6. Accurate sketches are made of the trench and any addition or alteration entered on them.
7. Loopholes are inspected at dusk.
8. Wire entanglements are inspected and repaired under cover of darkness.
9. A log of events hour by hour should be kept which shows every item of enemy activity and the measures taken during the tour in the trenches. This will be a valuable reference when turning the trench over and will make a record of the habits of the enemy that may be most valuable as a guide for making plans to circumvent him.
10. The police and sanitation of the trenches will be carefully looked after.
11. Platoon commanders may divide the tour of supervision of the platoon sector with the squad leaders.
12. The whole company stands to arms during the hour before dawn.
Observation
Plate 43.
Observation of the enemy's line should be continuous. The observation and firing system will be arranged so that all parts ofthe enemy's line will be under observation and fire at all times.
Plate 42 shows the arrangement in general. The appliances for carrying it out are shown in Plates 43, 44 and 45.
Plate 44.—Observation loophole and rifle firing rack.
The observation is conducted through a small loophole made by a stick through the parapet or an iron tube run through and directed toward the point to be observed. To conceal the exit a few tufts of earth and grass are placed there in an irregular manner. Steel loopholes may also be employed for observation and firing purposes.They may be arranged a yard or two apart, so that one man observing through one can direct his mate using the rifle at the other so that he may bring fire to bear upon any member of the enemy's force that exposes himself at the point under observation.
The loopholes, both observation and firing, are arranged slantwise in the parapet so that the observer does not look straight to his front nor does the firer fire in that direction.
An aiming rack constructed so as to resist the recoil of the rifle and not derange its aim on firing may be arranged near the observation loophole. When the enemy exposes himself all that is necessary is a press on the trigger and the bullet goes straight to its mark. Such an aiming rack may be easily constructed, as shown in Plate 44.
Observation of the enemy trenches may also be effected by use of the periscope or, in the absence of one of these, by a looking glass in a slanted position fastened to a stick planted at the rear wall of the trench and protruding over the parapet, to reflect his trenches. (See Plate 45.)
Field Glasses
The enemy's trench usually appears completely deserted, but on observing it through field glasses you are astonished by the details revealed. You will see, from time to time, the eye of the enemy observer who shows himself at the loophole, or any other activity that it is capable of being observed from the outside. The observer watching through the field glasses will soon become so familiar with the appearance of the opposing trenches that he will be able to detect immediately any alteration in the obstacles, or changes that may be made, such as the establishment of new listening or observation posts, new sap heads, machine-gun emplacements, etc.
Observers are charged especially with detecting the location of machine-gun emplacements. The examination should be so complete and detailed as to prevent their existence without their location being accurately known.
Any observations of enemy activities, of any nature whatever, are reported immediately so that they may be passed on to the commander whose unit is manning the trenches directly opposite the same.
Loopholes should be screened at the rear by a sandbag split and hung over them. They should be carefully concealed to prevent their location being discovered by the enemy. There must be no alteration in the parapet where they are located.
Plate 45.—Looking-glass periscope.
Plate45a.—Trench showing wire overhead cover and wire trapdoor obstacle. Machacoulis gallery in background.
Snipers
The enemy's sojourn in the trenches should be made as disagreeable to him as possible. He must be kept continually on the alert. Our operations must be made a constant menace to him. It is in this way that casualties are effected and he is gradually worn out. One of the best methods of accomplishing all of the above is the employment of snipers, who are specially selected and trained in this branch of trench warfare.
The snipers are on duty all day, but they have their nights in bed. They conduct their operations in pairs and are given a definite post to occupy and in exceptional cases may be given a roving commission. The advantage of having the same men regularly on the same post is that they learn thoroughly the appearance of every square foot of the ground included in their area of observation and are able immediately to note any change that may take place. They soon learn where to look for the enemy and in fact learn the habits, etc., of the enemy occupying their sphere of observation.
The sniper must be an expert in:
1. The construction of loopholes by day and by night.
2. The use of telescopic sights, field glasses, periscopes and all optical contrivances designed for observation purposes.
3. The selection of good positions for sniping.
4. Judging distances and estimating or measuring ranges.
5. Rifle firing. He should be an expert rifleman in order that full advantage may be taken of the opportunities to inflict losses on the enemy.
6. In trench warfare each pair of snipers will be required to report each evening to the company commander the result of their day's operations.
What to Fire At
When the enemy makes his attack you will generally fire at those who appear in the sector that has been allotted to you to cover. You may, however, abandon your target on your own initiative under the following circumstances and fire:
1. On officers and non-commissioned officers. These can be recognized by their gestures. They are generally in the centerof groups and get up and start first. They should be disabled, as this is the surest way of breaking up the attack.
2. At a group on the move. Fire should be concentrated on an advancing group. The time when the group is preparing to start its rush may be indicated by rifles being raised and the movements that take place along the line. After a rush has started, look out for the late comers trying to rejoin their comrades. They make good targets.
3. When the enemy attempts to build up his line to the front by a process of infiltration, that is, by having single men crawl from one point to the other, each man should be fired on during his advance.
