2. PRACTICE 10.—It will be necessary to shorten the target, as 40 rounds
less are allowed for in this practice. This will be done by using two
10–feet screens instead of three. Spaces will be 20 inches.
3. PRACTICE 13.—(_a_) If a field firing range is not available Practice
11 will be substituted for this practice.
(_b_) Observation should be taken by three parties, left, right, and
centre, who should change round after each firer. Section Officers
should ascertain that each man has observed from each position.
4. PRACTICE 14.—10 rounds will be fired at each of the four distances
from 600 yds. to 200 yds. on the lines laid down in Musketry
Regulations. These rounds will be “spaced out” before commencing the
practice, and the firer will proceed to the next range on completing his
10 rounds, whether he has secured a hit or not.
CLASSIFICATION.
5. Machine gunners will be classified upon the result which they obtain
in Practices 9 and 10, General Machine Gun Course, as follows:—
To be classified as a “1st Class Gunner” 50 points.
To be classified as a “Qualified Gunner” 25 points.
Points will be allotted in the classification practices on the same
basis of scoring as laid down in paragraph 647, Musketry Regulations,
Part I., 1909 (reprint), 1914.
Preliminary instruction in aiming and firing should be given by means of
a =Rifle Attachment=.
A very satisfactory one can be obtained at small cost from Messrs. A. G.
Parker & Co., Whittall Street, Birmingham.
[Illustration: [Clamps]]
The illustration is practically self-explanatory. The large round clamps
fit on the water jacket of the machine gun and the small clamps hold the
rifle, which can be adjusted to hit at exactly the same mark as the
machine gun barrel is aimed at.
The trigger of the rifle is connected to the machine gun by the
adjustable chain device shown.
The apparatus is in constant use at the Schools of Musketry, and is the
invention of Armourer Sergeant-Major Hiscock, of the Motor Machine Gun
Section.
WAR ESTABLISHMENTS OF NEW ARMIES, 1915.
4 Guns.
1 Subaltern.
2 Sergeants.
1 Corporal.
24 Privates.
6 Drivers.
1 Batman.
1 Riding horse.
12 Draught horses.
4 G.S. limbered wagons.
The G.S. limbered wagons contain:—
4 guns with tripods.
7,000 rounds of ammunition in belts, and
4 ammunition pack saddles for lead horses.
1 pick-axe, 1 shovel, and 1 billhook are carried with each machine gun
tripod as part of its equipment. 60 sandbags per infantry battalion are
carried for use with machine guns.
NOTES FROM THE FRONT.
Points to Remember.
Conceal guns and men.
Select best position to achieve the object you hope to achieve.
Have alternative positions prepared.
Provide effective obstacles.
Keep guns and belts free from dirt.
Give out any preparatory orders necessary.
Be always ready to fire when wanted.
Study the ground all round the position.
Remember the value of cross fire.
Keep your fire for the proper moment.
Choice of Gun Positions.
The choice of a gun position must be governed by the following
considerations:—
Enfilade fire, against the enemy and against ourselves.
Overhead fire, to support our own troops.
Long-range fire, against enemy’s supports.
Fire against houses, etc., in rear of enemy’s line.
Fire against likely places for enemy’s machine guns.
Concealment from enemy’s artillery.
Alternative positions.
Lines of advance and retreat.
Covered approach for ammunition carriers, etc.
Facilities for control of guns.
Avoid:—
Obvious positions.
Positions easy to describe. } Either from surroundings
Positions easy to arrange upon. } or maps.
Positions near prominent objects or aiming-points.
Ground which will facilitate observation of fire by the enemy.
Employment of Machine Guns.
The fire of well-concealed machine guns may often be directed against:—
Windows, doors, roofs, etc., of houses thought to be occupied.
Areas of bush, crops, etc.
Open spaces across which the enemy are dribbling in small parties
in order to concentrate at another point.
The enemy’s firing-line.
It may happen that machine guns are forced to open fire in self-defence,
or to assist the advance of the infantry in spite of the target offered
not being a suitable one for machine guns.
Any tendency, however, to open fire with machine guns without good
reason must be suppressed.
Machine Guns and Artillery.
Every effort must be made to prevent machine guns being located by
artillery.
If guns are shelled they must either:—
=Change their Position at once.=—This would be the usual
proceeding. A movement of quite a short distance—say 50 yards—is
quite sufficient in many cases; or—
=Cease fire while detachments take cover until the shelling
stops.=—If this be done, the hostile artillery may think that
the machine guns have been put out of action.
