done by the men of an advancing skirmish line, there is danger that the
forward movement will be retarded, and that some of the men will take
advantage of this opportunity to make themselves “scarce.” Officers
and men should endeavor to replenish ammunition at every opportunity,
without awaiting specific orders to that effect, and, in general, see
that not only the prescribed number of rounds, but, on the contrary, as
much ammunition as possible is on hand in the organization.
When the force is to stand on the defensive, especially if the position
to be occupied has been prepared for defense, ammunition should
be deposited all along the firing line. (Cartridge boxes or other
utensils may be used as receptacles). It is advisable to use first the
cartridges carried in caps, haversacks, coat and trousers’ pockets. The
contents of the right cartridge box are saved for decisive moments when
great rapidity of fire is essential. In replenishing ammunition, the
right cartridge box is filled first, then the left, and the surplus is
accommodated in haversack, coat and trousers’ pockets.
AUSTRIA.
(Par. 70 Regulations of 1903).
The regulations are extremely thorough and deserve special attention.
If an engagement is imminent, each private receives 20 additional
rounds before leaving the bivouac or reserve position, and each
non-commissioned officer 100 rounds from the company ammunition
wagon, so that the latter is about half emptied.[517] This brings
the total amount carried by each soldier up to 140 rounds, and
increases the load of the privates by 0.71 kg., and that of the
non-commissioned officers by about 4 kg. When troops go into action,
the ammunition wagons are assembled and accompany the battalion
reserve, taking as much advantage of cover as possible, so that the
attention of the enemy may not be drawn to them. After the battalion
reserve has been absorbed by the firing line, the ammunition wagons
accompany the regimental reserve. When exposed to artillery fire, the
wagons maintain intervals of twenty paces from one another. They are
either placed under the orders of the battalion adjutant, or of the
senior supply officer present with them, as may be directed by the
battalion commander.
[517] The company ammunition wagon carries 9,450 rounds of
ammunition, packed in seven compartments. It consists of a body and a
limber, has a width of track of 1.13 m., and is supplied with eight
sacks which serve to carry ammunition to the troops. During the day
its position is indicated by a red flag, and at night by a green
lantern.
In attack, it will, as a rule, only be possible to replenish
ammunition until troops get within about 1,000 paces (750 m.) of the
enemy. From this point on, however, it will be extremely difficult to
supply ammunition. Every lull in the fight must be taken advantage
of to replenish ammunition. The firing line receives a fresh supply
of ammunition through reinforcements or through small detachments
under non-commissioned officers sent forward from the reserves. These
detachments, after distributing the ammunition they have brought
up, remain with the firing line. The companies engaged in the fire
fight later take advantage of every opportunity to replenish and to
redistribute ammunition.
In defense, all the ammunition wagons may be emptied before the
action begins, and sent to the rear to be refilled. The ammunition
should be deposited in the vicinity of the firing line. The
subsequent replenishment of the supply should be managed as in an
attack. If ammunition is very urgently needed by the firing line,
and when no other remedy suggests itself, a part of the ammunition
of the reserves may be turned over to the firing line. Special
detachments should be detailed to remove the ammunition from the
dead and wounded. Wounded men who are able to walk to the dressing
station, turn over their ammunition to their comrades.
If another organization requests to be furnished ammunition, the
entire amount required, or a part thereof, depending upon the urgency
of the case and the amount available, should be turned over to it.
RUSSIA.[518]
[518] In each battalion, the ammunition wagon of the 2nd company
carries 108 explosive cartridges, weighing 200 g. each, and that of
the 3rd company carries 48 fuzes.
The ammunition carried in the cartridge boxes of the men may prove
insufficient during an action. On open ground the ammunition
wagons, assembled by regiment, accompany the regimental reserve,
and in covered terrain, they are assembled by battalion, and follow
the battalion reserve. When practicable, their position is to be
indicated during the day by red flags placed on their flank, and at
night by green lanterns. In defense, an adequate supply of ammunition
should be deposited in rear of the firing line, or should be at
once distributed among the men. In attack, the ammunition supply of
the firing line and of the supports is to be replenished when they
enter ranges under 700 m. The best means of preventing shortage of
ammunition is to husband it at long ranges. Ammunition wagons are not
to be emptied and their contents distributed before an action begins;
on the contrary, the ammunition is to be issued during the fight, one
wagon after another being emptied. Ammunition may be sent forward
from the reserve to the firing line, the men who carry it remaining
with that line. On the other hand--and this seems to be the method
most frequently employed--men from the firing line may be sent to
the rear for ammunition. The men of the reserves at once turn over
one-half of their cartridges to these men, who are then assembled and
sent forward under the command of a non-commissioned officer. The
ammunition is carried forward in sacks--so-called “bashlicks.”
