The trench interval between the traverses is known as the "bay," which should not ordinarily be longer than 18 feet. Longer bays invite heavy casualties in case the trench is enfiladed or a high explosive shell finds its mark.
The illustration, Plate 14, shows a trace of the traversed type of fire trench.
PLAN OF TRAVERSED TYPE OF FIRE TRENCH
PLATE 14.
1. Length of bay, 18 feet.
2. Width of traverse, 5 feet.
3. Length of traverse, 5 feet.
4. Overlap of traverse, 3 feet.
5. Height of traverse depends upon defilade required and practicability of concealment.
Type of Trench
Formerly, protection from the enemy's fire was obtained by thickness of parapet. In the trench warfare of today it is obtained by completely concealing the riflemen in a deep, narrow trench with a very low parapet.
The height over which the average man can fire is about 5 feet or about five-sixths of his own height. This factor determines the height of the parapet above the firing banquet of the trench or the height of bottom of loophole above the same point, when the latter is employed.
