Chapter II: Part 2

=General Efficiency and Resourcefulness.= When a unit goes into the trenches the success with which it meets depends entirely on the degree of efficiency and resourcefulness and physical condition of the men. We are taught in the different Training Manuals that the British forces do not retreat and should it be necessary that from a tactical or strategical standpoint the commanders of our forces consider it necessary to give ground, the movement is carried out under what is known as a rear guard action and must not under any circumstances be considered in the nature of a defeat, the reason for this being that with anything like equality in numbers, equipment and armament, we are more than a match for the fighting forces of any other nation. Assuming this to be true, it is not so much the training in the building of our trenches that our men require as the training that will enable them on occupying the enemy’s trenches to reconstruct and repair them to meet our own requirements. This work has often to be carried out in daylight and under fire, making it necessary for the men to work in a prone position. It is therefore necessary that the men be skilled in the use of the digging and cutting tools used in trench warfare in order that accordingly as we occupy the enemy’s trenches they may be consolidated for our use and kept in repair as long as they are required for fighting, communication or storage trenches. By this means the ground we gain is consolidated for our purposes as we advance. On the other hand, if we do not consolidate our position as we advance we are left more or less in a state of unpreparedness and give the enemy a chance to launch a counter-attack with good results. All the training that our men can possibly receive on the subjects of musketry, bomb throwing, etc., that fits them for trench warfare is practically lost unless they are thoroughly skilled in the use of the trench digging and cutting tools, in which they require as much training as in the use of the rifle. This can only be accomplished by a systematic arrangement and carrying out of practices in trenches which are built for that purpose. To accomplish the desired results special attention should be given to the instruction and training that will enable a soldier to use intelligently the different kinds of material which may come to hand. For example, our men may be taught to repair a trench by the use of sandbags, sods and brushwood, but might not be able to obtain these materials. At the same time back of the lines there might be all kinds of bale wire, packing cases, cull lumber, etc., by means of which, with a little instruction, the same work of repairing the trench might be accomplished. It is only by getting down into the ground and working out these problems for ourselves and making note of the little things, not being above taking suggestions from the last private in the ranks, that we will be efficient to a degree necessary to outwit and defeat our ever industrious and systematic enemy.

=Note.--In the following lectures blackboard illustrations may be
used with good results.=

LECTURE V.

FRONTAL ATTACK.

=Preparation and Organization.= In trench warfare, when our movements are changed from the defensive to the offensive, it is necessary to choose certain sections of the enemy’s front line of trenches. These are chosen from a tactical point of view, and after having been occupied and consolidated to our use become the bases from which enfilade attacks are directed to the flanks and front, by means of which we extend and connect our positions. The Officers and their Staffs ordering the offensive, make a very careful study of the neighborhood in the sections to be occupied from maps and sketches which have been compiled from information gained by the Air Service and Reconnaisance. They finally decide the exact extent of front which will be occupied in each case by direct frontal attack. The extent of front in each case is never greater than is absolutely necessary, and is clearly defined in orders. Every officer taking a part in the assault is supplied with maps and sketches, which constitute part of his orders.

(Note the necessity for every officer being able to make a study of a locality from information given on maps and sketches.)

Arrangements are made for the co-operation of the different arms of the service taking part in the assault, such as the engineers, artillery, air service and infantry. A schedule or program is arranged covering the movements of the different arms of the service, which are carried out by time-table, each Officer and Non-Commissioned Officer having correct divisional time.

Arrangements are made for reinforcements, ammunition, supplies and materials necessary to carry out the attack and consolidate the new positions to be taken, also for the establishment and maintenance of communication. Artillery fire is directed on the positions to be occupied, also on the trenches to each flank and the rear of the same, and on the enemy’s obstacles for a period of from thirty minutes to several hours prior to the advancing of the infantry.

Saps are run out in front of our obstacles and as much progress as possible is made in joining up the sapheads to form a new line of trenches from which to deliver the actual assault without the hindrance of our own obstacles.

Our troops are massed as near as possible to the front line in readiness for the assault. The supplies of ammunition and material are brought forward to as convenient a position as possible, to be taken into the new position at the first opportunity.

Saps are extended towards the enemy’s machine gun positions and any positions from which they could supply cover fire, and bombs are thrown from these to finish the work of the artillery in the destruction of the same.

At the time arranged in the program the artillery cease fire on the enemy’s obstacles and our wire cutters advance, covered by bomb fire, to finish the work of the artillery in the destruction of the obstacles. The wire-cutters are armed with axes, saws, billhooks, crowbars, wire-cutters, and high explosive bombs, and when they have cleared the way sufficiently for our men to pass, the signal is given and the first line of bayonet men goes forward accompanied by a few bombers. They are joined in the attack by the wire-cutters.

The first line is followed by a second line and possibly a third, before the section of the enemy’s trench is occupied.

