CHAPTER XI_Sniping in France: With notes on the scientific training of scouts, observers, and snipers

THE MODERN SCOUT

In all previous wars, the scouts and patrols have had their own special

place. In this, the greatest of all wars, although there was much

scouting done--far more than in any previous war--yet in many respects

it was of so different a nature that a new era in these practices may

fairly be said to have set in.

In former wars, the individual scout had far more chance. In the Boer

War, for instance, Major F.R. Burnham, D.S.O., an American who held a

commission in the British Army, made a wonderful name for himself, as

did Dan Theron on the Boer side.

First and last, I suppose that Burnham was the greatest scout of our

time. Physically a small man, he was amazingly well knit, and very

strong, and his many feats of hardihood owed much to his compact and

untiring build. His name will live on account of two feats--the first,

his passing through the entire Matabele Army and shooting the M’limo,

the witch doctor, who was responsible for the Matabele War; and the

second, his dash through the Boer lines, when he blew up the railway on

the far side of Pretoria.

The first article of Burnham’s faith was absolute physical fitness,

and his idea of physical fitness was much more rigorous than that of

most athletes. It was not with him a matter of merely keeping his

muscles of speed and endurance in good fettle, but--what is a much

harder thing--the keeping of all his senses at their highest pitch of

efficiency. Thus, apart from his hearing and eyesight, which were very

keen, I have never met anyone else, except one Indian, who possessed

anything like his sense of smell. He could smell a small fire in the

open at an extraordinary distance, and he told me that this power had

often been of the greatest value to him.

But Burnham was essentially, as a scout, the product of what may be

called a savage, or extra-European War, and in this war there was no

one on either side who had anything like the same opportunities of

hand-to-hand work. Whereas it would perhaps be too much to say that the

day of Burnham has passed for ever, yet it is true enough that a new

generation of scouts has arisen, whose work, or much of it, has been

of a very different nature. In open or semi-open warfare a scout may

still be ordered to go by day or night, and find out if this or that

village is occupied by the enemy, but once trench warfare sets in,

and the battle fronts of the opposing armies stretch from the sea to

Switzerland, the work of the scout undergoes great changes. His theatre

of action is No Man’s Land, which comprises all the area between the

two armies which are drawn up one against the other.

The Corps Commander of the 11th Corps, Sir R. Haking, would never allow

the use of the word “No Man’s Land.” “There is no such place opposite

my Corps,” he would say. “All the land right up to the edge of the

enemy’s parapet is our land, and we have got to have control of it.”

I believe I am right in stating that about seven out of every ten raids

undertaken on the First Army Front in 1916 were the work of the 11th

Corps, and they had long held the record in the number of prisoners

taken in a single raid.

The work of the scout was, of course, to dominate the enemy in No

Man’s Land, and to this end he was continually patrolling it during

the hours of darkness. Little, as a rule, is done by daylight, though

Gaythorne-Hardy, who was Intelligence Officer of the 4th Battalion of

the Royal Berkshire Regiment, and whom I have referred to before, in

order to investigate the German wire under Hill 63, near Messines,

decided, after looking at the ground with a telescope, to crawl out by

day. The German lines were some three hundred to four hundred yards

away. The season was summer, and the grass long. In winter, crawling

between the lines was almost impossible, owing to lack of cover.

The officer in question, accompanied by a corporal, crawled right up

to the enemy wire, and got all information and a complete plan of the

ground and obstacles. It was a task upon which any but a skilled hunter

of big game, as my friend is, might easily have given himself away.

To crawl across three hundred yards of open ground, with hundreds of

German eyes watching for any movement, and bent on investigating any

suspicious spot with a machine-gun, calls for courage and good nerve.

This officer, however, had examined his route, decided to make the

attempt, and he came back successful. He said it was no more difficult

than stalking a deer. He was awarded the Military Cross, and the

corporal is now a sergeant with the D.C.M.

But not much was done in No Man’s Land in daylight. Snipers lay out in

it, and sentries watched it, and both sides sent a deal of lead across

it, but when night fell, it became tenanted, and scouts and patrols

crawled out into it--and sometimes never came back. The aim, of course,

was always domination, and in order to gain domination many strange

things were done.

[Illustration:

_From a drawing by_] [_Ernest Blaikley._

Night-work in No Man’s Land.]

For instance, there was the “Silent Death,” as it was called, invented

by the Canadians, who, under cover of darkness, crawled out into No

Man’s Land every night, and lay there awaiting the advent of a German

patrol. If such came, it was attacked hand to hand with trench daggers,

and its members killed as silently as possible. This soon made the

Germans very shy of taking their evening crawl, when so many of them

who had gone over the top vanished into the darkness and were never

heard of again.

At length the Germans almost gave up patrolling in that sector, and one

of my officers who used to be in charge of a “Silent Death” party has

often told me how dull and chilly were those long and weary waits in

the frost or the rain, waiting for Huns who never came.

In trench warfare, No Man’s Land was the cockpit of the war. Some

sections of it were more favourable than others for action, but every

evening and every night a great number of British used to go out in

front. When one first went out, it seemed almost certain that one must

be killed. There was a spasmodic sputter of fire from machine-guns, but

as an actual matter of fact, moving about in No Man’s Land was much

safer than it seemed.

At first our patrols were very haphazard, and you could sometimes hear

a private roaring out that a patrol was out, and that it would return

at such and such an hour to such and such a point. This was giving away

things with a vengeance to any Germans who spoke English, and it sounds

almost impossible that it should have been done--yet it was done, and

not in isolated cases only.

I do not think that scouts ever got very far into the German lines;

at any rate, during the continuance of trench warfare. To do so was

well-nigh impossible, and behind the German battle-front the place of

the scout was taken by the spy or secret service agent.

But to return to No Man’s Land. There was a certain sergeant who got a

D.C.M. for removing a trench board. A raid was projected by us, and,

as usual, a careful rehearsal had been gone through. The scheme was

to attack a certain sector of enemy trenches about two hundred yards

long. This length of trench had to be blocked off at each end, so as

to prevent assistance coming to the enemy down the trench from either

flank.

Two parties were therefore told off to capture and hold the two points,

which were to be the limits of our raid. Both parties went over, the

northern party arriving in strength, but the southern had casualties

from machine-gun fire, and finally only the sergeant and one private

arrived in the enemy trench. Here the private was killed before the

enemy fled, and there was only the sergeant to form the block and keep

off the reinforcements which were sure to come.

The sergeant, however, was a man of resource, and he swiftly removed

the duck-board from the trench draining well--a large sump hole,

or pit, which lay between him and the path taken by the retreating

Germans. The trenches are often drained by pits of this kind, dug in

the middle of the right-of-way, and bridged by a duck-board laid across

them. In these pits there collected a mass of liquid mud as thick as

glue. The sergeant removed the duck-board, and relaid it eight or ten

feet on his side of the mud-hole. Then he went round the corner of the

next traverse, and waited to see what would happen.

Meantime, the main raiding party had got to work, and soon enemy

reinforcements came rushing along the trench towards the sergeant.

Seeing the duck-board ahead of them, they mistook the position of the

mud-hole, and in they crashed. Soon the hole was as full of men as is

a newly-opened tin of sardines. Next the sergeant opened fire upon

them. The whole raid was a glorious success. Prisoners were taken, and

German dug-outs blown up--a result that could hardly have occurred had

it not been that the sergeant had the sense and acumen to remove the

duck-board; thus, by a very simple action, holding up quite a mass of

reinforcements.

There is another raid story, for which I do not vouch, but which was

firmly believed in the First Army.

All enemy movement was watched by aeroplanes, and photographed and

reported. As the war went on, the science of aeroplane photography

progressed enormously. It is hardly too much to say that the Germans

could not deepen a trench without our knowing it almost at once. We

never made a raid--or, at least, need never have made one--without

all who were going over, even down to the private soldier, having the

opportunity of studying photographs of the trenches where their work

lay.

The Germans, of course, did the same, but in a limited degree, as their

aeroplanes did not dare to come over our lines in the way that ours

crossed theirs.

Once, when the Germans were contemplating a raid, their Flying Corps

succeeded in taking photographs of that portion of our trenches which

was to be attacked. With the help of these photographs, the German

Command caused to be built an exact replica of the trenches which they

intended to raid. They did this at no great distance behind their

lines, with a view to rehearsing the raid just as a play is rehearsed

in a theatre. We, of course, often did the same.

But to continue. One of our aeroplanes happened to pass over just

as the Germans were having a daylight rehearsal, and, noticing the

concentration of troops and the new workings of earth, a photograph

was taken. This photograph was, of course, sent in the ordinary routine

to Army Headquarters.

The Army possessed an extremely capable aerial photography expert,

who soon made his deduction, and as he, of course, possessed the

photographs of the entire front line system of the Army, it was not

long before he had identified that piece of it which the Germans had

copied, and on which they were meditating an attack.

There was only one object which could lead them to practise attacks

upon so short a length of line. A raid was clearly in contemplation.

The expert informed the General Staff of his discovery, and the General

Staff informed those who were manning the threatened area. Preparations

were made and precautions taken, and, sure enough, the Germans came

over, to meet about as hot a reception as even modern war can provide.

As I say, I do not know if this story is apocryphal or not, but if it

is, others about our aeroplane photography and its amazing efficiency

were common talk in the Army.

Psychologically, going out into No Man’s Land in the dark, especially

if you are alone, is a distinctly eerie business. I really have no

right to write much about it, as I was only out in front on a few

occasions. On one, I remember, I was more frightened than I hope ever

to be again. Although the story is personal, as it is against myself

there can be no harm in telling it.

I had gone out to a cottage which stood in No Man’s Land. It was pretty

dark, and a wild night, and there was, of course, a chance that some

German might be in the cottage, which, though heavily shelled, was not

entirely smashed.

After listening for a while and hearing no sound, I went in, and on the

ground floor there was nothing but the usual mass of rubble and brick.

A ladder led up to the second floor, and I climbed up this and began

to tip-toe across the floor. One got a good deal of light from the

star-shells which were thrown up by the Germans, but in a particularly

dark moment I suddenly felt my left leg go from under me. I thought

that it had been plucked away by some crouching Hun, or else that I

had been hit by some missile--in fact, never did thoughts come quicker

or more confusedly! What had really happened was that I had put my leg

through the floor, and had got rather a heavy jar. But anything more

disagreeable than that moment I have never experienced.

Of course, it is only one of the little incidents that are the hourly

lot of those who go out into No Man’s Land, but one’s nerves are on

these occasions strung up to a very high pitch.

But, as I say, my experience of No Man’s Land was really so small as

to be negligible, for when I was in the line I was sniping or observing

all day, and you cannot do that and work at night also.

Crawling out into No Man’s Land in daylight is a very different

business, and if there is reasonable cover, it is to my mind more

satisfactory to crawl out then, when your life depends on your own

skill, than to crawl about in the dark over the bodies of men who have

been dead for weeks, and when Chance of the blindest kind absolutely

rules the game.

Now, of course, when a patrol is sent out the report handed in should

be in a definite and generally accepted form, giving the composition of

the patrol.

I can perhaps explain my meaning best by referring the reader to the

appendix on Patrols, at the end of this book.

Of course, patrolling in No Man’s Land is only one small part of a

scout’s duties, and when the war became more open there were many

opportunities for scouts.

One point that struck me as being exceedingly valuable was the proper

delivery of messages by runners. Major Crum used to demonstrate this by

a small piece of acting which was extraordinarily well done, in which

an object lesson was given as to how not to deliver a message, and how

a message should be delivered. In moments of excitement many men become

somewhat prolix, and it is of the utmost importance that they should

be taught to get their message into the fewest and clearest possible

words.

A question that arose as the war went on was the definition of the

duties of a sniper and a scout. It was held in some quarters that a

sniper and a scout were two quite different men, who had in view two

entirely different objects. The sniper, those who held this view said,

was a man whose first duty was offensive action against the enemy,

whereas a scout’s duty was not to fight, but to obtain information.

We at the school could never see it in this light, for there must be

occasions when a scout must fight to get his information back, or

indeed, to obtain it, and it seemed futile that in the morning a man

should ask himself, “Am I to-day a sniper or a scout?”

I would not refer to these opinions had they not been rather widely

held.

A modern scout must know a great many things--so many that it is almost

impossible to detail them all, and for this reason a scout’s work

changes with the conditions under which he is working.

But I do not think that for a long time sufficient use was made of

modern science in the equipment of the scout. A scout may, in a single

two hours of his life, be a sniper, an observer, and the old-fashioned

scout who has to go out to find out things at close range. He has to

be essentially an individualist capable of seeing and seizing his

opportunity. He must be a man of instant decision, who understands the

value of cover and background, who possesses that quality which is very

often born in men, a sense of direction.

His training was exceedingly difficult, and unless he had a natural

aptitude, no amount of teaching was of any real practical value. Think

what a difference it makes to a Commanding Officer to have in his

battalion a certain number of men, however few, whom he can send out to

obtain information, and who are so accurate and so dependable that he

can always act upon their reports. There are hundreds of such men in

the Lovat Scouts, but then, of course, the whole trend of their lives

is towards observation, skilled movement, and accuracy. The man who

has spent twenty years on the hill, and who has counted the points on

a thousand stags, who knows the difference between every track that he

sees in a corrie, and who is never far from his telescope, is, when he

goes to war, simply carrying into another sphere the normal activities

of his life.

And yet there should be no difficulty in training a number of scouts

in every battalion, _but the ideal scout, or rather the ideal scout

section, in a regiment, should be looked up to. Their immense value

should be realized, and due credit and honour given to them for their

skill. The scouts of a battalion should be the pick of that battalion,

and the fact that a man has attained the rank of scout should be

signalized by his receiving extra pay and extra consideration._

_As long as war lasts it will be necessary to find out what is in the

enemy’s mind, and this is so important, that those who prove themselves

capable of discovering and of giving warning of what is about to occur,

should be objects of admiration and respect to all their comrades._

Of course there is another point which struck one most strongly, and

this was the examination of prisoners.

It may well be that a man cannot help being taken, whether through

wounds or otherwise, but it is of the first importance that he should

give away nothing to the enemy. For this reason, as scouts and anyone

who has anything to do with any kind of Intelligence work are always

put through a much more rigorous examination if they should be

captured, we were very strongly against badges for scouts.

Let us take the ordinary Tommy. If he is captured, unless it

unfortunately happens that he knows of some imminent move that is to be

made, there is very little danger of his giving away anything, for the

simple reason that he knows so little. But a scout is another matter.

He knows all the posts in our line; he knows something of the system by

which the various offshoots of Intelligence work are being operated,

and as he has been trained to observation of detail and deduction, he

is a man who, if he can be got to speak, will reveal things of great

value to the enemy.

The only two questions that a prisoner need answer are his name and

regiment, but many and sinister are the tricks by which he may be

beguiled.

A British officer who is supposed to have special knowledge is, let us

imagine, captured by the Germans. He is wounded, and is taken up to

the Headquarters of a German Division. He is examined, and, of course,

gives away nothing. Now what happens? Very possibly a German officer

comes to him and says: “Herr Captain, we deeply regret that there is no

room for you in the officers’ quarters in the Hospital. We trust that

you will not object if you are put in a room with a British N.C.O.” The

officer, of course, says he does not object, and he goes into the room.

There he will find a British N.C.O. heavily bandaged and lying groaning

upon his bed. It is inevitable, if they are two or three days together,

that conversation will take place between them. The so-called British

N.C.O. is, however, simply a decoy. He is not wounded at all, and his

business is, by clever questions, to extract certain information which

the British officer is supposed to possess.

Again, when men were taken prisoners, very often into the guard-room in

which they were confined would be thrown another Britisher, bleeding

and wounded, who would raise a tremendous outcry and declaim upon his

wrongs. The newcomer, as a matter of fact, often was only a clever

actor coached to his part, who was simply put into the guard-house to

ferret out information.

These are not isolated incidents, but a commonly accepted policy in

the German Army. After all, it is natural enough, for a little bit of

information may win a battle, and it was certainly held among our foes

that the end justified the means.