Good targets may then present themselves, and the guns may be able
to reopen fire with good effect from the same position.
There have been several cases of machine guns firing against
artillery with great success. The following instances are
quoted:—
(_a_) A section of machine guns worked forward to a concealed
position 900 yards away from a German field battery in action.
The section brought oblique fire to bear on the battery and
completely silenced it.
(_b_) A section took a German field battery in enfilade at 2,400
yards. The battery was firing at the time, the gunners fled from
their guns, and the battery was silenced.
NOTE.—Frontal fire by machine guns against shielded artillery can only
be expected to produce moral effect. This moral effect may, however, be
considerable; and, in addition, the machine gun fire may greatly hamper
the supply of ammunition to the guns, etc.
The Occupation of Various Positions by Machine Guns.
=Barricades.=—When barricading roads, bridges, streets, etc., machine
guns should not be placed on the barricade itself if equally good effect
can be obtained by placing the guns in positions commanding the
approaches to the barricade.
=Banks.=—The banks of rivers, canals, streams, etc., can be made use of
for gun positions, or covered lines of advance or retreat.
=Crops.=—Standing crops often form useful cover for guns and concealed
lines of advance, etc.
=Ditches.=—These can often be used to enable machine guns to be pushed
forward, so as to bring oblique or enfilade fire to bear on the enemy.
Great care must be taken not to show above the banks of the ditch.
A few men should be pushed along the ditch on the exposed flank as a
protection against snipers, counterattacks, etc.
=Houses.=—Houses may be used as follows:—
Place the gun in the back of a room, firing through an open
window, or a window from which a few panes of glass have been
removed.
Remove a few tiles from the roof, and fire through the opening
thus made.
Should a house have two doors or two windows, directly behind one
another, the gun may be placed in rear of the house, and fire
through these doors or windows.
Place the gun in rear of the house, so that oblique or enfilade
fire can be brought to bear on the enemy.
If the house possesses a cellar, the gun may be placed in the
cellar, a few bricks being removed, so as to enable the gun to
be fired from the ground-level.
In whatever position the gun is placed some protection should, if
possible, be provided for the numbers, such as an emplacement of
sandbags, stones, bricks, etc.
It should be remembered that if the gun is located in a building by the
enemy’s artillery, it may be necessary to evacuate the building quickly;
arrangements must therefore be made to meet this contingency.
=Folds in the Ground.=—Great use can be made of folds in the ground for
the concealment of machine guns.
The gun should be placed so as to enable the bullets to clear the crest,
while the gun and detachment are concealed as much as possible.
=Haystacks.=—These can be made use of as follows:—
Hollow out front of haystack.
No. 1 sits in this hollow, with his back against the hay.
The loose hay is piled up in front of the gun.
Cut out a place for the gun on top of the haystack.
If possible, make a rough platform of boards.
The gun then fires over the top of the ridge of the stack.
Place the gun behind the haystack in such a manner that oblique or
enfilade fire may be brought to bear on the enemy.
The gun is then entirely concealed from the front.
This is, as a rule, the best method of using a haystack.
=Hedges.=—Can often be used as a covered approach and as fire positions
giving cover from view.
A few men should be placed along the hedge, on the exposed flank, for
protection.
=Mounds of Earth, Roots, etc.=—These may be used as follows:—
Hollow out the mound from the rear, so that the gun can fire from
the hollow while it is concealed from the front.
Planks, sandbags, etc., can be used to support the earth.
Fire over the top of the mound, using the mound as a parapet.
Place the gun behind the mound, using the mound as a cover from
the front, while oblique or enfilade fire is brought to bear
against the enemy.
=Stacks of Wood.=—The stack may be hollowed out from the rear, so that
the gun can be placed inside the stack, and fire to the front, while
being perfectly concealed from view.
The position can be strengthened by using sandbags inside the stack.
=Stooks of Corn= can also be used to provide cover from view.
=Trees.=—Trees, when in leaf, may be used as possible gun positions.
Trees with strong branches are necessary, and a platform for the gun
must be built in the branches.
Tree-trunks can also be used to provide cover from view.
=Trenches.=—When guns are not used in trenches they should, when
possible, be placed so as to bring oblique or enfilade fire against:—
The enemy’s trenches.