FRANCE.
Each company has one ammunition wagon, which is a part of the combat
train (_train de combat_), and carries 16,384 Lebel cartridges, and
36 intrenching tools. It can carry 19,000 rounds of the new “D”
ammunition,[519] So long as any ammunition remains in the ammunition
wagons, they remain under all circumstances with their battalion.
They are assembled in battalion groups on the left flank of their
battalion. When the battalion is broken up for advance, flank,
rear guard, or outpost work, they remain with the main body of the
battalion. When the companies are separated for a protracted period,
the battalion commander decides whether or not the ammunition
wagons should accompany their respective companies. The ammunition
in the wagons is, as a general rule, to be distributed before the
commencement of an action. If this is impossible when the force
is taken by surprise, the commander of the group of ammunition
wagons must bring them up as close as possible under cover, and
the battalion commander must supervise the distribution of the
ammunition. In quarters and on the march, the ammunition is to be
replenished by taking the ammunition from the sick, from the men
detailed away, or from the supply carried by the baggage wagon.[520]
The ammunition in the baggage wagon is only to be used when all these
other sources are exhausted. When an encounter with the enemy may
be expected, and only a short march is anticipated, the ammunition
carried in the baggage wagons may be distributed before starting.
[519] The company ammunition wagon Model 1893 weighs 287 kg.
when empty, and 770 kg. when filled. It carries 14,400 rounds of
ammunition (net capacity 48%) or 66 rounds per rifle.
[520] The baggage wagon weighs 450 kg. when empty, and 1054 kg.
when loaded. It carries 36 intrenching tools, and a tool chest. Its
net capacity is 45%. Forty knapsacks may be transported on this wagon
in lieu of the ammunition.
Any further replenishment of ammunition is to be ordered by the
division commander. The empty company ammunition wagons are assembled
in regimental groups and follow at least 1,000 m. in rear of the
regimental reserve. At each halt, the wagon train is to prepare for
defense. The regimental commander is to regulate the distribution of
the ammunition sent forward by the ammunition columns.
When this distribution cannot be made for some reason or other, the
wagons, assembled in groups of four, follow their battalions. It is
the duty of the battalion commander to keep the firing line supplied
with ammunition. The contents of the company ammunition wagons are
not to be replenished from the ammunition columns during an action.
The ammunition is to be removed from the dead and wounded.
The source of the ammunition supply is the corps ammunition park,
which is divided into three echelons, as follows:
1st echelon consists of two infantry ammunition columns and marches
at the head of the combat train of the troops engaged;
IInd echelon consists of three infantry ammunition columns;
IIIrd echelon carries artillery ammunition only.
Two infantry ammunition columns of the 1st echelon, which, as a
rule, constitutes the “ammunition supply center” at the commencement
of an action, march at the head of the combat train (_train de
combat_). A half-filled infantry ammunition column must at all times
be available at this “ammunition supply center.” Ammunition wagons
of the infantry ammunition column are sent forward at the request
of the division commander to the position taken up by the company
ammunition wagons. The latter are generally posted not more than
1,000 m. in the rear of the fighting line, and parts of each infantry
ammunition column (usually one ammunition wagon for each battalion)
are posted by an officer not more than 1,500 m. in rear of these.
The empty company ammunition wagons are not refilled, the ammunition
being sent forward directly from the ammunition columns. As soon as
the infantry ammunition columns are informed which organizations they
are to supply, they send out non-commissioned officers to locate the
ammunition wagons of those organizations and establish communication
with them. The commander of the ammunition column directs where empty
ammunition wagons are to assemble. In emergencies, wagons of the
infantry ammunition column may also drive close up to the fighting
line. In this case, empty wagons assemble near the groups of company
ammunition wagons, and from there they are sent back in trains to the
ammunition column to which they belong.
