French Infantry Combat
Principles.
FRENCH INFANTRY COMBAT PRINCIPLES.
OPEN WARFARE.
106.--Is open warfare probable?
It is improbable that in this war trench warfare will definitely give
place on all sectors of the front to open warfare.
But the tactics that have forced several retirements will force others.
If sufficient troops are available, tried and fit and resolute, with
the necessary quantities of ammunition and improved artillery, we shall
see German arrogance and brutality in victory become again cringing
fear and demoralization in defeat; the experience of the Marne will
be repeated and the invaders will be driven out of the territory they
swarmed over through treacherous breaking of treaties.
107.--The need of training in Infantry Combat Principles.
That day the infantry will come again unto its own and its dash and
resolution will insure victory.
To achieve it, it must be a well trained infantry, in the old sense
of the word. Officers, non-commissioned officers and men must have a
thorough and practical knowledge of Infantry Combat Principles.
These should be practiced in the intervals of trench service when the
battalion is in rest billets.
Their theory should be thoroughly mastered by all on whom may devolve
responsibility.
108.--The two phases of the Combat.
We shall study here the two principal phases of the combat: the
approach and the attack, from the point of view of the company
commander.
109.--The Defense.
We shall also consider the Combat from the standpoint of the Defense.
THE APPROACH.
110.--All maneuvering at close range impossible.
In the attack, the infantry can proceed only straight ahead. Under
infantry fire all maneuvering is impossible. Therefore by "approach" is
meant all maneuvering preparatory to the attack: It brings the troops
directly in front of and as near as possible to the objective.
PRELIMINARY DISPOSITIONS TO START THE APPROACH.
111.--The orders to attack.
The company commander will receive his orders from the battalion
commander.
112.--Equipment and Liaison.
In the meanwhile let the lieutenants:
a) make sure that the men are fully equipped and
provided with full allotment of ammunition;
b) appoint and parade connecting files (runners) to
await orders.
113.--Distribution of Orders.
The company commander having received his orders from the battalion
commander, will then call his subordinates and issue his own orders
accordingly, including the formation to be adopted.
114.--Combat patrols.
He will make sure that there are combat patrols on the exposed flank or
flanks and to the front and rear if need be.
It is well to have combat patrols detach automatically. It may be
understood, once for all, that, without further orders, the first squad
will cover in front, the second to the right, the third to the left,
the fourth to the rear, whenever needed. Still, the officer in charge
should make sure that this arrangement is carried out.
A combat patrol, if not a full advance guard, will thus always precede
a unit and be the first to take contact with the enemy.
115.--Officers as guides.
The officers serve as guides to their units, until deployment, a
mounted officer in liaison with the advance guard or advanced combat
patrol checking up the itinerary.
116.--Keep Close Order as long as possible.
The advance of a company into an engagement is conducted in close
order, preferably columns of squads, until possible observation by the
enemy or encountering of hostile fire makes it advisable to deploy.
Deployment should not be premature and should always follow upon the
conditions arising during the progress of the advance.
PRECAUTIONS AGAINST HOSTILE ARTILLERY.
AGAINST SILENT ARTILLERY.
117.--Nearing artillery which may open fire.
About two or three miles from the positions liable to be occupied by
the enemy's field artillery, precautions should be taken against the
possibility of its opening fire.
118.--Deployment.
Deployments should be adopted best suited to escape observation:
119.--To escape direct observation:
March in single or double file, the whole section[D] keeping closed up
so as to diminish the number of files seen from the front.
120.--Under aeroplane observation:
Avoid especially the center of roads as they show white, utilize on the
contrary the spaces between cultivated fields of different colors,
make use of all possible cover, trees, shrubs, ditches, embankments.
Always walk in the shade when possible. If hostile aeroplanes are
flying low, halt and lie down on left side, hiding face in elbow.
FOOTNOTE:
[D] The French "section" comprises 54 men. It is thus equivalent to 7
squads, and may be considered as 2 platoons.