4. Fire will be immediately concentrated on any machine gun that comes into action. With the German gun prolonged firing heats the water in the jacket to the boiling point and puffs of steam are given off. Do not be deceived into thinking that this necessarily gives away the position of the gun, for this steam has been piped to a distant place and allowed to escape so as to draw fire that otherwise might be directed on the real position of the gun.
5. On signallers or runners. These are carrying information that will probably be of benefit to the enemy's commander. You will appreciate the necessity of preventing this.
6. On an enemy showing a flank. No opportunity must be lost to fire upon an enemy that exposes his flank. The fire of a single rifleman down the flank may cause a whole line to retreat.
Use of Rifle Grenades
Rifle grenades are capable of causing more losses to the enemy than bombardment. The rifle grenade arrives at its destination unexpectedly without any noise; it explodes before one has even time to get out of the way. As it does not arrive at fixed hours like the bombardment, the enemy cannot continually avoid it by taking refuge in his dugouts and shelters; when he is moving about a trench which is subject to rifle grenading he must be continually on the alert. This perpetual menace, hour in and hour out, day in and day out, renders his sojourn in the trenches extremely disagreeable.
Before rifle grenades are thrown carefulobservation of the opposing trench must have been made to determine the point where the grenade is likely to do the greatest damage.
Rifles are placed in the aiming racks and the grenades fired from time to time, day and night, at moments when it seems propitious. In this way a sentinel may be taken by surprise; a non-commissioned officer or officer may be caught unawares.
It should be remembered that we will probably be able to throw twenty grenades to the enemy's one. Advantage should always be taken of this munitions superiority. Every man of the enemy we can put out of action is one less to kill us in the advance which will eventually come. Sometimes the enemy will try to reply. Here is where our munitions superiority comes in again. We can fairly shower him with grenades and make him take to his shelters.
It may be advisable to execute a sudden burst of grenade fire. This is started by a volley and followed by fire at will.
When the artillery has destroyed parts of the enemy's trenches or makes breaches in his obstacles by day he will endeavor to repair them at night. He may be considerably annoyed and losses inflicted upon him by a well-directed shower of rifle grenades arriving at points where his working parties are located. To make this effective the rifle racks should be placed in position and secured during the day after trial shots have demonstrated conclusively the direction and angle for them.
Shelling
You will be impressed by the shells, especially the big ones. The din and blast of the explosions are, to say the least, terrifying. But you will soon come to know that the shell often makes more noise than it does harm and that, after a terrific bombardment, by no means is everybody destroyed.
HOW TO PROTECT YOURSELF FROM SHELLS
The big shell, which is so appalling, is only really dangerous if it falls on the place where a man is standing, because the splinters rise in the air. Fall down flat when the shell bursts. Even if you are quite close, there is comparatively little risk. Get up immediately after the explosion, especially if you are 200 to 300 yards awayfrom the place where it burst. The splinters do not fall for some time after the explosion.
The steel helmets and the infantry pack will furnish considerable protection from shrapnel fragments and balls.
During the Combat
The safest place to avoid the enemy's shell fire when the attack has been launched is close up to the enemy's position, where the artillery fire has to cease for fear of placing shells indiscriminately in his own troops and ours. Some men, completely distracted, lie down with their face to the ground. They will be crushed where they lie. Artillery fire, when it is violent, tends to throw the ranks into confusion and disorder. You have only ears for the roar of the approaching shell. You slow down and attempt to seek cover where there is no cover. The unit breaks up, and runs wild or stops altogether.Disorder and confusion means massacre.
March strictly in place. To the front is your safest haven of refuge. Get hold of the frightened ones and keep them in place.You will need them to help you when you reach the goal.
In the Trenches
Dugouts with strong overhead cover are provided for your protection when not actually required to man the trench. In some places it may be possible to dig shelter caves and shore up the roofs.
Scouting and Patrolling
To the Reader: You will find a wealth of information on the methods to be employed by scouts and patrols in a little book similar to this one in size, entitled "Scouting and Patrolling," by the author of this volume. Published and for sale by the United States Infantry Association, Washington, D.C. Price 50 cents, by mail, postpaid.Get your copy now and prepare yourself for these important duties.
To the Reader: You will find a wealth of information on the methods to be employed by scouts and patrols in a little book similar to this one in size, entitled "Scouting and Patrolling," by the author of this volume. Published and for sale by the United States Infantry Association, Washington, D.C. Price 50 cents, by mail, postpaid.Get your copy now and prepare yourself for these important duties.
Scouting and patrolling to the front is of greatest importance. It is kept up both day and night. The units occupying the first line send out patrols whenever necessary. They are frequently able to obtain valuable information and at the same time serve to counteract the enemy's efforts in this direction.
The patrols generally consist of a juniorofficer or non-commissioned officer and from four to six selected men. Their operations are conducted in accordance with the situation and the mission they are sent on.
