FIGURE 5:
Showing method of cutting trench; parapet and parados; drainage.
FIGURE 6:
Showing riveting; flooring made of boards and chicken wire; drainage.
But sometimes injuries are caused to the feet by other parts of the clothing of a soldier. Men frequently laced their puttees or leggins too tight and found that they suffered pains in the feet—the circulation was being stopped. This rendered them very liable to frostbite, than which there is nothing more painful. If there are signs of freezing, remove the boots as soon as possible and restore the circulation. But if the feet are actually frozen the soldier is in for a long and tedious illness, and will be lucky if he does not need to have his feet amputated. I am told that, during the first campaign in the Carpathians, the Central Powers lost 25,000 men per day with frozen feet.
Before leaving this subject to deal with diseases and their avoidance, I would like to say a word or two on the congenial subject of Rest. A soldier should get as much of it as he can, consistent, of course, with doing his duty. Never stand when you could as well be lying down. Throw yourself on the ground whenever you can, to rest, and let the whole body relax. When you are given a rest on the roadside, stretch out on your back and breathe as deeply as you can. Give your mind and body alike a vacation and you will feel the benefit of it at the end of the day. Don't spend your hours of beauty sleep in talking—get that done during the day. Your body will call for rest after the tiring duties of the day and you should give it all the rest you can.
FIGURE 7:
Trench with simple dugout under parapet.
FIGURE 8:
Finished dugout, 6' × 4' × 4' with deep entrance and shrapnel-proofing.