regulations. The construction of field fortifications requires time, if they are to be of value, and if they are to give leaders and troops the assurance that they can be defended by the minimum number of men.[1] Even intrenchments that have been constructed in vain will frequently prove useful in deceiving the enemy. In many cases, it will be necessary to be prepared to meet a hostile attack made from several directions. This contingency should be taken into account by at least preparing for the work beforehand.
"If the situation turns out to be different than was expected, the intrenchments already constructed should not influence the decisions of the commander. On the other hand, the consideration that the works might be built unnecessarily must not cause their construction to be omitted altogether." (Par. 311 German I. D. R.).
In the preface to the French regulations, it is emphasized that intrenching
a position ought neither to impair the spirit of the offensive
nor hamper the movement to the front. "Intrenchments are a means to
an end, but not the end itself. They should only be used when no violence
is done thereby to the tactical situation, and one should never hesitate,
for a single moment, to abandon them, if the situation requires, or to
construct others, at another place, if it becomes necessary." The men
should therefore be trained in handling the portable intrenching tools,
until they can use them skillfully in any position of the body.
"The use of intrenchments may also be abused. To remain inertly in a place is just as fatal as to advance without making use of cover. When temporary halts are made, the commander for the time being, often placed in that position by chance (chef du moment, chef d'unité ou chef de groupe éventuel), indicates whether or not intrenchments are to be constructed."
Battle intrenchments are to protect the soldier against hostile fire, without hampering him in using his rifle. "They are one of the factors which ensure economy in men, in that they save a body of troops from suffering unnecessary losses. But their importance always recedes before the general requirements of an action, and they should never in any way interfere with the advance of troops; on the contrary, intrenchments are
- ↑ At 10 A. M., on August 18th, 1870. General Canrobert received orders to place St. Privat in a state of defense. At 11 A. M., the first reports of the approach of the Prussian Guard were received, and at 4 P. M., Ste. Marie aux Chênes was in German hands. Hence, only five hours were available for these preparations for defense.