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 reliefin 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
The infantryman's rifle is his best friend. The personal care that he gives to it is indicative of his soldierness and discipline. Your rifle must be kept in prime condition, otherwise it may fail you at a critical moment. A canvas breech cover that will protect the bolt and magazine mechanism will be found a great advantage when the rifle is not in use. Care must be taken to exclude mud and dirt from the bolt mechanism. Do not put mud-covered cartridges into the magazine. Wipe them off first. Arrange a proper receptacle near your post for the storage of your reserve ammunition. Be careful that you do not clog the muzzle of the rifle with mud and dirt. If fired in this condition it will ruin the rifle. Be careful not to clog up the sight cover with mud. Oil the rifle frequently with good sperm oil. Half of the oilers in the squad should be filled with oil and the other half with Hoppe's No. 9 Powder Solvent.
Rifles must be carefully inspected daily by platoon commanders and the men required to work on them during the periods off post.
Care of Trenches
Repairs will have to be made daily. The widening of trenches in the making of repairs should be strictly forbidden. Under no circumstances must they be altered in any manner except on the order of the company commander.
Platoon commanders will go over every part of the trench several times daily with the squad leaders of the various sections and decide upon the repairs and improvements to be made. A complete and thorough police will be made prior to being relieved. All refuse will be removed. Fired cartridges will be disposed of, as they might get imbedded in the trench floor and hinder subsequent digging.
Each squad leader will be held strictly responsible for the state of police of the section of trench occupied by his squad.
Latrines
Latrines are located at convenient points in the trenches. For the men on duty in the first line they are generally dug to the flank of a connecting trench and connected therewith by a passageway. Their location is plainly marked.
The rules of sanitation are even more strictly observed in trenches than they are in soldier camps. The trenches and passageways must not under any circumstances be defiled. Latrines should be kept clean and sanitary. They will be carefully protected from flies. The free use of chloride of lime daily is an absolute necessity.
Maps
A complete detailed plan of our own trenches and as much as is known of thoseof the enemy opposite should be made, and be available for study and to refer to in making reports. Every bay of the trench should be numbered, every traverse lettered. All junction points of fire and communicating trenches, all dugouts, all posts, mortar positions, machine-guns positions, observation posts, and any points that it may be necessary to refer to in reports should be designated by numbers.
Frost Bite; Chilled Feet
The causes are:
1. Prolonged standing in cold water or liquid mud.
2. Tight boots and leggings, that interfere with the blood circulation.
Prevention
1. Before going into the trenches wash the feet and legs and dry them thoroughly. The British Army has an issue of an anti-freeze mixture which will probably be issued to our troops also. The feet and legs should be rubbed with it. Put on perfectly dry socks. An extra pair of dry socks should be carried.
2. During the period of service in thetrenches the feet should be treated in this manner from time to time.
3. When the feet are cold, hot water will not be used for washing nor will they be held close to a fire.
4. Rubber boots must be worn only in the trenches. On no account must they be worn while on reserve.
Trench Soldiers' Creed
To be of the greatest effectiveness in the trench every soldier, personally and collectively, must be able to adopt the following creed and live up to it:
1. We are here for two purposes, to do as much damage as possible to the enemy and to hold our section of the line against all attacks. We are doing everything in our power to accomplish these missions. We realize that every man of the enemy confronting us that is not placedhors de combatwill be there ready to shoot us down when the assault takes place. We realize also that if the enemy makes a lodgment on our section of the line that it endangers others and a costly counter attack may be necessary. Wewillhold on.
2. With the means at hand and those weare able to devise we will make the enemy's stay in his trenches as uncomfortable and disagreeable as possible. All of our utilities are being utilized to the fullest extent and our various detachments are organized and their tactical operations are conducted with this object in view.
3. We have done everything possible to strengthen our line.
4. If, despite all the precautions we can take and the hardest fight we are able to make, the enemy succeeds in effecting a lodgment on our section of the line, we will meet him with the bayonet and fight to the last drop of our blood.
5. We are all familiar with the tactical dispositions in our section of the line. Those of us on the flanks connect up with the platoons to our right and left. We know the route to company and battalion headquarters and know where the nearest support is located. We know the position of our machine guns and the sector they cover. We are in constant communication with the observing posts that cover our front, and our observing posts covering the other platoons are in constant communication with them.
6. We know the firing position assigned to us and are familiar with the use to be made of the accessories furnished us. We can fire over the parapet at the foot of our wire entanglements to repel night attack.
7. We will at all times be careful about needlessly exposing ourselves. We appreciate the fact that it is absolutely stupid to get killed or wounded in the trench through negligence. By so doing one has served no purpose and a soldier cannot be replaced. Our leaders have warned us of the especially dangerous places. We know where they are and avoid them except when our presence there is necessary as a matter of duty.
8. The sections of the enemy's line that we are to cover with our fire have all been pointed out and each of us is familiar with same. We have located the enemy's loopholes and are doing our best to keep them under fire.
9. We know our way and move noiselessly about the trenches. When we enter and leave it is with absolute silence.
10. We are doing our utmost to collect information about the enemy, his defenses, his activity, his movements, and especiallyhis night operations. All of this information we transmit immediately to the platoon leader.
