Still Could do Better …

Sunday 5th September 1915: Readers may remember that 2nd Battalion was criticised by its Brigadier on 13th July for the condition of its trenches. They have today heard from him again with piquant criticism of them and their fellow battalions in the brigade. His points are given verbatim below

1. MESSAGES AND REPORTS.

(a) Too much care cannot be taken over clear wording and accuracy. Many very inaccurate reports have been sent in lately. This must be avoided in future and steps taken to check the accuracy or reliability of messages sent from the front line, and it should be impressed on all officers that they should not make reports until they are sure of their facts. All names of persons or places should always be in block letters.

(b) The continual rendering of routine returns and reports late and incorrect must be looked to. A certain number of these are a necessary evil which cannot be avoided, and punctuality in rendering saves a great deal of inconvenience. At present the rendering of routine returns by Battalions is far from satisfactory.

2. ORDERS.

Many of the young officers serving with battalions at present do not sufficiently realize the importance of attention to detail in carrying out orders and instructions. In these days of necessarily most careful arrangements it is essential that all officers should carry out instructions with absolute accuracy and should they be in doubt, and time permits, they should not fail to ask for further information. But at the same time officers should realise that to ensure secrecy it may be necessary sometimes to give orders for work without explanation and in all cases the work should be carried out intelligently without asking the why and wherefore.

3. All officers are to take every opportunity to study the country and the ground in front so that they may be able at any time to lead their platoons or companies to any spot and to identify villages and other permanent marks. A clear idea of the enemy's trench system is of the greatest importance, in order to be easily able to report on strong places, locate their own positions, etc.

4. Aeroplane lookouts are to be on duty at all times. The strictest orders are to be issued to ensure that men do not unnecessarily expose themselves where hostile aeroplanes are about.

5. The usual orders as to carrying shovels (200 shovels and 30 picks), carrying sandbags, greatcoats etc. will be issued. These points should be considered. Battalions should also ensure that they are complete with wire-cutters, periscopes, smoke helmets, iron rations, Very pistols(1), position marking flags, etc. Should any difficulty be found in completing in any article immediate report is to be made to the Brigade Major.

6. The Brigadier has observed that very many men do not know whether their platoon or section etc. is in support or reserve or what the local names of trenches are. In many cases men do not know the names of their Company Commanders. This is largely due to the young officers not having been instructed in the small details of soldiering learnt at "Company Training". Commanding Officers are to give their personal attention to this and ensure that every man knows at least the name of the trench he is in, whether his platoon in in support or reserve, etc. and his way about the Company section of the trenches.

It should also not be possible to find men who do not know the name of their own Company Commander.

Source: X550/3/wd

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(1) These sent up flares