=The Assault.= The assault may be said to be classified under three heads, as follows:--

1. SUPPRESSION OF THE ENEMY’ FIRE.
2. DESTRUCTION OF THE ENEMY’S OBSTACLES.
3. THE ACTUAL DELIVERY OF THE ASSAULT.

LECTURE VI.

CONSOLIDATING THE GROUND GAINED.

=Consolidating the Ground Gained.= Immediately we have occupied the new positions, it is necessary to reorganize our forces (the flanks being protected by bombing parties while this work is being carried out). The different parties and reliefs necessary are formed, as follows:

(A) SENTRIES AND RELIEFS.
(B) RECONSTRUCTION AND REPAIR PARTIES.
(C) SAPPERS AND DIGGERS.
(D) SUPPLY PARTY.
(E) COMMUNICATION MEN.

=Sentries and Reliefs.= (A) In each bay of the trench it is necessary at all times to have one man on sentry and, as a rule, three men in relief, and it is very important that means be provided that the reliefs get the necessary rest and sleep. Accordingly, shallow sleeping-out pits are provided in the rear of the trenches for that purpose. This work is accomplished by the sappers and the diggers with the assistance of the reliefs.

=Reconstruction and Repair.= (B) It is very important that the reconstruction and repair work be got under way as quickly as possible after occupying the new position, as any lack of time affords the enemy an excellent chance to launch a counter-attack. Accordingly, the entire party are put to work until this object is accomplished. Communication trenches and other trenches along which we do not intend to extend our frontage at the present time will be double-blocked by the use of sandbags, sentries being placed to guard same. What was the enemy’s communication trench prior to our occupation now really becomes our sapheads, so it is necessary to construct positions in these from which we can throw bombs to keep the enemy in the next line of trenches at his distance until such time as we are prepared to extend our position in that direction. The work of reversing the fire trench (what was the enemy’s parados now becomes our parapet) must be completed as soon as possible, and means of egress from the trenches must be supplied in order that every man can advance at the same instant should occasion arise.

(C) At the earliest opportunity it will be necessary to connect up our new position with our old by a continuation of what were formerly our sapheads, to enable us to get in our supply of reinforcements, materials, food, water and ammunition.

(D) It will be the duty of men reinforcing to bring forward a supply of ammunition, bombs and materials for reconstruction and consolidation of the new position and a supply of food and water.

(E) Arrangements will have been previously made for a line of communication men to establish telephone and telegraph communication and to maintain same.

LECTURE VII.

ENFILADE ATTACK.

=Enfilading Parties and Reliefs.= Having occupied the section of trenches as pre-arranged, and consolidated same under cover of bomb fire, we use this as a base from which to extend our position to the flanks and front along the enemy’s trenches, by means of enfilading parties.

An enfilading party may consist of three or more men. When it consists of three men, they are the BAYONET MAN, the THROWER, and the CARRIER. The bayonet man is really a trench scout, who proceeds ahead and is armed with a RIFLE and BAYONET, or, better still, a PAIR OF PISTOLS. His duties are to spy out the trench and pass back information to the thrower as to the locality and direction of the bays in front. In giving information to the thrower as to the location of different points which he wants bombed, the clock method may be used; the thrower’s position being the centre of an imaginary dial and twelve o’clock directly in front and in line with the section of the trench from which the thrower is throwing. It can be easily seen that by this method information can be given the thrower as to the bends and twists of the trench. Another method the trench scout may use is merely pointing the direction in which he wants the bomb placed, and denoting the number of yards distant. The trench scout should be very careful in watching out for loopholes through traverses from which the enemy could guard against the approach of an enfilading party, also give information when an island traverse or communicating trench is reached. In the former case it will be necessary for an additional scout, one to proceed each way. In the latter case, sandbags will probably be required to double-block the communicating trench and information passed back to this effect so that supply men can rush them forward for that purpose.

It is necessary that the trench scout be a very wide-awake, careful and resourceful man, and have his wits about him at all times.

In the absence of an officer or N.C.O. in the enfilading party the thrower commands and is responsible that signals be given that the artillery know the exact extent of our frontage at all times. This is done by means of a flag which is khaki colored on the enemy’s side and red on our own side, so that it can be easily picked up by our artillery, the flag being maintained in a correct position by the use of a double flag-staff. At night the signal may be given by the use of flashes or any other pre-arranged signals.

The carrier’s duty is to follow up and keep supplied with a stock of bombs, and to pass back information, messages and orders.

SYLLABUS.

PRELIMINARY TRAINING.

Period of Six Days.

Each Day--Fall in, 8:45 a.m., 1:45 p.m. Roll called by 9 a.m. and 2 p.m.

Class, divided in four squads, take turns in cleaning up.

