SPECIMENS OF BRITISH
TRENCH ORDERS

ARMY WAR COLLEGE

1917

WASHINGTON
GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE

1917

The following specimens of British trench orders are published for the information of all concerned.

By order of the Secretary of War:
H. L. SCOTT,
Major General, Chief of Staff.

Official:
H. P. McCAIN,
The Adjutant General.

CANADIAN CORPS TRENCH ORDERS.

1. DUTIES.—(a) One officer per company and one N. C. O. per platoon will always be on duty.

(b) By night the officer and N. C. O. on duty will frequently patrol the trench line to see that the sentries are alert and to inquire whether they have any information to report about the enemy.[1]

(d) The length of each tour of duty will depend on the number of officers and N. C. O.'s available in the company. Normally each tour should be, by night 2 hours, by day 4 hours, day commencing at morning "stand to," and by night commencing at evening "stand to." In inclement weather it may be advisable to reduce the tour to 1 hour.

(e) N. C. O.'s after posting sentries will report "All correct" or otherwise to the officer on duty.

(f) The officer on duty will be responsible for sending in the reports required by battalion headquarters, unless there is anything unusual to report, when this duty will be performed by the company commander.

(g) Men will be warned for duty by the platoon N. C. O. on duty. This will be done at evening "stand to."

(h) On being detailed for duty a man will be informed at which hours he will come on duty.

(i) When possible to do so, notice boards will be placed in each section's trench, on which will be pinned daily all orders regarding working parties, and a list of the men in the section, giving the times at which they will come on sentry and other duty.

(j) Except under special circumstances, such, for instance, as a sentry being killed or wounded, no sentry will be relieved by another man unless the relief is properly carried out in the presence of a N. C. O.

2. SENTRIES—By night.—(a) Sentries will be posted every 2 hours, except under bad weather conditions, when the length of the tour of sentry duty may be reduced.

(b) From evening "stand to" till morning "stand to" one sentry to every four men will be posted. If wiring or digging parties are out in front, or listening posts are numerous, this number may be reduced.

(d) Every sentry is to be regularly posted by a N. C. O., who will explain to him his duties and the front to be watched, and ascertain that the sentry and his relief are aware of the position of the section and platoon commanders, the sentries on either side, and whether there are any patrols or working parties out in front. Should there be salients in the line, the sentry will be carefully instructed, so as to avoid any possibility of him firing toward his own trenches.

(e) By night or in places which have the reputation of being dangerous, i.e., where enemy are suspected of mining, advanced posts, etc., no man should ever be posted alone. There should either be a double sentry post or the next relief should rest within kicking distance of the sentry.

By day.—(f) The number of sentries required depends on the proximity of the enemy's trench line and whether a good view to the front can be obtained; normally one to every four days is sufficient.

(h) Well-protected "look-out" posts for sentries will be built along the front trench line.

(i) Sending out of patrols.—Patrols will never be sent out without definite orders as to what is required of them. Patrols will go out via a listening post (if such exist). All listening posts will be warned of the strength of the patrol and the approximate hour of departure and return. Word will be passed quietly along the line of sentries that a patrol is out in front.

(j) As little challenging as possible will be done by sentries, and then only in a low tone of voice.

3. RIFLES, EQUIPMENT, AND AMMUNITION.—(a) Carrying and wearing of.—Equipment will always be worn by men in front trenches.

(b) Ration and carrying parties, orderlies, etc., will wear bandoliers and carry rifles.

(c) Parties at work between the front-line and reserve trenches may be permitted to "pile" or "ground" arms. Wiring and digging parties out in front of the fire trench will sling the rifle.

(d) Loading of rifles.—Except when it is necessary to shoot, a round will never be kept in the chamber. Cut-offs will always be "in" and the safety catch "back."

(g) Care of rifles.—Rifles and ammunition will be inspected at morning and evening "stand to," and rapid loading will also be practiced.

(h) Covered rifle racks will be constructed in each bay where rifles will be kept. Breech covers will be kept on the rifles.

(i) In very cold weather sentries will occasionally work the bolt of the rifle to prevent the striker becoming frozen. For the same reason, in cold weather men will sleep with their rifles close to the body.

(j) All loading will be from pouch or bandolier; no ammunition must ever be placed on ground or parapet.

(k) Disposal of rifles, equipment, and ammunition.—Wounded and men going sick will, if able to walk, wear their equipment and carry their rifles. The rifles and equipment of men unable to carry them and also those of dead men will be sent back to the dressing station. All other rifles, however badly damaged, and equipment damaged or not required will be sent back to the quartermaster. Damaged cartridges and empty cases will be collected and returned to the quartermaster under company arrangements.

(m) Platoon commanders will report at evening "stand to" whether their ammunition is correct or otherwise.

4. "STAND TO."—"Stand to" will take place 1 hour before daylight and 1 hour before dusk. At this parade 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 in accordance with the orders in force. Orders will be issued and steps taken to see that the men understand them. After "stand to" in the morning and before "stand to" in the evening rifles will be thoroughly cleaned and oiled.

5. CARE OF BOMBS AND GRENADES.—(a) Only a small percentage of bombs will be kept in the front trenches. These will be kept in a well-protected and dry bomb receptacle.

(b) Bomb stores will be built in the end of communication trenches in the support line.

(d) The battalion grenadier officer will make frequent inspection of all bombs and grenades.

(e) The alarm posts for grenadiers will be close to where the bomb stores are placed.

(g) Ammunition boxes in the trenches will be examined frequently to see if the lids work easily.

6. MACHINE GUNS.—(a) The concealment and protection of machine-gun emplacements is important—for this reason, except in case of emergency, machine guns will not be fired from their regular emplacements.

(b) Unless emplacements are well concealed, guns will not be mounted except between evening and morning "stand to."

(d) Before dusk, while there is still sufficient light, each gun will be laid on some particular spot either in or behind the enemy's front line.

(f) Machine guns in the front line should be reduced to a minimum sufficient to cover the front.

7. FIRING AT AEROPLANES.—Firing at aeroplanes will not be permitted except by order of an officer.

8. UNDERCUTTING TRENCH SIDES.—(a) The undercutting of trench sides to make shelters is forbidden.

(b) When shelters are made the required space from the ground level downward will be cut out and a roof supported on reliable posts will be made.

9. SANITATION.—(a) The importance of strict attention to sanitation should be impressed on all ranks.

(b) Empty tins or other refuse will be collected in receptacles kept for the purpose in the trenches and buried in a refuse pit.

(c) Latrines will be constructed in trenches leading from communication trenches. Where the bucket system is employed, chloride of lime or creosol will be freely used. The soil will be removed at night and buried in a deep pit well away from the trenches; these pits will be filled in when nearly full and labeled.

(d) The commanding officer is responsible for sanitation in his unit and the medical officer will advise him in sanitary matters, making daily inspections of latrines, refuse pits, and water arrangements. Under the medical officer latrines and refuse pits will be attended to by the regimental sanitary men and water duties by the R. A. M. C. details attached.

10. TIME-TABLES AND ORGANIZATION OF WORK.—(a) A time-table will be drawn up by each company commander. In this time-table he will allot hours of work, rest, and meals.

(b) Working parties will be properly organized. Definite tasks will be allotted. Each commander of a working party should know what work is expected from his party before the hour appointed to commence, so that no time is wasted in getting to work.

(c) Unless it can not be avoided, men should never be taken for sentry duty without having had a reasonable period of rest, and when this becomes necessary a report should be made to the C. O.

11. LOG BOOKS AND TRENCH STORE BOOKS.—(a) Each company commander will keep a log book in which will be entered up daily the work done. This log book will be handed over from one commander to another on relief.

(b) A trench store book will also be kept in which will be entered up all trench stores issued to the company. On relief, the incoming company commander will give a receipt to the outgoing commander for all trench stores taken over.

12. COMMUNICATIONS.—(a) Artillery lines will be laid on one side of a trench. Infantry lines on the opposite side.

(b) The Infantry brigade signal officer will exercise general supervision over all lines in the brigade area, and will notify the orderly officer of the Artillery brigade when any Artillery lines require attention or relaying. He will assist the Artillery whenever it may be possible to do so.

(c) Lines will be laid as low as possible, preferably not more than 9 inches from the bottom of the trench. They will be picketed into grooves cut into the side of the trench, the pickets being securely driven in at every reentrant bend and at every 10 yards along the straight.

(d) Lines will be clearly labeled at every 100 yards and at every junction with another line.

(g) Telephone communication to battalion headquarters and the company on each flank will be frequently tested.

(i) Every man is to know the position of his platoon commander's shelter and the company headquarters.

(j) At least two men per section of the support and reserve companies must be able to act as guides to all the company headquarters of the battalion.

(k) All officers must know the shortest route from their own headquarters to those of the company on their flanks and to their own battalion headquarters.

(l) It is the duty of every officer or man to fasten any loose wire that he may see which has become temporarily detached.

13. ALERTNESS.—Anything seen or heard in connection with the enemy, such as movements of individuals, transport wagons, troops, working parties, etc., is to be reported to the nearest officer.