Every opportunity, such as a lull in the fight, or an abatement of
the hostile fire, etc., must be utilized to distribute the ammunition
of the company wagons or of the ammunition column.
It is prohibited to send wagons or men to the rear for the purpose of
bringing up ammunition on the battlefield. All men sent forward with
ammunition should remain in the firing line.
ENGLAND.
The British infantryman is usually provided with 115, and each
machine gun with 3,500 rounds of ammunition. Each battalion is, in
addition, provided with 8 pack animals, each carrying two ammunition
chests containing 4,400 cartridges (77 kg.), and with 8 ammunition
wagons.
On the march, the pack animals and half of the ammunition wagons
follow immediately in rear of the battalion. The (16) remaining
wagons form a reserve ammunition column at the disposal of the
brigade commander, and march at the tail of the brigade. When an
engagement is anticipated, 50 additional rounds (1.3 kg.) may be
issued to each man before leaving camp. During an action, one pack
animal and two ammunition wagons follow each half-battalion. Empty
company ammunition wagons are refilled from the brigade reserve
ammunition column. When the wagons of the latter are empty, they are
replaced by filled wagons from the ammunition column. The teams are
not transferred with the wagons, but remain with the organization to
which they belong.
Ammunition wagons are expected to approach to within about 900
m. of the firing line, and pack animals to within 450 m. One
non-commissioned officer and two or three privates are to be detailed
from each company to bring up ammunition. Each man is to carry a sack
containing 600 cartridges (16 kg.). That this method of supplying
ammunition is practicable under fire is shown by the distinguished
conduct lists for =Paardeberg=, where men were praised or decorated
for endurance and fearlessness in bringing up ammunition. (See p. 371
supra). The men who bring up ammunition may be kept in the firing
line when the ground is devoid of cover.
The division ammunition columns, although they carry both infantry
and artillery ammunition, constitute an integral part of the
artillery battalions.
ITALY.
When an encounter with the enemy is anticipated, the ammunition
wagons are to be emptied, the men detailed to carry ammunition are
to remove their packs, and each one of them is to carry ammunition
weighing about 7.5 kg.
The packs are to be removed only in case of urgent necessity.
When this is ordered, however, the soldier first removes all the
cartridges and the emergency ration from his pack. The ammunition
knapsacks, which are always to be taken along, are, however, carried
in turn by all the soldiers of the company.
The advancing units that are in need of ammunition, may demand it
from troops ordered to remain behind. They take along their own
ammunition carriers. The latter, assembled in a squad, distribute the
ammunition along the firing line, and remain with that line. In the
first lull that occurs, they assemble again as a squad and take part
as such in the action.
The empty ammunition knapsacks belonging to organizations in reserve
are to be refilled as rapidly as possible from the ammunition wagons
sent forward from the ammunition park to the fighting line.
The ammunition of the dead and wounded is to be removed ind
distributed among the remaining men. During pauses in the fire, the
ammunition is to be equalized in all organizations engaged in the
fire fight.
The ammunition wagons of the echelons in rear are to approach the
fighting line as far as the available cover permits. Their position
is to be indicated by flags. The ammunition carriers are to come to
these wagons to refill the empty ammunition knapsacks.
3. WHAT DEDUCTIONS MAY BE MADE FROM THE REGULATIONS OF THE VARIOUS
ARMIES.
1. The contents of the ammunition wagons should be distributed at the
commencement of an action. This should not be done too early as the
packing and unpacking of ammunition takes time, and as the soldier
will not march so well when loaded down at the wrong time with 60 to
75 additional cartridges (1.8 to 2.4 kg.), unequally distributed in
haversack and pockets. It is also a good plan to issue as many rounds
of ammunition to the non-commissioned officers as to the men. During a
fight this ammunition can then be distributed to the men.
2. As soon as the ammunition wagons have been refilled from the
ammunition columns, which have been brought up, they should at once
endeavor to rejoin their battalions and should then follow as close
as possible in rear of the latter. The expenditure of ammunition
will never be equally distributed along the line; therefore, if the
battalion commander retains all four ammunition wagons directly under
his own orders, he will be better able to equalize the supply of
ammunition than would be the case if each ammunition wagon, as soon as
it is refilled, were to follow its own company, which, in many cases,
it will scarcely find again.
