Specimens of British Trench Orders

by Army War College

(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.