The sector period is variable with the activity of the enemy and conditions of life in the trenches. During the German offensive at Verdun the sector period was four days, while in Lorraine during that time the same size unit could remain in the trenches for three months without necessity of relief.
II. Preliminary Dispositions for the Relief
Time to Prepare the Relief. Usually the order for the relief is issued from the general headquarters to the regiment forty-eight hours previous to its execution. Sometimes, however, for tactical reasons, such time cannot be allowed and the regiment may have to go immediately into the trenches. In such case, the different operations of the relief, which are taken up in this chapter, are shortened but must not be carelessly executed. In the present condition of trench warfare the proper execution of a relief is of the greatest importance.
Preparation. A relief is executed at night. Thirty-six hours before the relief is made the men of the relieving units proceed to clean and get in shape their arms, equipment, and clothing. When the relief is not for a special offensive operation, the troops go into the trenches with full equipment. All non-regulation articles are left behind with the regimental train, in care of the non-commissioned officer left with it. Also, the files, books, and official papers of the unit are left here. The regimental train establishes itself in rear of the sector of its regiment.
Besides this material preparation, the officers of the relieving companies are responsible for the morale of their troops. Before going into the trenches there may be some apprehension on the part of the troops, which must be dispelled by the officers. The great factor of depression is the mystery of what is not known of the sector about to be entered. Platoon leaders and company officers try to clear up this difficulty by telling their men what is known of the sector they are going to hold, and otherwise speaking words of encouragement.
Reconnaissance. Prior to taking over a sector, a preliminary reconnaissance is made by a certain number of officers and orderlies. They are:
For the Regiment—The colonel and part of his headquarters staff (adjutant, intelligence officer, telephone officer, engineer officer, medical officer, supply officer).
For the Battalion—The battalion commander and his adjutant.
For the Companies—The company commander and one officer for each company. Machine gun company commander and one machine gun officer. The commander of the 37 mm. gun platoon.
Messengers and telephone men at the discretion of the adjutant and the company commanders.