14. RUM.—(a) Rum will always be kept under the personal charge of the company commander.

(c) No issue of rum will be made except in the presence of an officer; any rum left over will be handed back to the charge of the company commander.

(d) Men undergoing punishment for drunkenness will receive no issue of rum for 14 days after the offense, unless it is necessary for medical reasons.

15. ARRANGEMENTS IN CASE OF ATTACK.—(a) Company commanders will insure that all ranks know what to do in case of bombardment, gas, or attack by the enemy. They will occasionally test their arrangements by practicing an alarm.

(b) All officers' servants, grenadiers, orderlies, etc., will have duties allotted to them in case of attack.

16. WORKING PARTIES.—(a) All work on a fire trench will be carried out by the garrison of the trench, assisted, if necessary, by the garrison of the support and reserve trenches.

(b) All work in rear of fire trenches will be carried out by the garrison of the support and reserve trenches.

(c) If possible, working parties will consist of complete units, i.e., section, platoon, or company. Each unit will be commanded by its own commander.

(d) Even when working under engineer supervision, Infantry officers in charge of working parties will be responsible that the work done satisfies tactical requirements.

17. WORKING PARTIES OUTSIDE THE FRONT TRENCH.—(a) A covering party will always be provided for digging and wiring parties outside the front trenches.

18. PRECAUTION WHEN ONE OF OUR MINES IS EXPLODED.—In the event of one of our own mines being exploded, a clear space of 5 yards will be kept on either side of the mouth of the mine shaft.

19. RATION PARTIES WHEN FOUND FROM FRONT TRENCHES.—Usually, rations and stores will be carried up to the trenches by supports and reserves. If this is not possible and it is necessary that men from the front trenches have to be employed, not more than 10 per cent of the men in the firing line are to be away from the trenches at the same time.

20. RATIONS AND COOKING.—(a) Ration parties from the support and reserve trenches will be made up in complete units as in 16 (c).

(b) The company quartermaster sergeant will accompany the ration parties for his company and report his arrival to the company commanders.

(d) Cooking, if possible, will be done behind the front-line trenches and should be concentrated by sections or companies. Steps must be taken to ensure that as little smoke as possible is made by the cooks' fires.

(g) Arrangements should be made to ensure that soup or some hot drink should be available for the men between midnight and 4 a. m.

21. VERMOREL SPRAYERS.—(a) Vermorel sprayers form part of trench stores. They are provided for clearing gas out of trenches and shelters after an attack, and for respraying helmets if necessary during a prolonged gas attack.

(b) They will be distributed at easily accessible points in the trenches and protected from shell fire.

(c) They must be kept one-third full of water. Six gallons of the following solution to be used in them must be kept in corked rum jars close to each sprayer. It must not be kept in the sprayers owing to its corrosive nature:

Water, 3 gallons (one large bucket).
Sodium thiosulphate (hypo), 6 lbs. (two piled mess tins).
Sodium carbonate (washing soda), 2 lbs. (one mess tin).

(d) Each company will have a squad of men in charge of an N. C. O. trained in the care and use of sprayers.

(e) On taking over trenches, the N. C. O. in charge of sprayers will take over from the outgoing N. C. O. and will see that each is in order and provided with solution.

(f) A man will be told off to each sprayer; he will be responsible for testing it every day, and in case of a gas attack he will stand by to use it when ordered.

22. GENERAL.—(a) Prior to taking over a new line of trenches the commanding officer, adjutant, machine-gun officer, signaling officer, and company commanders will reconnoiter the trenches.

23. POINTS TO BE NOTED BY COMPANY COMMANDERS.—(a) Number of men holding line to be taken over and distribution.

(c) Work being done and proposed. To ensure a continuity of work an officer of the incoming battalion should go over line in daylight.

(k) Position of "shell trenches" or "feathers," or other cover from enemy artillery fire.

24. GUIDES.—(a) Arrangements will be made between the C. O. of relieving and about to be relieved battalions as to places 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 headquarters, and one for battalion headquarters will be provided.

These guides must know the exact spot where they will meet the relieving troops and the best and safest way to the trenches.

25. SMOKING AND TALKING.—After leaving the rendezvous there is to be no smoking or talking till arrival in the trenches.

26. RATE OF MARCH TO TRENCHES.—The rate of marching to the trenches from billets will not exceed 2 miles an hour.

27. PROCEDURE ON ARRIVAL IN TRENCHES.—(a) The troops being relieved will not leave the trenches until all trench stores have been handed over and receipts received, all the relieving troops are in position, and new sentries have been posted and orders to move have been received from the company commander.

(b) Platoon commanders will at once personally examine all firing positions and satisfy themselves that each man can fire on the foot of the nearest part of the wire entanglement.

(d) When the relief is completed O. C. companies will report to that effect to battalion headquarters.

(e) Men will not be dismissed till the O. C. company has received reports from all his platoon commanders that everything is in order.

28. ENGINEERS.—(a) To insure continuity of work a few sappers should live permanently in the trenches.

(b) Daily requisitions for engineering material required will be forwarded by company commanders to battalion headquarters.

(c) The battalion commander will apply to the field company for the material required through the brigade headquarters and will arrange for carrying parties to take it in.

29. PREVENTION OF CHILLED FEET AND FROSTBITE.—(a) Before marching to trenches, feet and legs will be washed and rubbed with antifrostbite grease or whale oil under platoon supervision. Boots should be large enough for two pairs of socks, and puttees must be put on loosely.

(b) The march to the trenches will be in ankle boots, every man will carry two pairs of spare socks, spare grease, and towel.

(c) On arrival at the trenches, take off ankle boots and wet socks, dry and grease feet, put on dry socks, gum boots (trench stores) or paper stockings and ankle boots.

(d) During the tour in the trenches, circulation must be kept up by movement; the restriction of the circulation of the lower limbs is the principal cause of chilled feet.

(e) Boots and puttees will be removed at least once in every 24 hours, feet and legs will be dried, rubbed, and greased, and dry socks put on.

(f) Gum boots will be taken off before troops march out on relief and will be handed over as trench stores to the relieving unit.

(g) On arrival in billets, feet will be washed and rubbed; dry socks, hot drinks, and food will be provided under battalion arrangements.

(h) Warming braziers made from 3 and 5 gallon oil drums will be provided, and a daily allowance of 2 lbs. coke and ½ lb. charcoal per man in the trenches. An extra pea-soup, tea, and sugar ration will also be issued.

(i) C. O.'s are responsible that all trench pumps on charge are kept in good repair and made use of to the fullest extent. The drier the trenches are the fewer will be the cases of chilled feet.

FOOTNOTES:

[1] The officer should remember that he is in the same position as is the officer on watch on board a ship.

SPECIMEN OF BATTALION TRENCH STANDING ORDERS.

1. Trenches are usually divided up into a certain number of bays; the number of men to defend these bays depends on the length of trench allotted to each company. Each section is detailed to guard a certain number of bays.

2. N. C. Os. and men must always wear their equipment by day and night; a man found not complying with this order commits a "crime."

3. Every company will stand to arms daily half an hour before dawn, and half an hour before dusk and will remain so till dismissed by O. C. company.

4. The enemy's trenches are so close that it is very important for the men to have their rifle sights always at "normal," so that there will be no necessity to alter the sights in case of alarm.

5. By night all bayonets are to be fixed, and 50 per cent of the men on duty in the trenches are to be sitting on the firing platform with their rifles by their sides.

6. In case of an attack, especially at night, it should be impressed on the men that they should fire low; for one bullet that goes too low, at least 90 go too high. A bullet that goes too high is wasted, whereas a bullet that goes too low is a ricochet and is often more dangerous than any other kind of bullet.

7. Section commanders are responsible that the men under their command have sufficient standing room for the purpose of firing over the parapet. It is very important to insure that the men have a clear field of fire, and are able not only to see the enemy's trenches but also the ground in the immediate vicinity of their own trench. It is of the greatest importance to arrange that the men can fire comfortably from the parapet and that they can get the butt comfortably into the hollow of the shoulder when the rifle is resting on the parapet.

8. When making new trenches it should be impressed on the men that the parapet must be at least 5 feet thick at the top in order to be bullet proof.

9. If any part of the parapet requires repairing or altering, the matter should be reported at once by the section commander to his platoon sergeant, who will in turn report the matter to superior authority.

10. The general work of repairing the trenches, fatigues, etc., will be carried out either by day or by night according to company arrangements. Certain hours will be alloted for these tasks, and no man in the company is to be employed in any kind of work out of these hours, unless permission is obtained from O. C. company.

11. No man should ever leave his post in the trenches either by day or by night, without the permission of the N. C. O. in charge of that post.

12. As a general rule, by night there should be at least one sentry post to each ten yards of parapet.

13. By night double sentries should always be posted, if possible, and no sentry should be kept on duty for a longer period than 1 hour at a time. It should be so arranged that when one of the sentries is doing his last ½ hour on sentry, his comrade will be doing his first ½ on duty.

