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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.
Mr. J. S. Smith, the author of this book, is an American, born in Philadelphia, who enlisted in the 29th Vancouver Battalion in the fall of 1914. He saw service along the Belgian front, and in August 1916 was given a commission in the British Army. He is now (June, 1917) serving with the British Expeditionary Force on the French front.