Chapter 15: Trench Warfare (3)

As far as the supply of oil permits, the bore and all bright parts of light trench mortars and their spare parts should be kept permanently oiled. When not in use, mortars should be covered with sacking or similar material.

Unboxed ammunition should be kept covered as far as possible and the bright parts oiled immediately after arrival. Ammunition which has been in store for some time should be used up first.

Sentries must be prepared to give the alarm on the first appearance of gas, as a few seconds delay may involve very serious consequences. Signals must be passed along by all sentries as soon as heard.

The earliest warning of a gas attack is given:

(a) By the noise of the gas escaping from the cylinders.
(b) By the appearance of a cloud of any color over the enemy's
trenches. If the attack takes place at night, the cloud will
not be visible from a distance.
(c) By the smell of the gas in listening posts.

(1) ACTION TO BE TAKEN IN THE TRENCHES ON GAS ALARM:
(a) Respirators to be put on immediately by all ranks (a
helmet, if no box respirator is available).
(b) Rouse all men in trenches, dug-outs and mine shafts, warn
officers and artillery observation posts and all employed
men.
(c) Artillery support to be called for by company commanders by
means of prearranged signals.
(d) Warn battalion headquarters and troops in rear.
(e) All ranks stand to arms in the front trenches and elsewhere
where the tactical situation demands.
(f) Blanket curtains at entrances to protected shelters to be
let down and carefully fixed.
(g) Movement to cease except where necessary.

(2) ACTION TO BE TAKEN IN BILLETS AND BACK AREAS:
(a) All men in cellars or houses to be roused.
(b) The blanket curtains of protected collars, etc., to be let
down and fixed in position.
(c) Box respirators to be put on immediately, the gas is
apparent.

H. Action During a Gas Attack:

(1) PROTECTIVE MEASURES:

There should be as little moving about and talking as possible in the trenches. Men must be made to realize that with the gas now used by the enemy, observance of this may be essential for their safety.

When an attack is in progress, all bodies of troops or transport on the move should halt and all working parties cease work until the gas cloud has passed.

If a relief is going on, units should stand fast as far as possible until the gas cloud has passed.

Supports and parties bringing up bombs should only be moved up if the tactical situation demands it.

If troops in support or reserve lines of trenches remain in, or go into, dug-outs, they must continue to wear their anti-gas appliances.

Officers and N.C.O's must on no account remove or open up the masks of the box respirators or raise their helmets to give orders. The breathing tube may be removed from the mouth when it is necessary to speak, but it must be replaced.

Men must always be on the look-out to help each other in case an anti-gas device is damaged by fire or accident. When a man is wounded, he must be watched to see that he does not remove his respirator or helmet until he is safely inside a protected shelter; if necessary, his hands should be tied.

Men must be warned that if they are slightly gassed before adjusting their respirators or helmets they must not remove them. The effect will wear off.

(2) TACTICAL MEASURES:

From the point of view of protection against gas, nothing is gained by men remaining in unprotected dug-outs or by moving to a flank or to the rear. It is, therefore, desirable that on tactical and disciplinary grounds all men in the front line of trenches should be forbidden to do these things. In support or reserve lines where there are protected dug-outs, it is advisable for men to stay in them unless the tactical situation makes it desirable for them to come out.

Nothing is gained by opening rapid rifle fire unless the enemy's infantry attacks. A slow rate of fire from rifles and occasional short bursts of fire from machine guns will lessen the chance of their jamming from the action of the gas and tends to occupy and steady the infantry.

It should be remembered that the enemy's infantry cannot attack while the gas discharge is in progress and is unlikely to do so for an appreciable time--at least 10 minutes--after it has ceased. It is, in fact, a common practice for the enemy infantry to retire to the second and third line of trench whilst gas is being discharged. There is, therefore, no object in opening an intense S.O.S. barrage of artillery on "No man's land" during the actual gas cloud and it is advisable that the warning to the artillery of a gas attack should be a signal differing from the ordinary S.O.S. signal, as the latter may have to be sent later if an infantry attack develops.

It must be remembered that smoke may be used by the enemy at the same time as, or alternately with, the gas and that under cover of a smoke cloud he may send out assaulting or raiding parties. A careful look-out must, therefore, be kept; hostile patrols or raiders may be frustrated by cross-fire of rifles and machine guns and should an assault develop the ordinary S.O.S. procedure should be carried out.

I. Precautions Against Gas Shells:

Owing to the small explosion which occurs with these shells, they are liable to be mistaken for blinds, and even when the gas is smelt men may not realize its possibly dangerous character at once and so may delay putting on respirators or helmets until too late. Men sleeping in dug-outs may be seriously affected unless they are roused. Men in the open air are unlikely to be seriously affected by poison gas shells, provided they put on respirators or helmets on first experiencing the gas. The following points should therefore be attended to:

(i) All shells which explode with a small detonation or appear to be blind should be regarded with particular attention; the respirator or helmet should be put on at the first indication of gas and blanket protection of shelters adjusted.

(ii) Arrangements must be made for giving a _Local_ alarm in the event of a sudden and intense bombardment with poison gas shells, but care must be taken that this alarm is not confused with the main alarm. Strombos horns must on no account be used to give warning of a gas shell bombardment.

(iii) All shelters in the vicinity of an area bombarded with poison gas shells must be visited and any sleeping men roused.

(iv.) Box respirators or helmets should continue to be worn throughout the area bombarded with poison gas shells until the order is given by the local unit Commander for their removal.

