CONSOLIDATING THE GROUND GAINED.

Consolidating the Ground Gained. Immediately we have occupied the new positions, it is necessary to reorganize our forces (the flanks being protected by bombing parties while this work is being carried out). The different parties and reliefs necessary are formed, as follows:

(A) SENTRIES AND RELIEFS.
(B) RECONSTRUCTION AND REPAIR PARTIES.
(C) SAPPERS AND DIGGERS.
(D) SUPPLY PARTY.
(E) COMMUNICATION MEN.

Sentries and Reliefs. (A) In each bay of the trench it is necessary at all times to have one man on sentry and, as a rule, three men in relief, and it is very important that means be provided that the reliefs get the necessary rest and sleep. Accordingly, shallow sleeping-out pits are provided in the rear of the trenches for that purpose. This work is accomplished by the sappers and the diggers with the assistance of the reliefs.

Reconstruction and Repair. (B) It is very important that the reconstruction and repair work be got under way as quickly as possible after occupying the new position, as any lack of time affords the enemy an excellent chance to launch a counter-attack. Accordingly, the entire party are put to work until this object is accomplished. Communication trenches and other trenches along which we do not intend to extend our frontage at the present time will be double-blocked by the use of sandbags, sentries being placed to guard same. What was the enemy’s communication trench prior to our occupation now really becomes our sapheads, so it is necessary to construct positions in these from which we can throw bombs to keep the enemy in the next line of trenches at his distance until such time as we are prepared to extend our position in that direction. The work of reversing the fire trench (what was the enemy’s parados now becomes our parapet) must be completed as soon as possible, and means of egress from the trenches must be supplied in order that every man can advance at the same instant should occasion arise.

(C) At the earliest opportunity it will be necessary to connect up our new position with our old by a continuation of what were formerly our sapheads, to enable us to get in our supply of reinforcements, materials, food, water and ammunition.

(D) It will be the duty of men reinforcing to bring forward a supply of ammunition, bombs and materials for reconstruction and consolidation of the new position and a supply of food and water.

(E) Arrangements will have been previously made for a line of communication men to establish telephone and telegraph communication and to maintain same.