On arrival each sentry is to have a periscope, the whole company to stand at arms, and each platoon to have its own ammunition reserve and all men know where this is. It is of the greatest importance that every detail and portion of trench taken over be known, and also the adjoining trenches as far as they affect the trenches held. Accurate sketches of the trench should be made, and periscopes, prismatic compasses and ruled notebooks are required. General scale is roughly ¼ inch to 10 yards. Drains must be watched and every effort made to keep trenches dry. When large trench mortar batteries of the enemy are active, men must be told off to watch for these bombs, as they are easily seen, and many casualties may be prevented by timely warning of their coming.

The fire trenches should contain as few men as possible, and work should be done at night, the men resting by day.