But as the war went on, and these things came to knowledge, it needed

some very clever work on the part of the Germans to obtain information

from those who had been warned. Of course, as long as the world

continues there are, one supposes, men who will undertake work of this

kind, whether for money or urged on by some other motive. The motive

may be good even. The decoy may be actuated by a really high form of

patriotism. But not often. For the most part he is one of those men who

have a touch of the traitor in them, and who are in some way perverted

in their minds.

Of course to be a decoy back at Divisional Headquarters is a safe and

probably a paying job, but it is one which must always leave a very

nasty taste in the mouth.

So much for German methods of interrogation.

When we took German prisoners, they were very often in a state of

pitiable fright, for they had been absolutely fed by their officers

with stories of the most circumstantial nature of the habitual

brutality of the British to their prisoners; and yet it was a fine

sight to see a German prisoner, obviously afraid to his very bones, and

yet absolutely determined to give away nothing. One really laboured

under an almost incontrollable impulse to go and shake such a man by

the hand. After all, courage of the lonely sort is surely the most

glorious thing that we can hope to witness, and whether it is displayed

upon our side or upon the other, one feels the better for having

witnessed it.

APPENDICES

APPENDIX A

The following is a programme which has given excellent results when

training Brigade, Divisional, Corps Observers and Lovat Scouts

Observers.

1st Day. Lecture. Maps and Conventional Signs.

Practical. Comparison of Map with the Ground.

Setting Maps.

Location of points by drawing rays.

2nd Day. Lecture. The Stalking Telescope.

Practical. Front Line Observation with Reports.

Instruction and Practice in reading.

Map co-ordinates.

Judging Distance.

3rd Day. Lecture. Contours, gradients, slopes, etc.

Practical. Pegging out contours on the ground.

Long Distance Observation with Reports.

Judging Distance.

4th Day. Lecture. The Prismatic Compass.

Practical. Taking Bearings.

Working out mutual visibility problems.

Concave and convex slopes, drawing slopes.

5th Day. Lecture. The use of the protractor.

Practical. Plotting Bearings.

Re-section problems.

Long distance Observation with Reports.

6th Day. Lecture. Scales.

Practical. Road Traverse.

Filling in conventional signs and contours.

Long Distance Observation with Reports.

7th Day. Lecture. Use of Scouts and Observers in Attack and

Defence.

Practical. Marching to Map co-ordinates.

Selection of positions for Observation

Posts.

Front Line Observation with Reports.

8th Day. Scheme. Bringing in the use of Observers in Open

Warfare.

Construction and concealment of Observation

Posts.

Taking Bearings with Compass.

9th Day. Lecture. Front Line Observation.

Practical. Locating of points by drawing rays.

Compass March (by Day).

10th Day. Lecture. Aeroplane Photographs.

Practical. Comparison of photos with the ground.

Re-section problems.

11th Day. Practical. Handing over and relief of Observation

Posts.

Using Telescope as Director.

Long Distance Observation with Reports.

Use of Director Board.

12th Day. Practical. Making and plotting a Road Traverse.

Making a Road Report.

Compass March (by Night).

13th Day. Practical. Enlarging Map and constructing scales.

Work with Director Board.

14th Day. Recapitulation and Examinations.

APPENDIX B

GENERAL COURSE AT FIRST ARMY S.O.S. SCHOOL

(From this the Battalion I.O. can frame Programmes of work to suit any

period of Rest.)

The following lectures are given during the Course, and are attended

by all students except in the case of No. 11, which is attended by the

officers only.

1. Care of Arms and Grouping.

2. The Enfield 1914 pattern Rifle.

3. The Stalking Telescope.

4. General lecture on Map-reading.

5. Patrolling and Scouting.

6. Elevations and Wind.

7. The construction of Sniping and Forward O.P.’s.

8. General lecture on Telescopic-Sighted Rifles.

9. Duties of Scouts, Observers and Snipers in Attack and Defence.

10. Front Line Observation and Reports.

11. Duties of the Bn. Intelligence Officer.

12. Aeroplane photos, with Lantern Slides.

13. General Musketry Lecture.

14. Bayonet Training (by Supt. P. and B.T. First Army).

(NOTE:--Nos. 13 and 14 are given on two evenings during the last week

of the Course.)

In addition to the above and to the Programme, the officers go

thoroughly into such subjects as:

1. Map-reading and Field Sketching.

2. Use of Prismatic Compass.

3. Enlarging Maps and interpolation of Contours.

4. Panorama Sketching.

5. Adjustments and care of Telescopic sights.

6. Methods and principles of Instruction.

7. Organization and Training.

8. Practical study of Ground.

Practical work is also given to all students in the following subjects

at night:

1. Patrolling.

2. Marching on Compass Bearings.

3. Concentration Marches with and without Box Respirators.

4. Siting and construction of Posts.

5. Night Firing, and the use of Field Glasses and Stalking Telescopes

on suitable nights.

It will be seen that the two Sundays have been omitted; on these days

the Range is open to all ranks for voluntary shooting under a qualified

Instructor.

Instruction in the use of Armour Piercing S.A.A., Disguising, Methods

of Instruction, Practice in Map-reading, Taking Bearings, etc., etc.,

goes on continually while students await their turn to fire.

1st Morning. General talk on the objects of the Course and

discipline during. Thorough examination of

open-sighted rifles for defects. Demonstration

of Grouping and Holding. Grouping at 100 yards,

followed by analysis of faults and correction of

rifles where necessary.

Afternoon. Lecture: Care of Arms and Grouping. (Practical)

Observation on a German Trench with reports.

Criticism of Reports.

2nd Morning. Lecture: The Stalking Telescope. (Practical)

Repetition of failures in Grouping practice.

Application at 200–300 yards. Observation of

single shot strike.

Afternoon. Practical Observation.

(_a_) On German Trench.

(_b_) Open Country.

3rd Morning. Lecture: The Enfield 1914 pattern Rifle.

(Practical) Judging Distance up to 600 yards.

Snapshooting at 100–200 yards, 4 seconds’

exposure. Application at 200 yards. Hawkins

position.

Afternoon. Practical Map-reading on the ground and long

distance observations with Reports.

4th Morning. Lecture: General lecture on Map-reading.

(Practical) Application at 400–500 yards.

Application at unknown range (within 400 yards).

Afternoon. Demonstration: Use of Ground and Cover.

(Practical) Practice in selecting, attaining and

constructing hasty observation posts for open

warfare. Cover from view rather than Cover from

fire to be specialized in.

5th Morning. Lecture: Patrolling and Scouting. (Practical)

Application at 300 yards. Snapshooting at 100

and 200 yards. 3 seconds’ exposure.

Afternoon. Demonstration of Camouflage and its uses.

(Practical) Scheme: Snipers are given an area

of ground in which they must establish posts

utilizing the material found on the spot for

disguise. Observers select posts from which they

can command the above area. The snipers will

fire blank from the posts they have selected

at any observers who expose themselves; also

endeavour to give the map-reference of their

targets. The observers endeavour to locate and

give map-references of the snipers’ posts.

6th Morning. Lecture: Elevations and Wind. Demonstration:

Building in battens for and spotting enemy

snipers; actual practice in above each student

to locate at least two snipers. (Practical)

Snapshooting combined with movement; students

endeavour to advance unseen from 500 to 100

yards. Targets representing enemy heads appear

at odd places and intervals in the butts.

Afternoon. Demonstration: Building in and use of Night Firing

Boxes. Actual practice in above. Observation

on a German trench, the appearance of which is

altered by moving sandbags, loopholes, etc.,

with reports.

8th Morning. Lecture: The construction of Forward and Sniping

O.P.’s. (Practical) Patrolling with the use of

Night Firing Goggles. Practice in the correct

use of cover and in keeping touch. Application

practice at unknown range.

Afternoon. Practice in marching by day on Compass bearings

with and without Box-respirators.

9th Morning. Lecture: General lecture on telescopic sighted

rifles. (Practical) Zeroing of telescopic

sighted rifles.

Afternoon. Complete the zeroing of rifles. Long distance

observation.

10th Morning. Lecture: Duties of scouts, observers and snipers

in attack and defence. (Practical) Grouping

at 100 yards with Telescopic sighted rifles.

