Part 1 — THE WATCH FROM THE TRENCHES.
Reading edition
12.—Trench Warfare an outpost duty.
Trench warfare, the inevitable form of modern warfare, is a continuous series of outpost duty. Hence it is based wholly on eternal vigilance. The patrols correspond to the scouts; the listening posts to the sentinels; the firing trench to the outguards; the cover trench to the supports. The safety of the sector depends entirely on the vigilance of the advanced elements and the rapidity with which supports and the reserves can be summoned.
Watching is thus the fundamental duty in trench warfare.
The following points should be kept in mind:
AT ALL TIMES
13.—Number of men in the fire trench.
There must be as many sentinels in each section as is necessary to cover completely the sector to be watched, no more, no less, each sentinel being given the exact limits (such as tree, copse, post, etc.) at each end of the line he should watch.
14.—Fix bayonets.
The men on duty should have bayonets fixed as, in case of a possible surprise, they are needed for defense. Otherwise too, fixing bayonets would be an indication to the enemy of an impending raid.
DURING THE DAY.
15.—Observation of open terrain.
When the terrain opposite is open country, the necessary observation may be done by the smallest possible number of men. Fire only, if any of the enemy are sighted. Then, have two rounds fired, then three. But keep fire under strict control. (If enemy continues to approach. Cf. par. 52 ff.)
16.—Observation of covered terrain.
When the terrain is covered (high brush wood, copses, trees, etc.) a sharpshooter in each section should fire occasionally into the trees, etc., which may be observation or sharpshooters' posts but this should not be overdone.
AT NIGHT.
17.—Double sentinels.
Post double sentinels in each section, each man watching in turn, the other resting but within call.
18.—Silence.
They should refrain from making the least noise so as to hear and not be heard.
19.—No firing when fired upon.
There should be no firing when the enemy fires since when the enemy fires, he does not advance.
20.—Look and listen.
They should keep a sharp lookout but listen even more attentively.
21.—In the listening posts.
Sentinels in the listening posts should listen especially for the noise of crushed branches, stirring leaves, slight noise of arms or utensils.
If enemy is detected, these sentinels should hasten back to fire trench to give the alarm quietly so that the enemy may be surprised.
They should fire only if they are themselves caught unawares.
Listening posts should not be too numerous, about two per battalion.
If there are no listening posts, patrols should be sent out to favorable spots especially at sundown and before sunrise.
22.—Enemy sighted or heard, fire.
If the night is clear and the terrain is open, proceed as during the day: If the enemy is sighted or heard, fire in short volleys. In case of doubt throw grenades with the first volley.
23.—Otherwise no firing.
Otherwise, absolute silence should be observed. No firing whatever.
24.—Unless night is dark.
If the night is dark, to avoid surprise, keep up firing: One man per section should fire in turn, from time to time varying the direction.
25.—Digging by enemy.
If digging by the enemy is reported, cease firing. Have it located, throw bombs followed by volleys. Notify sappers for counter mining.
26.—Watch for light of enemy's fire.
If enemy fires, note where light appears.
27.—Posting of sharpshooters.
Locate sharpshooters in advantageous posts behind the trenches (trees, etc.). Have them fire into the enemy's listening posts and into the enemy's trench, especially wherever light appears. These posts should not be occupied during the day.
28.—Patrols.
Send out patrols, stationary or mobile.