chief {142} points to be ascertained concerning a hostile position
are:--

I. The extent of the position occupied.

II. Weak points of the position.

III. Points, the capture of which would facilitate enfilade or
reverse fire, and would thus render the rest of the position
untenable.

IV. Best line of attack.

V. Supporting positions, for covering, converging, enfilade,
and traversing fire.

It should be possible to gather this information without alarming the
enemy, or giving notice of impending attack.

Information on further points can be gained by fighting, and
_Reconnaissance by Raids_ is a common feature of Position Warfare. By
such means additional information can be gained, as to:--

VI. Names of regiments holding the position, judged from
identity discs, badges, buttons, etc.

VII. Whether preparations are being made for an attack
(discoverable by ear as well as eye), or bombardment, etc.
(from examination of shell dumps, etc.).

VIII. Position of machine guns (Pill-boxes or other), mortars, etc.

IX. Condition of intervening ground and of the wire entanglements.

X. Effects of recent bombardments.

XI. Moral of the enemy.

RECONNAISSANCE FOR OCCUPATION.--In the Reconnaissance of a Position
with a view to occupying it for the purposes of receiving attack, the
points to be noted are:--

I. The best line for the establishment of a series of mutually
supporting tactical points to be held by the infantry.

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II. The best means of protecting the flanks.

III. The best position for the artillery and machine guns.

IV. The tactical key to the position.

V. The line from which attack may be expected.

VI. The best line for the counter-attack.

VII. The positions for the supports and reserves.

and, additionally, in the case of a War of Manoeuvre:--

VIII. The best position for the cavalry.

IX. Alternative positions in rear from which, after
reorganisation, to recapture the front line, with the best
line of withdrawal to them.

Additional information would be required in Position Warfare as to the
best lines for avenues communicating from the old to the new position,
and as to the time required to consolidate the new position against
attack (including the conversion of the parados into parapet, etc.).

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NIGHT OPERATIONS

T