Trench Warfare: A Manual for Officers and Men

Chapter 35: GOING INTO THE TRENCHES

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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.

GOING INTO THE TRENCHES

Platoons generally enter by not more than two sections at a time, thus minimizing the danger from shell fire and delay at entrance to communication trenches.

Before leaving billets, platoon commanders should explain fully to sergeants and sections commanders the extent of trench to be taken over and the steps to be taken in case they are caught by shelling or rapid fire going up to the trenches. Arrangements should also be made that if casualties occur among the soldiers, relief will proceed as arranged.