Elements of Trench Warfare: Bayonet TrainingWaldron, William H. (William Henry)
History
Elements of Trench Warfare: Bayonet Training
Waldron, William H. (William Henry)
Bayonets
Every man is required to see that he has a good firing position for all
directions. Commanders must satisfy themselves that men have done this,
and report. _The whole line "Stands to Arms" during the hour before
dawn._
After dark, unless the moon is bright, rifles should be left in firing
position on the parapet. All men not on sentry should keep rifles, with
bayonets fixed, in the trench.
ROUTINE
1. Double sentinel posts are established in each bay. They are on post
one hour at a time.
2. When the enemy's trench-mortar detachments are active, special
sentinels will be posted to give notice of coming bombs.
3. Every man in the platoon is to know:
(_a_) The location of the platoon reserve ammunition and munitions.
(_b_) The location of latrines.
(_c_) The topography of the trenches in the platoon section and the
adjoining sections, including the approaches. The location of the
accessory defenses, listening and observation posts, machine-gun
positions, snipers' positions, trench-mortar positions, etc.
(_d_) The tactical disposition in the sector and the general
disposition of the company.
(_e_) The location of loopholes.
(_f_) The places of especial danger in order that he may stay away from
them.
4. Rifles are inspected twice daily. Every precaution is taken to keep
the rifle and ammunition free from mud.
5. There is a gas helmet parade daily.
6. Accurate sketches are made of the trench and any addition or
alteration entered on them.
7. Loopholes are inspected at dusk.
8. Wire entanglements are inspected and repaired under cover of
darkness.
9. A log of events hour by hour should be kept which shows every
item of enemy activity and the measures taken during the tour in the
trenches. This will be a valuable reference when turning the trench
over and will make a record of the habits of the enemy that may be most
valuable as a guide for making plans to circumvent him.
10. The police and sanitation of the trenches will be carefully looked
after.
11. Platoon commanders may divide the tour of supervision of the
platoon sector with the squad leaders.
12. The whole company stands to arms during the hour before dawn.
OBSERVATION
[Illustration: Plate 43.]
Observation of the enemy's line should be continuous. The observation
and firing system will be arranged so that all parts of the enemy's
line will be under observation and fire at all times.
Plate 42 shows the arrangement in general. The appliances for carrying
it out are shown in Plates 43, 44 and 45.
[Illustration: Plate 44.--Observation loophole and rifle firing rack.]
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