First Day--

9:00- 9:45--Lecture IV., Bombers’ Training, Part I.
9:45-10:30--Make jam-tin dummies.
10:30-10:45--Stand easy.
10:45-12:15--Throwing practices.
2:00- 2:45--Lecture I., Explosives.
2:45- 3:15--Make powder-puffs and jam-tin dummies.
3:15- 3:30--Stand easy.
3:30- 4:30--Throwing practices.

Second Day--

9:00- 9:45--Lesson II., Explosives.
9:45-10:30--Make jam-tin dummies and powder-puffs.
10:30-10:45--Stand easy.
10:45-12:15--Throwing practices.
2:00- 2:45--Lecture III., Part I.
2:45- 3:30--Make jam-tins and hair-brushes.
3:30- 3:45--Stand easy.
3:45- 4:30--Throwing practices.

Third Day--

9:00- 9:45--Lecture III., Part II.
9:45-12:15--Digging trenches in relays.
2:00- 2:45--Lecture IV., Part II.
2:45- 4:30--Digging trenches and saps in relays.

Fourth Day--

9:00- 9:45--Lecture V., with blackboard illustrations.
9:45-12:15--Finish trenches and saps and carry out
dummy frontal attack with bombs.
2:00- 2:45--Lecture VI.
2:45- 4:30--Repair and reconstruct trench (consolidate).

Fifth Day--

9:00- 9:45--Lecture VII., Enfilade Attack (b.b. illus.)
9:45-10:30--Make jam-tins and hair-brush bombs.
10:30-12:15--Enfilade attack in trenches.
2:00- 2:45--Lecture, review and oral exams.
2:45- 3:30--Trench practices in passing sandbags and
uses of materials repairing.
3:30- 4:30--Throwing practices.

Sixth Day--

9:00- 9:45--Throwing tests for range and accuracy.
9:45-12:15--Oral exams. by squads and practice in use
of repair materials.
2:00- 2:45--Practice in use of digging and cutting tools
by relays.
2:45- 4:30--Final throwing tests and oral exams. by
squads, alternately.

Note.--If instructors are available it is a good idea to work in squads alternately as suggested by the arrangement of Syllabus above.

=Equipment and material for school of fifty, period of six days=: 1 keg gunpowder, 1/2 case monobel, 1 coil fuse, 1 packet detonators (100), 36 shovels, 36 picks, 3 pairs snips, 3 pairs wire plyers, 3 hammers, 3 hand saws, 3 hand axes, 3 Marlin spikes, 2 braces, 2 bits (3/8-inch), 1 auger (1-3/8-inch), 5 yards cotton, 2 lbs. 2-inch wire nails, 2 lbs. 2-1/2-inch wire nails, 2 lbs. soft wire (stovepipe), 2 bbls. empty jam tins (1 to 2 lbs.), 100 lin. ft. 1 inch x 6 inch common boards, 36 lin. ft. 2 inch x 4 inch scantling, 1 good sized blackboard and chalk, 2 work benches (improvised), 3 boxes fusee matches, 2 dozen sandbags with ties attached, brush wood, cull lumber, bale wire, sods, etc.

EXAMINATION PAPERS.

Lecture I.

1. What care should be taken in handling explosives?

2. What should oily stains on dynamite indicate?

3. What should be done with cases showing oily stains?

4. What two methods should be employed in thawing dynamite?

5. Name a few causes of accidents in handling dynamite.

6. Name a few causes of accidents in handling detonators.

7. What care should be taken in shipping explosives by wagons? By
rail?

8. What are the principal features to be considered in the
construction of a magazine?

9. Is it wise to store explosives in tunnels or caves?

10. How may a magazine be made bullet proof?

11. What precautions should be taken with men working in or about
magazines?

Lecture II.

12. Name the explosives used in the service.

13. In what shape is gun-cotton put up for service use?

14. What are the characteristics of gun-cotton?

15. How is wet gun-cotton detonated?

16. To what use is dry gun-cotton put?

17. Is gun-cotton generally considered a safe explosive?

18. What uses are made of gun-cotton?

19. Explain how you would prepare a gun-cotton charge.

20. What is a detonator?

21. What kind of explosive is used in service detonator?

22. What kinds of fuses are used in the service?

23. At what rate do service fuses burn per second?

24. At what rate do instantaneous fuses burn per second?

25. What use is made of picric acid? T. N. T.? Nitro-Glycerine?

26. Is picric acid a safe explosive?
Ans. No.

27. And why?

Lecture III.