Practice in scouting in Open Country, with

reports.

Afternoon. Scheme: Making “Good” woods and enclosed country

with scouts and snipers.

11th Morning. Lecture: Front line observation and reports.

(Practical) Application at 200 yards with

telescopic sighted rifles. Snapshooting at

100–200 yards, 3 seconds’ exposure.

Afternoon. Concentration march. Students are put into four

parties, each representing a platoon. They

are given a map co-ordinate at which they

must concentrate at a given time. Signals

representing Gas Alarm are given, when all

students put on their box-respirators and

continue the march.

12th Morning. Lecture: Duties of the Bn. Intelligence Officer.

(Practical) Application at 300–400 yards.

Observation on a German trench.

Afternoon. Scheme: To demonstrate the use of Scouts and

Snipers as a protective advanced screen to

Infantry in open or semi-open warfare.

13th Morning. Lecture: Aeroplane Photos, with Lantern Slides.

Practical study of aeroplane photographs on the

actual ground depicted in the photo.

Afternoon. Examinations in Long distance and Front line

observations.

15th and 16th. Oral examinations. Mutual Instruction. Written

examination. Examination of note-books.

Competition shoots.

_Note_:--The above programme is only given as a guide; changes in

sequence must often occur through inclemency of the weather.

APPENDIX C

The following are the rough notes used for some of the Lectures given

at the FIRST ARMY SCHOOL of S.O.S. in France.

PART I

CARE OF ARMS, GROUPING AND RANGE PRACTICES:

It is essential that the Sniper shall have a really clean rifle if

he is to obtain the extreme accuracy that is required of him. By a

clean rifle I mean a rifle in the cleaning of which not only have all

the normal precautions been taken, but, in addition, the bore has

received a very high polish. This high polish is of great importance

to accurate shooting, and to be efficient as a Sniper you must be far

more accurate than the average Service Shot. Hence the necessity for

going rather deeply into Care of Arms.

AVOIDABLE CAUSES OF INACCURACY:

OILY BARREL:

Is a great cause of inaccuracy, as the resistance offered to the

bullet in its passage down the bore is varied, and thus the shooting

of the rifle becomes inconsistent.

OILY BREECH:

This prevents correct “seizing” in the breech, and tends to lead to

a blow-back. If a blow-back occurs there is a loss of driving power,

muzzle velocity is decreased and accuracy is lost.

CORDWEAR:

Is caused by misuse of the pull-through, and usually occurs at the

muzzle, but in cases of extreme negligence it may be found in the

chamber. When it occurs at the muzzle, gases escape through the cord

groove as the bullet is leaving, thus forcing it in the opposite

direction. If in the chamber, it is a source of weakness, and a burst

chamber may be the result.

FIXING THE BAYONET:

Musketry Regulations inform us that with the “S.M.L.E.” the effect of

fixing the bayonet is to throw your shot 18 inches high at 200 yards’

range. This is because the extra weight slows down the vibration,

and thus converts a _negative_ into a _positive_ jump. Hence, as a

Sniper, you will fire without your bayonet fixed.

(_Note_:--From tests carried out at this First Army School of S.O.S.

it would appear that Musketry regulations greatly over-estimate the

effect caused by fixing the bayonet.)

HOLD:

Unless the Sniper reproduces the same hold for each shot and when he

rests his rifle rests it always at the same point (for preference the

middle band), his shooting can never be consistent.

AMMUNITION:

Different makes of S.A.A. give slightly different elevations on the

target. This is because the Powders burn at different rates, thus

slightly altering the jump.

WARPED WOODWORK:

The fore-end is fitted so as not to influence the barrel when firing.

The barrel must be able to lie perfectly straight as each shot leaves

it. If the fore-end is warped (and warped fore-ends are common) the

barrel will be unable to lie as was intended, and erratic shooting

will result.

CAUSES:

1. Wet entering between the barrel and the fore-end.

2. Unequal dryness such as caused by rifle lying in hot sun or in

front of fire.

3. Dry woodwork.

4. Twisting of wood through insufficient seasoning before use.

PREVENTION OF:

Oil all woodwork daily, ensuring that the oil penetrates between

the hand-guard, fore-end and barrel.

CURE OF:

Armourer refits fore-end.

SOME UNAVOIDABLE CAUSES:

NICKELLING OR METALLIC FOULING:

Is really an obstruction in the bore caused by a portion of the

envelope of the bullet becoming brazed on the surface of the bore.

It is a cause of great inaccuracy, and its presence should always be

looked for. When found, it must be removed. This should be done by an

Armourer.

EROSION:

Is the gradual increase in the size of the bore, and is caused

through the heat generated by the gases slightly fusing the metal.

The gases rushing over the metal carry away minute particles of the

steel. This is the factor which decides “The Life of the Barrel” for

purposes of real accuracy.

DRIFT:

Is the continual deviation of the bullet in the direction of the

rifling. About one minute, _i.e._, one inch per 100 yards, must be

allowed for this at the longer ranges in sniping.

OTHER DEFINITIONS:

SUPERFICIAL FOULING:

The fouling that appears in the bore immediately after firing. It

is then quite soft and easily removed, but if allowed to remain, it

becomes hard, difficult to remove and, by attracting moisture from

the air, begins the rusting process.

INTERNAL FOULING:

Fouling that actually gets below the surface of the metal when

firing; this gradually sweats its way to the surface and should be

removed as it appears.

(_Note_:--If cleaned with really boiling water, the pores are

reopened, internal fouling is removed, and thus the cause of

sweating is done away with. The Barrel must, however, be dried

immediately, or the cure will be worse than the complaint.)

CORROSION:

Is the black pock-mark or indentation left in the bore after removing

rust.

CLEANING RODS:

Finally it is suggested that a cleaning-rod properly used is better

than a pull-through: each Battalion is authorized to hold 32 of these

Rods on Charge. (See G.R.O.’s 512, 540 and 2,094.)

GROUPING AND RANGE PRACTICES:

It must be understood that Grouping with the Open Sights is a

definite test of (_a_) the rifle, and (_b_) the man.

Grouping is a practical system of locating faults, and it is of the

utmost importance that such faults, having once been located, should

at once be corrected. It should also be clearly understood that a

man’s average group at a given range, _i.e._, 100 yards, will (except

for the error of the day) be the measure of his capacity at all

ranges. For instance, if his average at 100 yards be a 3-inch group,

his best standard will be a 6-inch group at 200 yards, 9-inch group

at 300 yards, 12-inch group at 400 yards, and so on.

Unless this fact is clearly understood, we shall have our men making

shot corrections when actually shooting up to standard, and if this

is done, consistent shooting can never be obtained.

LESSONS TO BE LEARNT FROM A GROUP:

1. If a man makes a vertical group it is fairly safe to assume that

he is making one of the following errors:

(_a_) Varying amount of fore-sight taken.

(_b_) Varying point of Aim.

(_c_) Not restraining his breathing when trigger-pressing.

2. If he makes a lateral group his error will be usually found among

the following:

(_a_) Incorrect centreing of fore-sight.

(_b_) Varying point of Aim.

(_c_) Bad let-off.

3. If he gets a good group, but wide of the aiming mark, it will

be safe to assume that his rifle is throwing wide and should be

corrected at once by alteration of fore-sight. For this reason the

Armourer or other qualified person should be present when grouping is

being carried out.

4. If a man’s shots are widely scattered, it will be necessary to

carry out the Analysis of faults, _i.e._:

R. Test Rifle.

A. Test Aim.

T. Test Trigger-pressing.

S. Test Sight.

You should by this time have discovered the fault, but remember it is

of no use having found it unless you can cure it before proceeding

further.

5. If the rifle be correct the point of Mean Impact should be 5

inches above the point of Aim. If incorrect the fore-sight should be

altered. The following can be got on indent for this purpose.

Cramp R.S.L.M.E.

Supply of fore-sights in nine different heights.

RANGE PRACTICES:

Nothing definite can be laid down on account of the lack of uniform

targets, ranges, etc., but the following hints may be of value:

1. If a liaison be cultivated between Battalion Sniping officers in

the Brigade, it will be easy to improvise a Range and Target for the

use of the Battalion in rest.

2. When in divisional rest it is usually possible to find a Range

ready for use in the Training Area.

3. Excellent work and all Zeroing can be done on even a 30-yard range

by the really keen officer.

4. Training in shooting should be carried out with an Open and _not_

a Telescopic sighted rifle, which should be kept for:

(_a_) Snapping Practice.

(_b_) Shooting in order to Zero.

(_c_) Killing the enemy.

It is important that the barrels of these rifles should not be worn

out in practice shooting.

5. All training should be made progressive and where possible

competitive.

6. The first essential is extreme accuracy, after which the

Instructor must coach up for rapid snapshooting, the ultimate

standard being looked upon as the ability to get off a really good

shot under two seconds.

7. Always start with a Grouping Practice and eliminate faults as they

are discovered.

8. Re zero Telescopic sighted rifles: to ascertain that they have

maintained their correctness each time you are out of the trenches,

and arm only your best shots with these rifles.

9. Improvise cover on the Range and make all Snipers’ fire practices

under as near as possible Service Conditions.

10. Although normally he will not fire Rapid, keep your sniper

efficient in this valuable art.

11. You may at any time become a casualty, therefore train your

N.C.O.’s to carry on in your absence.

PART II

PATROLLING AND SCOUTING

PATROLS AND PATROLLING:

The importance of patrolling cannot be exaggerated. It is a means

of keeping in touch with the enemy and of obtaining much valuable

information.

In open warfare we must patrol day and night. In trench warfare,

observation to a great extent does away with patrolling by day. We

should always look upon the ground between the hostile armies as

being ours, and should _make_ it so by patrols. This gives our men a

greater sense of security, and also has the effect of destroying the

enemy _moral_.

Patrolling is looked upon by some as being particularly dangerous

work. This is not so if patrols are carefully carried out by trained

men.

Training beforehand is essential; to send out untrained men in a

haphazard manner is worse than useless.

No patrol should go out except for a distinct and definite object.

TYPES OF PATROLS IN TRENCH WARFARE

RECONNAISSANCE PATROLS

Are the work of scouts who go out on some specific mission. Numbers

should be as small as possible. A party of two or three will probably

obtain the best results.

FIGHTING PATROLS

Should consist of Lewis gun and gunners, bombers and scouts. Strength

10–15. Object to disperse enemy working parties, to engage enemy

patrols, to obtain identifications.

_Note_:--It may often be necessary to combine these patrols; the

Fighting Patrol going out to form a screen in rear, while the

Reconnaissance Patrol pushes forward to complete its task. This

has the effect of giving the Reconnaissance Patrol confidence, of

assisting them to pass back any casualties they may suffer, and,

in fact, provides them with an Advanced Headquarters from which

they carry out their reconnaissance. The system is particularly

useful, and, in fact, necessary, where a great distance separates

the opposing lines.

PROTECTIVE PATROLS

Should consist mainly of Bombers, and are used in front of our wire,

or between Isolated Posts. Numbers depend on circumstances. Object:

Protection of our line from surprise attacks.

OPEN WARFARE

It is not necessary here to classify definitely. The Reconnoitring

Patrol should always be prepared to fight. In fact, all Patrols, at

all times, should be _fully organized self-contained fighting units_.

Numbers depend on conditions, but Scouts will be largely used.

TRAINING:

The general principles of training both for Trench and Open Warfare

are a thorough training in the following:

1. Map Reading.

2. Compass Work.

3. Reports.

4. Use of Ground and Cover.

5. Reconnoitring through Periscopes and by means of Aeroplane

Photographs and Maps by day, the ground over which patrol must

pass at night, and selecting the best method of approach.

6. Actual Patrolling by day and night.

7. Keeping touch.

FORMATIONS:

Nothing definite can be laid down, as, of necessity, formations will

vary with the prevailing conditions. It is essential, however, that

all formations shall be so simple as to ensure that they can be

maintained even on the darkest night and when working over very rough

ground.

The Lewis gun, when it forms a part of a Patrol, must be well

protected and in such a position as will enable it to be used at a

moment’s notice.

The Officer or N.C.O. in charge should always lead the Patrol, and

there should be a Second-in-Command, whose position should be in the

centre and rear of the Patrol; he will specialize in keeping the men

in their proper places and maintaining touch.

EQUIPMENT:

The rifle often hampers movement, particularly when crawling, but

it is essential that both this and fighting order be carried when

patrolling in open warfare. In trench warfare it should usually

be sufficient to carry the rifle, a bandolier of S.A.A., the web

belt with bayonet and scabbard attached, a bomb in the pocket and a

compass. Steel helmets should not be taken, the cap-comforter being

worn instead.

If necessary to fix the bayonet, such as when rushing an Isolated

Post, it should be fixed with the scabbard still on; both bayonet and

scabbard should be well oiled; the scabbard can then be taken off

quietly just prior to the rush.

INSTRUCTIONS TO BE GIVEN:

Before going out personnel should be given:

1. All known information;

2. An opportunity to examine by day through periscope, by

aeroplane photographs and maps, the ground to be covered at

night.

3. The object of the patrol.

4. The pass-word.

Everything that is liable to give information or identification, if

captured, must be carefully collected before the party goes out.

All men in the Garrison and battalions on right and left must know

when the patrol is out, and also the pass-word.

The patrol leader, both on leaving and returning, will himself pass

the word along to this effect. This is very important. He cannot

forecast how long he will be away, or the point at which he will

return, therefore, the trench garrison must be prepared to receive

him at any time or place.

GENERAL:

Patrols often give themselves away by leaving their own trench in a

careless manner. The firing of rifles and lights should continue as

usual when a patrol is out, but in such a manner as not to interfere

with the patrol. Two patrols should never be sent out on the same

front at the same time, as this only leads to their mistaking each

other for the enemy. Often, the most suitable time for patrolling

is when the weather conditions are very bad. In addition to taking

precautions against Verey lights, men on patrol can often take

advantage of their brightness to obtain the information required.

A FORM OF PATROL REPORT:

PATROL REPORT

Blankshire Regiment.

Night of 12–13th/6/17.

Ref. Map Sheet 54 S.E.1.

+------------+---------+---------------+---------------------+--------+

+------------+---------+---------------+---------------------+--------+

| | | | 2 „ 2 „ | |

| | | | 3 „ 3 „ | |

+------------+---------+---------------+---------------------+--------+

Handed in at 3 a.m.

Date: 13/6/17.

(Sgd.) R. G. A. TEW, Lieut.,

Blankshire Regiment.

N.B.--These headings, etc., are given as a guide. They will vary

according to the nature of the information required, and the

circumstances under which the Patrol is working.

PART III

THE STALKING TELESCOPE

Apart from the regular issue of G.S. Telescopes, there are now

in the B.E.F. about 40,000 or 50,000 more or less high-class

telescopes. These have been obtained from all kinds of sources, from

deer-stalkers, yachtsmen, etc., and the care and use of these glasses

has become a matter of great importance.

CARE AND CLEANING:

The first thing to remember is that the lenses of all telescopes are

made of very soft glass, and that this glass is polished to a very

high degree. A few scratches on the outer surface of the object-glass

will negative the value of the best telescope. When the telescope is

first taken from its case, a light film of dust will usually be found

to have formed on the object-glass. This should be flicked off with

a handkerchief, and if any polishing is necessary, it should be done

with a piece of chamois leather or well-washed piece of four-by-two;

this cleaning material should be free from grit, and should be

carried in a pocket or in the pay-book, where it will be kept clean.

Over 50 per cent. of the telescopes in use, in or about the front

line, have been scratched more or less badly, owing to the neglect of

this simple precaution.

Special attention should be paid to the cleaning of the objective

lens, which is liable to become covered with dust owing to its

position in the telescope and the opening and closing of the draws.

Never on any account touch the glass with the finger or thumb. If

the glass be allowed to get damp, fogging will result. To cause the

fogging to evaporate, remove object-glass and eye-piece, lay the

telescope out in the sun or in a warm room. Never permit the metal

work to get hotter than the temperature of your hand, otherwise the

Canada Balsam (which is used to join the concave and convex lenses in

the object-glass of all high telescopes, except the G.S.) will melt.