CROSSING A BOMBARDED ZONE.
121.--Case I. Artillery opening fire to register.
A registering fire is easily recognized as the German artillery
registers either with a single percussion shell at a time, or with two
time-shells at three seconds interval.
In the German field gun, the setting of the angle of sight[E] and of
the elevation[F] involves two operations.
122.--Oblique to right then to left.
Therefore infantry under registering fire should oblique forward
rapidly.
123.--Case II: Artillery opening fire for effect.
The zone has necessarily been previously registered. Such a zone is
easily recognized by the presence of shell holes.
124.--Avoid Zone if possible.
It should be avoided and the advance made on its outskirts.
125.--The five cases of fire for effect.
If this cannot be done and the fire for effect materializes five cases
are to be distinguished as the shells may be:
1. Shrapnel shells bursting at right height;
2. Shrapnel shells bursting high;
3. Time-Fuse high explosive shells bursting at right
height;
4. Time-Fuse high explosive shells bursting high;
5. Percussion high explosive shells.
126.--Case 1. Burst Area of Shrapnel shells bursting at right height.
The area of burst is about 250 to 300 yards in length and 30 yards in
width, half the bullets falling on the first 50 yards of the beaten
zone.
127.--Protective Formation against Shrapnel.
Advance in line of section, in single or double file keeping as closed
up as possible with 30 yards intervals between sections.
The second line should be 250 to 300 yards behind the first.
128.--Case 2. Shrapnel shells bursting high.
Much less dangerous than when bursting at right height as initial speed
of bullets is spent. Same formation as for Case 1.
129.--Case 3. Burst area of Time-fuse high explosive shells bursting at
right height.
The area of burst is opposite to that of shrapnel: short depth, large
width, only 7 to 10 yards depths as opposed to 60 to 100 yards in width.
130.--Protective Formation against Time-fuse high explosives.
Advance in line of section, single or double file, keeping as closed up
as possible with 60 to 100 yards intervals between sections.
The second line may be 15 yards behind the first.
131.--Case 4. High explosive shells bursting high.
The depth of the area of burst is longer than when shells burst at the
right height; therefore widen interval between the lines.
132.--Case 5. Burst area of percussion high explosive shells.
The radius of the explosion is only about 25 yards but the local effect
is intense and the displacement is effective in more than double the
radius.
133.--Protective Formation against percussion high explosive shells.
Advance in line of section in double file, keeping as closed up as
possible, with about 100 yards intervals between sections.
The second line may be about 50 yards behind the first.
FOOTNOTES:
[E] Inclination of the line of sight to the horizontal.
[F] The vertical inclination of the gun.
GENERAL RECOMMENDATIONS AGAINST ALL TYPES OF EFFECTIVE FIRE.
134.--Dangerous to stop, useless to run.
Do not stop in a zone under fire for effect as lying down only provides
a larger target. If absolutely obliged to stop, remain standing
and packed together like sardines, maintaining above formations and
intervals. It is useless to run, but, as much as possible, advance
steadily.
135.--Protective Formation against all types of shells.
As may appear from the study of the above the following formation
and intervals will afford the best protection against all types and
combinations of types of shells, as a shell will never affect more than
one section.
Advance in lines of sections in double file, keeping as closed up as
possible, with 85 to 110 yards intervals[G] between sections.
The second line should be 250 to 300 yards behind the first.
FOOTNOTE:
[G] All through this chapter, maximum intervals are given. They may
have to be shortened to secure closer order at the expense of greater
safety.
SPECIAL FEATURES OF THE APPROACH.
USE OF WOODS AS SHELTER ON THE ADVANCE.
136.--Avoid if small.
They should be used to advance or halt only if they are of considerable
size. Then, they hide movements and provide some shelter from fire. On
the contrary, when they are small, they are to be avoided as they draw
artillery fire and do not offer sufficient protection.
137.--Liaison difficult.
When advancing in woods, special care should be taken to keep all
fractions connected.
