It is the particular duty of the grenadier squads to clear these "gaps" of the enemy as quickly as possible. For this purpose an efficient and well-organized storming party must be immediately available.
Let us say that, after careful artillery preparation, the assault has reached the enemy's fire trench. There is much overcrowding at the points where lodgments have been effected. There is a gap in the line between two adjacent elements. How is this cleared of the enemy?
The grenadier squad immediately forms for action. Two bayonet men are in the lead, followed by the grenade thrower, who is in turn followed by the two carriers. Further to the rear are the two barricaders, who carry a reserve supply of grenades in addition to their sandbags and shovels. The squad leader is where he can best direct the operations.
The grenadier squad is formed as shown in the first position, Plate 40.
1. The grenade thrower puts grenades: (1) into bay 1, at A; (2) into bay 2, at D; (3) into bay 1, at B; (4) into the traverse leg at C.
2. When the four grenades have exploded the bayonet men rush into bay 1, the leader advancing into the first leg of the traverse trench below B, while his mate remains in the bay for a moment.
PLATE 40.
3. The squad leader rushes around the traverse to A, followed by the grenade thrower.