196 MANUAL FOR NONCOMMISSIONED OPFICERS. 



inforcements or darkness than it is to retreat. Retreating 

 troops are the ones that suffer the greatest. This lesson is 

 taught bj' every great war. Therefore, always remember that 

 the safest thing to do is to stick to the firing line. 



Troops on the firing line, when not actually engaged in firin-g 

 at the enemy, busy themselves throwing up shelter trenches. 

 It only requires a few minutes to construct a trench that gives 

 gi-eat protection. Therefore, never get separated from your 

 intrenching tool. 



Concealment is no less important than protection. There- 

 fore, when conditions permit, as is generally the case when on 

 the defensive, every effort should be made to hide intrench- 

 ments by the use of sod, grass, weeds, bushes, etc. 



In making an attack the infantry is always supported when 

 possible by its own artillery, which continues to fire over its 

 head until the infantry arrives very close to the enemy's 

 trenches. This fire is helping you a great deal by keeping 

 down the fire of the enemy's infantry and artillery. There- 

 fore, don't think you are being fired into by your own artillery 

 because you hear their shells and shrapnel singing through 

 the air or bursting a short distance in your front, but rather 

 be thankful you are receiving their help up to the very last 

 minute. 



In the last rush which carries the enemy's position there is 

 always much mixing of units. The firing line does not con- 

 tinue rushing madly as individuals after the enemy, but halts 

 and fires on him until he gets out of good range. The pursuit 

 is taken up by formed troops held in reserve or by the firing 

 line only after its units are again gotten together. 



As the fighting often lasts all day, and great suffering is 

 caused from thirst, don't throw away your canteen when the 

 fight commences. It may also be impossible to get rations up 

 to the line during the night. Therefore, it is advisable to hold 

 onto at least one ration. 



As the recent war has shown the possibility of hand-to-hand 

 fighting, especially at night, each soldier should be schooled tn 

 the use of the bayonet. 



The following has particular reference to the ' duties of 

 platoon and section leaders and to the teamwork of the platoon 

 in combat: 