138.--Exit quickly at one time.
To exit from wood, take all necessary dispositions under cover so that,
on the signal of the commander, all fractions may be ready to spring
out together. They should continue to advance forward, as rapidly as
possible, to avoid the enemy's likely shelling of the outskirts.
138.--Otherwise exit in different places.
If the exit cannot be made by all fractions at one time, the elements
of the second line should avoid coming out at the same point as those
of the first line.
TO CROSS A CREST.
139.--Cross altogether and rapidly.
Let the line of sections assemble at top of crest, crouching carefully
below the sky line. Then, upon concerted signal, all should leap
quickly across and down the descending slope, making as extended bounds
as possible.
This makes crossing fairly safe as even the infantry will have to
modify both its elevation and angle of sight for every new position of
this quickly moving target.
PRECAUTIONS AGAINST CAVALRY.
140.--Cavalry Patrols.
During the whole "approach" watch should be kept for possible cavalry
patrols. The elements acting as advance guard and flank guards or
as combat patrols have as part of their special mission to keep the
cavalry away from the main body.
141.--Face and Fire.
To repulse cavalry, the infantry must be able to face quickly toward
the charging horsemen and furnish a heavy fire.
142.--Protective formations.
If cavalry patrols are expected ahead, deployment as skirmishers will
secure this, if on the flanks, deploy in columns of squads marching in
double file. A formation in echelon is effective at all times.
143.--Repulsing the charge.
If cavalry appears, stop, face the charge quickly, fix bayonets and
fire at will, the section leaders controlling the fire.
144.--In case of surprise.
If surprised, deploy quickly and lie down.
THE ATTACK.
THE TERMINATION OF THE APPROACH.
145.--The Objective.
The standard objective of a battalion is a maximum front of 550 yards.
146.--Determination of the Objective.
On nearing the objective the battalion commander reconnoiters rapidly
to determine the number of companies to put in the front line and the
part of the objective to be assigned to each.
147.--Horses sent back.
Mounted officers now send back their horses to reserve battalion.
148.--Assignment of position to companies.
The battalion commander assigns to each company its part of the
objective and the position from which it is to start the attack.
149.--Getting into position for the attack.
The orders are given verbally by the battalion commander to the
captains and by the captains to the company usually through the platoon
leaders as the company is not in close order.
150.--Deployment before infantry fire.
As soon as the zone swept by the infantry fire of the enemy is reached
(about 1000 yards) deployment as skirmishers becomes imperative.
151.--Methods of advance.
Keep on advancing toward positions for the attack by fractions, varying
method according to the terrain; short rushes, crawling, making use of
all possible cover.
152.--Position of officers.
The battalion commander and the captains march with the supports, the
battalion commander controlling the despatch of reinforcements. As
soon as the supports are all sent forward they march with the fraction
nearest the enemy.
153.--Liaison.
A connecting file (runner) accompanies the battalion commander and each
of the captains.
THE FIRE ATTACK.
154.--The time to fire.
It is determined by the casualties.
155.--The order to fire.
It is given by the captains; (only in case of extreme emergency by a
subaltern.)
156.--Fire Control.
The section leaders, under the direction of the captain; control the
fire: classes of firing, volley firing, firing at will; the target (the
nearest hostile troops within the sector of the objective being the
usual target); the range, the opening and cessation of fire in volley
fire.
157.--Fire observation.
The section leaders are helped in their observation of the fire effect
by observers standing besides them. The fire is usually directed
independently by section or half section.
158.--Verification of range.
In principle, the corporals do not take part in the fire but verify
the range and direction of the fire of their respective squads.
ADVANCING THE FIRING LINE.
159.--Methods of advance.
To advance the firing line in attack, all means are good: by section,
half-section, squad, the only condition being that it be by commanded
fractions.
160.--Closing in to replace casualties.
As men fall, the rest close in toward the section leader, the sections
rectifying intervals on the sections furthest advanced (the captain is
with this section, all sections being now in line.)
161.--Closing in on the battalion front.
The several companies rectify intervals in the same way on the furthest
advanced company (the battalion commander being with this company).
162.--Seize every opportunity to advance.
Every propitious occasion to advance should be seized at once by the
various elements of the line: greater effectiveness of the neighboring
section's fire, slackening fire of the enemy, effects of artillery,
etc.
163.--Each fraction protects advance of neighbor.
The movement forward of each fraction of the line should be protected
by the fire of the neighboring fraction.
164.--Keep fit to fire accurately.
The fraction leader, after each rush forward, should give time to the
men to get back their breath so that they may fire with careful aim.
165.--Liaison with the Captain.
The captain should be kept informed by a conventional signal as to the
need of ammunition, etc.
USE OF MACHINE GUNS IN THE ATTACK.
166.--During the Approach.
Use them judiciously but boldly. They should advance as first units.
167.--During the fire attack.
Strive to keep abreast or ahead of the most advanced elements
especially on the flanks.
168.--During the charge.
Try to have them reach the objective with the firing line and
contribute to the pursuit.
THE COMPANY SUPPORTS.
169.--In liaison with the captain.
The sections kept in support are at the disposition of the captain.
170.--Method of advance.
Under the command of the section leader, they advance, in double file,
at proper intervals or deployed, according to their proximity to the
enemy and according to the terrain (covered or uncovered).
171.--Distance from the firing line.
They should be about 250 yards behind the firing line to whose
movements they conform.
172.--Supplying the firing line.
The section leaders keep in sight of the captain and upon his signaled
command advance into the firing line either to fill up a gap or to
reinforce a section.
173.--When filling a gap.
They advance as far as possible ahead of the line.
174.--Reinforcing.
They come up with a rush and shout to rehearten the line.
THE COMPANIES IN SUPPORT.
175.--Position.
They are kept out of range of the enemy's fire upon the firing line but
near enough to interfere as soon as called upon.
176.--Liaison with battalion commander.
The captains keep in touch with the battalion commander.
177.--Advance into action.
These companies advance into the fire zone with the necessary
precautions, either by fractions or entire, taking advantage of
favorable conditions: inefficiency of the enemy's fire, effectiveness
of the firing line, etc.
THE CHARGE.
178.--The final aim.
The charge is the final aim of the whole attack. Its success means the
defeat of the enemy.
179.--Caution.
It should not be launched too soon.
180.--By whom ordered.
The order may come directly from the commander of the attacking line or
be solicited by any of his subordinates.
181.--Method of advance.
Fix bayonets, advance, stop to fire, advance again, but always so as to
arrive on the enemy's position without being out of breath.
THE PURSUIT.
182.--One essential rule.
It should be vigorously pressed.
183.--Organize new position.
In the meanwhile the conquered position should be organized.
SPECIAL FEATURES OF THE ATTACK.
ATTACK OF A WOOD.
184.--First objective.
In the attack of a wood, the first objective should be the outskirts.
Concentrate the first effort on the salients.
185.--Method of Advance.
As soon as the wood is penetrated, advance quickly forward, utilizing
all roads, paths and trails. The company advances by sections or half
sections, in single or double file, preceded by strong patrols.
Every effort should be made to close in with the bayonet.
186.--Outflanking.
The companies or fractions on the flank strive to outflank the enemy so
as to attack him on the flank or from behind.
187.--Frontal Attack.
The companies or fractions in the center try to get across the wood as
quickly as possible, or, at least, to reach a clearing.
ATTACK OF A VILLAGE.
188.--First Objective.
In the attack of a village, the first objective should be the nearest
outskirt.
189.--Organize.
Consolidate this first position as soon as conquered. Signal to the
artillery to lengthen the range.
190.--Frontal attack.
Then try to gain as rapidly as possible the opposite end.
191.--Outflanking.
The flanking units endeavor to encircle the objective.
192.--Against interior defense.
If the defense has been strongly organized inside the village, fight
forward step by step. Blow up the obstacles with explosives.
193.--Cooperation of Artillery.
Have artillery bring up a few guns within close range.
ATTACK OF A DEFILE.
194.--When defended in front.
If it is defended in front, try to advance rapidly by one or both
flanks, small fractions only attacking on the valley bottom, while the
greater part of the attacking force progresses on the heights on either
side, the flanks striving to keep forward so as to reach the other end
before the defenders and encircle them.
195.--When defended in rear.
If the defile is defended at the farther end, as in the case of a
bridge, echelon units (properly covered) for heavy concentrated fire
from the bank held and cross the bridge on the run and in small groups.
NIGHT ATTACKS.
196.--Of limited scope.
They must be confined to simple movements over easy ground.
197.--Orders to be given.
They must be carefully prepared secretly beforehand in every detail.
The orders must include detailed particulars on the role of each unit
or fraction of units, precise data on the rallying points and on the
signals to be used.
198.--Small units used.
For many reasons, chief among which is the difficulty of handling large
units at night and maintaining contact, small units should be used.
199.--A battalion the maximum.
The fire of the adversary being negligible at night, there is seldom
any advantage in putting more than a battalion in line against a given
objective, the quality, discipline and cohesion of the troops making up
for the number.
200.--Special precaution.
Before beginning the approach, carefully secure all arms and utensils
so as to prevent noise. Fix bayonets.
201.--Method of advance.
Walk in double files on sides of roads, never in the center. Otherwise
as long as practicable, in columns of squads.
202.--Liaison.
Commands are to be transmitted in a low voice by connecting files.
203.--To secure surprise.
Keep absolute silence. Forbid all lights. No smoking allowed.
204.--Reconnaissance.
The itinerary should be reconnoitered beforehand, if possible, and
index stakes planted; otherwise an officer should precede with a
luminous compass and men to plant the stakes.
205.--No fire before charge.
Do not answer the enemy's fire until the charge.
206.--Quickness essential.
Success depends above all on the rapidity and continuity of the
advance. Get there as quickly as possible.
THE DEFENSE.
DEFENSE OF POINTS d'APPUIS: WOODS, VILLAGES, DEFILES.
DEFENSE OF WOODS.
207.--Distribution of Troops.
The commander should distribute his command so as to provide a defense
of the outskirts, an interior defense and reserves for a counter attack.
208.--The outskirt defense.
The outskirts defense troops should organize their positions and remain
hidden near the combat emplacements until the attack is announced as
impending by their sentinels.
209.--The interior defense.
The interior defense troops should organize their positions (abatis,
barb-wire) on the edges of clearings and other open spaces so as to
secure convergent fire.
210.--The Reserves.
The counter-attack reserves should be placed in the rear and on the
outside of the flank best suited for launching a counter attack. They
should proceed to organize the ground so as to prevent the enemy from
issuing from the wood, and should strive to keep on.
DEFENSE OF A VILLAGE.
211.--Distribution of Troops.
The same as for the defense of a wood.
212.--The exits.
The outskirts defense organization should include trenches and
accessory defences before all the exits. These should be strongly
barricaded.
213.--Interior strong point.
The interior defense should be organized about the houses most strongly
built and least visible to the enemy's artillery. It should include
hidden communications between these strong points, thus facilitating a
prolonged defense.
214.--Special precautions.
The streets should be barricaded and loopholes provided in the walls of
the houses. Precautions should be taken against fire: pails of water,
boxes of sand provided in the houses.
DEFENSE OF A DEFILE.
215.--To keep the exits open for an advance.
If the aim is to keep the exits open so as to permit the advance of
troops, the defense should be organized at some distance in front of
the defile: far enough to permit the unimpeded progress of the advance.
216.--To keep exits open for a retreat.
If the aim is to keep the exits open so as to cover the retreat of
troops, the roads at the bottom of the defile should be left free and
the defense troops so placed as to draw the enemy's fire on other
points.
217.--To block the defile.
