Under bombardment, the levelled trenches have to be remade, the shell-holes organised and flanked with machine-guns, and communications with the rear ensured for the bringing up of stores and, if necessary, reinforcements.
The assaulting troops may thus reach their objectives without excessive losses or nervous strain, and may be kept in line for a second and third similar effort, after a few days' rest, during which the artillery will have destroyed the next enemy positions.
The Flying Corps
Before the battle.—Metaphorically speaking, the Flying Corps (aeroplanes and observation balloons) is the "eye" of the High Command, which largely depends on it for precise information regarding the enemy's movements and positions. It likewise regulates the artillery fire, and furnishes that arm with photographs, showing exactly the progress made by the destruction bombardments. Another equally important duty is to "blind the enemy" by destroying their aeroplanes and observation balloons.
OBSERVATION BALLOON.
During the battle.—Flying low, sometimes within a few hundred feet of the ground, the airmen furnish invaluable information, and often photographs, showing the progress of the attack, the terrain being marked out with panels and Bengal lights. They also often attack the enemy with their machine-guns.
BRITISH TANKS MAKE THEIR DÉBUT.