If a small hostile patrol approaches, do the same, throw a stone or two so as to turn its attention away and take advantage of this to surprise it. If men of enemy's patrol give the alarm, kill them—lie flat on ground during enemy's volleys which will follow. Then strip bodies of distinctive uniform badges, and search for papers, etc. Otherwise bring men back as prisoners.
37.—Need of initiative.
Patrols should exercise initiative, take advantage of circumstances, in devising ways of bringing back the greatest possible amount of useful information.
INTERROGATING PRISONERS.
38.—Information from prisoners.
One of the chief aims of patrolling is to bring back prisoners from whom information may be gathered.
39.—Its use by General Staff.
The General Staff is interested to know the nationality, the division, the age, etc. of prisoners captured in a given sector.