t to the
enemy; and they must be so made that they will not obstruct a counter
attack on the part of the defenders. The present war has demonstrated
that the barb wire entanglement fulfils more of these requirements than
any other form of obstacle.--See Engineer Department's "Manual on Field
Fortifications" on how to construct obstacles.

MEETING ENGAGEMENTS

When two hostile forces suddenly meet we have what is termed a "meeting
engagement." Very little or no reconnaissance is possible. There is an
absence of trenches. Both sides deploy rapidly. The smaller the force
the more frequently will it fight a meeting engagement. Therefore, it is
of the utmost importance to junior officers. A great advantage will
accrue to the side which can deploy the faster. The leader who has
intuition, initiative, who can make a quick decision and is willing to
take a long chance, will have a great advantage.

WITHDRAWAL FROM ACTION

"The withdrawal of a defeated force can generally be effected only at a
heavy cost." (Infantry Drill Regulations.) When a withdrawal is
necessary, make every possible effort to place distance and a rear guard
between you and the enemy. Have one part of your line withdraw under
protection of the fire of the other part and so on. Reorganize your
command as soon as possible.

INTRENCHMENTS

"Ordinarily infantry intrenches itself whenever it is compelled to halt
for a considerable time in the presence of the enemy." (Infantry Drill
Regulations.) Trenches are constructed with a view of giving cover which
will diminish losses, but they must not be so built or placed as to
interfere with the free use of the rifle. A good field of fire is the
first consideration. The construction of a trench is simple, but the
location of it is difficult. If possible, trenches are laid out in
company lengths.

Intrenchments usually take the following form:

(1) Hasty Cover. Constructed by troops with the tools they carry on
their person. It is a shallow trench with a parapet at least three feet
thick and one foot high. It furnishes cover against rifle fire, but
scarcely any against shrapnel.

(2) Fire Trench. It should be deep and narrow with the parapet flat
and concealed. While in it, the troops fire at the enemy; hence the name
fire trench.

Usual forms of fire trenches are as shown in the following illustration:

[Illustration]

(3) Support Trenches. The supports sleep and live in these trenches;