11. We know the best way to get over our parapet to reach the enemy.
12. Our appliances for protection from gas attacks are complete and ready for instant use. We have our helmets on our persons ready to put on. We are familiar with their use and have confidence in their effectiveness. We will wait for the signal to don our gas helmets (signal is usually made by beating a gong, and care must be taken to follow exactly the directions for putting on the gas helmets; carelessness may mean your disablement).
13. Our trenches are drained and every precaution is being taken to keep the drains and sump holes in condition to perform their functions.
14. We have rendered the parapets and shelters throughout our sector bullet-proof, and effective measures are being taken to prevent them from caving in.
15. We are keeping our trenches sanitary and clean; our reserve munitions are carefully stored in their proper places ready forinstant use. Refuse is always placed in receptacles when it can be carried away. We do not under any circumstances litter up our trench floor. Our empty shells are collected and sent to the rear.
16. Our rifles are our best friends. We keep them clean, well oiled, and in readiness for instant use. Our bayonets we have with us at all times ready to be placed on the rifle. We protect our rifle ammunition from the mud, as we realize that muddy cartridges will clog the breech mechanism and cause mal-function.
17. We are taking every precaution to prevent "trench feet;" when practicable we take off our shoes and rub our feet for 15 minutes each day. We do not wear tight shoes and leggings that tend to interfere with blood circulation. We each have a pair of dry socks to put on. We do not wear rubber boots except when it is absolutely necessary.
18. We observe the orders regarding the wearing of equipment.
19. We do not drink any water except that from authorized sources. We replenish our canteens whenever practicable.
In addition to the above the platoon commander must be able to adopt the following and live up to them:
1. My sentries are posted in the proper places. They are posted by non-commissioned officers. They have the proper orders. No man is ever on duty more than one hour at a time. I visit them at frequent intervals.
2. I have a runner ready to carry a message to company headquarters. I realize that any information of the enemy that I may secure may be of great importance at regimental and other headquarters. I will therefore send it back with the utmost dispatch.
3. I am familiar with the methods of communicating with the artillery, of giving them information and of asking them for support.
4. My patrols operating to the front at night have been properly instructed and are doing their duty effectively. All sentries in the trench have been notified when they are out and cautioned to look out for their return.
5. I have given complete and detailed instruction covering what to do in case of gas attacks and the sending out of the S.O.S. signal. I have gas and attack messages already prepared and ready to send after inserting the time and place in them.
6. I know the name of every man in my platoon and they all know me.
7. I am here to inflict as much damage as possible on the enemy and to hold my part of the line.I will do it!
Chapter XI
THE ATTACK IN TRENCH WARFARE
Objectives
The objectives which must be dealt with in the attack of an intrenched position such as will be found on the western front are:
1. The trenches of the first line.
2. The supporting points.
3. The trenches of the second line.
By a study of the text preceding this you must realize that in the defense of these objectives there will be employed artillery, rifles, grenades and machine guns.
Artillery Preparation
The first phase of the attack is the artillery preparation. In order that the infantry may make the attack with a minimum of losses, the artillery must have destroyed the wire entanglements and obstacles that obstruct the advance, or at least have sufficiently breached them to permit their being negotiated. The destruction of these obstacles is never complete. It would require too great an expenditure of ammunition. The infantry occupying the hostile trenchesmust be simply overwhelmed with artillery fire so that they will be unable to man the parapets when the assault is launched. During the artillery preparation the hostile infantry does not occupy their firing positions in the trenches but remain in their dugouts, which are fully protected from all but the heaviest shells. Only a few observers are left in the trenches.
When the bombardment against this particular part of the line ceases the infantry leave their dugouts and man the firing positions. To prevent this is one of the most important as well as most difficult tasks of the artillery. This may be effected by a well-directed fire on the exits to the dugouts with a view to caving them in and thus preventing the egress of the occupants. The enemy may sometimes be induced to leave his shelter prematurely by the following ruse:
1. Cease the artillery fire.
2. Open a heavy rifle fire; this causes the enemy to believe that the assault has begun and he will man his parapets in strength.
3. After waiting for several minutes open the artillery again with even increased vigor.
The hostile infantry may be forced outof his dugouts by the use of shells and grenades containing suffocating gases which penetrate the shelters and make them untenable.
The artillery is also charged with putting the enemy's artillery out of action to prevent them from firing upon the attacking infantry.
If the enemy artillery is left free, it will shell our trenches and approaches, causing casualties and confusion and thus interfering with the formation for the attack. The location of hostile batteries is effected by aerial reconnaissance.
Another task of the artillery is to prevent the hostile reserves from coming up to reinforce their firing lines. These reserves will be located back in the second line until their presence is required at the front. As long as the artillery preparation continues they remain in the shelters, but as soon as it ceases they man the trenches. The artillery must therefore extend its fire to the second line and continue it while the first line is being rushed. Back of the second position the enemy holds strong reserves. The entrance of these into action must be prevented. This is accomplished by extending the curtain of fire still further to the rear. The supporting points must receive a lion's share of attention for, bristling with machine guns and trench mortars, they are the really dangerous elements to the infantry attack after it passes the first line trenches.