14. Sentries by night should always have their rifles resting on the parapet ready to fire at moment's notice.

15. As few sentries as possible should be posted by day, so as to give as much rest as possible to the remainder of the men.

16. By day any existing loop holes may be used by a sentry for observation purposes, but this is strictly prohibited at night, when the sentry must look over the parapet.

17. If a sentry is continually fired at, the section commander will take steps to post him in another position, but not far away from the original position.

18. By night arrangements must be made in each platoon for a N. C. O.[2] to be continually on duty for the purpose of visiting the sentries, etc., etc. He will report to his company officer at odd hours and to his platoon officer at even hours.

19. Cases have occurred of men going to sleep on sentry duty. This is the most serious crime a soldier can commit on active service. The G. O. C. has clearly stated that in future, if any man has been convicted by court-martial for this offense and sentenced to be shot, he will confirm the sentence. There is no excuse for a man going to sleep on sentry duty; if he is feeling too ill to perform this duty he should report the fact to the N. C. O. on duty of his platoon, who will in his turn report the matter to superior authority.

20. If an armed party of the enemy approaches the trench under a flag of truce, they should be ordered to halt at a distance and lay down their arms, and the matter should be reported at once to the O. C. company. If the party fails to halt when ordered to do so, or does not convey a flag of truce, they should immediately be fired upon. An unarmed party should be halted the same way at a distance, and the matter be reported to the O. C. company.

21. By night it is not necessary to challenge anyone in advance of the trenches, but fire should be opened at once. If, however, the company is sending out listening, working, or covering parties, these orders should be modified, and special instructions issued to meet the case.

22. Men will be specially picked from the company for listening patrols and as sharpshooters. These men will be given special privileges and their work is such that they will be afforded greater opportunities of being mentioned in dispatches.

23. It is the duty of officers and N. C. Os. to check men talking loudly during the night, as this practice makes it impossible for the sentries to hear any movement in front of the trenches. The Germans take advantage of this talking by the British soldier during the night to send listening patrols quite near to our trenches, and even build trenches on clear moonlight nights close to our lines without our knowledge.

24. All working parties must wear their equipment and carry their rifles, but when actually working they can lay these on the ground close to them.

26. Ration parties and parties carrying material for repairs, etc., need not wear their equipment or carry rifles, but should be accompanied by a fully armed N. C. O. as an escort.

27. Not more than twenty men are to be away from the company at the same time. 1 N. C. O. and 4 men per platoon.

28. Every soldier must remember it is of the utmost importance to keep his rifle clean and in working order whilst in the trenches. His very life may depend upon this, as he is liable to be rushed at any moment, either by day or by night. The dirty rifle means probably a jammed one after the first round.

29. The first duty of a soldier, therefore, is to clean his rifle every morning as soon as there is sufficient light to enable him to do so; an hour will be appointed by O. C. company for this purpose. The platoon sergeant will be responsible that section commanders superintend this work, and inspect the rifles of their section. Any man who is found with a dirty rifle will be made a prisoner.

30. All rifles by day to be in racks, except those used by the sentries, and arrangements should be made by section commanders to improvise racks if they are not provided.

31. Great care is to be exercised to keep the trenches clean and in a sanitary condition. Platoon commanders will be responsible for the latrines in their section of the trenches. Any man fouling the trenches will be severely dealt with. No water is to be taken for drinking or cooking purposes except from the water cart or tanks provided for this purpose. Disregard of this regulation will probably cause an outbreak of typhoid or dysentery amongst the men of the company.

32. Stretcher bearers will be stationed at a place appointed by the C. O. If a man is wounded, information should be sent at once to these stretcher bearers, whose duty it is to carry wounded to the aid post or dressing station.

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:

[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.

(g) On taking over a line of trenches a company commander will at once get in touch with the companies on his right and left; he will ascertain the position of the nearest supporting troops, of the reserve ammunition, of any machine guns or bombing posts, and of his battalion headquarters; he will ascertain the best and quickest means of obtaining artillery support, and he will have all wires, including the artillery wire, if there is one, tested. When his platoons have taken over, and he is satisfied that all is correct, he will inform his commanding officer by telephone that the relief of his company is complete.

(h) The actual relief of trenches should be carried out in the following manner:

The exact frontage for which each platoon commander is responsible will be clearly defined.

Before dismissing his company the company commander will ensure that each man has an alarm post from which he can use his rifle freely and fire at the bottom of our own wire entanglements. Each man must also know the position of company headquarters, the reserve ammunition, and latrines. Every company commander in the front line will have control of the grenadiers employed on his front.

(i) Within 24 hours of taking over a new line of trenches a company commander will forward a report on his trenches as follows:

A rough sketch showing the position of bombers' posts, machine guns, grenade stores, and reserve ammunition should accompany the report.

(j) Before handing over trenches, officers commanding companies will draw up a statement containing all available information on the following points:

A list of trench stores, ammunition, etc., will also be drawn up ready for handing over. All stores should be carefully stacked in a convenient place. Ammunition, Very lights, sandbags, etc., sufficient for at least 24 hours consumption, should invariably be handed over to the relieving unit.

Battalion entrenching tools will not be taken to the trenches. Should the existing tools in the trenches be considered insufficient, application should be made to brigade headquarters for a further supply.

2. SENTRIES.—As a general rule, the following numbers of sentries will be posted:

By day.—One sentry for every 3 bays, exclusive of bombers, snipers, and machine gunners.

By night, in a fog or snowstorm.—One double sentry for each bay, exclusive of bombers and machine gunners.

Sentries will invariably be posted and relieved by a N. C. O. under the orders of the platoon commander.

It must be recognized that no fixed rules can be laid down as regards the number of sentries that are necessary and battalion commanders will use their discretion in the matter. The number required will depend on the proximity of the enemy, the tactical situation, and, above all, on the state of our own wire entanglements.

3. OFFICER AND N. C. Os. OF THE "WATCH."—In every company in the firing line the company commander will arrange for his officers to take it in turns to be on "watch" throughout the twenty-four hours.

Likewise in each platoon the platoon commander will detail a N. C. O. of the watch.

The officer and N. C. Os. of the watch will visit all sentries, bombing posts, and machine guns within the area of their command once every hour by day and by night.

At night the officer of the watch will carry a Very pistol. Very lights should be used sparingly, as they are often difficult to obtain.

The time when lights are most required is when the Germans are not sending any up.

4. STANDING TO ARMS.—Troops will always stand to arms one hour before daylight and one hour before dark. They will remain under arms in the first instance until the enemy's lines are visible, and in the second instance until darkness comes on. At these hours company commanders will arrange for the inspection of arms, ammunition, and equipment by platoon commanders. The latter will satisfy themselves that each man is in possession of two smoke helmets; ammunition will be made up to 120 rounds per rifle when troops stand to arms.

Whenever men stand to arms company commanders will order the parapet to be manned to insure that every man has a post from which he can fire at the bottom of our own wire.

At the inspection of rifles at the hours of standing to arms platoon commanders will satisfy themselves that the bolt action is working freely. A thorough inspection of arms will be held at midday, at which hour men will be washed and shaved.

5. GAS ATTACKS.—(i) It is to be impressed on all ranks that the smoke helmet issued to them affords complete protection against all forms of gas used by the enemy.

(ii) All ranks will invariably carry on their persons smoke helmets. Instruction is to be given in the method of adjusting smoke helmets rapidly, condemned helmets being used for this purpose.

(iv) The direction of the wind will be studied and special precautions taken when it favors a gas attack by the enemy.

(v) On the first sign of gas, whether it is detected by sight or smell, the sentries will sound the alarm gongs and bells which are hung up at intervals throughout the trenches. On hearing this alarm every officer and man will at once adjust his smoke helmet and fall in on his alarm post. Nobody will remain in dugouts. To make certain of the warning reaching everybody the order "Put on smoke helmets" will be passed from man to man throughout the trenches held by the —— division.

(vi) The officers in command of the trenches opposite the section of the enemy's line from which the gas is proceeding will send the S. O. S. call to the artillery, and will order rapid fire to be opened on the enemy trenches. Neighboring sectors of defense will be at once warned.

(vii) When the gas cloud is sufficiently thick to hide the enemy's front parapets, machine guns and rifles will open fire in short bursts on fixed lines covering the enemy's trenches, in order to inflict casualties, pierce gas tubes, and break up the density of the enemy's gas cloud.

(viii) Garrisons of trenches on the flanks of the front threatened will be prepared to open a flanking fire on the enemy should he attempt to advance from his front line.

(ix) As soon as the S. O. S. call has been sent to the artillery, messages will be sent to brigade H. Q. and the artillery "Gas trench(es)________________________________."

(x) Rifle bolts and machine-gun crank handles to be worked backwards and forwards while gas is about, to prevent the gas from impairing the action.

(xi) Vermorel sprayers to be used in trenches and dugouts in the affected area as soon as the gas has passed over, in order that gas helmets may be taken off.

6. FIXING OF BAYONETS.—Bayonets will always be fixed during the hours of darkness, during a snowstorm, or thick mist, or when the proximity of the enemy renders this course advisable.

