Fig. 39
Typical Passage Trench from Supports to Firing Line.
(From Field Entrenchments—Solano)
[1158]. Lookouts. To enable the garrison of a trench to get the greatest amount of comfort and rest, a lookout should be constructed and a sentinel stationed therein.
The simplest form would consist of two sandbags placed on the parapet and splayed so as to give the required view, and carefully concealed.
Better forms may be constructed, with one side resting on the berm by using short uprights with overhead cover, a slit on all sides being provided for observation.
At night, lookouts are usually posted at listening points located in or beyond the line of obstacles. These will be discussed under obstacles.
[1159]. Supporting Points. In some cases small supporting points may have to be established close behind the general line of trenches for the purpose of breaking up a successful attack on the trenches and to aid in delivering a counter attack. These points are strongly entrenched and have all around wire entanglements and are garrisoned by from 20 to 40 picked men or by larger forces if the situation demand it. In some cases machine guns are added to the force in the supporting point.
[1160]. Example of trench system. Having discussed trenches and obstacles somewhat in detail, let us take a combination of the whole showing a complete system such as is used today. ([Fig. 40]) is a good example.