3. It is the duty of the commander to assign a few ammunition wagons
belonging to organizations held in reserve to bodies of troops which
will in all probability need a greater quantity of ammunition.
4. The organization must be in possession of an adequate supply of
ammunition on entering the zone of effective fire, i.e., at a distance
of 600 m. from the enemy. The sending of individual men to the rear
for the purpose of bringing up ammunition will only be practicable
in rare cases. As a rule, the violence of the hostile fire will make
this impossible. Only the best men can be sent back. It is asking too
much to expect them to cross twice the zone swept by hostile fire.
Moreover, the best men are needed in the firing line to encourage
the weaker element, and to replace disabled squad leaders. Under no
circumstances should the firing line be withdrawn to get ammunition
from the ammunition wagons, as an attack made unexpectedly by the enemy
might find the position unoccupied and thus cause its loss.[521] It is
a general principle that ammunition must be sent forward from the rear.
[521] Examples: The loss of the park at Coulmiers (HELVIG, _Das 1.
bayerische Armeekorps_, p. 202). The engagement at Daix on January
21st, 1871 (_Geschichte des Regiments Nr. 61_, p. 174). KUNZ,
_Loigny-Poupry_, p. 77.
5. The ammunition can be removed from the dead and wounded only
in defense, or in attack when the forward movement has come to a
standstill. In an advance, it cannot be done without retarding the
movement and without affording individual men an excuse to remain
behind.
6. The bringing up of ammunition by individual men, left to their
own devises, is not to be recommended, as it facilitates “shirking”;
moreover, if one of the men is disabled, the ammunition he carries
will never reach the firing line. Ammunition should either be sent
to the firing line with each support, or it should be carried by
detachments sent forward in thin skirmish lines under the command of
non-commissioned officers. These detachments should remain with the
firing line.
7. Whether or not signals for informing the troops in rear of a
shortage of ammunition in the firing line will fulfill the expectations
entertained for them, can only be determined by the test of war.
INDEX.
A.
ACCELERATED FIRE, effect of 162
ACCELERATED TIME, in various armies (tables) 54
ACCURACY, effect of, in collective fire 169
ACTION
Breaking off an 441
Conduct and duties of the leaders in 399
Containing 445
Delaying 445
ADJUSTMENT, artillery fire 319
ADVANCE
Crawling--see Crawling
Fire while in motion 92, 93
Firing line in attack 366
Formations suitable for, through timber 332
Impulse from the rear 95
Infantry under artillery fire 321
Rushes--see Rushes
Skirmish line 76
ADVANCE BY CRAWLING--see Crawling
ADVANCE BY RUSHES--see Rushes
ADVANCE GUARD.
Battalion, formation for attack 212
Conduct in a rencontre 334
Conduct of, France 454
Italy 451
ADVANCED POSITIONS 413
Austria 450
Danger of fight being decided in 414
England 462
Examples of 412
Example of attack on 348
Japan 465
Russia 413
ADVANCED TROOPS 349
AGENTS DE LIAISON 245
AIM, points of 165
AIMING POSITION, warding off cavalry 307
ALPINI 22, 24
ALTITUDE, effect of, on ranges 145
AMMUNITION
Expenditure and supply of 468
Franco-German War 468
Russo-Japanese War 473
Russo-Turkish War 472
Expenditure of, during advance by rushes 90
How carried by soldier in various armies 476
Knapsacks 483
Machine guns 261
Austria 288
England 290
Switzerland 284
Germany 273
Rate of fire versus waste of 161
Shortage of, examples 469
Supply and distribution in action 400
Supply, Austria 475, 479
Deductions from various regulations 483
Defense 400
England 475, 482
France 475, 480
Germany 475, 476
Italy 475, 483
Japan 475
Russia 475, 480
Various armies (table) 475
Wagon--see Ammunition Wagons,
Weight of, in various armies (table) 40
AMMUNITION CARTS--see Ammunition Wagons
AMMUNITION KNAPSACKS 483
AMMUNITION WAGONS 72
Austria 479
England 482
France 480
Germany 477
Italy 483
Russia 480
APPLICATORY METHOD OF INSTRUCTION 10, 11
APPLIED TACTICS 12, 13