The ground over which the enemy must pass, should he attack.
Our own front line trenches in case the enemy penetrates into
them.
To achieve these objects guns may be placed:—
In a salient.
At the base of a re-entrant.
At the horns of a re-entrant.
At a bend in the trench.
In an emplacement jutting out from the general line of the trench.
In all cases the gun should, if possible, be covered from fire from the
front, and should be able to sweep the front of the entrenched line with
cross fire.
Thus, although each gun may be firing to its flank, its front is swept
by the fire of a neighbouring gun.
Arrangements should be made so that guns so placed may be able to fire
to their front, should an emergency make this desirable.
This can be done by:—
Arranging that some sandbags can be removed and the gun fired to
the front through the loophole thus made.
In this connection it must be remembered that:—
(_a_) If the sandbags are left in place for a considerable time
without being removed, they may become embedded and be found
unmovable.
(_b_) That loopholes filled with single sacks will not be
bullet-proof.
Training the gunners to:—
(_a_) Remove the gun quickly from the tripod and fire from the top of
parapet without it.
(_b_) Lift the gun and tripod out of the trench and fire it from some
previously selected spot.
NOTE.—Both these methods require much practice.
Every endeavour should be made to conceal the position of the gun from
the front.
Gun emplacements must therefore be made to appear exactly like the
remainder of the trench or breastwork.
Several emplacements should be made for each gun, and practice should be
made in moving guns quickly from one emplacement to another.
=Guns may be placed=—IN THE FRONT LINE OF TRENCHES.—This may be taken as
the general rule.
IN SUPPORT TRENCHES.—There are occasions when it may be advisable to
place guns in the support trenches.
Here they may be arranged so as to:—
Prevent a further advance of the enemy should they capture the
front line.
Enfilade the front line should it be captured.
Sweep the communication trenches.
IN POSITIONS IN REAR.—If the ground is favourable it may be possible to
place guns, in concealed positions, in rear of the entrenched line.
They can be arranged so as to:—
Fire over the trenches and sweep the ground in front.
Fire through gaps in the defensive line.
Command positions where the enemy may concentrate prior to the
assault.
Command positions likely to be occupied by the enemy’s machine
guns.
Command covered approaches on the defensive line.
Enable guns to fire on enemy’s trenches with greater effect.
Give overhead covering fire in case of an advance by our own
troops.
General Notes on Trench Work.
If guns are often used, the positions from which they are fired should
frequently be changed.
Thus the enemy may be deceived as to the number and position of the
guns.
Emplacements should be numbered, and range cards placed in each.
When taking over a line of trenches the machine gun officer must make
careful arrangements for controlling the fire of his guns.
The machine gun officer must:—
(_a_) Establish himself at a place where he can always be found.
(_b_) Keep in touch with his guns with the officers of the line of
trenches he is assisting to defend.
(_c_) Arrange for ammunition supply.
(_d_) Arrange for reliefs.
=Towers, windmills and other high buildings= may often be used with
advantage:—
For overhead fire.
(_a_) Cover the advance of friendly troops.
(_b_) Fire at attacking enemy over the heads of our own troops.
(_c_) Enable fire to be directed into enemy’s trenches.
(_d_) To direct the fire of guns situated in other positions.
=Woods=, especially when in leaf, are often most valuable for concealing
the position of guns.
Care must be taken that the guns are not placed too near the edge of the
wood or individual men expose themselves.
All communications between guns should be made in the wood, well in rear
of the guns.
Alternative positions should be selected, so that the guns may be moved
rapidly from one to another if desired, with as little loss of time as
possible.
Lines of retirement through the woods must be arranged and also lines of
communication between guns and limbers thought out.
Machine Guns in Action.
=The Attack.=—The guns should be dug in whenever it is possible to do so
without giving away their position.
It is often impossible to see anything of the enemy. Therefore likely
positions for him to occupy must be looked for.
Surprise, obtained by a concealed advance, is essential to the
successful handling of machine guns.
The progress of the infantry must be carefully watched, with a view to
pushing on a certain number of guns and to closely support them whenever
possible.
The usual methods of supporting the infantry attack will be:—
(_a_) Fire from the flanks.
(_b_) Overhead fire.
(_c_) Long-range searching fire.
(_d_) Fire from a forward position.
Every opportunity for the use of overhead fire should be seized.
