These working parties may sometimes be actually in the front line with the battalion that relieved them, or on the communication trenches leading to the front line, or on the second line defenses or reserve and support dugouts. This work is carried on under the supervision of engineer officers generally acting under orders from their brigade and divisional commanders. A request is made daily through the battalion commander for so many men to form the various working parties for that day and night, and the battalion commander keeping the brigade or division informed of his actual strength, protects his battalion from impossible allotments of work. These working parties are then detailed with the officer in charge, and he is generally given sufficient notice that he may have some idea of the task ahead of him. It is then to that officer’s benefit, knowing the amount of men who will have to do the task and what the task is like, for him to study out before leaving for the place where the work is to be done, just exactly what he intends to do and what sort of an organization it will require to do the work with the least possible friction. This is absolutely essential, as naturally men coming from a six days’ tour of the trenches and being ordered on a working task, are not keen on the job, and when an officer has not studied beforehand what he intends doing and how it shall be done, it winds up in endless confusion, disgusts the men more than ever, and precious little work is done. RELIEFS. The total time occupied in digging trenches is generally divided into parties called reliefs, usually of four hours. Shorter periods than this means much time wasted in commencing work and in delays; but, as a matter of fact, the time spent on the job and going to and from it will run to from 7 to 10 hours. In digging trenches, the usual extension is to two full paces per man. Where there is little probability of attack the following method may be adopted: Halt party about four paces in rear of the left flank of the general line of trenches required to be dug; then form single rank, march ahead of party to the commencement of task and indicate to the first man his task, stepping off the next two paces for the next man, and so on until you have your party all placed. This takes a very short time and is one of the best methods. Allow the men to remove their equipment, but do not allow them to throw it any place they like. It is a general rule to place it about four paces to the rear of their task. Where attacks are possible, rifles must be kept within easy reach. TRAVERSED FIRE TRENCHES The following is a method for extending men to dig by night a traversed and recessed fire trench which is not already traced: 1. Detailing a covering party to guard against sudden attack. 2. Extension of the remainder to two paces. 3. Number quietly down the line by 4s. 4. Nos. 1 and 4 stop 2 paces back (these men then become traverse men).