Lachrymatory or "tear" shells are frequently used by the enemy for the purpose of hindering the movements of troops, for preventing the bringing up of supports, or for interfering with the action of artillery. Owing to the deadly nature of poison gas shells, however, the precautions given in paragraph 60 above, must be taken for all gas shells. The goggles are intended for use after lachrymatory bombardments only, in cases where the irritant gas persists in the neighborhood.

K. Action Subsequent to a Gas Attack:

1. GENERAL:

The most important measure to be taken after a cloud gas attack is to prepare for a further attack. The enemy frequently sends several successive waves of gas at intervals varying from a few minutes up to several hours and it is therefore necessary to be on the alert to combat this procedure. The following measures should be adopted as soon as the gas cloud has passed:

(a) Removal of respirators.--Anti-gas fans should be used to
assist in clearing the trenches of gas, so as to admit of
respirators being removed. Respirators and helmets must not
be removed until permission has been given by the Company
Commander.

A sharp look out must be kept for a repetition of the gas attack, as long as the wind continues in a dangerous quarter.

2. MOVEMENT:

Owing to the enemy gas sometimes causing bad after effects, which are
intensified by subsequent exertion, the following points should be
attended to:
(a) No man suffering from the effects of gas, however slightly,
should be allowed to walk to the dressing station.
(b) The clearing of the trenches and dugouts should not be
carried out by men who have been affected by the gas.
(c) After a gas attack, troops in the front trenches should be
relieved of all fatigue and carrying work for 24 hours by
sending up working parties from companies in rear.
(d) Horses which have been exposed to the gas should not be
worked for 24 hours if it can be avoided.

3. CLEARING DUGOUTS AND OTHER SHELTERS:

It is essential that no dugout be entered after a gas attack event with box respirators or helmets adjusted, until it has been ascertained that it is free from gas. The only efficient method of clearing dugouts from gas is by thorough ventilation. The older method of spraying is not efficient.

An appreciable quantity of gas may be retained in the clothing of men exposed to gas attacks and also in bedding, coats, etc., left in shelters. Precaution should, therefore, be taken to air all clothing.

4. VENTILATION:

_Natural Ventilation_.--Unless a shelter has been thoroughly ventilated by artificial means, as described below, it must not be slept in or occupied without wearing respirators, until at least 12 hours after a gas attack. It must not be entered at all without respirators on for at least 3 hours. The above refers to cloud gas attacks. In the case of gas shell bombardments the times cannot be definitely stated, as they depend on the nature of the gas used and the severity of the bombardment. With lachrymatory gases the times after which shelters can be used without discomfort may be considerably longer than those mentioned above.

_Ventilation by Fire_.--All kinds of shelters can be efficiently and rapidly cleared of gas by the use of fires. Shelters with two openings are the easiest to ventilate and where possible, dugouts with only one entrance should have a second opening made, even a very small one, to assist in ventilation.

In dugouts provided with a single exit at the end of a short passage, the best results are obtained if the fire is placed in the center of the floor of the dugout and at a height of about 9 inches.

In dugouts provided with a single exit at the end of a long and nearly horizontal passage, the best results are obtained if the fire is placed about one-third of the distance from the inner end of the passage.

In dugouts provided with two or more exits, the fire should be placed at the inner end of one of the exit passages.

In general, 1 pound of dry wood per 200 cubic feet of air space is sufficient for clearance of any gas. The best fuel is split wood, but any fuel which does not smoulder or give off thick smoke can be used. The materials for the fire, _e.g._, the split wood, newspaper, and a small bottle of paraffine for lighting purposes, should be kept in a sand bag, enclosed in a biscuit tin provided with a lid. An improvised brazier should be kept ready for use.

The fire must be kept burning for at least ten minutes and the atmosphere in the shelter should be tested from time to time.

_Ventilation by Fanning_.--Dugouts can be ventilated by producing air currents in them by means of special anti-gas fans.

If no anti-gas fans are available, ventilation can be assisted by flapping with improvised fans such as sand bags, ground sheets, etc.

5. CLEANING OF ARMS AND AMMUNITION:

Rifles and machine guns must be cleaned after a gas attack and then re-oiled. Oil cleaning will prevent corrosion for 12 hours or more, but the first available opportunity must be taken to dismantle machine guns and clean all parts in boiling water containing a little soda. If this is not done, corrosion continues slowly even after oil cleaning and may ultimately put the gun out of action.

After a gas attack, S.A.A. should be carefully examined. All rounds affected by gas must be replaced by new cartridges immediately and the old ones cleaned and expended as soon as possible.

All hand and rifle grenades exposed to the gas should have their safety-pins and working parts cleaned and re-oiled.

All bright parts of light trench mortars, together with all accessories and spare parts exposed to the gas, must be cleaned and wiped dry as soon as possible after the attack and in any case within 24 hours, after which they should be thoroughly coated afresh with oil. The same applies to ammunition which may have been exposed to the gas.

Ammunition which, for any reason, had not been oiled, must be cleaned and oiled and expended as soon as possible.

For details regarding the cleaning of guns and artillery ammunition and signal equipment, see paragraphs 116 and 123.

6. TREATMENT OF SHELL HOLES:

In the neighborhood of shelters or battery positions where gas from shell holes is causing annoyance, the holes and the ground round them should be covered with at least a foot of fresh earth. Shell holes so treated should not be disturbed, as the chemical is not thereby destroyed and only disappears slowly.

Concealment From Aerial Observers.

A. 1. An aeroplane cannot conduct reconnaissance at a height of less
than 5,000 feet without being within easy range of
anti-aircraft artillery; nor of less than 2,000 feet without
coming into range of machine-gun and rifle fire.
2. To be observed from such heights, objects on the ground must be
distinguished by:
(a) Motion.
(b) Color contrast.
(c) Line contrast, or
(d) Shadows.

