munition alone limits the number that can be used.

Each side in the present war has used them by the thousands with
effectiveness. Machine guns are more worthy of consideration to-day than
heretofore.

BOMBS AND HAND GRENADES

The present European War has revived the use of hand grenades and bombs.
A certain number of soldiers in each British and French battalion are
trained as grenade throwers. Their principal weapon is a bucket or bag
of grenades or bombs. They operate not only from trenches but accompany
the firing line in an attack and dispose of sheltered or isolated group
of the enemy by smothering their position with a shower of hand grenades
or bombs.

These weapons are in the first stages of development in this country.
They offer to the service practically a virgin field of opportunities.
Some Reserve Officers might make a specialty of this subject and assist
in its development.

NIGHT OPERATIONS

"By employing night operations troops make use of the cover of darkness
to minimize losses from hostile fire, to escape observation, to gain
time." (Infantry Drill Regulations.) They are dangerous because control
is difficult and confusion is frequently unavoidable. Only trained
troops should be used, and the formation must be simple. Don't attempt
anything complicated.

Observe the following suggestions. For an attack or offensive movement:

(1) Study by daylight and after dark, if possible, the ground you are
to cross.

(2) Make careful preparations with secrecy.

(3) Avoid fire action. Pieces should not be loaded. Rely on the
bayonet.

(4) Give each unit a definite objective and direction. Avoid collision.

(5) Have each man wear a distinctive badge. (For instance, a white band
on one arm.)

If on the defensive and you expect a night attack, place obstacles in
front of your position, heavily patrol your front, fix bayonets, move up
your supports, open fire as soon as results may be expected, and
illuminate the foreground.

OBSTACLES

The main object in placing obstacles in front of a defensive position is
to delay the enemy while he is under the defenders' fire, and thus make
his advance as difficult as possible. To accomplish this result they
must be so placed that the enemy must cross them. They must not
interfere with the defenders' view or fire; they must not be easily
destroyed by artillery fire; they must not afford concealmen