7. COUNTER ATTACKS.—As soon as possible after taking over a new line battalion commanders will draw up and submit to brigade headquarters their scheme for counter attacking the enemy should he gain possession of any part of their line.

In framing this scheme it must be borne in mind that in every line of trenches there are certain points which would be of value to the enemy if captured by him, whereas there are others which would be of little use to him.

Should the enemy attack and occupy any portion of our trenches he will be immediately counter attacked and driven out by the nearest body of troops. All ranks must clearly understand that counter attacks made at once and without hesitation will usually be sucessful, even if made by small numbers, but that a counter attack, once the enemy has been given time to establish himself, is a very difficult and costly operation.

8. MINES.—Should the enemy fire a mine in or near our trenches the crater thus formed will be immediately occupied by the nearest troops. This order will be made known to all ranks.

9. FIRING BY DAY AND NIGHT.—By day men will only fire when a target offers itself. If the enemy is in the habit of showing himself at any particular point, the attention of the platoon commander should be drawn to it. The latter will inform the battalion sniping officer, who will tell off a sniper's post to watch the spot.

By night all firing must be organized. If the enemy is believed to be working on his trenches or wire, the company commander will give directions to his platoon commanders to fire five rounds rapid at certain stated times. He will first ascertain that no patrols from neighboring companies will be out at these hours.

A certain number of fixed rifles will be placed in every trench and fired by the sentries. These rifles will be laid on certain selected spots.

10. COMPANY MEETINGS.—Officers commanding companies will hold meetings of their platoon commanders and N. C. Os. each evening in the trenches. Only a few officers and N. C. Os. should be present at each meeting. At these meetings the following points should be discussed:

11. WORK ON TRENCHES.—Work on trenches should as far as possible be carried out during daylight.

12. GARRISONS OF TRENCHES.—It is an invariable rule that during daylight the front-line trenches should be held as lightly as is compatible with safety. At night the garrison must be strengthened.

The actual strength of garrisons will be governed by the tactical situation and by the number of support and communicating trenches at hand.

With proper support and communicating trenches only sentries and snipers should be in the front-line trenches during daylight. To these will be added bombers if there are any old communicating trenches leading to the enemy's lines or if the proximity of the enemy demands their presence.

13. DISCIPLINE.—(a) Sleeping in the front line trenches will not be allowed unless there is an absence of support trenches.

(b) No dugouts will be constructed without the permission of the battalion commander. All dugouts must be made splinter proof. Work on them will not be commenced until sufficient material is at hand. If it can be avoided dugouts will not be constructed in the fire trenches.

(d) Cooking should not take place in the front-line trenches. Whenever possible cooking will be done under company arrangements in order that the men may have their meals at regular hours.

(e) All parties moving within the trench area will be correctly marched by an officer or N. C. O.

(f) Orderly room should be held daily in the trenches unless circumstances render this impossible.

(i) Equipment will never be taken off in the front-line trenches except in the case of working parties, when equipment may be removed by order of the company commanders. In support trenches equipment may be removed at the discretion of battalion commanders.

(j) Sentries will remain standing at all times unless the height of the parapet renders this impossible.

(k) All parties, with the exception of stretcher bearers, moving in the trench area will wear their arms and equipment. Orderlies may be excused wearing their equipment at the discretion of commanding officers.

(l) The wearing of cotton bandoliers by working parties and orderlies is forbidden, nor are these bandoliers to be hung up in the trenches.

(m) Ammunition must be kept in a thoroughly clean state. If the ammunition is not clean jambs will occur. Ammunition will be frequently inspected.

(n) The "undercutting" of trenches is strictly forbidden. Drains will always be cut down the center of a trench and not at the sides.

(o) When mining is in progress in any of the trenches occupied by the brigade the sandbags filled with earth from the mine will on no account be used in the front trenches or other points which are visible to the enemy.

14. RECONNAISSANCE AND PATROLLING.—The best security against attack is active patrolling and constant observation of the enemy's lines, so that he can not undertake any new work without steps being taken to prevent its continuance.

The enemy's wire will be constantly patrolled to insure that he has cut no gaps in it with a view to launching an attack.

15. INFORMATION.—Every effort will be made by means of patrols, field glasses, etc., to ascertain information about the enemy, his trenches and wire. Any alterations in the enemy's lines must be reported, and if any of the enemy are seen a report will be sent in stating what dress they were wearing. The importance of forwarding all such information will be impressed on all ranks.

16. SNIPING.—In every battalion a sniping section will be formed, consisting of 1 officer and 25 N. C. O.'s and men. The officer will carry out the duties of intelligence officer to his battalion. He will render a daily report to his commanding officer containing the following information:

Battalion sniping officers will get into close touch with artillery observing officers within their sectors, and will give every assistance to them.

17. ARTILLERY SUPPORT.—As a general rule, a forward observing officer of an 18-pounder battery will be quartered at or near battalion H. Q.

Requests for retaliation should be made to this officer, and brigade H. Q. should be warned of the action taken.

Fire from howitzers and heavy batteries can, except in the case of the S. O. S. signal, only be obtained through brigade H. Q. If retaliatory fire is required from howitzers, it must be stated on what point it is wished that the fire should be directed.

Any trench mortaring by the enemy should be immediately reported to the officer commanding our trench mortars.

18. "S. O. S." AND "TEST" SIGNALS.—In the event of an infantry attack by the enemy, a mine being fired, or other emergency, the S. O. S. signal will be sent by the quickest route to the Field Artillery battery covering the trenches concerned.

The signal will be repeated to battalion H. Q., who will transmit it to brigade H. Q.

On receipt of the S. O. S. signal all batteries covering the trenches concerned will open a concentrated fire on the enemy's front line.

When necessity for fire no longer exists, a message to this effect will be sent to the artillery and to brigade H. Q.

In order to test the efficient working of the artillery lines, "test" messages will frequently be sent from the trenches to the supporting battery.

The test will consist of one round of shrapnel fired on the "night line" of the battery. No target will be given by the officer in the trenches.

The time taken from the handing in of the message until the shell bursts will be carefully noted and reported to battalion H. Q. The O. C. battalion will enter the result of all tests in his daily report. He will give the exact time at which the test was sent and will state whether it was a "direct" or an "indirect" test. A "direct" test is from trench to battery. An "indirect" test is from trench via battalion H. Q. to battery.

19. VERMOREL SPRAYERS.—One man will be detailed to look after each sprayer. A spare tin of solution will be kept with each sprayer. Medical officers will periodically inspect both sprayers and solution.

20. HOSTILE ARTILLERY FIRE.—In reporting activity by the enemy's artillery it is necessary to state:

If shrapnel bursts in the air, judge whether range is correct by the splash of the bullets on the ground and not by the burst.

21. AIRCRAFT.—On the approach of any of the enemy's aircraft three blasts will be blown on a whistle. This will be the signal for all ranks to keep perfectly still.

All aircraft belonging to the enemy will be heavily fired on by machine guns and rifles as long as they are within range, but no firing will take place without the order of an officer, who will first satisfy himself that the aircraft is hostile. Directions should be given to the men as to how many lengths in front of the aeroplane aim should be taken. If a "Zeppelin" is sighted, a "priority" message will be sent to brigade H. Q. reporting the fact and stating approximately where the "Zeppelin" was seen and in what direction it was proceeding.

22. MAPS.—Maps with our own trenches marked on them will not be taken into the front-line trenches.

23. TELEPHONE MESSAGES.—No messages regarding the action of our own Artillery or other matters of an important nature will be sent by telephone to the fire trenches. Such messages will be sent by orderly. This is necessary because it has been found that the enemy has, at times, read our messages by induction.

24. SIGNALERS.—The brigade signaling section is responsible for the maintenance of communication between brigade H. Q. and battalions.

All wires must be pinned in to the sides of trenches. Infantry wires on the S. and E. sides and Artillery wires on the N. and W. sides.

All wires will be labeled with the name of the battalion at least every 50 yards.

Officers in charge of battalion signalers are responsible that all disused or unlabeled wires within their areas are reeled up.

25. MEDICAL OFFICERS.—Medical officers attached to battalions will, in addition to looking after the sick and wounded, be responsible for the sanitation of the trenches generally, paying particular attention to the water supply and latrines. Battalion sanitary sections will work under the orders of the medical officer.

The medical officer will accompany the commanding officer periodically on his visits round the trenches.

Stretcher bearers are responsible that the rifles and equipment (including field glasses, wire cutters, etc.), of all men who are wounded are taken with them to the dressing station. The medical officer will instruct the N. C. O. i/c stretcher bearers to see that this order is carried out.

The arms and equipment of wounded men will be sent to the field ambulance with them, the ammunition having first been removed from pouches and magazines. Field glasses, wire cutters, etc., will not be sent to the field ambulance but will be sent to battalion headquarters.

The arms and equipment of men who are killed will be collected at battalion headquarters and handed over to the quartermaster for return to the base.

26. RATION PARTIES.—Parties to carry rations, water, and material to the companies in the front line will be detailed from the companies in reserve.