B. Concealment:
1. (a) On warning of hostile aircraft, troops on the march should
withdraw to the side of the road (if possible, into shade),
or lie down flat in the road and remain motionless.
(b) If it is necessary to continue the march, this should be
done in broken detachments, which are far less distinct
than continuous column.
(c) Troops in a trench should crouch down in the shadowy side
and remain motionless.
(d) Faces should never be turned up, as the high lights on
cheek-bones and foreheads then show up distinctly.
(e) Bright metal on arms, equipment and headgear must be kept
covered.
2. Artillery wagon-trains, etc., should if possible be halted
promptly on warning. When halted, their neutral coloring
protects them.
3. Trenches are best concealed:
(a) By avoiding, in construction, a too regular outline, and
following as far as possible the contours of the ground.
(b) By coloring the parapet and parados to match the ground.
This may be done most quickly by painted canvas; if the
latter is not available, by planting or strewing the loose
earth with surrounding herbage. In this work care must be
taken not to make the covering itself too conspicuous by
brightness or monotony of coloring.
(c) By covering the trench itself, where convenient, with a thin
material, colored like the parapet and parados.
(d) By avoiding all overt movement of troops in the trenches
under observation.
4. Buildings, _e.g._, ammunition dumps, hangars, etc., can be
completely concealed by being painted the color of the
ground they stand on and fitted with canvas curtains,
similarly painted and stretched from the eaves to the
ground at a horizontal angle of 35 degrees. These curtains
completely eliminate shadows.
5. Success in each work of concealment by camouflage is best
assured by the assistance of an aeroplane observer to test
and correct it.

* * * * *

Orders Governing Intrenchment Problems at Second Plattsburg Training Camp.

HEADQUARTERS PLATTSBURG TRAINING CAMP, PLATTSBURG BARRACKS, NEW YORK. SEPTEMBER 22, 1917.

DIVISIONAL ENTRENCHING PROBLEM.

General Situation:

The Salmon river forms the boundary line between two states, the "Blue" on the north and the "Red" on the south. War has been declared and the Red Army is mobilizing near Keeseville. Mobilization by the first Blue Army at Plattsburg has been completed.

Special Situation, Blue:

Our advanced troops are holding the line of the Salmon river against strong detachments of the Red Army. The commanding general of the Blue Army has decided to establish a second position on the line, _Bluff Point to the bend_ (248) _in the Saranac river_.

The following order is issued by the Division Commander:

HEADQUARTERS, 101st Div., PLATTSBURG, N.Y. 23 Sept., '17, 9:00 A.M.

FIELD ORDERS, No. 1.

1. Our advanced troops are holding the line of the Salmon river.

2. This division and 1 Brigade 102 Division will entrench along the line: _Bluff Point_--_Chateaugay Branch Railroad_--_Saranac River_ (248).

3. (a) The Chief of Artillery will prepare the positions, and lines of communication for his Brigade, determine his sectors, and submit his plan of action.

(b) The 1st Brig. and 2 Bns. 267th Inf. will entrench the sector, _Saranac River_ (248) to _Sand Road_, exclusive. The 2nd Brig. will entrench the sector _Sand Road to Bluff Point_, both inclusive. The supports will entrench on the line, _Saranac River_ (182)--_Cliff Haven_.

(c) The Reserve--1 Brig. 102 Div. less 2 Bns., will construct crossings on the _Saranac River_--under direction of the Chief of Engineers, and prepare them for defense.

(d) The Chief of Engineers will supply tools for entrenching and lay out the lines of entrenchments. He will repair the following trunk roads: _Peru Road_, _Sand Road_, _Lake-Shore Road_; and construct a transverse trunk line road from _Pulp Mill to O'Connell's Farm_, and the necessary tram lines. The Engineer Depot for stores and material will be established at _Plattsburg Barracks_.

(e) The Chief Signal Officer will establish necessary lines of communication, utilizing equipment at _Plattsburg Barracks, Central Station_. Aero Squadron at _Chazy_.

4. (a) The Chief Medical Officer will establish his dressing stations in the _Butts_ of the rifle range and in ravine on _O'Connell's Farm_. A field hospital will be established at the _Lozier Works_.

(b) Ammunition train and supply train will be parked in the _Fair Ground_. Ammunition distributing stations at railroad spurs, _Plattsburg Barracks_, and _O'Connell's Farm_. The Division Ordnance Officer will locate the Ammunition Dumps along transverse trunk line road.

(c) Field trains, until further orders, at north end of _Plattsburg Barracks Reservation_. Distributing point, _Plattsburg Railroad Station_--Regimental Supply Stations: _Saranac River_ 182; intersection _Peru Road_ and _Rifle Range Road_, _Sand Hole_ in _Rifle Range_, _Sand Road on O'Connell's Farm_, _Ravine on O'Connell's Farm_.

(d) The commander of trains will establish traffic regulations for all roads.

5. Messages to _Statistical Office_.

WOLF, Major General.

Official copy:
J.A. BAER,
Genl. Staff,
Chief of Staff.

Copies to:
Brig. and Regt. Commanders.
C. of E.
Div. Q.M.
C.S.O.
C.M.O.
Div. O.O.
C. of Tr.

* * * * *

HEADQUARTERS, 1ST BRIGADE, 101ST DIVISION, PLATTSBURG BARRACKS, N.Y. 23RD SEPT., 1917, 6 P.M.

