultation by the
formations, units, etc., habitually occupying the defenses with which
they deal.
(_d_) The object of defense schemes is to insure that every officer,
N. C. O., and man knows what to do in case of attack, and does it
instinctively and promptly. The minor schemes must therefore be
detailed and exact, and each officer and man must have his duties
thoroughly explained to him by his immediate superior. All defense
schemes will be rehearsed once in each relief.
(_e_) At each relief of a battalion, company, or platoon the commander
of it will report to his immediate commander that he has taken over and
understands the defense schemes for the position he is occupying.
(_f_) All officers' servants, bombers, orderlies, etc., will have
duties allotted to them in case of attack.
=7. MACHINE GUNS.=--(_a_) The concealment of machine-gun emplacements
is important; consequently it is only in case of attack that machine
guns will be fired from their defense emplacements.
(_b_) Unless emplacements are well concealed guns will not be mounted,
except between evening and morning "stand to."
(_c_) The guns and their crews will be tactically under the orders of
the battalion commander in whose subsector they are located, but no
alteration will be made by him in their disposition or arcs of fire; he
will, however, bring before his brigade commander any suggestion for
improvement in the machine-gun dispositions for defense.
(_d_) Two men per gun will always be on duty with the gun.
(_e_) At dusk, but while there is still sufficient light, each gun will
be laid on the center line of the zone alloted to it.
(_f_) Range cards will be prepared and kept with each gun.
(_g_) Officers will live in close proximity to their guns. They will
daily inspect their guns, emplacements, and ammunition. They are
responsible for the cleanliness and maintenance of the emplacements.
(_h_) The machine-gun company commander is responsible that his guns
are always ready for action, that the emplacements are clear of all
material except such as is required for the service of the gun, that
embrasures or loopholes are kept clear of all obstructions which
may interfere with fire or view, and that the ammunition is in good
condition.
=8. COOPERATION BETWEEN ARTILLERY, INFANTRY, MACHINE-GUN COMPANIES, AND
TRENCH MORTAR BATTERIES.=--The defense of any line depends largely on
the cordial cooperation of all officers responsible for the different
means of defense. Every opportunity is to be taken by officers of
artillery, infantry, machine-gun companies, and trench mortar batteries
of becoming personally acquainted with each other and gaining a
knowledge of each other's methods. The Artillery liaison officer with a
battalion is to be looked on as temporarily a member of battalion H. Q.
=9. PRECAUTIONS WHEN ONE OF OUR MINES IS EXPLODED.=--(_a_) 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.
(_b_) On any front where enemy mining exists, or is suspected, detailed
schemes of action will be prepared, under the direction of the brigade
commander, to deal with any case of a mine being blown within or
without our trench line; and specially organized parties will be kept
in immediate readiness for prompt occupation of the crater, where this
is advisable (as in the case of a crater within or near our trench
line), or for dealing with enemy action. All stores required for
consolidation will be kept handy at a special dump in instant readiness
and made up into man loads. The orders for action, down to the minutest
detail, will be incorporated in the defense scheme and made known to
every individual who may have to carry them out.
=10. RELIEFS.=--(_a_) =Reconnaissance.=--Prior to taking over a new
line of trenches, the commanding officer, adjutant, and company
commanders of battalions, and the commanders of M. G. Coys. and trench
mortar batteries, will reconnoiter the trenches.
(_b_) =Points to be noted by company commanders.=--_The following,
among others, are points to be specially noted by company commanders
before taking over trenches_:
(i) Number of men holding line to be taken over and distribution.
(ii) Shelter accommodation.
(iii) Work being done and proposed.
(iv) Condition of the wire and defenses generally.
(v) Information as to the enemy, his habits, snipers, the work he is
doing, etc.
(vi) Water supply.
(vii) Artillery support.
(viii) Communications.
(_c_) =Guides.=--(i) Arrangements will be made between the C. O.'s of
incoming and outgoing battalions as to the rendezvous where guides
will be provided by the latter to conduct the incoming troops to the
trenches.
(ii) One guide per platoon, one for each company H. Q., and one for
battalion H. Q. 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.
(_d_) =Smoking and talking.=--After leaving the rendezvous there is to
be no smoking or talking till arrival in the trenches.
(_e_) =Rate of march to trenches.=--The rate of marching to the
trenches from billets will not exceed 2 miles an hour.
Strictest march discipline is to be enforced on the way to and from the
trenches.
(_f_) =Procedure on arrival in trenches.=--(i) The troops being
relieved will not leave the trenches until the relieving troops are
in position and new sentries have been posted, all trench stores have
been handed over and receipts received, and orders to move have been
received from the company commander.
(ii) 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.
(iii) They will examine the ammunition and grenade stores, vermorel
sprayers, and antigas solution.
(iv) Battalion H. Q. will report to brigade H. Q. as soon as relief is
completed.
When the relief is completed company commanders will report to that
effect to battalion H. Q.
When shelters are some way behind the fire trench they should not be
used during the first night of relief.
(v) Men will not be dismissed until the company commander has received
reports from all his platoon commanders that everything is in order. On
taking over trenches the garrison will "Stand to" at alarm posts before
being dismissed.