The dotted line is the German front trench. If the enemy A fires at the English B, the bullet will go on and fall at about C, who is facing in the direction of the arrow, in the support line. So C has to look out for enfilading spent bullets.
For three days and nights I was in command of this redoubt, isolated, and ready with stores, ammunition, water, barbed wire and pickets, bombs, and tools, to hold out a little siege for several days if necessary. I used to leave it to get meals at Company H.Q. in the support line; otherwise, I had always to be there, ready for instant action. No one used to get more than two or three hours’ consecutive sleep, and I could never take off boots, equipment, or revolver.
Here is a typical scene in the redoubt.
Scene. A dug-out, 6´ × 4´ × 4´: smell, earthy.
Time. 2.30 a.m.
I awake and listen. Deathly stillness.
A voice. ‘What’s the time, kid?’
Another voice. ‘Dunno. About 2 o’clock, I reckon.’
‘Past that.’