FIELD ORDERS No. 1.

1. Strong detachments of the Red Army, now mobilizing at _Keeseville_, are south of the _Salmon River_. Our advance troops are holding the line of the _Salmon River_.

2. Our division and one brigade, 102nd Division, will entrench and occupy the line _Bluff Point-Chateaugay Branch (D. & H.R.R.), Saranac River_ (248). This brigade, reinforced by two Battalions, 267th Infantry, will entrench and occupy the sector, _Saranac River_ (248), _Sand Road_, exclusive.

3. (a) The 1st and 2nd Battalions, 267th infantry will entrench and occupy the sector from the _Saranac River_ to a point 600 yards east.

(b) The 266th Infantry, the sector from a point 600 yards east of the _Saranac River_, connecting with the trenches of the 267th Infantry, to a point 100 yards east of _Peru Road_.

(c) The 265th Infantry, the sector from a point 100 yards east of the _Peru Road_, and connecting with the trenches of the 266th Infantry, to the _Sand Road_ exclusive.

(d) The Brigade Machine Gun Battalion will organize and maintain strong points along line regimental reserves. The C.O. of this organization will, at once, consult with the regimental commanders relative to preparation of machine gun emplacements and probable need for re-enforcements within their respective sectors.

(e) The Brigade Signalmen will establish telephonic communications between Brigade and Regimental Headquarters.

4. (a) The regimental commanders and senior officers of the two battalions, 267th Infantry, will at once report to the Chief Engineer of the Division for plan of entrenchments in their respective sectors.

(b) Tools and materials for entrenching will be supplied at the trench sites.

5. Messages to Brigade Headquarters near _Peru Road_, east Savoy Hotel.

GOODRICH, Brigadier General, Commanding.

Official Copy:
WM. KIRBY,
Major of Cavalry, U.S.R.,
Adjutant.

Copies to:
C.O., 265th Infantry.
C.O., 266th Infantry.
C.O., 1st and 2nd Battalions, 267th Infantry.
C.O., Brigade M.G. Co.
Headquarters, 101st Division.

HEADQUARTERS, 1ST BATTALION, 265TH INFANTRY PLATTSBURG BARRACKS, N.Y. OCT. 16, 1917.

FIELD ORDERS No. 1.

Blue print of trenches; scale 24 inches equals 1 mile.

1. The enemy strongly occupies a line of trenches immediately _South_ of the _Chateaugay Branch Railroad_, the center of their line being about opposite the center sector of our first line of trench, _Sand Road-Target Range Fence_, their line of trenches being within 50 yards of the railroad at that point, and then retiring slightly from the railroad to the _East_ and _West_.

The 264th Infantry occupies the section of trenches directly to the East of us and the 266th Infantry occupies the section of trenches directly to the West of us.

2. This battalion will take up a defensive position in the nearly
completed line of trenches, _Sand Road-Target Range Fence_, and as
rapidly as possible complete the trench system in the following order
of work:
a. Deepen all trenches to at least three feet.
b. Construct latrines.
c. Provide cover.
d. Revet work previously done.

3. a. Front lines, _i.e._, fire, communicating and support trenches: Company "B" will occupy the _East_ sector, _i.e._, _Sand Road_ to _Belgium Boyau_, inclusive, including _Slum Boyau_ and the salient at _South_ end Reserve Trench immediately in rear of _East_ end of Support trench.

Company "C" will occupy the _Central_ sector, _i.e._, from _East_ sector (_Belgium Boyau_, exclusive), to _Cardona Boyau_, inclusive, including _Poire Boyau_.

Company "A" will occupy the _West_ sector, _i.e._, from _Central_ sector (_Cardona Boyau_, exclusive), to and including salient near _Southwest_ corner of _Target Range Fence_.

b. Reserve Line: Company "D" will occupy the line from the _Target Range Fence_ on the _West_ to a point 165 yards _East_ of the _Verdun Salient_, one-half of the Company occupying the sector, _Target Range Fence_, to a point 75 yards _East_ of the _Rams Horn Boyau_, including _Rams Horn Boyau_, and the other half of the Company occupying the sector from a point 75 yards _East_ of the _Rams Horn Boyau_ to a point 165 yards _East_ of the _Verdun Salient_.

c. Machine Guns: Headquarters, 1st Platoon and 1st Platoon Machine Gun Company, will report to the Commanding Officer, Company "A," for assignment to the shell craters (converted) and dugouts (constructed for machine guns), four in all, in the _West_ sector.

Headquarters, 2nd Platoon and Third Section (2nd Platoon) Machine Gun Company, will report to the Commanding Officer, Company "C," for assignment to the shell crater (converted), and dugout (constructed for machine gun), two in all, in the _Central_ sector. Fourth section (2nd Platoon), Machine Gun Company, will report to the Commanding Officer, Company "B," for assignment to the shell crater (converted), two in all, in the _East_ sector.

d. Trench Mortars: Two trench mortars have been assigned to the _Central_ sector and the Commanding officer, Company "C," is charged with the construction of emplacements therefor and the manning of them.

4. a. Dressing stations have been established in the _Butts_ of the rifle range and in ravine on _O'Connell's Farm_.

b. Ammunition distributing points are located at _Plattsburg Barracks_ and _O'Connell's Farm_.

c. Regimental supply stations are located at _Saranac River_ (182), intersection _Peru Road_ and _Rifle Range Road_, _Sand Hole in Rifle Range_, _Sand Road_ on _O'Connell's Farm_, and _Ravine_ on _O'Connell's Farm_.