27. EMPTY CARTRIDGE CASES AND RUBBISH.—At intervals throughout the trenches sandbags will be hung up as receptacles for empty cartridge cases and chargers. Others will be hung up for the collection of rubbish. Sandbags to be labeled accordingly. All empty cases and chargers thus collected will be sent each evening to battalion H. Q. for transmission to the base.

28. DRESS, ETC.—Men must be properly dressed at all times and as smart and clean as circumstances will allow.

Discipline as regards saluting, standing to attention, etc., will receive as much attention in the trenches as in billets.

29. PRISONERS.—Should any prisoners be captured they will be immediately searched, and all documents found on them will be forwarded to brigade H. Q. without delay. Germans usually carry all documents in the skirt pockets of their tunics. A telephone message will be dispatched to brigade H. Q. stating to what regiment the prisoners belong.

All ranks will be warned that should they find themselves in the hands of the enemy it is only necessary for them to give their number, name, and regiment. No other information whatever will be given.

30. RETURNS.—The following returns are due at brigade H. Q. daily when in the trenches:—

55TH (WEST LANCASHIRE) DIVISION TRENCH ORDERS.

Every officer, and every noncommissioned officer in command of any body of troops, is to be in possession of this book and to be thoroughly conversant with its contents.

J. K. Cochrane,
Lieut. Colonel, General Staff,
55th (West Lancashire) Division.

January, 1917.

CONTENTS.

55TH (WEST LANCASHIRE) DIVISION TRENCH ORDERS.

1. DUTIES.—(a) One officer per company and one N. C. O. 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, if possible, by an officer once during his tour of duty.

(b) The officer on duty will, when his tour of duty is finished, inform the officer relieving him and report to him the situation, work in progress, and any other information of use.

(c) By night the officer and N. C. O. on duty will frequently patrol the trench line, to see that the sentries are alert and to inquire whether they have any information about the enemy to report.

(d) The N. C. O. coming on duty will go around and post new sentries with the N. C. O. coming off duty.

(e) The length of each tour of duty will naturally depend on the number of officers and N. C. O.'s available in the company. Normally each tour should be, by night 2 hours, by day 4 hours, day commencing at morning "stand to" and night commencing at evening "stand to." In inclement weather the tour of duty must be reduced.

(f) N. C. O.'s after posting sentries will report "all correct" or otherwise to the officer on duty.

(g) Men will be warned for duty by the platoon sergeant on duty. This will be done at evening "stand to."

(h) On being detailed for duty a man will be informed at which hours he will come on duty.

(i) Except under special circumstances, such, for instance, as a sentry being killed or wounded, no sentry will be relieved by another man unless the relief is properly carried out in the presence of a N. C. O.

(j) When possible to do so, notice boards will be placed in each sections' trench, on which will be pinned daily all orders regarding working parties and a list of the men in the section giving the times at which they will come on sentry and other duties.

(k) The company commander will be responsible for sending in the reports required by battalion H. Q.

2. SENTRIES.—(a) The number of sentry posts required depends on the propinquity or otherwise of the enemy, the strength of obstacles, the ease with which sentry posts can be reinforced, and other local conditions. There must be sentries enough to insure that the alarm is given promptly in case of attack, and that local resistance is sufficient until support can arrive. Brigade commanders are responsible that these requirements are met.

(b) Sentries will be relieved every two hours, except under bad weather conditions, when the length of a tour of sentry duty will be reduced.

(d) Every sentry is to be regularly posted by a N. C. O., who will explain to him his duties and ascertain that the sentry and his relief are 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.

(e) In important places, i.e., where enemy are suspected of mining, advanced posts, etc., no man should be posted alone. There should be a double sentry.

(f) No man who has been on work during the day will be placed on sentry till he has had at least 4 hours for rest, unless it is unavoidable.

(g) When the line is held by small posts at a considerable distance apart, a visiting patrol will also be maintained. This patrol will be responsible for the passing of orders along the line of posts.

(h) All orders are to be passed along the line by one platoon N. C. O. on duty to the next N. C. O. on duty.

(i) Every sentry is to report when an officer passes his post "all correct" or otherwise.

(j) During daylight no more sentries should be posted than are actually necessary to insure that the whole front to be watched is kept under efficient observation.

3. PATROLS.—(a) It is the duty of troops holding the front line to establish a command of the ground in front of their parapet up to the enemy's wire. This can only be done by active and constant patrolling by night and reconnaissance by day, so that the ground is thoroughly well known to as large a proportion as possible of officers and other ranks, and so that no enemy can move or remain in it by day or night without fear of death.

(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 an especially favorable opportunity presents itself of inflicting loss on the enemy without prejudice to their mission. They usually consist of from 2 to 6 men under an officer.

(d) Fighting patrols are sent out with the express purpose of causing loss or damage to the enemy by such means as engaging enemy 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 on the nature of the resistance they are likely to meet with.

(e) Battalion 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 are warned when and where patrols will be out, and of the point to which they will return.

(f) The 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 on his return and dispatched at once by way of the battalion H. Q. to brigade H. Q., unless orders to the contrary have been given.

4. ALERTNESS.—Anything seen or heard in connection with the enemy, such as movements of individuals, transport wagons, troops, working parties, etc., is to be reported to the nearest officer by anyone who observes it and at any time.

5. STAND TO.—"Stand to" will take place one hour before sunrise and at sunset. At this parade every available man will be present. Rifles, ammunition, equipment, clothing, etc., will be inspected. Firing steps will be tested as soon as it is dusk to see that each man can fire on the foot of the nearest part of the wire entanglements immediately to his front. They are not to be tested at "stand to" in the morning. Rifles, ammunition, and equipment will be inspected after "stand down" in the morning and at "stand to" at night. Orders will be issued and steps taken to see that the men understand them. Gas helmets and other protective appliances will be inspected in accordance with the orders in force.

6. ARRANGEMENTS IN CASE OF ATTACK.—(a) The action to be taken in case of attack is laid down in defense schemes, divisional, brigade, and battalion, with reference to each form of attack which is considerable probable.

(b) In addition, minor defense schemes will be drawn up for each company front, based on battalion defense schemes, and platoon commanders also will keep up schemes based on that for the company and dealing specially with the action of their respective platoons.

(c) All the above schemes, divisional, brigade, battalion, company, and platoon, will be handed over at each relief to the relieving formation, unit, etc. They will be made out in consultation by the formations, units, etc., habitually occupying the defenses with which they deal.

(d) The object of defense schemes is to insure that every officer, N. C. O., and man knows what to do in case of attack, and does it instinctively and promptly. The minor schemes must therefore be detailed and exact, and each officer and man must have his duties thoroughly explained to him by his immediate superior. All defense schemes will be rehearsed once in each relief.

(e) At each relief of a battalion, company, or platoon the commander of it will report to his immediate commander that he has taken over and understands the defense schemes for the position he is occupying.

(f) All officers' servants, bombers, orderlies, etc., will have duties allotted to them in case of attack.

7. MACHINE GUNS.—(a) The concealment of machine-gun emplacements is important; consequently it is only in case of attack that machine guns will be fired from their defense emplacements.

(b) Unless emplacements are well concealed guns will not be mounted, except between evening and morning "stand to."

(c) The guns and their crews will be tactically under the orders of the battalion commander in whose subsector they are located, but no alteration will be made by him in their disposition or arcs of fire; he will, however, bring before his brigade commander any suggestion for improvement in the machine-gun dispositions for defense.

(e) At dusk, but while there is still sufficient light, each gun will be laid on the center line of the zone alloted to it.

(g) Officers will live in close proximity to their guns. They will daily inspect their guns, emplacements, and ammunition. They are responsible for the cleanliness and maintenance of the emplacements.

(h) The machine-gun company commander is responsible that his guns are always ready for action, that the emplacements are clear of all material except such as is required for the service of the gun, that embrasures or loopholes are kept clear of all obstructions which may interfere with fire or view, and that the ammunition is in good condition.

8. COOPERATION BETWEEN ARTILLERY, INFANTRY, MACHINE-GUN COMPANIES, AND TRENCH MORTAR BATTERIES.—The defense of any line depends largely on the cordial cooperation of all officers responsible for the different means of defense. Every opportunity is to be taken by officers of artillery, infantry, machine-gun companies, and trench mortar batteries of becoming personally acquainted with each other and gaining a knowledge of each other's methods. The Artillery liaison officer with a battalion is to be looked on as temporarily a member of battalion H. Q.

9. PRECAUTIONS WHEN ONE OF OUR MINES IS EXPLODED.—(a) In the event of one of our own mines being exploded, a clear space of 5 yards will be kept on either side of the mouth of the mine shaft.

(b) On any front where enemy mining exists, or is suspected, detailed schemes of action will be prepared, under the direction of the brigade commander, to deal with any case of a mine being blown within or without our trench line; and specially organized parties will be kept in immediate readiness for prompt occupation of the crater, where this is advisable (as in the case of a crater within or near our trench line), or for dealing with enemy action. All stores required for consolidation will be kept handy at a special dump in instant readiness and made up into man loads. The orders for action, down to the minutest detail, will be incorporated in the defense scheme and made known to every individual who may have to carry them out.

