Patrolling both day and night is of great importance, and generally during the night each unit holding a front line sends out several small patrols which frequently obtain information of great value and at the same time counter the enemy’s efforts in this direction.

These patrols generally consist of an officer and four to six men, according to the job in view. Sometimes on highly important work, it is three officers and sufficient orderlies to carry any valuable information obtained quickly back to a pre-arranged headquarters. Bombs, revolvers and trench daggers are the only weapons of any value on these patrols. They frequently carry out small operations, such as raiding parties, cutting out parties, etc., obtaining from prisoners taken in this way information as to what enemy troops are opposing them in the line.

When a patrol is out every man in the section of firing line concerned must be warned, as well as the listening posts, and this cannot be done too carefully. It is not a sufficient warning to tell the sentry on duty at the time a patrol goes out, as men cannot all be trusted to pass on instructions, and generally word is quietly passed down the line by an N.C.O. or officer in person, and never passed from man to man. At the same time care must be taken to see that all firing does not cease, as this is undesirable, obviously arousing the enemy’s suspicions that something is going on. When these patrols have to lie out in trying conditions during winter months, special dugouts should be kept ready for them on their return.