If the aim is to block the defile, the defense should be organized
in the interior of the defile on both sides of the place of greatest
width, so as to secure convergence of fire. Echelon detachments all
along the defile to act as a rear guard in case a retreat is necessary.
Keep the flanks well protected.
NIGHT DEFENSE OF A POSITION
218.--Precautions against attack.
Attack should be guarded against by accumulating obstacles and the
defense further prepared by previous reconnoitering of the best ground
for counter-attacks.
219.--Receive with violent fire and immediate counterattacks.
The enemy's charge should be met with a violent fire at the shortest
possible range, followed immediately by counter-attacks with the
bayonet, especially on the flanks.
THE COUNTER ATTACK.
220.--Confine to definite Objective.
Indicate the objective very definitely including the position to be
reached but not gone beyond.
Its direction should not interfere with the fire of neighboring troops.
221.--Necessary Reconnaissance.
The Counter Attack should be prepared cautiously and the itinerary
carefully, even if rapidly, reconnoitered. (This may have been done as
part of the preparation of the defense. It should be done with special
care if the counter-attack is to take place at night.)
222.--Watch for opportunity.
It may be decided upon independently of the incidents of the defense or
to take advantage of the mistakes or weakness of the adversary.
223.--Counter from short distance.
The most favorable moment is when the enemy is within a short distance
and its artillery consequently obliged to stop or to lengthen its fire.
224.--Sudden and intense fire.
It should be launched suddenly so as to surprise the enemy and pushed
vigorously, the fire being increased to great intensity along the whole
front.
225.--Rapid and continuous advance.
Rapidity and continuity of advance is essential.
226.--Bayonet charge.
Its culmination is the bayonet charge against the prescribed definite
objective.
227.--Stop!
Hold this objective once conquered but do not go beyond.
228.--Dash under Discipline.
Let the motto be always, but here especially: "DASH UNDER DISCIPLINE."
QUESTIONS.
The following questions cover the principles of
combat in open warfare. These principles have been
supplemented rather than changed in the light of
experience since 1914. In their original form, as
given in this book, they still may be considered as
fundamental. Compare them carefully with the treatment
of the same topics in the larger works recommended. The
questions are shaped to cover the topics supplemented.
1.--What is the difference between "trench warfare" and "open warfare"?
2.--What is meant by the "combat"?
3.--What are the two phases of the combat?
4.--What is the distinction between "the approach" and the "attack"?
5.--Why is maneuvering impossible under infantry fire?
6.--What is the purpose of the approach?
7.--How are orders issued?
8.--How is liaison secured?
9.--What were the original functions of combat patrols?
10.--When should close order be abandoned for deployment?
11.--At what distance from the enemy does deployment become imperative?
12.--What is the last formation to escape direct observation?
13.--What precautions may be taken against aeroplane observations?
14.--What is the difference between a registering fire and fire for
effect?
15.--How may the German registering fire be recognized?
16.--What precaution may be taken against it and why is it effective?
17.--What preliminaries are necessary to open fire for effect?
18.--What is an easy way to recognize whether fire for effect may be
expected?
19.--What five cases of fire may be distinguished?
20.--What is the burst area of a shrapnel shell?
21.--What is the safest protective formation against shrapnel?
22.--What is the difference between a shrapnel shell, a time-fuse high
explosive shell and a percussion high explosive shell?
23.--What is the burst area of a time-fuse high explosive shell?
24.--What is the safest protective formation against it?
25.--What is the burst area of percussion high explosive shells, and
what precautions can be taken against them?
26.--What is the safest protective formation against all types of
shells?
27.--What objections may it be open to?
28.--What is the safest way and direction to go when under artillery
fire?
29.--Why should small woods be avoided?
30.--In large woods, what precautions must be taken to secure a steady
advance?
31.--How should the exit from a wood be made?
32.--Describe method of crossing a crest.
33.--What are good protective formations against cavalry and how is it
repulsed?
34.--What elements have the mission to deal with cavalry patrols?
35.--What is meant by "the objective" in attack?
36.--What is the distinction between determining the objective and the
position from which to start the attack?
37.--What is the distinction between "the approach" and getting into
position for the attack?
38.--At what distance from the enemy does deployment as skirmishers
become imperative?
39.--Describe method of advance toward positions for the attack.
40.--Where should the officers be during this advance?
41.--How is liaison (communication) secured between the various
commands?
42.--What is meant by the fire attack?
44.--How is the time to fire determined?
45.--How are fire control and fire effect secured?
46.--How is the firing line advanced?
47.--How is it rectified?
48.--Why should care be taken not to have men out of breath?
49.--How should machine guns be made to contribute to the approach,
the fire attack, the charge?
50.--How far should the company supports be from the firing line?
51.--Who commands them?
52.--How is the firing line reinforced?
53.--Describe the company supports going into the line to fill up a
gap, to reinforce a section.
54.--Describe position and behavior of companies in support.
55.--What is the final stage of the whole attack?
56.--Who orders the charge and how is it made?
57.--What is the difference between the charge and the pursuit?
58.--What should be done with a newly conquered position?
59.--What is the first objective in attacking a wood?
60.--How does the aim of the troops on the wings differ from that of
those in the center?
62.--Distinguish the different objectives in the attack of a village.
63.--Describe the attack to proceed through a defile in which the enemy
is located.
64.--Describe the attack of a bridge.
65.--Why should night attacks be of limited scope?
66.--What special precautions should be taken?
67.--What is the largest unit advisable?
68.--How is surprise secured?
69.--Describe the methods of reconnaissance, advance and liaison for a
night attack.
70.--Should the enemy's fire be answered in a night attack?
71.--What does the success of a night attack chiefly depend on?
72.--How should troops be distributed for the defense of woods and what
is the function of each?
73.--Describe the distribution of troops for the defense of a village.
74.--How should the outskirts defense be organized?
75.--Describe the interior defense.
76.--How can a defile be kept open for an advance?
77.--How can a defile be safeguarded for a retreat?
78.--Give necessary orders for the blocking of a defile.
79.--Why should reconnoitering for counter attacks always be part of
the organization for defense.
80.--Describe repulse of a night attack.
81.--Is an attack ever advisable without previous reconnaissance?
82.--Explain the importance of understanding the exact objective in a
counterattack.
83.--What is the best time to launch a counter attack?
84.--What precautions must be taken to secure the success of a counter
attack?
85.--What is a good motto under all conditions, but especially in the
attack?
Appendix.
A Division Front in
Trench Warfare.
EXPLANATION OF PLATE I.
The following may be considered a standard scheme of distribution of
troops, for trench warfare, in a fully developed trench system.
An infantry division is composed of two brigades, each brigade of two
regiments, each regiment of three battalions. Each brigade thus has six
battalions, each battalion numbering 1026 officers and men, normally
divided into four companies.
One battalion occupies about 1000 yards in ordinary trench warfare. As
reliefs must be frequent, three battalions of each brigade will be on
duty, while the other three are in rest-billets, at least two miles
back of the trenches.
Two of the battalions on duty occupy the trenches, the third is
stationed about a mile back, in reserve.
A brigade can therefore hold about 2000 yards of trenches: two
battalions in front line trenches, one battalion in reserve, and three
battalions in rest billets.
Hence a division (two brigades) will hold a front of about 4000 yards.
Within each 1000 yards front, the distribution may be as follows:
Three platoons of Companies A, B, and C occupy the dugouts of the cover
trench and of the support trench and post sentinels by roster in the
fire trench.
Platoon No. 4 of each company occupy the dugouts of the reserve trench,
together with the entire Company D.
Platoons and companies then relieve one another according to roster,
a platoon of each company and an entire company, in turn, enjoying
comparative rest in the reserve trench even during the stay of the
battalion in the trenches.
EXPLANATION OF PLATE II.