5. Battalion Headquarters are located in dugout in _Support_ trench (West Tremont), midway between _Rams Horn_ and _Poire Boyaux_, to which place messages will be sent.

BOSCHEN, Captain, 56th Infantry, Commanding.

Copies to:
C.O., 265th Infantry.
C.O., Companies A, B, C and D.
C.O., M.G. Company.
C.O., Headquarters Company.
R.S.O.

* * * * *

HDQTRS. 1ST BATT., 265TH INFTY., PLATTSBURG BCKS., N.Y., _Oct. 17, 1917._

FIELD ORDERS No. 2

1. DISPOSITIONS:
a. The assignment of companies to sectors is as announced in
Field Orders No. 1, these headquarters.
b. Company commanders are charged with the details of occupation
of the trenches and the proper disposition of the
"specialists" (bombers, grenadiers, auto-riflemen, etc.),
directing particular attention to the active and passive
areas of their sectors.

2. FIELDS OF FIRE: Company commanders must arrange for and obtain
the best fields of fire in their own sectors, and provide
for protection of visible areas in adjoining sectors by
lateral fire.

3. IMPROVEMENTS OR CHANGES IN TRENCHES: Company commanders before
making any changes or improvements in trenches will render to
battalion headquarters brief recommendations of changes
desired. These recommendations will be submitted at 11.00
a.m. and 3.00 p.m., after which hours the battalion
commander will inspect and if deemed necessary will be
ordered.

4. ORGANIZATION FOR WATCHING AND OBSERVATION:
a. Each company commander will organize a system for watching
the enemy by day and will establish look-out posts for this
purpose; this system will be augmented at night by patrols
if necessary.
b. The watching of the enemy must be continuous and long
occupation of the sector will not warrant any laxity.

5. ORGANIZATION FOR SUPPLY:
a. Company commanders will make the necessary details for
obtaining supplies; these details to be in charge of Mess or
Supply Sergeants and will not exceed three squads for each
lettered company.
b. _Food_: Machine guns details and members of the Medical Corps
assigned to each sector are attached to the lettered
companies for rations.
c. Cooked food will be at the _Food Station_ at 6.00 a.m., 11.50
a.m. and 5.00 p.m. daily, and will be distributed at that
point.
d. Company commanders will detail the Mess Sergeant, with an
appropriate detail (about 2 squads) to proceed to _Food
Station_, which is located at the wire entanglement on the
_west_ side of the _Target Range_ about 400 yards _north of
Brigade Headquarters_.
e. The details mentioned above will proceed via trenches,
leaving same at junction of _Tipperary_ trench and _Rams
Horn_ boyau in the following order:
Co. D: Detail will clear junction _Rams Horn_ boyau and
_Tipperary_ trench at 5.40 a.m., 11.10 a.m. and 4.40 p.m.
Co. A: Detail will clear junction _Tremont_ trench, and
_Rams Horn_ boyau at 5.30 a.m., 11.00 a.m. and 4.30 p.m.,
proceeding via _Rams Horn_ boyau.
Co. B: Detail will clear junction _Tremont_ trench, and
_Poire_ boyau at 5.35 a.m., 11.05 a.m. and 4.55 p.m.,
proceeding via _Poire_ boyau and _Tipperary_ trench.
Co. C: Detail will clear junction _Tremont_ trench and _Slum_
boyau at 5.40 a.m., 11.10 a.m. and 4.40 p.m., proceeding via
_Slum_ boyau and _Tipperary_ trench.
f. These details will return to their respective sectors via
the indicated routes, moving in reverse order at five-minute
intervals, and company commanders will make necessary
arrangements for distribution of food within their
respective sectors.
g. Company commanders will cause the necessary police after each
meal to insure sanitary condition of trenches.
h. Food containers will be held in company until the next meal
hour when they will be returned to the _Food Station_.
i. _Water_: Water wagon will be at the _Food Station_ from 10.00
a.m. to 4.30 p.m. daily.
j. Containers for water will be furnished by Regimental Supply
Officer at the _Food Station_.
k. All men will carry full canteens of water when entering the
trenches.
l. Company commanders will detail the Mess Sergeant, with an
appropriate detail (about 2 squads), to proceed to the _Food
Station_ to procure water in containers; these details will
proceed via the routes indicated in paragraph 5, section "e":
Co. D, 2.00 p.m.; Co. A, 2.05 p.m.; Co. B, 2.10 p.m.; Co. C,
2.15 p.m.
m. These details will return to their respective sectors in
reverse order at five-minute intervals.
n. _Miscellaneous_: Details for obtaining tools, ammunition,
trench supplies, etc., will be arranged for as required.
o. Requisitions for miscellaneous supplies required will be
submitted by company commanders to the Regimental Supply
Officer not later than 3.00 p.m., October 17, 1917.

6. ORGANIZATION FOR LIAISON:
a. The Signal Officer will establish necessary telephonic
communications.
b. Each organization will detail one runner to report to the
battalion commander at regimental headquarters at 8.00 a.m.
c. Four runners will be detailed for duty with each company
headquarters and one runner will be detailed for duty with
each platoon headquarters. These runners should be lightly
equipped and wear a distinctive mark.
d. At least two men per section must be able to act as guides to
all company headquarters of the battalion.
e. Verbal messages will not be sent by runners; all messages
must be written.
f. Company commanders, or their representatives, will report
daily at battalion headquarters at 5.00 p.m.
g. There must be accurate communication between platoons in
company, and companies in battalion, in order to insure
co-ordinated action.

