Bombers' Training, and Application of Same in Trench Warfare

by Lieutenant J. R. Ferris

Sandbags. It is necessary that all men engaged in trench fighting should be specially taught in the uses of sandbags and the methods of filling, tying and passing them in the trench. The method of passing sandbags in a trench is as follows: The men place themselves from two to three paces apart with their backs in the direction to which they are passing the sandbags and pass them between their legs from one to another. This method has the double advantage of enabling them to pass them very quickly and keep their heads down out of danger from rifle and M. G. fire at the same time. The men should receive further practice in the manner of building them up to form blockades and breast works, etc., in order that they may acquire speed in this matter. In the absence of a full supply of sandbags, grain sacks or flour sacks may be used.

Training in the Use of Digging and Cutting Tools. Frequent practices should be carried out in order that the men are efficiently trained in this work. It is very necessary that the men should be taught the use of these tools in the different positions, that is, standing, kneeling and lying. This can only be accomplished by frequent practices.

Training in Reconstruction and Repair Work. This can be carried out with success in the dummy trenches which we use for practices in bomb throwing and by changing the front of these trenches and wrecking them it is possible for the men to get practice in the use of the different materials employed in reconstruction and repair work, such as earth, sandbags, sods, timber, brushwood, bale wire and material obtained from old packing cases.

Means of Egress from Trench. On taking up a position in a trench men should be taught to provide means of egress therefrom at their first opportunity. This is done by cutting steps in the walls of the trench, just sufficiently large enough to enable them to get a foot-hold; the bottom part of this being reinforced with a small piece of board to keep the earth from breaking away. A hand hold is provided at the top by means of a stake driven into the ground or a small piece of wood secured by bale wire to a “dead man” buried in the parapet. By these means the whole line is enabled to go forward at the same time should occasion demand it.

Passing of Orders and Information in the Trenches. Men should be taught the art of passing of orders and information correctly, by word of mouth. This is a very important part of the soldiers’ training, and should always be practised when the trench practices are being carried out; a sender of messages being placed at one end of the line and a receiver at the other to keep a record of messages, etc.

Trench Comforts. A little study in the matter of personal comforts in the trenches will prove to be of great advantage to the men. The clothing should be tight fitting about the neck and waist to prevent falling earth and pebbles getting inside the clothing and working down into the boots. The men should be instructed to take a change of socks when they go in the trenches and it is also necessary not to forget to have a supply of smokes; in short, by paying attention to these small matters there may be many comforts enjoyed in the trenches which would otherwise be overlooked.

Uses of Bombs.—The uses of bombs may be classified under two heads, Defensive and Offensive.

Defensive:

(a) Throwing from sapheads to prevent the enemy from pushing their saps too close to our trenches or strong places.

(b) To combat the enemy’s enfilade attack in our trench should they be successful in gaining entrance thereto.

(c) From concealed positions bombs may be used to break up and throw into confusion an enemy’s attacking force; this especially applies to night attacks when enemy is advancing in close formation.

Offensive:

(a) By throwing from sapheads when destroying the enemy’s keeps and strong places.

(b) Supplying cover fire for wire cutters, sappers, etc.

(c) Assisting in a frontal attack on an enemy’s position.

(d) Following up advantages gained in a frontal attack by an enfilade attack to the flanks and our front from position gained in enemy’s trenches.

Advantages of Bomb and Grenade Fire Over Rifle Fire. It must not be supposed that when advantages are claimed for bomb and grenade fire over rifle fire that the latter has not its advantages, too. The advantages of bomb and grenade fire must be at short range and are, therefore, specially adapted to the type of warfare waged at present on the Western front and may be considered as follows: