=The Preparation Before an Attack.= The following details must be
carefully considered:
(_a_) The study of operation orders.
(_b_) The linking up of observations gained from the
1. Study of existing trenches and aeroplane maps
of enemy positions.
2. The personal reconnaissance of the topographical
features of the ground to be covered in the advance.
(_c_) The detailing of squads to their special objectives and the
arranging for work, carrying wire and demolishing parties for permanent
blocks at the final objectives.
[Illustration: FRONTAL ATTACK.]
(_d_) The kind of grenades to be used with a view to facilitating the
carrying of same.
(_e_) Carrying parties must be told off to insure supplies of grenades
reaching the throwers.
(_f_) Grenade depots must be built, sign boards arranged for, and
clearly marked “Grenade Depot” not only in our own system of trenches,
but also the positions told off beforehand where they are to be
established in the enemy trenches, or in =No Man’s Land= immediately
previous to the attack.
(_g_) Responsible officers and N.C.O.’s should be told off to look
after the grenade depots and supply of grenades.
(_h_) The position for infantry grenade dumps must be selected and
clearly explained to all units taking part in the attack, and special
parties told off to collect at these points and carry grenades to
nearest depots.
(_i_) A traffic system should be arranged and all men must be
acquainted with it, and the trenches or lines of travel clearly marked
“up traffic,” etc.
=The Advance.=
=1. In line with infantry.=
=2. In advance of infantry.=
No. 1 is the method adopted in daylight attack, the advance not being
covered by gas or smoke clouds.
No. 2 is method adopted in night attack and when weather conditions or
topographical features of ground covered in the advance allow it.
Attacking squads are allotted positions in lines of infantry
immediately opposite their first objectives, and on reaching these
positions should immediately commence bombing and clearing the trenches
towards their final objectives. In the case of No. 1 the infantry
clears the main trench, but special grenade parties may be told off to
assist the infantry in this work, especially when strong points occur
in the enemy position.
It is most important that all infantry taking part in an attack should
be previously supplied with grenades and this must be considered the
first source of supply. Positions designated as infantry grenade
dumping positions should be chosen and known to the infantry at which
they dump their grenades in their advance on the enemy positions. These
positions should be close to the position to be captured and held.
In order to hold positions captured from the enemy it is imperative
that grenade storming parties hold their final objectives at all costs,
and until the positions to be permanently held have been consolidated.