7. DEFENSE:
a. Immediately after the occupation of the trenches, company
commanders will make a careful estimate of all tactical
situations presented in their sectors and will plan for a
stubborn defense. Care must be exercised in providing for
defense in depth and lateral defense. The front line
trenches of each sector will be held until actually entered
by the enemy, and no sector will be abandoned until the
occupants are actually forced out.
b. The main line of resistance will be the support trenches
(_Tremont_) and special attention must be given to the
preparation for defense. If the front line trenches of any
sector be captured by the enemy there will be no withdrawal
from any other sector of the front line trenches for the
purpose of establishing a continuous line in the support
trench.
c. The company commander of the reserve will organize parties
for counterattacks and these parties will be held in
readiness at convenient points to insure prompt movement to
the front.
d. Continuous occupation of the trenches without fire action
must not cause a feeling of security and result in being
surprised by the enemy.

8. STAND TO: "Stand to" will take place at 5.00 a.m. and 5.00 p.m.,
daily. At this formation every available man will be
present. Rifles, ammunition, equipment, clothing, etc., will
be inspected. Rapid loading will be practiced. The firing
position of every man will be tested to see whether he can
hit the bottom edge of our wire. Gas helmets and respirators
will be inspected if worn. After "stand to" in the morning
and before "stand to" in the evening rifles will be
thoroughly cleaned and oiled.

9. TRENCH ORDERS:
a. Current "Trench Standing Orders" recently published from
Brigade Headquarters are in force.
b. During the occupation of the trenches it will be assumed
that, the trenches are under the observation and fire of the
enemy and all movement in the trenches will be conducted
accordingly. All movements of troops, either individuals or
groups, will be via the trenches at all times.
c. No one will be allowed to go overland between trenches or to
enter the trenches by the flank. All persons will enter the
trenches from the reserve trenches and no visitors will be
allowed in the trenches except on passes issued from the
Regimental Headquarters.
d. Commanding officers, Companies A and B, are responsible for
the posting of the necessary sentinels along the flanks of
the position (during the day), with instructions covering the
provisions contained in paragraph 9, sections "b" and "c."

10. REPORTS:
a. Company commanders will submit by 1.00 p.m., October 18,
1917, a report showing the dispositions and plan of defense
of their respective sectors.
b. Frequent reports of information obtained and any change of
conditions at the front will be made to battalion
headquarters when necessary.

BOSCHEN, _Captain, 56th Infantry._ _Commanding._

Copies to:
C.O. 265th Infty.
C.O. Cos, A, B, C and D.
C.O. M.G. Co.
C.O., Hdq. Co.
R.S.O.

Company Organization (in Detail):

Company Headquarters:

1 Captain, commanding company,
1 First Lieutenant (senior), second in command,
1 First Sergeant, armed with pistol,
1 Mess Sergeant, armed with rifle,
1 Supply Sergeant, armed with rifle,
1 Corporal, company clerk, armed with rifle,
4 Mechanics, armed with rifle,
5 Wagoners (from Supply Company),
4 Cooks, armed with rifle,
2 Buglers, armed with pistol,
4 Privates, first class, company agent and signalmen.

_Equipment_: 15 rifles, 5 pistols, 8 automatic rifles (for
replacement), 40 trench knives (to be distributed as needed), 2
bicycles. Following from Supply Company: 1 rolling kitchen,
4-mule; 1 combat wagon, 4-mule; 1 ration and baggage wagon,
4-mule; 1 ration cart, 2-mule; 1 water cart, 2-mule; 16 mules,
draft.

_4 Platoons, each organized as follows_ (numbered 1 to 4 in company):

Headquarters:

1 First Lieutenant; 1st and 4th Platoons commanded by First
Lieutenants; 2nd and 3rd Platoons commanded by Second
Lieutenants, armed with pistol.

1 Sergeant, assistant to platoon commander, armed with pistol and
rifle.

_Equipment_: 1 rifle, 2 pistols.

1st SECTION: Bombers and rifle grenadiers:

1 Sergeant, armed with pistol and rifle,

3 Corporals, armed with pistol and rifle, 1 trained as rifle
grenadier; remainder trained as bombers,

6 Privates, first class, 2 armed with pistol and rifle, and
remainder with rifle only; 1 trained as rifle grenadier, and
remainder as bombers.

12 Privates, armed with rifles; 4 trained as rifle grenadiers,
remainder trained as bombers.

_Equipment_: 22 rifles, 6 pistols.

2nd SECTION: Riflemen:
2 Corporals, armed with pistols and rifles,
3 Privates, first class, armed with rifle,
7 Privates, armed with rifle,
_Equipment_: 12 rifles, 2 pistols.

3rd SECTION: Riflemen:
2 Corporals, armed with pistol and rifle,
3 Privates, first class, armed with rifle,
7 Privates, armed with rifle.
_Equipment_: 12 rifles, 2 pistols.

4th SECTION: Auto-riflemen:
1 Sergeant, armed with pistol and rifle,
1 Corporal, armed with pistol and rifle,
3 Privates, first class; 1 armed with rifle, 2 armed with pistols;
auto-rifle gunners, including 1 extra,
6 Privates, armed with rifle.
_Equipment_: 9 rifles, 4 pistols, 2 auto-rifles.

NOTE.--Sections numbered from 1 to 16 in company.