10. RELIEFS.—(a) Reconnaissance.—Prior to taking over a new line of trenches, the commanding officer, adjutant, and company commanders of battalions, and the commanders of M. G. Coys. and trench mortar batteries, will reconnoiter the trenches.

(b) Points to be noted by company commanders.—The following, among others, are points to be specially noted by company commanders before taking over trenches:

(v) Information as to the enemy, his habits, snipers, the work he is doing, etc.

(c) Guides.—(i) Arrangements will be made between the C. O.'s of incoming and outgoing battalions as to the rendezvous where guides will be provided by the latter to conduct the incoming troops to the trenches.

(ii) One guide per platoon, one for each company H. Q., and one for battalion H. Q. will be provided.

These guides must know the exact spot where they will meet the relieving troops and the best and safest way to the trenches.

(d) Smoking and talking.—After leaving the rendezvous there is to be no smoking or talking till arrival in the trenches.

(e) Rate of march to trenches.—The rate of marching to the trenches from billets will not exceed 2 miles an hour.

Strictest march discipline is to be enforced on the way to and from the trenches.

(f) Procedure on arrival in trenches.—(i) The troops being relieved will not leave the trenches until the relieving troops are in position and new sentries have been posted, all trench stores have been handed over and receipts received, and orders to move have been received from the company commander.

(ii) Platoon commanders will at once personally examine all firing positions and satisfy themselves that each man can fire on the foot of the nearest part of the wire entanglement.

(iii) They will examine the ammunition and grenade stores, vermorel sprayers, and antigas solution.

(iv) Battalion H. Q. will report to brigade H. Q. as soon as relief is completed.

When the relief is completed company commanders will report to that effect to battalion H. Q.

When shelters are some way behind the fire trench they should not be used during the first night of relief.

(v) Men will not be dismissed until the company commander has received reports from all his platoon commanders that everything is in order. On taking over trenches the garrison will "Stand to" at alarm posts before being dismissed.

The following are some of the many questions a platoon commander should ask himself on taking over a trench and at frequent intervals afterwards:

1. I am here for two purposes: To hold this line under all circumstances and to do as much damage as possible to the enemy. Am I doing all I can to make this line as strong as possible? Am I as offensive as I might be with organized snipers, sniperscopes, rifle grenades, etc., and patrols?

2. Do I connect up all right with the platoons on my right and left? Do I know the position of my nearest support?

3. Does every man know his firing position, and can he fire from it, over the parapet, at the foot of the wire?

4. Where are my S. A. A. and bomb stores? Are they under cover from the weather?

6. Are all my rifles and ammunition clean and in good order? Have all the men got rifle covers? Are the magazines kept charged?

12. Are my sentries in their right places? Are they properly posted by N. C. O.'s? Have they received proper instructions?

13. Have I got the S. O. S. message in my pocket, and do I know the orders regarding its use?

14. Are the trenches as clean and as sanitary as they might be? Are live rounds and cases properly collected? Are my bags for refuse and empties in position?

18. Have I carefully studied the ground in front and noted all places where Germans expose themselves or are likely to do so? Have I taken advantage of suitable spots in the ground in front of my parapet or behind my trenches to make "snipers'" lairs, besides making loopholes in the parapet?

19. Have my men always got their box respirators on them, and are they in good order?

20. Are the arrangements, in case of gas attack complete and known to all ranks?

23. Are my men drinking water from any but authorized sources? Are the arrangements for cooking and the care of rations as clean and sanitary as they can be made? Are dugouts and shelters kept clean and tidy?

24. I am here for two purposes: To hold this line under all circumstances, and to do as much damage as possible to the enemy. Am I doing all I can to make this line as strong as possible? Am I as offensive as I might be with organized snipers, sniperscopes, rifle grenades, etc., and patrols?

11. WIRING.—(a) Each company will have a party of 1 N. C. O. and 6 men who will be specially trained in wiring. They will go out nightly and repair and improve the wire along the company front. The definite duty allotted to trained wirers will not preclude the use of other men to increase the amount of wire along the front.

(b) The wire defenses of the front must be such as to preclude the enemy from throwing bombs into our trench from the outer edge of our wire. The nearest wire to our parapet should be 30 yards from it, and should be 20 yards at least in depth.

12. ORGANIZATION OF WORK ON DEFENSES.—(a) The Infantry brigade commander is responsible for the maintenance of the front line system of trenches, under direction of the division and with the advice and assistance of the field company commander.

(b) One field company will usually be allotted to each brigade area for work under the C. R. E.

(c) The O. C. field company will act as technical adviser to the Infantry brigadiers, and with his officers will visit frequently the front line trenches and other trenches in the area, and be responsible for the technical quality of the work done in them; if necessary he will supply R. E. personnel for supervision, but this will be done sparingly, for the Infantry should be trained to do all ordinary maintenance and repair work, such as repairing wire, rebuilding of parapets, fixing U frames and revetment hurdles, construction of ordinary dugouts, keeping trenches drained, etc., without R. E. assistance or supervision, leaving the R. E. free for work requiring technical skill, such as—

(d) The pioneers will be employed under the C. R. E. on special jobs under their own officers, such as—

Construction of new trenches.
Repair of communication trenches.
Preparation of camps, etc.

(e) The battalion commander is responsible for all work done in his subsector, and is, under the brigade commander, responsible for drawing up a time-table allotting hours for work, rest, and meals. Time-tables will be submitted in the first instance to brigade H. Q. for approval, and will then remain in force till altered, any alteration being submitted in the same way as the original.

(f) All work on the fire trench should be carried out by the garrison of the trench, assisted, if necessary, by the garrison of the support and the reserve trenches.

(g) All work in rear of the fire trenches will be carried out by the garrison of the support and reserve trenches.

(h) Efficiency of work depends, firstly, on organization, and, secondly, on supervision. Without these, effort is wasted and work is unsatisfactory.

(i) Organization demands forethought. Every officer charged with the execution of any work must—

(j) Supervision demands energy and watchfulness. The officer charged with the execution of the work will always personally supervise it. Working parties will, as far as possible, be detailed by companies, platoons, or sections, and will be accompanied by all officers and N. C. O.'s belonging to them, who will remain with the party and be responsible for the continuance and direction of the work of their own men during its execution.

(k) Unless work has to be performed with equipment on, jackets should be taken off (except in inclement weather) while men are actually working and put on at once when they stop.

(l) The best work is obtained from men when they are given certain definite tasks, proportionate to the time they are to work, and allowed to fall out when the task is finished. If this can not be done, a fair task must be exacted and men who idle given extra tasks after the rest are dismissed.

(m) A working party which is too big for the task in hand is worse than one which is too small, since one man who has no job generally makes several others idle.

(n) All officers and other ranks must be made to understand that working is as useful and important as fighting; that good work deserves as much credit as good fighting, and that bad work brings discredit on himself and his battalion.

(o) A covering party will be provided for digging and wiring parties outside the front trenches. When such parties are being employed an adequate garrison will be left in the front trench.

(p) The word "fatigue" will never be employed in connection with work in the trenches or other defences.

13. LOG BOOKS.—Each company commander in front line or support trenches will keep a log book (Army Book 136) in which will be entered—

The log book will be inspected daily by the battalion commander and frequently by the brigade staff.

14. UNDERCUTTING TRENCH SIDES.—(a) The undercutting of trench sides to make shelters is forbidden.

(b) When shelters are made the required space from the ground level downwards will be cut out, and a roof, supported on reliable posts, will be made.

15. COMMUNICATIONS.—(a) Artillery lines will be laid on the north and west sides of trenches. Infantry lines on south and east.

(b) The Infantry brigade signal officer will exercise general supervision over all lines in the brigade area, and will notify Artillery brigades when any Artillery lines require attention or relaying. He will assist the Artillery whenever it may be possible to do so.

(c) All essential lines should be buried to a depth of at least 6 feet. Lines in the communication trenches should be reduced to a minimum.

(d) Lines will be clearly labeled at every hundred yards and at every junction with another line.

(g) Telephone communication to battalion headquarters and the company on each flank will be frequently tested.

(i) Every man is to know the position of his platoon commander's shelter and of the company headquarters.

(j) At least two men per section of the support and reserve companies must be able to act as guides to all the company headquarters of the battalion.

(k) All officers must know the shortest route from their own headquarters to those of the company on their flanks and to their own battalion headquarters.

(l) It is most important to maintain always visual signaling communications from the front line as far back as brigade headquarters. Brigade signal officers will be responsible to brigades that this is done. One message by day and one by night will be sent daily over each visual signaling route. These will be checked by the brigade staff at least once a week to insure that they are transmitted promptly and accurately.

(m) Pigeons when relieved by fresh ones will be flown back, each with a test message to brigade headquarters. Times taken from battalion headquarters to brigade headquarters will be checked in each case by the brigade signal officer, and once a week at least by the brigade staff.