28. Explain the working of a .303 short rifle grenade.

29. How are they packed ready for shipping?

30. How are they prepared for firing?

31. How are they carried?

32. What arrangements are to be used with the rifle for giving the
necessary elevation?

33. What kind of ammunition is used with them?

34. Explain the working of a hand grenade No. 5, Mark 1.

35. What explosive is used in No. 5, Mark 1?

36. How far may it be thrown?

37. What is meant by cane and streamer type of grenade?

38. Explain the working of hand grenade No. 1, Mark 1.

39. Why do we use dummy bombs?

40. Why do we put explosives in dummy bombs?

41. Explain the manufacture of the jam-tin dummy?

42. Explain the manufacture of jam-tin bomb?

43. Explain the manufacture of the powder-puff.

44. Explain the manufacture of the hair-brush bomb?

45. What explosive is used in the hair-brush bomb?

46. Describe the impact or percussion type of grenade?

47. How is the dummy type made which represents the impact and
percussion type?

48. Up to what weight may dummies be made?

49. How far may a 2-pound bomb be thrown?

50. How far may a 1-pound bomb be thrown?

51. Explain the correct throwing position for trench work?

52. When may a man be said to be trained in throwing from a trench?

53. What are the defensive uses of bombs and grenades?

54. What are the offensive uses of bombs and grenades?

Lecture IV.

55. What is a saphead?

56. Explain some of the different types of sapheads used.

57. What advantage has it over a “T” shaped saphead?

58. What is meant by an island saphead?

59. Name the digging and cutting tools?

60. What materials are used in trench warfare?

61. How are sandbags filled? Tied? Passed? Built?

62. What are the uses made of sandbags?

63. What is meant by “bond” in use in sandbags?

64. To what uses are the following materials put in trench warfare:
Earth? Sods? Timber? Brush? Barb Wire? Bale Wire?

65. How are sods built to obtain the best results?

66. What is a revetment? Traverse? Bay? Parapet? Parados? Obstacle?

67. What are obstacles used for?

68. How many men usually constitute a sentry and relief per bay in a
trench?

69. What arrangements are made for sleep and rest of reliefs?

70. Why are relief pits put in rear of trench?

71. Why are they made shallow?

72. What style of a trench is best suited to bomb warfare?

73. What precautions may be taken to prevent enemy’s bombs getting
into our trench?

74. What are the disadvantages of having relief pit under the parapet?

75. What are the disadvantages of having a deep trench?

76. What provisions should be made so that our men could advance from
the trench at the same instant?

77. What is a “dead man”? “Funk Hole”?

Lecture V.

78. Who are usually the first men of the Infantry to advance in a
frontal attack?

79. How are they armed? What tools do they carry? What are their
duties?

80. When the first line advances what do the wire cutters do?

81. What part do the bombers take on a frontal attack?

82. Who is responsible that there is a supply of bombs in the trench?

83. How are bombs stored in the trenches?

84. Where is the reserve supply of bombs stored?

85. What general arrangements are made preparatory to frontal attack?

86. What arms of the service may take part in a frontal attack?

87. What extent of frontage is usually planned to be occupied in a
frontal attack?
Ans. Only the extent of frontage that is absolutely necessary.

88. Why?
Ans. The odds are against the attacking forces.

Lecture VI.

89. What is necessary to be done on occupying a portion of the
enemy’s trench?

90. What is meant by consolidating ground gained?

91. How is our position protected while work of reconstruction and
repair is going on?

92. How will communication be established in the occupied portion of
the enemy’s trench?

93. What is meant by double-blocking? When is it done? How protected?

94. What precautions may be taken to provide comfort for the men in
the trenches?

95. What are the principal advantages of bomb fire, or rifle and
machine gun fire?

96. Generally, what work will the sappers and diggers do on occupying
the enemy’s trench?

97. How are the enemy’s communication trenches used to our advantage?

Lecture VII.

98. What is an enfilading party?

99. How many men may constitute an enfilading party?

100. When party consists of three, what are they called?

101. What are the duties of a trench scout?

102. Name some of the most important things he should look out for?

103. What qualifications should he possess?

104. How is he armed?

105. How does he pass information to the thrower regarding location
of targets?

106. What are the duties of the thrower?

107. What are the duties of the carrier?

108. In the absence of an officer or non-commissioned officer, who
commands the enfilading party?

109. How are the artillery advised of the extending of our frontage
when enfilading?

110. What precautions should be taken as we gain ground in enfilade
work?

111. What men follow up and keep in touch with enfilade party? What
are their duties?

112. What are the advantages of gaining ground by enfilade bomb
attacks over that of frontal attacks?
Ans. (a) We have a minimum of exposure to the enemy’s rifle or
machine gun fire.
(b) Enfilade attacks provide the means by which we use the
enemy’s trench as our fortification against him.
(c) As we advance the ground occupied is consolidated to our
use so that at no time do we have an extent of
frontage in an unprepared position.
(d) The disorganization immediately following an extensive
frontal attack gives the enemy a chance to launch a
counter-attack.

* * * * * *

Transcriber’s note:

Obvious typographical errors have been corrected.

Inconsistencies in hyphenation have been standardized.

Incorrect page references in the Preface have been corrected.