Part 63 (2/2)

e. Verbal messages will not be sent by runners; all messages must be written.

f. Company commanders, or their representatives, will report daily at battalion headquarters at 5.00 p.m.

g. There must be accurate communication between platoons in company, and companies in battalion, in order to insure co-ordinated action.

7. DEFENSE: a. Immediately after the occupation of the trenches, company commanders will make a careful estimate of all tactical situations presented in their sectors and will plan for a stubborn defense. Care must be exercised in providing for defense in depth and lateral defense. The front line trenches of each sector will be held until actually entered by the enemy, and no sector will be abandoned until the occupants are actually forced out.

b. The main line of resistance will be the support trenches (_Tremont_) and special attention must be given to the preparation for defense. If the front line trenches of any sector be captured by the enemy there will be no withdrawal from any other sector of the front line trenches for the purpose of establis.h.i.+ng a continuous line in the support trench.

c. The company commander of the reserve will organize parties for counterattacks and these parties will be held in readiness at convenient points to insure prompt movement to the front.

d. Continuous occupation of the trenches without fire action must not cause a feeling of security and result in being surprised by the enemy.

8. STAND TO: ”Stand to” will take place at 5.00 a.m. and 5.00 p.m., daily. At this formation every available man will be present. Rifles, ammunition, equipment, clothing, etc., will be inspected. Rapid loading will be practiced. The firing position of every man will be tested to see whether he can hit the bottom edge of our wire. Gas helmets and respirators will be inspected if worn. After ”stand to” in the morning and before ”stand to” in the evening rifles will be thoroughly cleaned and oiled.

9. TRENCH ORDERS: a. Current ”Trench Standing Orders” recently published from Brigade Headquarters are in force.

b. During the occupation of the trenches it will be a.s.sumed that, the trenches are under the observation and fire of the enemy and all movement in the trenches will be conducted accordingly. All movements of troops, either individuals or groups, will be via the trenches at all times.

c. No one will be allowed to go overland between trenches or to enter the trenches by the flank. All persons will enter the trenches from the reserve trenches and no visitors will be allowed in the trenches except on pa.s.ses issued from the Regimental Headquarters.

d. Commanding officers, Companies A and B, are responsible for the posting of the necessary sentinels along the flanks of the position (during the day), with instructions covering the provisions contained in paragraph 9, sections ”b” and ”c.”

10. REPORTS: a. Company commanders will submit by 1.00 p.m., October 18, 1917, a report showing the dispositions and plan of defense of their respective sectors.

b. Frequent reports of information obtained and any change of conditions at the front will be made to battalion headquarters when necessary.

BOSCHEN, _Captain, 56th Infantry._ _Commanding._

Copies to: C.O. 265th Infty.

C.O. Cos, A, B, C and D.

C.O. M.G. Co.

C.O., Hdq. Co.

R.S.O.

Company Organization (in Detail):

Company Headquarters:

1 Captain, commanding company, 1 First Lieutenant (senior), second in command, 1 First Sergeant, armed with pistol, 1 Mess Sergeant, armed with rifle, 1 Supply Sergeant, armed with rifle, 1 Corporal, company clerk, armed with rifle, 4 Mechanics, armed with rifle, 5 Wagoners (from Supply Company), 4 Cooks, armed with rifle, 2 Buglers, armed with pistol, 4 Privates, first cla.s.s, company agent and signalmen.

_Equipment_: 15 rifles, 5 pistols, 8 automatic rifles (for replacement), 40 trench knives (to be distributed as needed), 2 bicycles. Following from Supply Company: 1 rolling kitchen, 4-mule; 1 combat wagon, 4-mule; 1 ration and baggage wagon, 4-mule; 1 ration cart, 2-mule; 1 water cart, 2-mule; 16 mules, draft.

_4 Platoons, each organized as follows_ (numbered 1 to 4 in company):

Headquarters:

1 First Lieutenant; 1st and 4th Platoons commanded by First Lieutenants; 2nd and 3rd Platoons commanded by Second Lieutenants, armed with pistol.

1 Sergeant, a.s.sistant to platoon commander, armed with pistol and rifle.

_Equipment_: 1 rifle, 2 pistols.

1st SECTION: Bombers and rifle grenadiers:

1 Sergeant, armed with pistol and rifle,

3 Corporals, armed with pistol and rifle, 1 trained as rifle grenadier; remainder trained as bombers,

6 Privates, first cla.s.s, 2 armed with pistol and rifle, and remainder with rifle only; 1 trained as rifle grenadier, and remainder as bombers.

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