2. They can be prevented or diminished by—
(a) The wearing of long gum boots;
(b) Improvements to trenches and provision of dry standings, and warmth;
(c) Reduction of time spent in the trenches as far as the military situation permits;
(d) Good battalion arrangements to insure that men enter the trenches warmly clad with dry boots, socks, and trousers, and with the skin well rubbed with whale oil or antifrostbite grease;
(e) Taking to the trenches a pair of ankle boots, in addition to the long gum boots, and changing from one into the other when possible, at the same time putting on a pair of dry socks.
N. B.—The effect from being wet through from perspiration is just as bad as that from water. Therefore, change your socks.
(f) Taking exercise. Work is the best specific against trench feet. Men who are kept moving are kept warm, with their blood circulating properly, and do not get trench feet.
(g) Providing warm food at least once a day in the trenches and shelter.
3. Commanding officers will be held personally responsible that the following instructions are implicitly carried out under the strictest supervision by officers:
(a) Previous to a tour of trench duty, men's feet will be well rubbed with oil or grease and dry socks put on. It is not sufficient to apply the oil or grease, it must be thoroughly rubbed in until the skin is dry.
(b) In addition to those worn, another pair of socks will be carried by each man and used as directed in section 30, paragraph 2 (e).
(c) Battalion arrangements will be made for the reissue of one dry pair of socks to each man daily in the trenches.
(d) Puttees are never to be worn with long gum boots. Socks can be prevented from creeping down under the sole of the foot by fastening them to the trousers by means of safety pins. On no account will anything in the form of a garter be worn, as it impedes circulation of the blood.
(e) Hot food will be provided at least once a day for men in trenches. Hot boxes will be available for carrying this.
(f) When the feet are affected on no account is hot water to be used, nor are they to be put near a fire.
(g) Regimental rest posts are to be instituted in close proximity to the trenches, where attention can properly be given to men who show signs of exposure.