Hand grenades are frequently carried for both offensive and defensive operations. Grenade patrols always carry them. The operations of patrols may include:
1. Reconnaissance of sectors of the enemy's position with a view to determining his dispositions and arrangement of obstacles.
2. Making sketches of positions.
3. Capturing prisoners.
4. Opposing enemy patrols.
5. Harrassing the enemy.
When the patrol goes out every man in the sector of the firing line must be informed of such fact and the possibility of its returning through his post. It is not sufficient to simply notify the men on post at the time the patrol goes out, as a man cannot always be trusted to pass the information on to his relief. Word should be quietly taken along the line by the non-commissioned officer in charge of the relief in person. When the patrol is out, special instructions have to be given with respect to firing. To cease firing altogether is very undesirable. It arouses the enemy's suspicions. A few trustworthy riflemen are directed to fire high at intervals. No lights are sent up while the patrol is out.
If the patrol is to remain stationary, similar to the outguard of an outpost, communication may be maintained by means of a string, spelling out the messages by Morse code, two jerks meaning a dash and one jerk meaning a dot.
Where night patrols have to remain out under trying conditions special dugouts should be reserved where they can rest upon their return.
Care of Arms