Plate 27.—Type of cover for machine guns.
Their fire should come as a surprise to the attacking party.
In the construction of cover for machine guns the following points should be observed:
1. They must have a platform for the gun and gunner. This may be provided for in the construction of the emplacement or built up with sandbags. The platform should be 3 feet wide and 6-1/2 feet in length.
2. If head cover is provided, it should not differ in appearance from that constructed elsewhere in the trenches. The loopholes must be blinded with gunny sacks.
3. The front of the emplacement should be cut under to receive the leg of the tripod, thus bringing the gun up closer to the parapet and furnishing more cover for the gunner.
4. Splinter-proof shelters should be provided near at hand for the members of the gun detachment.
5. Where the enemy's trenches are near, the position for the emplacement should be selected by day and the actual work done under cover of darkness.