INSTRUCTIONS TO BE GIVEN:
Before going out personnel should be given:
- 1. All known information;
- 2. An opportunity to examine by day through periscope, by aeroplane photographs and maps, the ground to be covered at night.
- 3. The object of the patrol.
- 4. The pass-word.
Everything that is liable to give information or identification, if captured, must be carefully collected before the party goes out.
All men in the Garrison and battalions on right and left must know when the patrol is out, and also the pass-word.
The patrol leader, both on leaving and returning, will himself pass the word along to this effect. This is very important. He cannot forecast how long he will be away, or the point at which he will return, therefore, the trench garrison must be prepared to receive him at any time or place.
GENERAL:
Patrols often give themselves away by leaving their own trench in a careless manner. The firing of rifles and lights should continue as usual when a patrol is out, but in such a manner as not to interfere with the patrol. Two patrols should never be sent out on the same front at the same time, as this only leads to their mistaking each other for the enemy. Often, the most suitable time for patrolling is when the weather conditions are very bad. In addition to taking precautions against Verey lights, men on patrol can often take advantage of their brightness to obtain the information required.
A FORM OF PATROL REPORT:
PATROL REPORT