Part 2

5. How to find his way by the aid of a map or sketch from his post to any specified point in our own trenches, and back again.

6. The importance of being able to intelligibly record and graphically represent matters of importance to his commanding officer or to the sniper who is to relieve him. In this connection the special importance of exact truth in statements of fact, and of the careful separation of matters of fact from those of mere report or conjecture, should be duly stressed. Hearsay and conjecture are often of great importance, but should be transmitted as such, and in the case of conjecture the reasons therefor should be stated.

The above are simply a few instances to suggest to the instructor how to go about the matter of instruction. Many men will be already familiar with the subject, and the method may be abridged, but in the case of an entirely uninstructed man a step-by-step method of instruction must be followed. The training should be such that it will be an entirely natural matter for the sniper to observe and report as to:

1. The attitude of the enemy (whether aggressive, alert, active, etc.).

2. Description of enemy seen, uniform, arms, etc.

3. Any new work evident; such as trenches and obstacles strengthened, new emplacements, etc.

4. Position of machine guns, observation posts, sniper posts, etc., discovered.

5. Points in our own lines found to be specially dangerous, and points of enemy line that menace them.

6. Routes known to be used by the enemy.

7. Routes of patrols.

8. Points where ammunition or supplies are believed to be dumped.

9. Ranges to prominent or important points. This information will be less likely to mislead if the following rules are observed:

Carefully indicate the point from which each range is taken.

Use prominent, easily identified landmarks as reference points.

Indicate by whom and how ranges were determined.

10. Report any repairs needed in trenches or obstacles.

11. Position of suspected mines.

6. Equipment.—Telescopes, rather low power, are preferable to field glasses for observation and reconnaissance. Care must be taken to render them as inconspicuous as possible and prevent their location by the enemy through reflection of light from the object glass.

Telescopic periscope.

Rifle rest.—Various sorts have been devised, usually not merely to serve the purpose of a rest, but to expedite resumption of aim and change in direction or elevation.

Telescopic sights.

Sniperscope.—(A device for aiming with the head below the line of sight. Reports indicate that with this device the tendency is to shoot high, and that they are only reasonably accurate up to ranges of 200 yards. They are usually used over parapets, between sandbags. Proper adjustment is essential and great care necessary to prevent derangement.)

Steel helmet and mask.

Maps, sketches, note-book, message blanks, pencils, pocket knife.

Each post should have a range chart for use of all reliefs.

The above is additional to the normal equipment of the soldier.

7. Duties of commander of sniping group:

(a) Training of snipers and maintenance of efficiency.