ARBITRATION, Courts of 3
ARMY CORPS, frontage in attack 236
ARTILLERY,
Adjustment of fire 319
Cavalry charge supported by 313
Combat of infantry against 316
Combat of machine guns against 297
Combination fuses 113
Coöperation with infantry 351, 354
Effect of fire (France) 123, 124, 321
Field guns, in various armies 111
Fire at successive ranges 321
Fire diverted by advancing infantry 327
Fire effect of French 4-gun battery 321
Fire effect of (French data) 123, 124
Fire for effect 320
Howitzer, heavy field 118
Light field 116
Infantry screen 327
Line, distance from infantry line in defense 415
Losses, Franco-German War 20
Percentage of 188
Under infantry fire 326, 327
Percussion shell (Model 96) 115
Percussion shrapnel 111
Positions in defense 414
Preparatory action (France) in attack 454
Progressive fire 320
Searching fire 321
Shields, protection afforded by 324
Shrapnel 112, 113
Effect of (table) 114, 122
Sweeping fire 321
Time required for adjusting the fire 119
Time shell (Model 96) 116
(Model 98) 118
Time shrapnel 112, 113
Unlimbering under infantry fire 326
Zone fire 320
ASSAULT 373
Austria 449
Conduct of the 374
Decision to make an 373
England 462
Examples 376
Fire support 379
Fire while in motion 381
France 457
Guidons 355
Italy 452
Japan 464
Moment for making the 374
Pursuit after successful 385
Successful, conduct after 385
Trumpet signal, fix bayonet 377
Unsuccessful, conduct after 386
ASSAULTING DISTANCE 385, 424
ASSEMBLY FORMATIONS 42
France (_carré de division_) 454
ATTACK 329
Abridged 330
Advance of the firing line 366
Advance guard, conduct of the--in a rencontre 334
Advanced troops 349
Assault 352, 373, 374, 399
Assaulting distance 385, 424
Austria 448
Brigade, frontage of a, in 399
Column 44, 45
Comparison with defense 329
Conditions upon which success depends 345
Conduct of the 365
Coöperation of infantry and artillery 351, 352, 354
Decision to assault 373
Deliberately planned, comparison with rencontre 334, 338
Deployment, initial 366
Distances 368
Of supports from firing line 99
Duration of the 351
England 459
Envelopment 356
Examples
Boer War 340
Russo-Japanese War 340, 345
Fire fight 368
Fixing bayonets 372
Formation for, of a battalion 211, 212, 213
France 453
Advance in mass formation 455
Group attack 255
Preparatory attack formation 455
Frontage 234
Army corps 236
Battalion 236
Brigade 235, 236, 399
Company 96, 235, 236
Gaps in the line 239
General rules for use of intrenching tools 393
Higher troop leading, duties 366
Holding 357, 445
Intrenching tools, use of 387
Infantry against dismounted cavalry 313
Italy 451
Japan 463
I. Army 342
Influences determining tactics in Russo-Japanese War 341
Launching the enveloping force 359
Lessons of the Boer War 340
Russo-Japanese War 340
Local reconnaissance in 347
Machine guns in 365
Methods of forming a battalion for (plates) 215, 216
Minor troop leading, duties 365
Moment for making the assault 374
Normal attack 203, 204, 205
Number of men required 234
On an enemy deployed for defense 340
Orders, issue of, in rencontre 36
Over plain devoid of cover 255
Point of 355
Position of commander in 399
Preparation by infantry and artillery (France) 454
Preparation of the 346
Preparatory position, advance into 350
Provisions of various regulations in re use of spade in 392
Pure frontal 357
Range finding instruments, employment in 146
Reconnaissance 346
In force 347
Rencontre 333
Compared with deliberately planned attack 338
Conduct of main body in a 336
Reserve, strength of 395
Reserves, employment of 394
Rules for the advance under fire 367
Sand bag cover 344, 390
Secondary 357
Separation of holding and flank attacks 361
Signal (fix bayonet) 377
Spade, use of, in 387, 392, 449, 457, 465, 466
Successful, conduct after 385
Superiority of fire, necessity of 370, 371
Supports, advance of 368
Distance from firing line 99
Surprise 330
Switzerland 466
Time for opening fire, general rules 155
Troop leading, duties of 365, 366
United, examples illustrating necessity of a 402
Unsuccessful, conduct after 386
ATTACK ON A POSITION PREPARED FOR DEFENSE
Austria 448
Japan 464
Switzerland 466