Personnel:

Commissioned:

Captain 1
First Lieutenants 3
Second Lieutenants 2
----
Total 6
====

Enlisted:

First Sergeant 1
Mess Sergeant 1
Supply Sergeant 1
Sergeants 12
Corporals 33
Mechanics 4
Wagoners (from Supply Company) (5)
Cooks 4
Buglers 2
Privates, first class 64
Privates 128
-----
Total 250
=====

Equipment:

Rifles 239
Pistols 69
Auto rifles 16
Trench knives 40
Bicycles 2
From Supply Company:
Rolling kitchen, 4-mule 1
Combat wagon, 4-mule 1
Ration and baggage wagon, 4-mule 1
Ration cart, 2-mule 1
Water cart, 2-mule 1
Mules, draft 16
====

Trench Standing Orders.

1. Duties.--A. One officer per company and one non-commissioned officer 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 at least once by an officer during his tour of duty.

B. The officer and non-commissioned officer on duty will, when his tour of duty is completed, turn over to the officer or non-commissioned officer relieving him all orders, a report of the work in progress, if any, and any other information of use.

C. At night the officer and non-commissioned officer on duty will frequently patrol the trench line, to see that the sentries are alert and to receive any reports they may desire to make.

D. The-non-commissioned officer coming on duty will go round and post new sentinels with the non-commissioned officer coming off duty.

E. The length of the tour of duty will depend upon the number of officers and non-commissioned officers on duty. Normally each tour should be, by night, two hours; by day, four hours. This may be modified, however, so that all officers and non-commissioned officers will have an equal amount of this duty while in the trenches.

F. Non-commissioned officers, after posting sentinels, will report "all is well" or otherwise to the officers on duty.

G. No man will be detailed for a duty in the trench without being given suitable warning of this duty and be informed at which hour he will come on duty.

H. The Company Commander will be responsible for sending any report required by Battalion Headquarters.

2. Sentries.--A. The number of sentry posts required will depend on the assumed propinquity or distance of the enemy, strength of obstacles, ease with which sentry posts can be re-enforced and other local conditions. Normally by day this should be one sentinel for each platoon and at night three double sentinels for each platoon. There must be sentries enough to insure alarm being given promptly in case of attack and that local resistance is sufficient until help can arrive.

B. The next relief will remain within an easy distance of the sentry on post, usually in shelters provided for this purpose.

C. Every sentry is to be regularly posted by a non-commissioned officer who will explain to him his duties and ascertain that the sentry is 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.

D. Every sentinel will report when an officer passes his post, "All is well," or otherwise.

E. Every sentinel by day will be provided with a head-cover to blend with the ground (this may be improvised), and while observing the ground to the front will remain perfectly still. An empty sand bag or some other suitable material may be utilized for this purpose.

3. Patrols.--A. It is the duty of all the troops holding the front lines to establish a command of the ground in front of their parapet up to the enemy's wire. This can be done by extended and constant patrolling by night and reconnaissance by day so that the ground is thoroughly well known to as large a portion as possible of officers and men and so no enemy can move or remain in his front by night or day without detection. One of the particular duties of these patrols is to observe the condition of the wire entanglements.

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 any especially favorable opportunity arises to inflict loss upon the enemy without prejudice to their mission. They usually consist of two to six men, under an officer or non-commissioned officer.

D. Fighting patrols are sent out for the express purpose of causing loss or damage to the enemies by such means as engaging the enemy's 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 upon the resistance they are likely to meet with.

E. Company 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, including companies on both flanks, are warned when and where patrols will be out, length of time they will be out, and of the points to which they will return.

F. 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 upon his return and sent at once to the company commander unless orders to the contrary have been given.

4. Stand To.--A. "Stand to" will take place one-half hour after a relief has been posted and one-half hour before being relieved. At this parade every available man will be present. Rifles, equipment, clothing, etc., will be inspected. Firing steps will be tested as soon as practicable after reliefs have been posted to see that each man can fire on the foot of the nearest part of the wire entanglement which he is required to cover by his fire. The same procedure will be gone through at the "stand to" one-half hour before being relieved. Other "stand tos" may be ordered in the discretion of the company commander. These should be sufficiently often to insure that every man turns out promptly and knows his place in case of attack.

5. Machine Guns.--A. The concealment of machine gun emplacements is important. Consequently, it is only at night or in case of attack that machine gun crews will occupy their defense emplacements. At night guns should take up other position than their defense emplacements and fire a stated number of rounds in order to test out the guns and mislead the enemy as to their numbers and real emplacements, after which they will at once go back to their defense emplacements.

B. The guns and their crews will be tactically under the orders of the company commander in whose sector they are located, but no alteration will be made by him in their disposition or arcs of fire; he will, however, bring before the senior machine gun instructor any suggestions for improvements in machine gun dispositions for defense.

C. Two men per gun will always be on duty with the guns.

D. Range cards will be prepared and kept with each gun.

E. Officers and non-commissioned officers in charge of guns will remain in close proximity to the guns. They will frequently inspect their guns, emplacements, etc. They are responsible for cleanliness and maintenance of the emplacements.

F. Machine gun commanders are responsible for guns always being ready for action, and that emplacements are clear of all material except such as is required for the service of the guns; that embrasures or loopholes are kept clear of all obstructions which may interfere with fire or view.

6. Reliefs.--A. Reconnaisance. Prior to taking over the line of trenches the company commander, accompanied by his senior First Lieutenant and First Sergeant, will reconnoiter the trenches.

B. Points to be noted by the company commanders. The following points will be specially noted by company commanders before taking over trenches:

1. Plan of occupation (number of men holding lines to be taken
over, their distribution and duties).
2. Shelter accommodations.
3. Work being done and proposed.
4. Conditions of the wire and defenses generally.
5. Information as to the enemy, his habits, snipers, and the work
he is doing, etc.
6. Water supply.
7. Artillery support.
8. Communications.
9. Danger points.
10. Location and condition of stores.
11. Liaison.