(n) The brigade signal section while with the brigade forms an integral part of brigade headquarters. The brigade commander is responsible to higher authority for the communications within his brigade sector and must have full knowledge of them. He exercises control over his signals through the brigade signal officer. It is the duty of the brigade signal officer to bring to the notice of the brigade commander, as well as of the officer commanding divisional signal company, any defects which exist or any improvements which can be made.

16. RATION PARTIES FOUND FROM FRONT TRENCHES.—Usually rations and stores will be carried up to the trenches by supports and reserves. If this is not possible, and it is necessary that men from the front trenches have to be employed, not more than 10 per cent of the men in the firing line are to be away from the trenches at the same time.

17. FIRING AT AEROPLANES.—Will not be permitted except by order of an officer.

18. RIFLES, EQUIPMENT, AND AMMUNITION (Carrying and wearing of).—(a) Equipment will always be worn in the front trenches. Haversacks, water bottles, packs, and entrenching tools need not be worn. In the support and reserve trenches equipment will be worn at the discretion of the brigade commander.

(b) Ration and carrying parties, orderlies, etc., will wear equipment and carry rifles unless otherwise ordered in special cases by an officer. Permission to discard equipment, and particularly to discard arms, should be sparingly given.

(c) Loading of rifles.—Except when it is necessary to shoot, a round will never be kept in the chamber. Cut-offs will always be "in" and the safety catch "back."

(f) Care of rifles.—All rifles and ammunition will be inspected by an officer at least twice a day, viz, at morning and evening "Stand to." They must be kept scrupulously clean at all times, and any mud or grit removed at once without waiting for the next inspection. Breech covers will always be kept on rifles, and so fixed that they can be immediately cast loose. Each platoon will have its full complement of "breech clearers" in charge of men fully instructed in their use.

(g) Noncommissioned officers and men in firing line and support will at all times be in possession of their rifles and bayonets. The rifles of men in support reserve trenches or dugouts may be placed in protected racks, so that they can be seized quickly. Not more than six will be in one rack.

(h) In very cold weather sentries will occasionally work the bolt of the rifle to prevent the striker becoming frozen.

(i) On no account is the rifle to be used for the purpose of carrying camp kettles and other loads.

(j) Ammunition boxes in the trenches will be examined frequently to see if the lids work easily. They will not be needlessly broken into. Each box will be placed on its side in a recess, protected from the weather, with the lid facing outwards, and with the broader end of the wooden lid uppermost.

(l) Platoon commanders will report at "Stand to" whether their ammunition is correct or otherwise.

(m) Except in cases of emergency no bandoliers will be issued to men in the trenches.

(n) Disposal of rifles, equipment, and ammunition.—Men wounded and going sick will, if able to walk, wear their equipment and carry their rifles. The rifles and equipment of men unable to carry them, and also those of dead men, will be sent back to the dressing station. All rifles, however, badly damaged, and equipment damaged or not required, will be sent back to the quartermaster. Damaged cartridges and empty cases will be collected in sacks hung up in the trenches for the purpose and returned to the quartermaster.

19. PRECAUTIONS AGAINST GAS ATTACK.—When "Wind dangerous" is ordered, the following arrangements will be carried out:

(i) All small box respirators and P. H. helmets will be carefully inspected; such inspections will be carried out daily during the "Wind dangerous" period.

(ii) Within a mile of the front line the small box respirator will be worn in the "Alert" position on the chest with flap unbuttoned, but protecting the respirator from the wet.

(a) The small box respirator will be worn in the "Alert" position outside all clothing.

(b) Nothing will be carried slung across the body in such a way as to interfere with the adjustment of the box respirator.

(iii) Where for any reason a man is not in possession of a small box respirator, he will wear his P. H. helmet pinned to the shirt in the "Alert" position.

(iv) The chin strap of the steel helmet will on no account be worn under the chin to impede the adjustment of the mask.

(v) Detached parties of men moving within a mile of the front line will strictly observe the precautions laid down in (ii), (iii), and (iv). Commanding officers will be held responsible that this is done.

(vii) All working parties east of the line Poperinghe—Bailleul—Estaires will have a sentry posted to give instant warning of a gas attack.

(viii) A sentry will be posted at each Strombos horn or similar alarm and instructed in its use.

(ix) A sentry will be posted at every tunnel dugout or other dugout holding more than 10 men.

(xi) A sentry will be posted on each headquarters, signal office, and independent body of men east of the line Poperinghe—Bailleul—Estaires.

(xii) Men sleeping in rearward lines, works, or rest billets where they are allowed to take off their equipment will sleep with their small box respirators round their necks, and must know exactly where their P. H. helmet is to be found.

(xiii) Company gas N. C. O.'s will report to company headquarters in readiness to assist the company commander should a gas attack occur.

(xiv) Medical officers will be responsible that a proper proportion of the ammonia capsules issued to them are with stretcher bearers in the front line in readiness for their immediate use after a gas attack.

(xv) Company gas N. C. O.'s will inspect daily all antigas apparatus—Strombos horns, flapper fans, vacuum bulbs, and stores of combustibles for clearing dugouts. They will see that gas-proof dugouts are kept in good order and the curtains sprayed.

(xvi) An officer on duty will be detailed from each company in reserve, except resting battalions.

(xvii) Commanders of units in billets east of the line Poperinghe—Bailleul—Estaires will organize a system of giving the alarm and rousing the men in cellars or houses.

20. ACTION DURING ENEMY GAS ATTACK.—In the event of an enemy gas attack the following action will be taken:

(i) The alarm will at once be given by all means available; by telephone, gongs, Strombos horns, and, if necessary, by orderly, and in accordance with paras. (iv) and (v).

(ii) There should be as Little Movement and Talking as Possible. All ranks will at once adjust their small box respirators. In front lines, and wherever the tactical situation demands, they will stand to arms. In rear lines, where there are large gas-proof dugouts, there is no objection, provided the tactical situation allows it, to men, with the exception of sentries and officers and N. C. O.'s on duty, remaining in the gas-proof dugouts. In any case small box respirators will be adjusted immediately the alarm is given and before the men leave the dugout.

(iii) On the alarm being given, all bodies of troops or transport on the move will halt, and all working parties cease work until the gas cloud has passed.

(iv) Should the gas cloud be unaccompanied by an infantry attack, the message "Gas attack, trench ________________," but not the S. O. S. signal, will be sent.

(v) Should an infantry attack develop, the normal procedure of S. O. S. will be carried out.

(vi) Troops in the front line not affected by gas must be warned to be prepared to bring a cross fire to bear on the enemy when he attempts to advance against a gassed portion of the trench.

(vii) If a relief is in progress, units should stand steady as far as possible until the gas cloud has passed.

(viii) Supports, and parties bringing up ammunition and grenades, will only be moved up if the tactical situation demands.

(x) Men in charge of combustibles and fans will prepare to use them as soon as the gas cloud has passed, so as to admit of helmets being removed.

(xi) Helmets will not be removed after a gas attack until permission has been given by the company commander, who will ascertain from officers and N. C. O.'s trained at the divisional gas school that it is safe to do so. Trenches will be fanned clear of gas with fans and sandbags.

(xii) In order to guard against the danger of a subsequent gas cloud, all ranks, as soon as the gas is clear and permission has been received to remove their masks, will replace them in the "alert" position.

A sharp lookout will be maintained as long as the wind continues in a dangerous quarter, and men will sleep on the fire step, within reach of a sentry. A subsequent gas cloud is always likely.

(xiii) Dugouts will not be entered for at least four hours after a gas attack, and should be ventilated freely. Ventilation (natural or by means of fires and antigas fans) is the only sure method of clearing a dugout. If dugouts have to be entered owing to heavy shelling, this should be done with the utmost caution, and gas helmets put on at the slightest trace of gas. The clearing of dugouts should not be carried out by men who have been even slightly affected by gas. Dugouts can be efficiently ventilated by means of a small fire burning in the center of a dugout or cellar for 20 minutes. This method has been proved by experiments to be effective, but should be employed with due regard to the danger of smoke being visible to the enemy. Dry wood or other combustibles will be kept in readiness for the purpose.

(xiv) Special arrangements will be made by corps for warning the civil authorities who are responsible for the protection and warning of all civilians within the corps area.

21. ACTION AFTER ENEMY GAS ATTACK.—(i) Smoking will be prohibited for a period of three hours after the gas has ceased.

(ii) After a gas attack troops in the front trenches will be relieved of all fatigue and carrying work for 24 hours by sending up working parties from companies in rear. Horses should not be worked for a similar period if it can be avoided.

(iii) No man suffering from effects of gas will be permitted to walk to the dressing station.

(iv) Rifles and machine guns should be cleaned immediately after a gas attack; oil cleaning will prevent corrosion for 12 hours, but the first available opportunity should be taken to clean all parts in boiling water containing a little soda.

22. ACTION DURING GAS SHELL BOMBARDMENT.—(i) Small box respirators will be put on in the shelled area.

(ii) In the event of a sudden and intense bombardment with gas shell a local alarm will be given in the front-line system of trenches by orderlies; in reserve trenches and battery positions this local alarm may be given by French shunters' horns. In order to avoid false alarms of a gas attack the French shunters' horns should not be used in Infantry front-line trenches.

