Tactics and duties for trench fighting

by Georges Etienne Bertrand; Oscar N. Solbert

6. Supply of the attacking troops—grenade depots in the firing line.

In practicing the raid in the rear, on the model, the detachment must repeat the execution of the raid at least five times. All the details of the raid are foreseen and provided for. Each man is made thoroughly proficient in his particular part in the raid, so that, in the confusion and darkness, they will be able to reach their objective and carry out their particular function. Each chief of group must be thoroughly conversant with his duties. The leader of the raid personally conducts the most important of these groups.

Execution of the Raid. The most important element of the execution of a raid is speed, its time of duration being only from five to ten minutes.

Time. If all the points in the enemy’s line to be attacked are thoroughly known and located, the raid can be carried out during the night. But if there is some lack of knowledge of the above mentioned points, the raid must be carried out at dusk or dawn, so that the objectives can be at least partly seen.

Disposition of the Groups to Cross the Barbed Wire; Disposition of the Troops before the Raid. The distance of a raid should not be more than fifty yards. For this purpose, the different groups must get into position such a distance from the enemy’s lines either by silently crawling across “No Man’s Land” or by profiting by a short preliminary bombardment of a few minutes which will prevent the enemy’s sentinels and watchers from perceiving them. Their disposition is usually made by hiding or crouching in shell holes.

Destruction of the Barbed Wire. The different ways of destroying barbed wire have been spoken of under Surprise Attacks in the chapter on Defense of a Position.

Signal of Departure. Three methods can be used; previous designation of the hour, use of a whistle, or by means of a rocket. Of these, the last named is probably the best.

There are two different kinds of groups in the raiding party.

The flank groups, armed with hand grenades, protect the groups executing the raid proper by shutting off all avenues of approach of the enemy. Barricades are established by these groups by throwing grenades into the trenches leading to the attacked area.

Between the flank groups, are the groups that carry out the proper mission of the raid. They are armed with incendiary grenades, pistols, and trench knives. Their function is to accomplish any particular destruction of their mission and to capture prisoners.