Strictest march discipline is to be enforced on the way to and from the trenches.
(f) Procedure on arrival in trenches.—(i) The troops being relieved will not leave the trenches until the relieving troops are in position and new sentries have been posted, all trench stores have been handed over and receipts received, and orders to move have been received from the company commander.
(ii) Platoon commanders will at once personally examine all firing positions and satisfy themselves that each man can fire on the foot of the nearest part of the wire entanglement.
(iii) They will examine the ammunition and grenade stores, vermorel sprayers, and antigas solution.
(iv) Battalion H. Q. will report to brigade H. Q. as soon as relief is completed.
When the relief is completed company commanders will report to that effect to battalion H. Q.
When shelters are some way behind the fire trench they should not be used during the first night of relief.
(v) Men will not be dismissed until the company commander has received reports from all his platoon commanders that everything is in order. On taking over trenches the garrison will "Stand to" at alarm posts before being dismissed.
The following are some of the many questions a platoon commander should ask himself on taking over a trench and at frequent intervals afterwards:
1. I am here for two purposes: To hold this line under all circumstances and to do as much damage as possible to the enemy. Am I doing all I can to make this line as strong as possible? Am I as offensive as I might be with organized snipers, sniperscopes, rifle grenades, etc., and patrols?