Elements of Trench Warfare

by William H. Waldron

Each unit of the attacking line is assigned a distinct objective. Certain units are given the mission of attacking the supporting points to prevent their enfilading the units advancing through the intervals between them.

The main efforts are made along the lines between the supporting points, as to assault the latter would entail a casualty list not commensurate with the results. The effort against them is made with a view to neutralizing their effect. If the attack is successful in the intervals, the supporting points will fall as a result.

The waves of the first line are directed against the first position, the second against the second position. The reserves held under the orders of the division commander are employed where the development of the situation dictates.

Further to the rear, and under orders of the supreme commander, large bodies of reinforcements are held ready to be moved rapidly to points where progress has been made to such an extent that maneuver operations are practicable.

Preparation for the Assault

Preparatory to the assault, numerous saps (trenches) are run out to the front from the main firing trenches. The night before the attack, a parallel is broken out connecting the sap heads. This parallel is amply supplied with short ladders and is occupied by the companies composing the first wave of the attack. The saps and the main trenches are also filled with men assigned to the following waves, who will move into the parallel as soon as the first wave leaves it. As the artillery preparation ceases, the first waves rush up the ladders in succession and move out to the assault.

The First Wave

As the artillery preparation against the first line is completed and the curtain of fire shifted far into the enemy's position, the infantry of the first wave emerges from the parallel and moves out. The formation and gait depend upon the distance to the hostile trench. If the artillery preparation has been effective and the distance is not more than 100 yards, it is expected that the wave will be able to reach the fire trench without firing, except possibly when the wire is reached. If the distance is much greater than 100 yards, it is necessary to cover the advance with rifle fire. This is accomplished by a line of skirmishers deployed at extended intervals, which precedes the wave at about 50 yards. The wave starts out at a walk, carefully aligned. It afterwards takes up the double time and advances by rushes until the wire entanglements are reached.

From this moment the period of the charge and individual combat begins. The men can no longer be kept from firing. Each tries to protect himself with his rifle. Each man locates his opening in the wire through which he is to go and makes for it. The line reforms on the other side. With rifles at the high charge (a position to our old head parry, but slanting slightly upward from right to left) the line rushes upon the enemy. Each man runs straight towards the part of the trench in front of him and jumps upon the parapet. By rifle shots and bayonet thrusts he destroys everything in his way. Men selected in advance take charge of the prisoners. The line is reformed, lying down just beyond the fire trench, and fire is opened against the second line. Men are positively forbidden to enter the communication trenches. They are most inviting for cover, but a man rarely gets out of them.