The weapon which inflicts the greatest losses on the assaulting infantry is the machine gun, which appears suddenly out of the ground and lays low whole units. By a careful reconnaissance these machine-gun positions are ferreted out and every possible means are taken to effect their destruction.
The effectiveness of the artillery preparation depends simply upon superiority of guns and munitions. In this respect we now possess a great advantage, for the state of our munition supply is such that our artillery may fire several shells to one of the enemy. This is what established the superiority.
Organization of Infantry Attack
The organization of the attacking infantry corresponds in a general way to the organization of the position being attacked.A first line of assault is organized. Its mission is the capture of the enemy's first line trenches. A second line follows, having for its mission the assault and capture of the second line trenches. A separate organization of these two lines is necessary for the reason that the first attacking line is generally so disorganized in the fighting that it no longer possesses the cohesion necessary to carry it through to the second line. It has been found necessary to launch a comparatively fresh and intact force against it.
As the first position is organized into several separate lines of defense, so also is the first attacking line organized and launched in two or more waves, those in rear being in the nature of reinforcements to those in front.
Objectives
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 toassault 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 maintrenches 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 byrushes 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.
The grenadier squad proceed to their work of clearing the fire and communication trenches.
The Second Wave
The second wave of the first line starts forward at the moment the first wave reaches the hostile trenches. If it starts sooner, it will unite with the first at the entanglement and become involved in the fight for the fire trench. It will be broken up prematurely and will be unable to take advantage of the developments of the fight of the first wave. The reinforcement by the second wave and the disorganization produced by the assault lead to a mixture of units in the trenches of the first position. Before starting out to the assault of the next trench it is necessary that order be restored. When this is accomplished the attack is launched against the second line. In front of the supporting points the combat rages. The men are barely able to hold on the outer edges. In the interval the advance has reached high tide and has expanded like a wave and stopped. This is the limit that can be expected of the first line.
Hasty cover is prepared and advantage taken of such cover as may exist. All elements of the attack open fire on the second position.
The Second Line
Under the cover of these operations the second line has come up in a series of three lines, where it is built up compact at the position of the stopped first line. From this point its attack against the enemy's second line is launched. The lines are worked up to a point from which the assault is to be made, and when the time comes the first wave dashes out to the attack, followed by the second wave in the same manner as the assault against the first position was made.
The action of the two lines of attack may be expected to overwhelm the greater part of the two main hostile positions. At certain points, however, the resistance will hold out, and, if not overcome, will constitute points of support to which the enemy may bring up reinforcements and even turn the tide of battle by a counter attack.
To deal with these points that hold out, as well as with hostile reinforcements which may arrive, the reserve is launched into action, which brings the attack into the open ground beyond the second line of defense, and maneuver operations are begun. The mobile units are rapidly thrown into action, and large forces from the general reserveare hurried to the point where the lines of defense are broken through.
From what has gone before we may deduce that the following conditions must prevail to attain success in an attack on a prepared position:
1. The attack must be planned down to the most minute detail.
2. There must be a greatly superior force of artillery concentrated at the point of attack, and the artillery preparation must be thorough.
3. The infantry must be sufficient in number, training and morale to perform the tasks that will be demanded of them.
4. The arrangements for the supply of ammunition to the firing line must be planned and carried out in all its details.
5. Plans for meeting counter attacks must be thorough and complete. The capture of a position is often less difficult than its retention.
6. Finally, every officer and man must know exactly what he is to do.
Bayonet Training
Waldron
The system of Bayonet Training stated herein is taken from the provisional Manual of Bayonet Training of the British Army. In the vernacular of the day, it is the "real dope."
Every battalion should have a bayonet assault practice course constructed along the lines indicated and the work of training should be systematically conducted. The non-commissioned officers should be taken out on a "Tactical Walk" on the course and all the features of the exercises explained. This is followed by their practical training over the course and this in turn is followed by the instruction of the privates of the organization.
Features of the Bayonet
To attack with the bayonet effectively requires good direction, strength and quickness, during a state of wild excitement and probable physical exhaustion. The limit of the range of a bayonet is about 5 feet (measured from the opponent's eyes) but more often the killing is at close quarters,at a range of 2 feet or less, when troops are struggling hand to hand in trenches or darkness.
The bayonet is essentially an offensive weapon—go straight at an opponent with the point threatening his throat and deliver the point wherever an opening presents itself. If no opening is obvious, one must be created by beating off the opponents weapon or making a "feint point" in order to make him uncover himself.
Hand to hand fighting with the bayonet is individual, which means that a man must think and act for himself and rely on his own resources and skill; but, as in all games, he must play for his side and not only for himself. In a bayonet assault all ranks go forward to kill or be killed, and only those who have developed skill and strength by constant training will be able to kill.
The spirit of the bayonet must be inculcated into all ranks so that they go forward with that aggressive determination and confidence of superiority born of continual practice, without which a bayonet assault will not be effective.
The technical points of bayonet fightingare extremely few and simple. The essence of bayonet training is continuity of practice.
