INSTRUCTIONS FOR COMBATING HOSTILE GAS ATTACKS
(1) All troops in the trenches must be fully equipped with respirators; the respirators must always be kept in such a condition that they are ready for immediate use. Officers and Medical Officers, must by frequent inspections, satisfy themselves as to the above.
(2) It is not desirable that the men should retain their respirators when in rest billets. When troops are going to rest billets, respirators will be withdrawn from them, preferably under Company arrangements; during the period of rest they will be examined and stored by the Medical personnel and re-issued just before the men return to the trenches.
(3) In order that the respirators may be always ready for use small quantities of anti-gas solution and water will be kept in readiness by the Medical personnel in front line for the purpose of re-moistening the respirators.
(4) Machine gunners, artillery observers and when possible all officers in the front line will be issued with oxygen breathing apparatus (Selbstretter). It is desirable that men who are used to working with the apparatus in peace time should be detailed to assist artillery observers and machine gunners in the use of the apparatus, to enable the latter to carry out their particular duties undisturbed. Special stress is laid on the necessity for affording every possible protection to the machine gunners and artillery observers.
(5) The Pulmotors and large oxygen apparatus must be kept in readiness at suitable points behind the front--the situation of all this apparatus should be known to the troops.
(6) As soon as the weather conditions favor a hostile gas attack, all commanders must exercise the utmost vigilance. All the above mentioned protective appliances will be once more inspected as regards numbers and conditions. In particular all preparations should be completed so that, the moment a gas cloud appears, fire may be opened by artillery, infantry, machine guns, minenwerfer and hand grenades. At the same time care should be taken that equanimity of troops is not disturbed by all these preparations.
(7) At the first sure sign of an impending gas attack a signal will be given for donning respirators and opening fire. It is specially desirable to direct enfilade fire on the area covered by the gas.