23. DISCIPLINE WITH REGARD TO CARRYING SMALL BOX RESPIRATORS.—Small box respirators will always be carried within 2 miles of the front line (i.e., in advance of the line Elverdinghe—Vlamertinghe—Dickebush—Kemmel Hill—Neuve Eglise—Nieppe—Laventie) whatever the direction of the wind is. P. H. helmets will always be carried in corps areas whatever the direction of the wind is.

"WIND-DANGEROUS" period.—Orders as to the position in which the above are worn in "wind-dangerous" period are contained in section 19.

"WIND-SAFE" period.—When the wind is safe working parties during work and at the discretion of the officer in command may take off their box respirators, provided the latter are placed conveniently at hand for use in case of a sudden gas-shell attack or change of the wind.

24. VERMOREL SPRAYERS.—(a) Vermorel sprayers form part of trench stores. They are provided for spraying the blankets of gas-proof dugouts and shelters.

(b) They will be stored in the gas-proof dugout or in a protected position close at hand.

(c) They must be kept one-third full of water. Six gallons of the solution given below to be used in them must be kept in corked jars or petrol tins close to each sprayer. It must not be kept in the sprayer owing to its corrosive nature, and after solution has been used the sprayer must be washed out with water:

(d) Vermorel sprayers will be in charge of company gas N. C. O.'s, who will detail and train men in their care and use and superintend all spraying. The blankets on all gas-protected dugouts will be inspected and sprayed at the commencement of a wind-dangerous period and as often as is necessary to keep them in a moist condition during it.

(e) Company gas N. C. O.'s will take over Vermorel sprayers from outgoing N. C. O.'s.

(f) Vermorel sprayers in the line will on no account be used for clearing gas from trenches or dugouts after an attack. Against the present gas used by the enemy these chemicals have no effect, and Ayrton fans and fires are the means to be used.

The sprayers at medical aid posts are provided with a chemical solution which will clear any gas that may have entered their protected posts.

25. SANITATION.—(a) The importance of strict attention to sanitation will be impressed on all ranks.

(b) The commanding officer is responsible for sanitation in his unit, and the medical officer will advise him in sanitary matters, making frequent inspection of cook houses, latrines, refuse pits, and water arrangements. Under the medical officer latrines and refuse pits will be attended to by the regimental sanitary men and water duties by the R. A. M. C. details attached.

(c) Latrines will be constructed in trenches leading from communication trenches. Where the bucket system is employed, chloride of lime or creosol will be freely used. The soil will be removed at night and buried in a deep pit at least 100 yards from the trenches; these pits will be filled in when nearly full and labeled.

(d) Empty tins and other refuse will be collected in receptacles kept for the purpose in the trenches, and returning carrying parties will be used to carry these back to the incinerators in rear.

26. RATIONS AND COOKING.—(a) Ration parties from the support and reserve trenches will be made up in complete units.

(b) The company quartermaster sergeant will accompany the ration parties for his company and report his arrival to the company commander.

(d) Where cooking is done individually, definite times should be allocated for the purpose.

(g) Arrangements should be made to insure that soup or some hot drink is available for the men between midnight and 4 a. m.

(h) All cooking places and appliances will be kept scrupulously clean and inspected daily by an officer.

27. CARE OF GRENADES.—(a) Grenades in the trenches will be kept in waterproof boxes placed in recesses in the parapet.

(b) The brigade bombing officer will frequently inspect all grenades and posts, and will see that the proper number of grenades is kept up in each post and store; that they are protected from weather; that a sufficient number of bombers are present and understand their duties; that the grenades are in good condition; and that waistcoats or carriers are available.

28. STEEL HELMETS.—Steel helmets will be worn at all times in the trenches (including all communicating trenches). In addition, they will be worn elsewhere than in the trenches as may be ordered from time to time by divisional or brigade headquarters.

29. RUM.—(a) Rum will be issued by an officer, who will see that each individual drinks it in his presence.

(b) It is not to be issued in the trenches after "Stand down" in the evening or before "Stand down" in the morning, except with the special permission of the battalion commander.

(c) Men undergoing punishment for drunkenness will receive no issue of rum for fourteen days after the offense unless it is necessary for medical reasons.

3. Commanding officers will be held personally responsible that the following instructions are implicitly carried out under the strictest supervision by officers:

(a) Previous to a tour of trench duty, men's feet will be well rubbed with oil or grease and dry socks put on. It is not sufficient to apply the oil or grease, it must be thoroughly rubbed in until the skin is dry.

(b) In addition to those worn, another pair of socks will be carried by each man and used as directed in section 30, paragraph 2 (e).

(d) Puttees are never to be worn with long gum boots. Socks can be prevented from creeping down under the sole of the foot by fastening them to the trousers by means of safety pins. On no account will anything in the form of a garter be worn, as it impedes circulation of the blood.

(e) Hot food will be provided at least once a day for men in trenches. Hot boxes will be available for carrying this.

(f) When the feet are affected on no account is hot water to be used, nor are they to be put near a fire.

(g) Regimental rest posts are to be instituted in close proximity to the trenches, where attention can properly be given to men who show signs of exposure.

4. Divisional or brigade arrangements for: (a) Provision of the necessary accommodation for the washing and drying of socks in large numbers, and their supply, to battalions in the front line, in exchange for wet ones.

5. Long gum boots are issued solely for the use of men in the trenches, either in the forward or backward lines. They are not to be issued to or used by men under any other conditions.

Trancribers note:
The following printers errors have been corrected, otherwise spelling is as in the original.
sperior/superior
certatin/certain
sumbitted/submitted

S. A. A.		Rifle racks.
Shovels.		Rifle grenade firing stands.
Picks.		Hand grenades.
Loophole plates.		Rifle grenades.
Balers.		Very pistol cartridges.
Fixed rifle batteries.		Gongs, bells, and alarms.
Sniperscope rifles.		Vermorel sprayers.
Braziers.		Pumps.
Catapults.		Reserve rations.
Grenade throwers.
The following will not be handed over:
Very pistols.		Telescopic rifles.
Pistols, illuminating,		Periscopes.
1½ inch.		Telephones.

At 5.15 a. m.—	Situation and wind	By telephone.
At 11.00 a. m.—	Strength and casualty return	"
	Daily report on typed form	By orderly.
	Artillery intelligence report	"
At 4.00 p. m.—	Situation and wind	By telephone.
At 5.30 p. m.—	Intelligence report	By orderly or telephone.
At 9.00 p. m.—	Return of material required for trench construction to be sent up the following evening	By telephone.

SUBJECT.
	Paragraph.
Duties	1
Sentries	2
Rifles, equipment, and ammunition	3
"Stand to"	4
Bombs and grenades, care of	5
Machine guns	6
Firing at aeroplanes	7
Trench sides, undercutting of	8
Sanitation	9
Time-tables and organization of work	10
Log books and trench store books	11
Communications	12
Alertness	13
Rum	14
Arrangements in case of attack	15
Working parties on front trench	16
Working parties outside the front trench	17
Precaution when our mines are exploded	18
Ration parties when found from front trenches	19
Rations and cooking	20
Vermorel sprayers	21
Reliefs:
General	22
Points to be noted by company commanders	23
Guides	24
Smoking and talking	25
Rate of march to trenches	26
Procedure on arrival in trenches	27
Engineers	28
Chilled feet and frostbite, prevention of	29

	Section.
Duties	1
Sentries	2
Patrols	3
Alertness	4
Stand to	5
Arrangements in case of attack	6
Machine guns	7
Cooperation between artillery, etc	8
Method of dealing with crater formed by mine explosion	9
Reliefs
(a) Reconnaissance	10
(b) Points to be noted by company commander	10
(c) Guides	10
(d)Smoking and talking	10
(e) Rate of march to trenches	10
(f) Procedure on arrival in trenches	10
Wiring	11
Organization of work on defenses	12
Log books	13
Undercutting trench sides	14
Communications	15
Ration parties from front trenches	16
Firing at aeroplanes	17
Rifles, equipment, and ammunition	18
Precautions against gas attacks	19
Action during enemy gas attack	20
Action after enemy gas attack	21
Action during gas shell bombardment	22
Discipline with regard to carrying small box respirators	23
Vermorel sprayers	24
Sanitation	25
Rations and cooking	26
Care of grenades	27
Steel helmets	28
Issue of rum	29
Chilled feet and frost bite	30

SPECIMENS OF BRITISH TRENCH ORDERS

CANADIAN CORPS TRENCH ORDERS.

FOOTNOTES:

SPECIMEN OF BATTALION TRENCH STANDING ORDERS.

FOOTNOTES:

BRIGADE STANDING ORDERS FOR THE TRENCHES.

55TH (WEST LANCASHIRE) DIVISION TRENCH ORDERS.

CONTENTS.

55TH (WEST LANCASHIRE) DIVISION TRENCH ORDERS.

SPECIMENS OF BRITISH
TRENCH ORDERS