If the draws get wet, they must be thoroughly dried and slightly

lubricated. The same applies to the sun-shade. When an officer is

inspecting telescopes, he should inspect the cases also. In screwing

tubes or cells into place, great care must be taken not to damage the

threads. It is often as well to turn the screw the wrong way with a

gentle pressure; the threads will then come into correct engagement,

and a slight click may be heard.

THE GENERAL SERVICE TELESCOPE

As has been stated above, Canada Balsam is not used between the

lenses of the object-glass of the G.S. telescope. When a G.S.

Telescope has been taken to pieces, the only difficulty experienced

in assembling it again will be in the replacing of the lenses forming

the object-glass. To do this two rules must be remembered:

1. The convex lens is always the nearest to the object, and,

therefore, must be replaced first.

2. On the side of the lenses forming the object-glass an

arrow-head will be found cut into the glass.

Before the lenses are put back the arrow-head must be completed,

and the middle of the arrow must be allowed to slide over the

barb or raised line in the cell.

RULES FOR USE:

1. Always extend your sun-shade (more O.P.’s have been given away

by the light shining upon the object-glass of telescopes than

in any other way).

2. Always mark your focus by scratching a circular ring on the

focussing draw. (This will allow you to focus your glass

correctly and quickly before putting it to your eye.)

3. Always pull out or push in the draws of your telescope with a

clock-wise circular motion, and keep them slightly lubricated.

4. Always carry your telescope slung on your body. If you take it

off and let it travel in a lorry or car the jolting will almost

certainly ruin it.

5. Always use a rest when observing.

6. When looking into the sun, make a sun-shade nine inches or a

foot long, to fit on the short sun-shade of the telescope. This

will give you great assistance when the sun is over the German

lines. It is a trick borrowed from the chamois-hunters of the

Pyrenees.

7. Remember that when there is a mirage you will get better

results with a low than with a high power of magnification.

Conditions in France are more suitable to a magnification of

under than over twenty-five. Excellent work can be done in

the front line with a glass that magnifies only ten times.

If the high-power eye-piece is used for any special purpose

when reconnaissance is finished, it should be replaced by a

low-power eye-piece.

8. When searching a given sector of ground or trench divide it

into “fields of view” work slowly allowing each field to

overlap. Never leave any suspicious-looking object without

having ascertained what it is and why it is there.

9. Slight movement is more easily detected if you do not look

straight at the object. Always look, a little left, right,

high or low. Keenest vision is at the edges of the eye. This

particularly applies to dusk or dawn.

10. When your object is found, consider:

(a) Distance.

(b) Shape.

(d) Size.

(e) Position.

Use each detail to check other details; for instance, if you can

distinguish the state cockade upon a German cap you may be

certain that you are not more than two hundred yards distant.

11. Do not forget that good results can be obtained on clear

starlight or moonlight nights, by the use of night-glasses or

telescopes, especially if working in conjunction with a Lewis

or Vickers Gun. Generally speaking, the bigger the object-glass

and the lower the magnification the better will be the results

obtainable at night.

12. In trench warfare a really good glass-man working from our

front line by day can make a most valuable wire reconnaissance.

13. Remember that the conditions of visibility are constantly

changing; an object which is indistinct at eleven o’clock may

become quite clear at eleven-five.

14. Always be ready to avail yourself of natural conditions. The

visibility after a rain-shower is almost always good; it shows

up wire and gaps in the wire, paths, ground traversed by

patrols, etc. The best season for “spotting” O.P.’s is autumn,

when the leaves fall and the grass withers.

15. It is a good thing to disguise the whole of the telescope by

use of sandbags or other material around it. Great care must be

taken to ascertain that such disguise is kept free from dust or

grit.

PART IV

FRONT LINE OBSERVATION AND REPORTS

Remember that straws show which way the wind blows, and that apparently

trivial information may be of great importance if considered in correct

perspective. For instance, three small parties of Germans seen in

front of a battalion sector is not an item of much interest, but if

such parties are seen by all or most of the observers on a divisional

front, enemy movement of importance is indicated, so include everything

observed which is of the slightest importance.

Remember that your report passes through the hands of the Battalion

Intelligence Officer, and by him the information it contains is passed

on to Brigade, thence to Division, and so on. During the whole of this

process, the information is weighed, sifted, and compared over and over

again. Hence, that which really proves to be of no importance will be

eliminated, while that which is of value will reach those to whom it

may be of use.

Remember that you are in close touch with the enemy, and that you, and

you only, are responsible for the observation of his forward area. You

must not rely upon the Divisional or Corps Observers to do this work

for you.

When taking over a post for the first time you must study the ground

carefully and get to know the exact location of all prominent objects.

Then, in a few days’ time, you will be capable of giving map locations

of targets without bearings.

It is of little or no use to look for movement until you know your

front by heart, the GOOD observer is the man who can almost see the

co-ordinates lying on the ground. In this way some of the Lovat Scouts

can give the map references of a moving object as it moves, without a

glance at the map.

The best times of the day for you, as a front-line observer, are dawn

and dusk. Ration parties, working parties, reliefs, etc., are all

waiting to move forward at dusk, and much good work can be done by

picking up these targets and reporting them to the Artillery. The same

or similar parties can often be seen returning at dawn, particularly

after a night during which our harassing fire has been heavy.

Again, a misty day--although the definition obtained through your

telescope is not so clear as usual--is often excellent for observation

of the enemy’s front-line system, as, on such days, through a false

sense of security, the enemy often shows himself in concealed posts,

etc., which he would never give away by carelessness during clearer

weather.

Always note time (signal time) and map co-ordinates of anything

observed.

If anything of importance be seen, such as abnormal movement, suspected

reliefs, etc., report them _at once_. Don’t wait until you come off

duty.

All targets should be reported as soon as possible to the Artillery.

If there are any Artillery O.P.’s in your vicinity, they should be

visited, as the occupants can often assist you by “placing” objects,

the exact location of which you yourself are doubtful about. The

Artillery Observers should be shown all tracks where movement has been

observed to enable them to get a gun trained on to them.

All new enemy work must be followed closely and its object, if

possible, ascertained.

Take a pride in extreme accuracy, let a direct statement represent

fact, but do not hesitate to include information of which you are not

quite certain. You must, however, never fail to indicate clearly the

degree of accuracy or certainty which you yourself feel. Useful words

for qualifying your statements are as follows:

Possibly;

About;

Probably;

Approximately, etc., etc.

Remember that your duty is rather to observe and report your

observations than to interpret what you see. At the same time, give

personal impressions. These may start a new line of thought in the

minds of those who read your reports; also, if two or three observers,

from different points, think that they have seen a certain thing, then

there is at least a strong probability that a foundation existed for

their belief.

Realize that your observation is part of a huge net which is

continually trawling the whole enemy world for information, and see to

it that not even the smallest fry slip through the meshes for which you

are personally responsible.

For purposes of actual observation a rough log-book must be kept in the

sniping or observation post. In this book everything seen should be

noted as it occurs. From it each evening the information must be set

out under suitable headings, and your report rendered to the Battalion

Intelligence Officer. Customs vary in battalions, but the following

list of headings may help you in this matter:

OPERATIONS, ENEMY:

1. Artillery }

2. T.M.’s } No. and Calibre of projectiles

} and targets.

3. Grenades }

4. A.A. Guns Activity.

5. M.G. Fire }

6. Rifle Fire } Methods and Targets.

MOVEMENT, ENEMY:

1. Aircraft.

2. Trains.

3. Transport.

4. Men actually seen.

5. Indication of movement (periscopes, loopholes, etc.).

6. Patrols. (Seen, heard or encountered.)

(_Note_:--Time and place must always be given.)

BATTALION INTELLIGENCE REPORT TO BRIGADE:

The subject matter forming this falls naturally under the following

main headings:

1. Operations. (Enemy.)

2. Movement. „

3. Work. „

4. Signals. „

5. General Intelligence.

6. Weather.

Under these six main headings are the following sub-headings:

WORK, ENEMY:

(_a_) Changes visible in enemy line.

(_b_) Working parties seen or heard.

