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Trench Warfare: A Manual for Officers and Men

Chapter 29: ORGANIZATION OF BOMBING SQUADS
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About This Book

A practical manual offers step-by-step guidance for locating, excavating, and defending trench systems, treating dugouts, revetments, floors and drainage, communication and support trenches, and observation and listening posts. It covers field fortifications and obstacles such as wire entanglements, abatis, fougasses, and barricades, and details explosives, hand grenades, gas agents and respirators, plus bomb organization and training. Tactical and daily duties for small-unit leaders are described, including patrols, sniping, machine-gun emergency use, reliefs and working parties, while chapters address sanitation, dumps, latrines and prevention of trench ailments. Illustrative sketches and practical notes accompany procedural recommendations and materials guidance.

ORGANIZATION OF BOMBING SQUADS

Every infantry soldier must and does receive instruction in grenade throwing. Some men do not possess the temperament and qualifications necessary to make efficient bombers, and for this reason in every platoon there should be a bombing squad of one N. C. O. and 8 men, with a higher degree of training and efficiency as bomb throwers than the remainder, although all hope must not be given up for the remainder.

These men are available either to work with the platoon or to provide a reserve of bombers for any special job, such as raids, cutting-out parties, and clearing trenches just occupied. Only the very best men in each platoon should be chosen, taking into consideration physique, courage and steadiness, although it is not always the big man physically that makes the best bomber. The responsibility for the training of these men rests with the battalion and company commanders.