Method of Carrying out Bayonet Training and Hints to Instructors
An important point to be kept in mind in Bayonet Training is the development of the individual by teaching him to think and act for himself. The simplest means of attaining this end is to make men use their brains and eyes to the fullest extent by carrying out the practices so far as possible, without words of command, i.e., to point at a shifting target as soon as it is stationary, to parry sticks, etc. The class should, whenever possible, work in pairs and act on the principle of "master and teacher." This procedure in itself, develops individuality and confidence. Sharp jerky words of command which tend to make men act mechanically, should be omitted. Rapidity of movement and alertness are taught by competition in fixing and unfixing the bayonet and by other such quickening movements.
As the technique of bayonet fighting is so simple, long detail is quite unnecessary and makes the work monotonous. All instructions should be carried out on common-sense lines. It should seldom be necessary to give the details of a "point" or "parry" more than two or three times, after which the class should acquire the correct positions by practice. For this reason a lesson or daily practice should rarely last more than half an hour. Remember that nothing kills interest so easily as monotony.
The spirit of the bayonet is to be inculcated by describing the special features of bayonet and hand to hand fighting. The men must learn to practice bayonet fighting in the spirit and with the enthusiasm that animates them when training for their games, and to look upon their instructor as a trainer and helper. Interest in the work is to be created by explaining the reasons for the various positions, the method of handling the rifle and bayonet and the uses of the points. Questions should be put to the men to find out if they understand these reasons. When men realize the object of their work they naturally take a greater interest in it.
Progression in bayonet training is regulated by obtaining first correct position and good direction, then quickness. Strength is the outcome of continual practice.
In order to encourage dash and gradually strengthen the leg muscles from the commencement of the training, classes should be frequently practiced in charging short distances over the bayonet practice courses.
All company officers and non-commissioned officers should be taught how to instruct in bayonet training in order that they may be able to teach their squads and platoons this very important part of a soldier's training, which must be regularly practiced during the whole of his service at home, and during his periods of rest behind the firing-lines.
The greatest care should be taken that the object representing the opponent and its support should be incapable of injuring the bayonet or butt. Only light sticks are to be used for parrying practice.
The chief causes of injury to the bayonet are insufficient instruction, in the bayonet training lessons, failure to withdraw the bayonet clear of the dummy, and placing the dummies on hard, unprepared ground.
BAYONET LESSONS
Formation.—Intervals or distances are taken as prescribed in paragraphs 109 and 111 I.D.R. Bayonets are fixed, paragraph 95, I.D.R.
Technique of Instruction.—Before requiring the soldier to take a position or execute a movement for the first time, the instructor should show him the position or how to execute the movement, stating the essential elements and explaining the purpose that they serve.
Illustrate the position or movement a second time, requiring careful observation so that the men will be taught to use their eyes and brains right from the beginning.
Now, require the men to assume the position or execute the movement under consideration. Accuracy and expertness will be developed by practice.
Fatigue and exhaustion should be carefully guarded against. They prevent proper interest being taken in the exercises and delay the progress of the instruction.
The training consists of five lessons and the Final Assault practice.
Lesson No. 1
The First lesson is divided into:
1. The position ofGuard, from which the various bayonet attacks are made.
2. The position ofHigh Port, which is assumed when advancing.
3. TheLong Point, which is the normal method of bayonet attack.
4. TheWithdrawal, which follows the attack.
The Position of GUARD
Being at the Order Arms: Raise the piece with the right hand, throw it to the front. Grasp with both hands, the left at a convenient place above the rear sight so that the left arm is only slightly bent; right hand at the small of the stock and held just in front of the navel. The rifle is held naturally and easily, without constraint, barrel inclined slightly to the left. At the same time the left foot is carried forward to a point in a natural position such as a man walking might adopt on meeting with resistance. The left knee is slightly bent, right leg straight and braced. The right foot is flat on the ground with the toe inclined to the right front.
THE LONG POINT
The common faults that will be noted in assuming the position are:
1. The body will be leaned back from the hips, which causes unsteadiness and does not permit quick and aggressive action.
2. The left arm is bent too much, which raises the point of the bayonet too high and produces a certain amount of constraint. The left hand should grasp the piece at such a point that will avoid this defect. A little practice will show the exact place to hold the hand to obtain the maximum effect.
3. The right hand may be held too low and too far back, which has the effect of raising the point of the bayonet and giving a faulty position to the left arm and hand.
4. The rifle may be grasped too tightly with the hands, which produces rigidity and restrains freedom of movement. The left hand merely guides the bayonet in the attack, the right furnishes the power behind the thrust, hence great care should be taken to see that the left arm is not deprived of its freedom of action by gripping the rifle too hard with the left hand.
The Position of "REST"
The feet are retained at the position of Guard. The piece is lowered and held in the easiest and most comfortable position.
The Position of HIGH PORT
Being at the position of Guard. Without changing the position of the hands on the piece, carry the rifle so that the left wrist is level with and directly in front of the left shoulder. The right hand is level with the belt.
Practice will be had at the position ofHigh Portwith the right hand quitting the piece, it being held approximately in position with the left hand alone. This will be found advantageous when jumping ditches, climbing out of trenches, surmounting obstacles, etc., leaving the right hand free.