(_c_) New wire observed or reported by patrols.

SIGNALS, ENEMY:

(_a_) Flash lamps. }

(_b_) Verey lights. } Full description of and any

(_c_) Rockets. } apparent results.

GENERAL INTELLIGENCE:

Information of a doubtful or uncertain nature, general impressions,

etc.

WEATHER:

(_a_) General conditions.

(_b_) Light and visibility during the day.

(_c_) Wind, its strength and direction.

In some Brigades, reports on our own operations, particularly

observation of our own Artillery and T.M. fire are required in the

Battalion Intelligence Reports, but this is a mistaken policy.

A FORM OF OBSERVATION REPORT.

OBSERVATION REPORT

No. of Post (Map Ref.): Teapot Post N33c55.90 Sheet 17A N.E.

Time on Duty: 7 a.m. to 10 a.m.

Date: 20.6.18.

Observers on Duty, Name, Rank and Regt.

H. Smith Pte.

G. Shaw L/Cpl.

Wind: Gentle S.W.

Visibility: Fair.

+---------+------------+----------------+---------------------------------------+

+---------+------------+----------------+---------------------------------------+

|7.30 a.m.| M39d45.35 | 1 German |Ptes. carrying Probably working |

| | | | |

| | | | |

| | ---------+----------------+-------------- |

|9.15 a.m.| G30a40.92 |Horse transport.|15 wagons, 4 Possibly ammunition|

+---------+------------+----------------+---------------------------------------+

Relieved at 10 a.m. Observer: Shaw.

Handed in at 10.15 a.m. Writer: Smith.

(Signed) H. SMITH.

G. SHAW.

PART V

SOME USES OF SCOUTS, OBSERVERS AND SNIPERS IN ATTACK, DEFENCE AND OPEN

WARFARE

It is difficult to lay down any hard and fast rules on this subject,

as so much depends upon the prevailing conditions. The following notes

should therefore be looked upon as tentative hints or suggestions.

To commence, it is well to remember that these men, in addition to

being fully-trained soldiers, have received specialist training in

such subjects as map-reading, obtaining and reporting information,

scouting, accurate shooting, etc., therefore their value to the Company

Commander, whether in Attack or Defence, in trench warfare or in open

warfare, has been enhanced, and he should keep this in mind when making

his dispositions.

Prior to attack on any given objective, the Scouts and Observers can

obtain much valuable information; in fact, the actual plans for local

attack will often depend upon the information so obtained.

The following are some of the points that should be ascertained either

by direct observation or patrolling or both:

1. Location of enemy M.G.’s and strong points.

2. Whether the enemy is holding his line continuously or by

isolated posts; if the latter, the location of each post should,

if possible, be ascertained.

3. If our wire-cutting operations have been successful, and the

location and width of the gaps.

Vigorous patrolling should take place for some time prior to attack, to

ensure that the enemy is driven out of “No Man’s Land,” thus enabling

us to “jump off” from a point as near as possible to the enemy line.

The Snipers can, by making each enemy periscope and loophole a target,

render the enemy to a great extent blind in Front Line Observation.

Before the actual assault has commenced, our snipers can be established

in shell holes in “No Man’s Land” from which they can command any known

machine-gun emplacements. They should always carry a few rounds of

armour-piercing S.A.A., and should look upon the breech casing of the

gun as their target rather than the gunners. (Your good sniper will

appreciate the fact that one hit on the breech-casing of a machine-gun

with armour-piercing S.A.A. will definitely put the gun out of action,

as it ruins the vital portion, _i.e._, “the recoiling portion” of the

gun.)

After the objective has been gained, the snipers should push forward

beyond our new line and establish themselves in shell holes or in old

trenches. From these positions their fire will be of great value in

conjunction with the Lewis gunners in keeping down the enemy during

consolidation.

The Scouts should be able to fill in the dispositions of the troops and

maintain touch with flanking units; they should form part of exploiting

patrols, locate the enemy’s new positions and ascertain their attitude,

_i.e._, whether they are demoralized and retiring in disorder or

whether they are under control and likely to counter-attack.

The Observers must be in a position from which they can watch the whole

of the attack, and must be provided with a means of communication

whereby they can constantly report upon the situation. After the

objective has been gained they can push forward and locate enemy

machine-guns and battery positions; this will be comparatively easy

as, if the enemy is putting up a fight, machine-guns, etc., will be

advertising themselves.

The Brigade and Divisional Observers will also be in positions from

which they can follow the whole of the attack, and will constantly

report its progress. They should particularly watch for any massing of

enemy troops in the back areas for counter-attack.

IN DEFENCE:

The Snipers can be of great value in defence, and should be given a

definite “battle station.” If the attack be delivered in daylight,

the snipers’ special task should be to pick off the leaders, and

members of machine-gun and _flamenwerfer_ detachments. If the enemy

succeed in occupying our trenches the snipers must have in readiness

alternative posts that command stretches of our trenches; they will

thus be in a position to inflict heavy losses upon the new occupants.

In this way and by working in conjunction with Bombers, they can do

much to prevent the enemy from establishing himself.

The Observers can, in defence, find out much valuable information,

and the good observer can usually foretell an enemy attack by

carefully watching for the following signs of offensive operation:--

1. Construction of new T.M. emplacements.

2. Registration of new T.M.’s.

3. Increased artillery registration.

4. Bridging of trenches.

5. Cutting of wire.

6. Additional dressing stations instituted.

7. Signboards erected.

8. Unusual amount of movement in back areas.

9. Increased aerial activity.

10. Reconnaissance of front by enemy officers.

OPEN WARFARE:

In open and semi-open warfare it is essential that observers push

forward from one post to another. They must keep in touch with the

attack, with flanking units and with headquarters.

The most important duties of scouts and snipers will be

reconnaissance. By pushing forward as an advanced screen to cover the

advance, they can collect much valuable information and, if correctly

organized, can get such information back quickly to the officers whom

it concerns. The following are some of the things upon which they

should report:--

1. Where the enemy are, and if holding a continuous line or

isolated posts.

2. Condition of roads, etc.

3. Best approaches for Infantry, Machine-guns, Artillery, etc.

4. Any obstacles such as rivers, etc., and the best means of

negotiating them.

5. Places which are exposed to fire.

6. Any topographical features from which the enemy can be

commanded.

In fact, there is no limit to the amount of useful information that

scouts and snipers can obtain. They can also be of extreme value in

working round and cutting off isolated posts. They may also form a

thin but effective firing-line that can delay considerably a small

counter-attack, and thus enable their unit to complete the, of

necessity, hasty preparations for holding its gains.

PART VI

THE ENFIELD 1914 PATTERN “SNIPER’S RIFLE”

As each battalion now holds three of these rifles on charge for

sniping purposes (G.R.O. 3567) it is essential that your snipers shall

understand the main differences between this and the R.S.M.L.E.

It is as well to understand at once that a far higher degree of

accuracy can be obtained from the Enfield 1914 than from the

R.S.M.L.E., and this is the reason why it has been issued to snipers.

The higher degree of accuracy is due to two main causes:--

1. The rifles so issued have been specially selected from

thousands of other rifles of the same pattern, on account of

their accuracy, after severe and exhaustive tests.

2. The rifle is fitted with an aperture or peep sight, which,

as will be readily acknowledged by most expert riflemen,

possesses a great advantage over the open U or V backsight. It

is therefore unnecessary to focus the backsight, and the blur

which is unavoidable when aiming with the open U or V backsight

is entirely absent with the aperture or peep sight.

The following are the main differences which must be noted and

thoroughly understood in order to get the best results from the new

rifle.

THE SIGHT

The rear of the body is made in the form of a bed in which the

sight should always lie when not in use. In this position the

aperture battle sight can be used if desired, but it should seldom

be necessary for the sniper to use this sight. The battle sight is

actually sighted to hit on the aiming mark at about 400 yards’ range.

The sight leaf is hinged on to the sight bed and is raised to an

angle of about 90° from the sight bed for use. There are in all four

positions in which it will rest. (See diagram 1.)

1. At an angle of about 45° from the sight bed; this is the most

convenient position for “sight setting.”

