Further holdups were dealt with on his own through the use of trench mortar bombs. Thereafter, the brigade commanded three infantry battalions and a trench mortar battery. In addition, the brigade was supported by a machine gun company and trench mortar battalion. Known as Porton South Camp, it served as a trench mortar experimental site. While stationed in France, he commanded a trench mortar unit. They were used by nine Trench Mortar Battalions of the Coast Artillery Corps. The Stokes trench mortar was developed for precisely this purpose. Shortly afterwards the 31st Division formed its own light trench mortar batteries (TMBs). The 3-inch trench mortar is a smooth-bore, muzzle-loading weapon for high angles of fire.