The Position of LONG POINT
Being at the position of Guard. Thrust the point of the bayonet vigorously towards the point of the objective, to the full extent of the left arm, the stock running along side of and kept close to the right inner fore arm. The body is inclined forward;left knee well bent; right leg braced, and weight of body pressed well forward with the sole of the right foot, heel raised. The chief power in the Point is derived from the right arm with the weight of the body behind it, the left arm and hand being employed to direct the point of the bayonet at the objective.
The eyes must be fixed on the objective. In making the point other than straight to the front the left foot will be moved laterally in the direction to which the point is made. After progress has been made in the execution of the simple point as indicated above, practice should include stepping forward with the rear foot when the assault is delivered.
The common faults in the execution of the Long Point will be noted as follows:
1. The rifle is drawn back slightly before delivering the point, which makes for a momentary loss of time that may give an opponent the advantage and should be assiduously guarded against.
2. The stock of the piece is held too high, which makes the guiding of the point of the bayonet with the left hand moredifficult, and reduces accuracy in delivering the point at the exact spot intended.
POSITION OF GUARD
3. The eyes are not directed on the point of the attack. This is an error. One that may cause a man to miss his mark. The soldier must realize what this means in hand to hand fighting. The opponent will get him.
4. The left knee is not sufficiently bent, which does not allow the point to be made with the force intended.
5. The body is not thrust sufficiently forward, which reduces just that much the force of the attack.
6. The point is started at too great a distance from the objective to make a hit. Practice must be conducted in making the point until the soldier knows the exact distance at which he will have to start to produce the maximum effect. This distance is between four and five feet.
During the later stages of the instruction the men should also be taught to step forward with the rear foot when delivering the point.
The WITHDRAWAL After a Long Point
THE WITHDRAWAL
Being at the position of Long Point. To withdraw the bayonet. Draw the piece straight back until the right hand is well behind the hip. Immediately assume theposition of Guard. If the leverage or proximity of the object transfixed with the bayonet renders it necessary, prior to the withdrawal, the left hand is slipped up close to the stacking swivel.
In the preliminary instruction all Points will be immediately followed by a withdrawal, prior to assuming the position of guard.
PROGRESSION
After the several positions hereinbefore described have been learned, the Points should be made at a definite place on a target, such as the throat, the stomach, the head, etc.
As progress is made, the pause between the point and the withdrawal is shortened until the soldier comes directly to the position of Guard from the point. Proficiency will finally be attained in making a "feint point" at one part of the target and the real point at another, for example: Feint at the head and point at the right thigh; feint at the stomach and point at the neck, etc.
Attacks at a retreating foe should be made against the kidneys, the position of which should be shown to the soldier.
Vulnerable Parts of the Body
If possible, the point of the bayonet should be directed against the opponents throat, especially in hand to hand fighting. The point of the bayonet will easily enter and make a fatal wound on penetrating a few inches. Other and more or less exposed parts are the face, chest, lower abdomen, thighs and the region of the kidneys when the back is turned. Four to six inches penetration is sufficient to incapacitate and allow for a quick withdrawal, whereas if a bayonet is driven home too far it is often impossible to withdraw it.
As soon as the nomenclature of the positions and movements are learned the men should work in pairs. They should be practiced in pointing in various directions. 1. At the opposite man's hand, which he places in various positions on and off the body. 2. At thrusting rings tied on the end of a stick.
This practice is conducted without word of command, so that the eyes and brain may be trained.
It is not sufficient that a dummy be merely transfixed. Some particular spot on the dummy should constitute the target. Discs or numbers should be placed on the dummy and the men required to point at a distance of about five feet from it and later as they become more proficient, to point after advancing several paces. The advance must be made in a practical manner and the point delivered with either foot to the front.
The rifle must never be drawn back when making a Long Point in a forward movement. The impetus of the body and the forward stretching of the arms supply sufficient force.
The bayonet must be withdrawn immediately after the Point has been delivered, and a forward threatening attitude assumed by the side of or beyond the dummy.
To guard against accidents the men must be at least five feet apart and the bayonet scabbard should be on the bayonet.
The principles of this practice should be observed when pointing at dummies in trenches, standing upright on the ground or suspended from gallows. They should be applied at first slowly and deliberately. No attempt must be made to carry out the Final Assault Practice until the men have been carefully instructed in and have thoroughly mastered the preliminary lessons.
Lesson No. 2
The Parries
Being at the position of Guard: The right or left parry is executed by vigorously straightening the left arm, without bendingthe wrist or twisting the rifle in the hand, and forcing the piece to the right or left far enough to fend off the adversary's weapon. The eyes must be kept on the weapon that is being parried and not on the eyes of the opponent as indicated in our bayonet combat training.
The common faults in the execution of the parries consist of:
1. Making a wide, sweeping parry, with no forward movement of the bayonet or body in it.
2. The eyes are taken off the weapon that is being parried.
The men should be taught to regard the parry as a part of an offensive movement, namely of the Point, which would immediately follow it in actual combat. For this reason, as soon as the movements of the parries have been learned they should always be accompanied by a slight forward movement of the body.
