34. In each platoon a N. C. O. will be detailed for duty by day. This N. C. O. will do no night duty, but will get a full night's rest. His duties are to post the day sentries and to see that they are alert and carrying out their duties correctly. He will be generally responsible for the cleanliness of his lines and will frequently visit the latrines. It is part of his duties to see that any loose ammunition lying about is collected. 35. The platoon sergeant will always send, if possible, a N. C. O.[2] to draw the rations, and this N. C. O. will be responsible for their safe delivery. This especially applies to the issue of coke. The C. S. M. will, prior to his day of relief from the trenches, always collect the articles of trench equipment supplied for his company and make out a list of the same. These articles will be handed over to the company sergeant major of the relieving company. 36. The system of passing down messages by word of mouth, man to man, must not be used. If an officer or N. C. O. has anything important to report he should do so in writing. If there is no time to do this, a special messenger should be intrusted with a verbal message which should afterwards be confirmed in writing. 37. Special instructions have been issued as to precautions against gas. These are to be strictly followed. FOOTNOTES: [Footnote 2: An acting N. C. O. will not be employed on this duty.] BRIGADE STANDING ORDERS FOR THE TRENCHES. =1. RELIEFS.=--(_a_) When a battalion is taking over a new line of trenches the company commanders will invariably visit the trenches on the day previous to that on which the relief takes place. They will gain as much information as possible from the company commanders they are relieving. (_b_) An officer of each company should proceed in advance to the trenches on the day of the relief to take over, during daylight, all trench stores, ammunition, etc. Mutual receipts for these will be signed. (_c_) Machine gunners, bombers, snipers, and signalers will not be relieved on the same day as companies. They should proceed to the trenches 24 hours before their battalions, and take over their posts during daylight. (_d_) The strictest march discipline will be maintained by all parties proceeding to or from the trenches. An officer will march in rear of each company to ensure that it is properly closed up. (_e_) Reliefs will be carried out as quietly as possible. No smoking or lights will be allowed after reaching a point to be decided on by battalion commanders. (_f_) Guides at the rate of one per platoon, machine gun, or bombing post will invariably be arranged for by brigade headquarters when battalions proceed to the trenches. Likewise, when battalions are being relieved, a similar number of guides will be detailed by them to meet relieving units.