The following is a description of the back areas of a divisional sector
in which there has been no great changes since 1915. There are still
several hundred miles of such sectors.
The line at the top marks the beginning of the trench-system described
in Plate I. being the entrance to the communication trenches.
Road a, b, with the river c, d, run at the bottom of a small valley
surrounded by hills of about 80 ft. elevation. A branch of the river
runs from c. to e. and a railroad beside it, along road h, i, and
crossing road j, k. A good size village is at D, a smaller one at C,
hamlets at A and B. The latter are about one mile back of the trenches,
village C. about two miles and village D. between three and four.
Hamlets A and B have probably been heavily bombarded at the time line
was established and have been evacuated by the civilians. Village
C. has received shells, but, if there has been no big attack in the
sector, is in fair shape and some of the inhabitants remain. Village D.
may also have suffered from shells but probably most of the inhabitants
remain. Such villages may be clusters of farms or of cottages,
depending upon the region. If village is made up of cottages, farm
houses will be found along the roads at frequent intervals. The fields
are likely to be under cultivation almost as far as road k, l.
Villages A, B, C are used to billet the battalion in reserve of each
brigade. Village D. and the nearest villages further back are used as
rest-billets by the battalions of the brigades who will relieve those
in the trenches.
Near or in villages A, B and C or near hill E and G are located the
transports of the infantry battalions in the trenches. Supplies are
sent daily to the trenches from this headquarters of the quartermaster
and transport officer.
Somewhere along road k, l, or about hills E and G are hidden in gun
pits the batteries of field artillery attached to the division. The men
live in dugouts alongside. The camps for the horses, wagons and supply
headquarters of these batteries are hidden in the woods or on the
further slopes of hills E, F, G.
In village D are very likely located the Brigades' headquarters
and such services as the Field Ambulance and the Divisional Supply
Departments. The Y. M. C. A. recreation centers, divisional theatre,
football fields, army canteens etc., are also located in village D
or just back of it. If the houses in the villages do not provide
enough billets, huts and tents are erected. Otherwise the officers are
billeted in the houses of the inhabitants and the men in the barns.
The Divisional Headquarters, the Ammunition Column, the Artillery
Brigade Headquarters, the Engineers, the Ammunition Dumps, etc., are
strung out in the villages and along the roads just back of village D.
The heavier artillery is also posted back of this line.
In sectors that have been the scenes of offensives the several elements
remain in the same relation, but as the villages have been obliterated,
shelters must be provided. [The Editor.]
[Illustration: PLATE I--DIVISION FRONT--4000 yards (Trench System)]
[Illustration: PLATE II--DIVISION FRONT (Back Areas)]
* * * * *
Transcriber's note:
Varied hyphenation was retained, for example as fire trench and
fire-trench, and counter attack, counterattack and counter-attack.
Obvious punctuation errors were corrected.
Page 3, Table of Contents, "74" changed to "73" to reflect the heading
of "THE CHARGE."
Page 3, Table of Contents, "78" changed to "77" to reflect the heading
of "NIGHT ATTACKS."
Page 3, Table of Contents, "74" changed to "83" to reflect the heading
of "THE COUNTER ATTACK."
Page 7, "resourcefulnes" changed to "resourcefulness" (and
resourcefulness)
Page 12, final item under "3.--On the day of the relief" was formatted
to match the rest of the items. In the original it was typeset as a
paragraph instead of as an item with a hanging indent.
Page 26, "offlcers" changed to "officers" (many reserve officers)
Page 56, "preceed" changed to "precede" (always precede a unit)
Page 63, a footnote marker was added to the text (110 yards
intervals[G] between)
Page 66, "controling" changed to "controlling" (the section leaders
controlling)
Page 68, "controling" changed to "controlling" (commander controlling
the)
Page 78, "or" changed to "of" (files on sides of)
Page 87, "shapnel" changed to "shrapnel" (shrapnel shell, a time-fuse)
Page 89, there is no question 43 on the list. This was retained as
printed.