Notes on Divisional Period of Training.
The General Officer Commanding the Division wishes to bring the the following points to the notice of all concerned.
1. The necessity for covering all movements and dispositions by means of protective troops. On the 18th he found battalions occupying their places in the defensive position on the HARO river absolutely uncovered even by scouts; and his Excellency the Commander in Chief took exception to similar want of precautions in the care of a Battalion of the Reserve Brigade (vide Fieled Service Regulations 64. 1)
2. Intelligent use of natural features as cover from fire and view.
The C.O.C. noticed several instances on the morning of the 18th of parties of men digging trenches in the open fields when excellent natural cover existed in a hollow road or irrigation channels close by.
3. Constant interchange of information between Units is essential (Field Service Regs. 1. 8. 2.)
This should be practiced in Battalions until it becomes a habit; for without exchange of information effective co-operation is impossible.
4. Many messages were badly worded, time and place of despatch being omitted and description of the position occupied by the enemy at the time of despatch being too vague. From messages received it was impossible to tell what movements were being made against the right flank of the position occupied on Decr. 18th; as it could no be understood whether messages received from different sources referred to the same bodies of the enamy or not.
5. Officers Commanding all bodies of troops must realise that it is their duty to suggest any modification of the orders received by them if necessary. Circumstances may have altered since orders were issued and in any case it must be remembered that the authority issuing the order is not always in the best possible situation to appreciate the immediate local necessities of the case. Attention is directed to Field Service Regs 1. 12. (13).