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."