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 platoon being relieved gets on the firing step.

The relieving platoon files in behind and halts. On the word "pass," which will be given quietly, being passed along, the relieved and relieving platoons will change places. The company commander of the relieving company will then supervise the posting of sentries by his platoon commanders. He will satisfy himself that each post is properly relieved and that the orders for the post are correctly handed over. The greatest care and attention to detail are necessary in this.

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:

Garrison of trench.

Field of fire.

Distance from enemy's trench.

General condition of trench.

Whether every man has a post from which he can fire at the bottom of our own wire entanglements.

Number of efficient loopholes.

Whether the parapet is bullet proof throughout.

Whether sufficient traverses.

State of our wire.

State of enemy's wire.

Drainage.

Number of boxes of reserve ammunition.

Number of bombing posts and of bombs with each.

Number of rounds of Very pistol ammunition.

Number of Vermorel sprayers.

Number of gongs.

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:

Our own trenches and wire.

The enemy's trenches and wire.

Habits of the enemy.

Any part of trench which receives more than ordinary attention from the enemy's guns.

Number of bombing posts and bombs at each.

Number of machine guns on company's front.

Work in hand or contemplated.

What artillery covers the front, and how it is best and quickest obtained.

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.

(k) The following constitute trench stores and will be handed over on relief:

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.

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.

(iii) Smoke helmets will be inspected at morning and evening "stand to."

(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.

(xii) Measures will be taken to prevent stragglers.

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.

Indiscriminate firing by day or night is forbidden.

If the enemy attacks, rapid fire will be opened without waiting for orders.

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:

Work required to place our trenches in a better state of defense and to improve the comfort of the men.

Work to be done during the next 24 hours.

It is essential that all work which has to be carried out at night is explained to all noncommissioned officers in daylight.

Any alterations noticed in the enemy's trenches or wire.

What steps can be taken to annoy and harass the enemy.

Action in case of attack.

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.

Washing and shaving should be carried out in support trenches when possible.

(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.

(g) Sentries are strictly forbidden to wear any covering over the ears.

(h) An officer will always be present when an issue of rum takes place.

(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.

Patrols will also frequently visit our wire to insure that it is efficient.

The front of our own fire parapet should be examined nightly.

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:

Number of casualties known to have been inflicted on the enemy.

Number and location of snipers' posts.

Any alterations in the enemy's trenches or wire.

Number of telescope rifles in possession.

Number and location of fixed rifles and rifle batteries in action.

Any activity by the enemy.

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 followed by the number of the trench, e.g., "S. O. S. B4."

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 number of the trench will always be sent, e.g., "Test A 6."

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:

(i) The time at which shelling began and when it ceased.

(ii) Your own position.

(iii) Whether howitzer or gun.

(iv) Direction from which shells arrive. Compass bearing should be given if possible.

(v) Whether shells burst in the air or on "graze."

In reporting results of our own fire, state:

(i) Your own position.

(ii) Estimate distances short, over, right, or left, in yards. Avoid vague statements.

(iii) Whether gun or howitzer.

(iv) Whether shrapnel or high explosive.

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.

One blast on a whistle will indicate that the aircraft has moved away.

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.

Battalion signalers are responsible for communications within the battalion.

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.

Pins for this purpose can be obtained from brigade headquarters.

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.

All wires will be patroled at least once every 24 hours.

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.

All men must shave daily.

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:—

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.

Activity by the enemy's aeroplanes will always be reported.

_______,
Brigade Major, ______ Brigade.