Explanation of Chart No. A2. The position occupied by grenadiers in an attacking squad has this main point in consideration.
The safety and local protection of each individual in the squad; care should be taken that as far as possible each man has a solid corner of the trench close to him, which he can use as a protection against the bursting effect of enemy grenades, by quickly advancing or retiring around the corner.
The bayonet men are in advance of the thrower, close enough to protect him, and not too far in front as to be in danger of being bombed by him.
The thrower—the actual means of attack—is protected in front by the traverse and in the rear by the corner of the parados. The carrier is close behind the thrower and is protected by two corners. The N.C.O. or leader is where he can best watch the flight of the grenades thrown by the throwers, and is also equally well protected.
Method of Advance. It is usually the endeavor to bomb and clear three bays at a time in advance of the bayonet men. The N.C.O. reports the throwing by the word “Mark,” to indicate a burst in the required bay. On the third mark having been registered, the N.C.O. gives the order, “Bayonet men report.” They immediately advance up the trench to the last bay cleared and report back after examination either “All clear” or “Enemy holding,” whereupon the N.C.O. gives the order “Advance,” or directs the thrower to bomb the last bay again. This means of advance is continued until the objective is gained.
Island Traverse. The two methods of attack are employed as shown on the chart. It is imperative that the attack must not be allowed to be held up, and should it be found impossible to advance down the trench itself, owing to enfilade fire, the attack must be immediately launched outside the trench, so as to attack the traverse from the rear, in the case of a daylight attack.
Precautions. Care must be taken, especially by the bayonet men in their advance through the trench, that enemy concealed trenches, dug-outs, etc., are not left undiscovered. The sides of trenches and the walls and floors of dug-outs should be carefully examined for concealed entrances or exits.