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.

(k) Every sentry by day will be provided with a periscope.

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.

The time for "stand to" will be fixed weekly by brigade headquarters.

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.

(d) Two men per gun will always be on duty with the gun.

(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.

(f) Range cards will be prepared and kept with each gun.

(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:

(i) Number of men holding line to be taken over and distribution.

(ii) Shelter accommodation.

(iii) Work being done and proposed.

(iv) Condition of the wire and defenses generally.

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

(vi) Water supply.

(vii) Artillery support.

(viii) Communications.

(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?

5. Do all my men know their duties in case of attack—bombers especially?

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

7. Is my wire strong enough?

8. Are my parapets and traverses bullet proof everywhere?

9. Where are my sally ports and gaps in my wire?

10. Where are my listening posts? Are my listening patrols properly detailed?

11. What points in front particularly require patrolling at night?

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?

15. Are my trenches as dry as I might make them?

16. Am I doing all I can to prevent my men getting "trench feet"?

17. How can I prevent my parapets and dugouts from falling in?

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?

21. Are the orders as to wearing equipment carried out?

22. Are my men using wood from the defenses as firewood?

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—

New works.
Concrete dugouts and machine-gun emplacements.
Main drainage, etc.

(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.

The following table is an example:

Instructions for working party.

[To be used by all officers requiring or detailing a working party.]

Working party from___________________________________________________
Officers__________________________ O. R.______________________________
Rendezvous________________________ Time______________________________
Guide will be furnished by___________________________________________
Tools_____________________________
_____________________________ To be drawn from__________________
_____________________________
Stores____________________________
____________________________ To be drawn from__________________
____________________________
Instructions on the work from________________________________________
Time party will stop work____________________________________________
Whether haversack rations are to be brought__________________________

(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—

(i) Think out beforehand exactly how it is to be performed, and how many men are necessary to carry it out, including any carrying parties that may be wanted.

(ii) Appoint a place and time (if this is not already fixed by routine) for the assembly of the party.

(iii) Ensure that the necessary tools are forthcoming, and that they are either brought by the party to the place of assembly, or are available for them there.

(iv) Ensure that the necessary materials are at hand or arrange for their conveyance to the place of work by the working party or by a separate carrying party before the working party arrives there.

(v) Parade the working party at the place of assembly, and tell each individual off to his task, or, in the case of larger parties, tell off their respective tasks, and appoint a N. C. O. or soldier in each squad to be responsible for the work.

(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—

(i) Work done;

(ii) Number of men working;

(iii) Hours worked;

(iv) Information obtained from patrols, sentries, or other sources, as to the enemy, his habits, and his trenches.

The above will be entered daily.

(v) Work projected or ordered, in order of importance;

(vi) A list of trench stores.

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.

(e) All lines will be carefully patrolled at least once daily.

(f) One telephonist will always be on duty.

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

(h) All "dead" lines will be reeled up at once.

(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."

(d) The magazine will be kept charged with five rounds.

(e) In the fire trenches, bayonets will be fixed at night.

(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.

(k) Every man will have 120 rounds in his possession.

(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.

(vi) The duties of sentries are:

(a) To give warning;

(b) To adjust immediately the curtains of gas-proof dugouts.

(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.

(x) A sentry will be posted to each group of two or three small dugouts.

(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.

(ix) The blanket doorways of protected dugouts will be properly adjusted.

(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.

(iii) All dugouts in the vicinity will be visited and any sleeping men aroused.

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.

The P. H. helmet will always be carried.

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:

Water.—3 gallons (one large bucket);

Sodium thiosulphate (hypo).—1½ lbs. (¾ mess tin);

Sodium carbonate (washing soda).—3 lbs. (one piled mess tin).

(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.

(e) Unused rations will be returned to the quartermaster.

(f) Waste in any form will be discouraged.

(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.

30. CHILLED FEET AND FROSTBITE.—1. These conditions are caused by—

(a) Prolonged standing in cold water and mud;

(b) The continued wearing of wet socks, boots, and puttees;

(c) Constriction of the lower limbs.

2. They can be prevented or diminished by—

(a) The wearing of long gum boots;

(b) Improvements to trenches and provision of dry standings, and warmth;

(c) Reduction of time spent in the trenches as far as the military situation permits;

(d) Good battalion arrangements to insure that men enter the trenches warmly clad with dry boots, socks, and trousers, and with the skin well rubbed with whale oil or antifrostbite grease;

(e) Taking to the trenches a pair of ankle boots, in addition to the long gum boots, and changing from one into the other when possible, at the same time putting on a pair of dry socks.

N. B.—The effect from being wet through from perspiration is just as bad as that from water. Therefore, change your socks.

(f) Taking exercise. Work is the best specific against trench feet. Men who are kept moving are kept warm, with their blood circulating properly, and do not get trench feet.

(g) Providing warm food at least once a day in the trenches and shelter.

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.

(h) On return from the trenches the long gum boots are to be dried inside.

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.

(b) Drying and brushing of clothes.

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