Sniping in France: With notes on the scientific training of scouts, observers, and snipers

by H. Hesketh-Prichard

PART II

Patrolling and Scouting

PATROLS AND PATROLLING:

The importance of patrolling cannot be exaggerated. It is a means of keeping in touch with the enemy and of obtaining much valuable information.

In open warfare we must patrol day and night. In trench warfare, observation to a great extent does away with patrolling by day. We should always look upon the ground between the hostile armies as being ours, and should make it so by patrols. This gives our men a greater sense of security, and also has the effect of destroying the enemy moral.

Patrolling is looked upon by some as being particularly dangerous work. This is not so if patrols are carefully carried out by trained men.

Training beforehand is essential; to send out untrained men in a haphazard manner is worse than useless.

No patrol should go out except for a distinct and definite object.

Types of Patrols in Trench Warfare

RECONNAISSANCE PATROLS

Are the work of scouts who go out on some specific mission. Numbers should be as small as possible. A party of two or three will probably obtain the best results.

FIGHTING PATROLS

Should consist of Lewis gun and gunners, bombers and scouts. Strength 10–15. Object to disperse enemy working parties, to engage enemy patrols, to obtain identifications.

Note:—It may often be necessary to combine these patrols; the Fighting Patrol going out to form a screen in rear, while the Reconnaissance Patrol pushes forward to complete its task. This has the effect of giving the Reconnaissance Patrol confidence, of assisting them to pass back any casualties they may suffer, and, in fact, provides them with an Advanced Headquarters from which they carry out their reconnaissance. The system is particularly useful, and, in fact, necessary, where a great distance separates the opposing lines.

PROTECTIVE PATROLS

Should consist mainly of Bombers, and are used in front of our wire, or between Isolated Posts. Numbers depend on circumstances. Object: Protection of our line from surprise attacks.

Open Warfare

It is not necessary here to classify definitely. The Reconnoitring Patrol should always be prepared to fight. In fact, all Patrols, at all times, should be fully organized self-contained fighting units. Numbers depend on conditions, but Scouts will be largely used.

TRAINING:

The general principles of training both for Trench and Open Warfare are a thorough training in the following:

• 1. Map Reading.
• 2. Compass Work.
• 3. Reports.
• 4. Use of Ground and Cover.
• 5. Reconnoitring through Periscopes and by means of Aeroplane Photographs and Maps by day, the ground over which patrol must pass at night, and selecting the best method of approach.
• 6. Actual Patrolling by day and night.
• 7. Keeping touch.

FORMATIONS:

Nothing definite can be laid down, as, of necessity, formations will vary with the prevailing conditions. It is essential, however, that all formations shall be so simple as to ensure that they can be maintained even on the darkest night and when working over very rough ground.

The Lewis gun, when it forms a part of a Patrol, must be well protected and in such a position as will enable it to be used at a moment’s notice.

The Officer or N.C.O. in charge should always lead the Patrol, and there should be a Second-in-Command, whose position should be in the centre and rear of the Patrol; he will specialize in keeping the men in their proper places and maintaining touch.

EQUIPMENT:

The rifle often hampers movement, particularly when crawling, but it is essential that both this and fighting order be carried when patrolling in open warfare. In trench warfare it should usually be sufficient to carry the rifle, a bandolier of S.A.A., the web belt with bayonet and scabbard attached, a bomb in the pocket and a compass. Steel helmets should not be taken, the cap-comforter being worn instead.

If necessary to fix the bayonet, such as when rushing an Isolated Post, it should be fixed with the scabbard still on; both bayonet and scabbard should be well oiled; the scabbard can then be taken off quietly just prior to the rush.

INSTRUCTIONS TO BE GIVEN:

Before going out personnel should be given:

• 1. All known information;
• 2. An opportunity to examine by day through periscope, by aeroplane photographs and maps, the ground to be covered at night.
• 3. The object of the patrol.
• 4. The pass-word.

Everything that is liable to give information or identification, if captured, must be carefully collected before the party goes out.

All men in the Garrison and battalions on right and left must know when the patrol is out, and also the pass-word.

The patrol leader, both on leaving and returning, will himself pass the word along to this effect. This is very important. He cannot forecast how long he will be away, or the point at which he will return, therefore, the trench garrison must be prepared to receive him at any time or place.

GENERAL:

Patrols often give themselves away by leaving their own trench in a careless manner. The firing of rifles and lights should continue as usual when a patrol is out, but in such a manner as not to interfere with the patrol. Two patrols should never be sent out on the same front at the same time, as this only leads to their mistaking each other for the enemy. Often, the most suitable time for patrolling is when the weather conditions are very bad. In addition to taking precautions against Verey lights, men on patrol can often take advantage of their brightness to obtain the information required.

A FORM OF PATROL REPORT:

PATROL REPORT

Blankshire Regiment.
Night of 12–13th/6/17.
Ref. Map Sheet 54 S.E.1.

Composition.	Time and Point of Exit.	Object.	Information gained and action taken.	Time and Point of Return.
1 Offr. and 1 o/Rk. Lt. Tew Pte. Dew.	11 p.m. Trench Willow Walk. A6a92.85	To report on enemy wire from High Command Redoubt to No Man’s Cottage	Gap in wire at Points No. 1 A5a65.75 2 A5b20.35 3 A5d85.87 Width in Gaps: 1 about 4 yards. 2 „ 2 „ 3 „ 3 „ Average depth of wire 10–15 yds. General condition: High, barbed, and fairly strong.	2 a.m. Trench Willow Walk. A6a95.87

Handed in at 3 a.m.
Date: 13/6/17.

(Sgd.) R. G. A. Tew, Lieut.,
Blankshire Regiment.

N.B.—These headings, etc., are given as a guide. They will vary according to the nature of the information required, and the circumstances under which the Patrol is working.