to make it possible to bring troops within effective range of the enemy, without impairing their physical condition or their morale."
Intrenchments enable a commander to save troops, which
he can use offensively at the decisive point. They do not fulfill
the object for which they were intended, when they make it
easier for the enemy to pick out the position. "Works which
cannot be perceived from the foreground even through powerful
field glasses, afford the most effective protection against
artillery fire." Trenches should therefore be deep, have a
low parapet, and be properly masked.
The commander indicates when work is to begin. Every unit must intrench the portion of the defensive line which it is to defend; working parties, specially detailed from troops not intended for the immediate defense of the position, can be counted on only when extensive works are to be constructed.
Continuous lines of trenches are seldom built; it suffices to construct a line of works with intervals, i. e., battalion groups, the intervals being simply held by a weak force.
These battalion groups (par. 24 German Manual of Field Engineering) are constructed without regard to any fixed form, as the tactical employment of the companies requires. They consist of firing trenches (flanks refused and echelons in rear of the wings), provided with splinter proofs, and adequate cover trenches, so that all the men, if possible, will be sheltered from artillery fire.
The aim is, first of all, to construct inconspicuous standing firing trenches. These should have low parapets and be provided with numerous traverses to restrict the effect of high explosive shell. In order that these traverses may not betray the location of the position, they should not rise above the parapet.[1]
- ↑ These traverses afford very little shelter against enfilading fire; it is advisable to keep sand bags in readiness as a protection in case such fire is received.
