GERMAN SHELTER FROM DOCUMENT CAPTURED SEPT. 1916. This is circulated as being the first sketch captured in which an arresting course" is shown. It indicates that the conclusions drawn in Notes on Cover from Shell Fire "SS.116, have also been arrived at by the enemy. N.B. The drowing is not to scale. Except for the translation of the writing and dimensions, it is a copy of the original. NOTES ON STRONG POINTS. The following Notes on Strong Points, prepared in the Office of the Engineer-in-Chief, British Armies in France, are circulated, as being of particular value, as the construction of such works is peculiarly the rôle of the Royal Engineers in the attack on a trench system. H. G. GANDY, Brigade Major, S. M. E. S. M. E., Chatham, February, 1917. 1. Definitions. (a) A point of tactical importance, either because it is strong naturally, or can be made so by fortification. (i) The word "Point" in this sense has a somewhat ex tended meaning, and such cases will frequently come more correctly under the classification of "defended localities." (ii) The tactical importance of such points being obvious, they have to depend for resistance almost entirely upon the strength of their defences, concealment being only applicable to the details of such defences. (iii) Examples are, a village, a wood, or a mine crater. (b) An adaptation, elaboration or intensification of a portion of an existing trench system. (i) The objects of such "strong points" are (x) The initial consolidation of captured trenches against counter-attack. (y) The prevention of a breach in the front line of a trench system. (z) The provision of a "point d'appui" to hold up an attack that has penetrated the front line. (ii Although the defences of such strong points should be such as will enable them to offer a prolonged resistance to an intense bombardment, their chief protection lies in their concealment. As the tactical importance of their situation is not necessarily obvious, it is possible to do a great deal in this direction. 2. Object of Present Investigation. The present investigation is confined to the second class of strong point, which for the sake of differentiation will be called “strongpoints." 3. Type Designs. It is not possible to lay down a standard pattern for such strongpoints. The most that can be done is to establish certain general principles that will govern the design in any particular case. From these general principles a variety of typical designs can be made, which with slight modifications, can be made applicable to a large majority of the cases met with in practice. For examples see sketches B, C, D, E and F. 4. General Principles. The design, considered as a whole, must not identity as a strongpoint is immediately apparent. - that its The trace must permit of fire being delivered in all direens and must be such that it can be adapted to all natures of |