Parries will be practiced with the right as well as with the left foot forward, preparatory to the practice of parrying when advancing.
Practice
Men when learning the parries should be required to observe the movements of the rifle carefully, and should not be kept longer at this practice than is necessary for them to understand what is required, that is vigorous, yet controlled action.
The men work in pairs with scabbards on the bayonets, one man pointing with the stick and the other parrying it. The position of guard is resumed after each parry. At first this practice must be slow and deliberate, without being allowed to become mechanical, and will be progressively increased in rapidity and vigor.
Later a point at that part of the body indicated by the opposite man's hand should immediately follow the parry, and, finally sticks long enough to represent the opponents weapon at the position of guard should be attached to dummies and parried before delivering the point. (See Targets.)
The men must be taught to parry points made at them:
1. By an enemy in a trench when they are themselves on the parapet.
2. By an enemy on the parapet when they are on the trench.
3. When both are fighting on the same level at close quarters in a deep trench.
Lesson No. 3
The Short Point
Being at the position of Guard: Shift the left hand quickly towards the muzzle and draw the rifle back to the full extent of the right arm, the butt either upwards or downwards, according as a low point or high point is to be made. Deliver the point vigorously to the full extent of the left arm.
The short point is used at a range of about three feet. In close fighting it is the natural point to make when the bayonet has just been withdrawn after a long point. If a strong withdrawal is necessary the right hand should be slipped above the back sight after the short point has been made.
THE SHORT POINT
By placing two discs on a dummy the short point should be taught in conjunction with the long point, the first disc being transfixed with the latter and the second with the former. On delivery of the longpoint if the left foot is forward, the short point would take place with the right foot forward andvice versa.
The parries should be practiced from the position of the short point.
Lesson No. 4
The Jab or Upward Point
Being at the position of Short Point: Shift the right hand up the rifle and grasp it above the balance, at the same time bringing the piece to an almost vertical position close to the body. From this position, bend the knees and jab the point of the bayonet upwards into the throat or under the chin of the opponent.
The common faults in this movement are:
1. The rifle is drawn backward and not held sufficiently upright.
2. The rifle is grasped too low with the right hand.
From the position of Jab, the men will be practiced in fending off an attack made on any part of their body by an opponent.
THE JAB
When making a Jab from the position of guard, the right, being the thrusting hand, will be brought up first.
The Jab can be employed successfully in close quarter fighting in narrow trenches or when embraced by an enemy.
METHODS OF INJURING AN OPPONENT
It should be impressed upon the soldier that, although a man's point has missed, or has been parried or his bayonet has been broken, he can, as attacker, still maintain his advantage by injuring his opponent in one of the following ways:
Butt Strike I.Swing the butt up at the opponent's crotch, ribs, forearm, etc., using a half arm blow and advancing the rear foot.
This is essentially a half arm blow from the shoulder, keeping the elbow rigid. It can be executed only when the rifle is grasped at the small of the stock.
Butt Strike II.If the opponent jumps back so that the first butt strike misses, the rifle will come into a horizontal position over the left shoulder, butt to the front. The attacker will then step in with the rear foot and dash the butt into his opponent's face.
Butt Strike III.If the opponent retires still further out of distance, the attackeragain closes up and slashes his bayonet down on his opponent's head or neck.
Butt Strike IV.If the point is beaten or brought down, the butt can be used effectively by crashing it down on the opponent's head with an over-arm blow, advancing the rear foot. When the opponent is out of distance Butt Strike III can again be used.
In individual fighting the butt can also be used horizontally against the opponent's ribs, forearm, etc. This method is impossible in trench fighting or in an attack, owing to the horizontal sweep of the bayonet to the attacker's left.
The men must be impressed with the fact that the butt must never be used when it is possible to use the point of the bayonet effectively.
Butt Strikes can be used only under certain conditions and in certain positions. If the soldier acquires absolute control of his weapon under these conditions he will be able to adapt himself to all other phases of close in fighting. For example, when a man is gripped by an opponent, so that neither the point nor the butt can be used, the knee brought up against the crotch or the heelstamped on the instep may momentarily disable him and make him release his hold. When wrestling the opponent may be tripped by forcing his weight on to one leg and then kicking that leg from under him. These methods will only temporarily disable an enemy, who must be killed with the bayonet.
Practice
When the men have been shown the methods of using the butt and the knee, they should be practiced by affixing several discs on a dummy and executing combination exercises at them. For example, point at one disc, use the knee on another fixed low down, jab at a third, etc. For practice with the Butt, light dummies should be used to prevent injury to the piece.
TACTICAL APPLICATION OF THE BAYONET
A bayonet assault should preferably be made under cover of fire, or darkness or as a surprise. Under these circumstances the prospect of success is greatest, for a bayonet is useless at any range except in hand to hand fighting.
The bayonet is essentially a weapon of offense to be used with skill and vigor. To await an opportunity for using the bayonet entails defeat. An approaching enemy will simply stand out of bayonet range and shoot down the defenders.