2. At an angle of about 90°; this is the position when in use.

3. At an angle of about 135°.

4. At an angle of about 180°.

The two last positions have been made possible so as to avoid

damaging the sight by accidentally knocking it, if raised

against undergrowth, etc., when skirmishing.

_Note_:--The bolt lever must not be raised and drawn back when the

sight is in No. 4 position, as if this is done the battle sight is

sheared off.

[Illustration: No 1.]

ELEVATION

The elevation is obtained by raising a slide on the leaf. This

slide carries the aperture, and, when set, is held in position by

a spring-catch adjustment on the right of the leaf. The leaf is

graduated from 200 to 1100 yards in hundreds of yards, and from 1100

to 1650 yards in fifties. The reading line is situated in the centre

of the slide, and care must be taken to point out this fact clearly,

otherwise men are apt to take readings from the top or bottom of the

slide.

FINE ADJUSTMENT

The sight is fitted with a fine adjustment in the form of a worm

screw with a milled head. By rotating the milled head clockwise we

raise the elevation, and by turning it anti-clockwise we lower it.

The top of the milled head is marked off into three divisions, each

of which is equivalent to one minute of angle, which is about 1″ per

100 yards of the range. Thus at 100 yards it would equal 1″ rise, or

fall, on the target; at 200 yards 2″; at 300 yards 3″, and so on. A

reading line is marked on the top of the sight leaf to enable these

minute adjustments to be made. (See diagram.)

The advantage of a fine adjustment screw on this principle lies in

the fact that, without alteration of foresight, the rifle can be

zeroed with exactness in a vertical sense, for any individual hold,

thus: If a man, when zeroing his rifle at 100 yards’ range, finds

the point of mean impact to be 3 inches low, or high, he has only

to remember that he must first reproduce on his backsight the range

for which he is firing, and then add, or subtract, 3 minutes of

elevation, _i.e._, by giving the milled head one complete turn or

revolution in the required direction; he will then have his correct

zero for that particular range. (_Note_:--Before starting to zero at

100 yards, he must raise the sight to 200 yards, and then take off 3

minutes; this is equivalent to setting his sight to 100 yards (which

is not marked). With the sight so set, the “point of mean impact”

should be 1½ inches to 2 inches above the point of aim.)

In addition the fine adjustment can be used to overcome the

difficulty of not having the sight calibrated to read to fifties at

the closer ranges. By memorizing the following table, the sniper will

have no difficulty in adjusting his sight to 250, 350, 450 yards, and

so on:

To raise from To Add to Column 1.

200 yards 250 yards 1 minute

300 „ 350 „ 1½ minutes

400 „ 450 „ 2 „

500 „ 550 „ 2½ „

600 „ 650 „ 3 „

The table has not been taken further, as 600 yards is the limit of

“individual effort.”

LATERAL ZERO

If there should be a lateral error when zeroing, the foresight should

be moved as in the R.S.M.L.E., except that the cramp is made to

fit over and through the foresight protectors, and, as there is no

nose-cap to remove, it is a simpler operation.

AIM, HOW TAKEN

[Illustration: No 2.

Sights:

Enfield 1914 Rifle.

]

Diagram 2 will illustrate far better than a word picture how aim

should be taken. The main thing is to look _through_ the aperture,

and not _at it_. The foresight will be centred in the aperture,

and the tip of it placed at 6 o’clock in the ordinary way.

(_Note_:--It will be found that with very little practice the eye

will instinctively centre the foresight, and that aiming, with this

sight, will in reality simply be the action of holding the tip of the

foresight on to 6 o’clock.)

THE MAGAZINE

The magazine holds five rounds only, and is constructed in such a

manner as to permit the magazine platform to rise and engage the face

of the bolt-head when the magazine is empty. This advertises the fact

that “re-loading” is necessary. At the same time, it prevents giving

practice in “rapid manipulation of the bolt,” unless the “Depressors

magazine platform,” or a coin such as a franc (which will serve the

same purpose) be used to hold down the platform, thus enabling the

bolt to pass freely through the bolt-way when the magazine is empty.

It is of simple construction, consisting of three parts only: the

platform, the spring and the bottom plate. To remove: press the point

of a bullet into the hole that will be found in the bottom plate, in

front of the trigger guard, then push downwards and in the direction

of the trigger; this releases the spring and allows the magazine to

be removed and cleaned. To replace: reverse the above process. Care

must be taken when loading to ensure that the charger is placed

vertically in the charger guide; if allowed to lean forward the first

cartridge will foul the padding of the magazine, and loading will

become difficult.

There is little possibility of a jam if the bolt-way, the breech and

the magazine are kept clean.

SAFETY DEVICES

1. The Safety Catch.--This is similar to the R.S.M.L.E., but is on

the opposite side, _i.e._, the right side of the body. If the thumb

piece is turned over to the rear, it performs two actions. (_a_)

Rotates the half-moon on the eccentric stem until it engages in the

recess in the cocking piece, thus preventing the cocking piece from

going forward if the trigger be accidentally pressed. (_b_) Pushes

forward the locking bolt plunger until it is engaged in the locking

bolt recess in the bolt lever, thus preventing the rotation of the

bolt.

2. Bolt Lever.--This when turned down, _i.e._, when the breech is

closed, fits into a recess in the body of the rifle, and ensures that

the bolt cannot be blown back, even should the resisting lugs give

way.

3. The Safety Stud.--This is in direct communication with the sear,

and is constructed in such a manner as to ensure that the sear

cannot be depressed without the safety stud rising. On the under side

of the bolt is a recess, which comes immediately over the safety

stud when the bolt lever is turned fully down. It is, therefore,

impossible to press the trigger, which depresses the sear, until the

bolt lever is fully turned down and the action sealed.

GAS ESCAPES

Of these there are three. On the right of the hood; on the under

side of the bolt, one in front and the other in rear of the

extractor ring. They perform the same duties as the gas escapes in

the R.S.M.L.E., except that the one in front of the extractor ring

prevents air-pockets--which would act as brakes--from forming.

PULL OFF

This is slightly different to that of the R.S.M.L.E., the first

pull being from 2 to 3 lbs., and the second from 5 to 6 lbs. The

first pull is comparatively long, and it is necessary to obtain, by

practice, the correct “trigger squeeze” before firing the rifle for

the first time.

CARE AND CLEANING

In order to take full advantage of the rifle, it is essential that

it be kept absolutely clean; the following parts should receive

special attention:

The Bore.--This should always carry a high polish.

The Sights.--Must be kept free from oil, and the aperture free from

fluff.

The Hood.--Must always be free from oil and dirt, as it contains

the recesses in which the resisting lugs work, and if dirt be

allowed to gather there, the shock of discharge cannot be evenly

taken on both sides, and accurate shooting under these conditions

is unattainable.

The Breech.--Must be kept clean and free from oil by means of the

stick which is provided for the purpose.

The Bolt.--Must be kept free from oil, and must be the correct one

for the rifle, _i.e._, must carry the same number as that shown

on the hood and on the sight leaf.

Gas escapes.--Must be kept free from oil and dirt.

GENERAL.

The rifle is issued specially as a sniping rifle, and although

a bayonet is issued with it, it should not be used for bayonet

fighting practice. The woodwork of the rifle must on no account be

cut down, and as, when it is issued, it is correctly zeroed to suit

one man’s hold, it should not be transferred to another man without

re-zeroing it to suit _his_ particular hold.

THE END

PRINTED AT

THE CHAPEL RIVER PRESS,

KINGSTON, SURREY

Transcriber’s Notes

Punctuation, hyphenation, and spelling were made consistent when a

predominant preference was found in the original book; otherwise they

were not changed.

Simple typographical errors were corrected; unbalanced quotation

marks were remedied when the change was obvious, and otherwise left

unbalanced.

Illustrations in this eBook have been positioned between paragraphs

and outside quotations. In versions of this eBook that support

hyperlinks, the page references in the List of Illustrations lead to

the corresponding illustrations.

Illustrations were not “descreened” (removal of diagonal, light gray

lines) because doing so made them blurry. The topic of the book

required them to remain as sharp as practical.

Sniping in France: With notes on the scientific training of scouts, observers, and snipers · 第 11 / 11 章