7. Guides.--A. Arrangements will be made between the company commanders of the incoming and outgoing companies as to the rendezvous where guides will be provided by the latter to conduct the incoming troops to the trenches.

B. One guide per platoon, one for each company and one for battalion headquarters will be provided. These guides must know the exact spot where they will meet the relief troops and the best way to conduct the units to the particular section of the trench they will occupy.

8. Smoking and Talking.--A. After leaving the rendezvous there will be no smoking and talking until arrival in trenches. Strictest march discipline will be enforced on the way to and from the trenches.

9. Procedure on Arrival at Trenches.--A. The troops being relieved will not leave the trenches until the relieving troops are in position and the new sentries have been posted, all trench stores have been handed over and receipted for, and orders to move have been received from the Company Commander.

B. Platoon commanders will at once personally see that all sentinels are properly posted, that the non-commissioned officer is on duty, that every man knows his place in case of attack, and that both flanks of his platoon are in liaison with the adjoining platoon.

C. When reliefs are completed, Platoon Commanders will report to that effect to the Company Commander.

D. Men will not be dismissed until the Company Commander has received the reports from all of his Platoon Commanders that everything is in order.

10. Log Books.--A. Each Company Commander will keep a log book in which will be entered:

1. Work done.
2. Number of men working.
3. Hours worked.
4. Any information obtained from sentries, patrols, or other
sources.

They will also enter in this book a list of any trench stores that come into their possession.

11. Equipment.--A. Equipment will be worn in the front trenches. Haversacks, packs, and trench tools need not be worn, these will be left in the shelters. In support and reserve trenches, they will be worn at the discretion of the Company Commander.

B. Ration and carrying parties will wear equipment and carry rifles unless otherwise ordered.

C. Pieces will be assumed to be loaded and locked at all times.

D. In the firing trenches bayonets will be fixed at night.

E. Non-commissioned officers and men of the firing line will at all times be in possession of their rifles and bayonets. The rifles of men in the support and reserve trenches or dugouts will be where they can be quickly seized, even in the dark.

12. Stretcher Bearers.--A. Stretcher bearers will be stationed at a point designated by the Company Commander.

13. Discipline.--A. Sleeping in the firing trenches will not be permitted.

B. No man will enter the firing trench, except in discharge of his duty, unless so ordered by his Company or Platoon Commander.

C. Sentries will remain standing unless the height of the parapet renders this impossible.

D. Saluting and standing at attention, etc., will be as carefully adhered to as when in camp except that sentinel will not let this interfere with their duties.

14. Rations and Cooking.--A. Cooking will be done in the rear of the reserve at a point to be designated.

B. Company Quartermaster Sergeants will accompany ration parties, which will be limited in size to the actual needs for bringing up cooked rations from the point where cooking is done, to the trenches. At no time should this exceed ten per cent of the effective strength of the unit from which sent.

C. Care will be taken that as little noise as possible be made by these carrying parties.

15. Sanitation.--A. The importance of strict attention to sanitation will be impressed upon all ranks.

B. The commanding officer of each unit is responsible for sanitation in his sector. He will make frequent inspections of latrines, refuse pits and trenches to ascertain that no unsanitary conditions exist.

C. Latrines will be constructed in the trenches, excreta kept covered at all times and such disinfectants as may be provided will be used at regular intervals. When filled within eighteen inches of the top, pits will be filled with earth and labeled.

D. Urinal cans will be provided and men required to use these cans and contents will be emptied as often as necessary into deep pits at least one hundred yards from the trenches. Empty tin cans, particles of food and other refuse will be collected in receptacles kept in the trenches for that purpose and carried to the rear and buried in pits. This is usually done at night.

Emergency Dumps for Companies (Material).

1. Any large shell crater will do for these or holes can be dug 10' x 10,' x 5' deep.

CONTENTS OF DUMP.

10 rolls barbed wire.
8 coils French accordion wire.
30 long screw stakes.
50 short screw stakes.
4 prepared wire blocks (gooseberries).

STORES FOR COMPANY.

100 very flares.
6 S.O.S. rockets.
2 verminal sprayers.
1 strombos horn. (gas alarm)
rubber boots.
periscopes.
200 revolver ammunition.
1 log book.
1 set maps.
1 set air photos.
1 defense scheme.

2. These are taken over and signed for. Each dugout must have a gas blanket and some form of gas alarm (usually empty shell case.)

STORES AT BATTALION HEADQUARTERS.

1 strombos horn.
2 verminal sprayers.
300 very flares.
20 S.O.S. rockets.
500 revolver ammunition.
50 ground flares.

Conclusion.

The present army of the United States had its inception at Plattsburg in 1915. The first regiment of the Business Mens' Training Camp will go down in history as the first chapter of preparedness.

The training camps of 1916, not only at Plattsburg, but at various other places throughout the United States, constituted the second chapter.

We are just finishing chapter three in the officers' training camps of 1917.

This book brings together the essential points of the instruction given at the second and probably the last of the officers' training camps at Plattsburg, in such a way that an officer may refresh his memory when he is about to take up with his men any of the subjects covered.

It is hardly necessary to add that no attempt has been made to cover fully any branch of the work. The bibliography provides for further study and the books in it should be at every officer's command.

As the war progresses many changes will be made; not only will methods change but some branches now considered essential may be cast aside as useless.

Nothing but work can make the pages of any military book have real meaning. This book gives what are now considered the essentials of military training. If it has brought to the conscientious officer points he might otherwise have forgotten to the detriment of his command, it will have served its purpose.

Bibliography.