TAKING OVER THE TRENCHES.
1.—Leaving Billets.
The battalions of a Brigade occupying a given sector of the front are billeted when out of the trenches, in the villages closest to their sector. Cf. [appendix].
When their turn comes to relieve the battalions in the trenches, the officers in charge should have the following instructions carried out:
2.—On the day before the relief make sure:
That the rifles, bayonets, etc., are in good condition.
That the ammunition and reserve rations are supplied.
That the equipment of every man is complete.
That all officers and N.C.O.'s watches are set to division time.
3.—On the day of the relief, one hour before departure:
Have rifles stacked and equipment laid out outside the billets.
Make sure that nothing is left behind, that premises are cleaned, all rubbish burnt, and latrines filled.
Have rifles loaded and with the safety lock turned to the safe.
Assign an energetic N. C. O. to act as file closer of each platoon to prevent straggling.
Call the roll and have it duly forwarded to the company commander.
4.—On the way to the trenches:
If under fire, have units march at proper intervals (Cf. [par. 117ff].)
Adopt marching order best suitable to avoid blocking the road.
At night do not allow smoking.
Exact silence when nearing the trenches.
Take special precaution at all times to maintain constant communication between units, especially at night and when crossing woods.
If enemy aeroplanes appear, stop and keep out of sight as much as possible. (Cf. [par. 120].)
5.—On reaching the trenches:
The relief should be completed in silence—without hurry.
Carefully ascertain the orders of the battalion relieved.
Check up and assign to each unit the supplies taken over.
Requisition at once additional supplies and ammunition wanted.
Each platoon should be assigned its special duties, the duty roster drawn up for all sentry and patrol duties, details, etc.
Have all the men locate the enemy trench as they come on duty and give them the range.
Inspect the dugouts and assign them.
Forbid all digging under the parapet.
Inspect the latrines. Give strict order that small amount of dirt be thrown in after use and that lime be sprinkled in daily.
See that the men are provided with ammunition.
Communication should be insured between the various units to the right and left and with the rear.