With the advent of the Russo-Japanese War came the extensive use of trenches on the battlefield, and with the trenches came the hand grenades which were used in large quantities by both sides. This was especially the case when the fighting lines came to close quarters and in the assaults against the forts at Port Arthur. When the European war resolved itself into trench warfare, such as it is today, the use of hand-thrown projectiles assumed an importance heretofore never attained, and today we find ourselves employing hand grenades in every phase of the conflict. EMPLOYMENT OF GRENADIERS Grenadiers are employed on both the offensive and defensive. They accompany the attacking lines in the advance on the enemy's position, they clear the fire trenches and communication trenches after parts of the enemy's lines have been taken, and on the defense they assist the riflemen in repelling attack and engage the enemy whenever he has obtained a lodgment in the trenches. ORGANIZATION While every infantryman receives a certain amount of instruction in grenade throwing, there should be a grenadier squad in each platoon specially instructed and trained in this most effective auxiliary method of trench warfare. Not all men possess the temperament and qualifications necessary to make efficient grenadiers. Hence the personnel of the grenadier squad should be carefully selected. Strong physique, personal courage and steadiness in emergencies are the qualifications that count. Men fond of outdoor sports, other things being equal, will be found the best. [Illustration: FIRST POSITION _Method of clearing Fire Trenches by Grenadier Squads_ _PLATE 40._] [Illustration: SECOND POSITION] The grenadier squad is organized as follows: _Front Rank._ No. 1. First bayonet man. No. 2. Second bayonet man. No. 3. Grenade thrower. No. 4. Squad leader, observer and director. _Rear Rank._ No. 1. First carrier. No. 2. Second carrier. No. 3. Barricader. No. 4. Barricader. DUTIES The duties of the several members of the squad vary under different circumstances of their tactical employment which will be fully explained below. In general they are as follows: _Bayonet Men._--The bayonet men move in advance of the grenade throwers. When the grenade thrower has thrown his grenades into the objective trench the bayonet men must be ready to take instant advantage of the temporary demoralization of the enemy caused by the explosions and clear the way for a repetition of the operation. _Grenade Thrower._--The grenade thrower must be ready and able to throw a grenade at once whenever the bayonet men or squad leader may direct. _Squad Leader._--The squad leader directs the operations of the squad. He goes wherever his presence is necessary. He keeps a close watch to the flanks. He replaces casualties and attends to the forwarding of grenades to the thrower. He acts as a grenade thrower whenever he can assist the operations in that capacity.