forward, utilizing the sand bag as cover. The men would rather crawl a greater distance with the sand bag than intrench while lying down.
From the position of the enemy, the skirmishers lying behind grayish green sand bags could not be recognized with the naked eye at 2000-1000 m. It is reported that both officers and men were at first very much disinclined toward making these experiments, but that they changed their views after one or two exercises, and the principal apprehension, that of increasing the weight of the field equipment, disappeared because of the undeniable advantages of the sand bag.
Such cover constructed by the assailant has no greater
value than natural cover found on the ground over which the
attack is made; it affords protection during halts and induces
retreating skirmishers to face to the front again at an earlier
moment than would otherwise be the case.
"It should not be forgotten, however, that time gained is of greater benefit to the defender than to the assailant. Moreover, the great difficulty of inducing a firing line which has made a lodgment under hostile fire, to advance from its laboriously constructed cover, admonishes us to be cautious in employing the spade during an attack. The construction of cover ought never to impair the desire for making an impetuous attack, or destroy the offensive spirit." (Par. 313 German I. D. R.).
When a body of troops intrenches during an attack, it must detach half of its force to keep up the attack; this cannot be offset by an increased rate of· fire, even if squad leaders, range finders, and musicians, take part in the fight, as the men offer a taller target while intrenching, and as the newly turned earth facilitates the enemy's aim. A superiority of fire that has been gained may thereby be lost. However, when the defender's troops have been so shaken that the assailant can detach half of his rifles with impunity, the latter need not remain lying on the ground, but can advance, in most cases, closer to the enemy's position. The use of the spade is, therefore, proper only when ground that has been gained is to be held, and when the enemy's fire permits intrenching.
