As enemy snipers are a particular source of annoyance to machine gunners, they should be watched for.
The defence of prepared positions has been already dealt with under the heading of Machine Guns in Trenches.
Machine guns in any defensive position must be so organized that they can support each other mutually throughout any given section of the defensive line.
It must be remembered that the best positions for machine guns are not always the same by night and day.
It will often be necessary to move the guns from the night position to the day position before dawn.
Rearguard Action.—The following points must be considered:—
A wide field of fire.
Guns must be carefully concealed in the least obvious places.
Covered lines of retreat must be carefully reconnoitred.
Limbers must be close up, to facilitate hasty retirement.