All suitable ground, buildings, etc., that may enable this kind of fire
to be used should be looked for.
The enemy’s machine guns are the weapons that are most likely to hold up
the attack.
Therefore every effort should be made to locate them, and to concentrate
the fire of our own machine guns upon them.
It may sometimes be possible to use machine guns to search
systematically all places in the area of attack likely to be held by the
enemy.
This searching fire has undoubtedly considerable moral effect on the
troops subjected to it, and may greatly assist the subsequent infantry
advance. It requires, however, a large expenditure of ammunition.
If the preliminary reconnaissance is properly carried out, it is quite
possible for the guns employed for this purpose to remain undetected,
even though pushed well forward.
The general rules as to position of machine guns in attack are as
follows:—
(_a_) The fire of a large proportion of the available guns should be
carefully organized to cover the infantry advance.
(_b_) This covering fire is no longer possible, move up a proportion
of the available guns either into, or on to, the flanks of
the infantry firing-line.
(_c_) A proportion of the guns should usually be held back as a
reserve in the hands of the commander.
(_d_) Thus each gun has a definite duty to perform, and co-operation
between guns is assured.
It may be possible, and advantageous, to move forward a proportion of
the guns with the attacking lines of the infantry.
The guns allotted to this duty will not take part in the covering fire,
but will keep themselves fresh and their ammunition intact, in readiness
for the advance.
Their duties will be to:—
(_a_) Help the infantry to gain fire superiority at the decisive
point.
(_b_) Make good and hold positions won.
(_c_) Pursue the enemy by fire.
(_d_) Watch for and repel counterattacks.
(_e_) Enable the infantry to re-organize.
As enemy snipers are a particular source of annoyance to machine
gunners, they should be watched for.
The defence of prepared positions has been already dealt with under the
heading of Machine Guns in Trenches.
Machine guns in any defensive position must be so organized that they
can support each other mutually throughout any given section of the
defensive line.
It must be remembered that the best positions for machine guns are not
always the same by night and day.
It will often be necessary to move the guns from the night position to
the day position before dawn.
=Rearguard Action.=—The following points must be considered:—
A wide field of fire.
Guns must be carefully concealed in the least obvious places.
Covered lines of retreat must be carefully reconnoitred.
Limbers must be close up, to facilitate hasty retirement.
Positions in rear must be chosen before the guns leave the
position they are holding.
A proportion of the guns should occupy the position in rear,
before all guns retire from the forward position, thus the
retirement of the last guns can be covered.
=Village Fighting.=—As soon as the infantry have made good one edge of
the village, the guns will be brought up as close to the firing-line as
possible.
They will then search windows, doorways, roofs, etc., likely to be held
by the enemy.
Guns will be used to command cross-streets, etc., so as to guard against
attacks on the flanks or rear of the infantry.
Guns should also be posted on the edges of the village, to prevent flank
attacks.
During village fighting every use should be made of windows, doors,
etc., as machine gun positions (see page 102).
=Co-operation.=—The necessity for co-operation between the machine guns
taking part in any particular action cannot be overestimated.
Not only should the individual gun of a particular unit work upon some
definite plan for mutual support, but the sections of all units that are
operating together should co-operate with a view to obtaining the best
results from their combined action.
This cannot be done in action unless it has been previously practised.
Therefore great attention should be paid to training a number of guns to
operate together for some specific purpose.
The following notes from overseas on machine guns, compiled by Capt. E.
Feilder (Attached Gen. Staff, A.T.C.), are of considerable value:—
INSTRUCTIONS FOR MACHINE GUN OFFICER.
1. The Machine Gun Officer should have a complete knowledge of the
nature of the action and the plans of the Commander.
2. The Commanding Officer should inform the M.G. Officer generally of
the part he expects the guns to play, and the particular assistance he
requires from him.
3. The M.G. Officer should then be allowed to form and carry out his own
plan of action in such a way as best meets the requirements of the C.O.
and the situation generally.
4. When possible, ample time should be given the M.G. Officer to make
his arrangements.
5. He should not be given hurried orders at the last moment; such a
proceeding is very seldom necessary.
SUGGESTIONS FOR THE EMPLOYMENT OF THE MACHINE GUNS OF A BRIGADE TAKING
PART IN AN ATTACK ON AN ENTRENCHED POSITION.
1. The whole of the machine guns must be organised under the command of
one Officer.
2. This Officer, in conjunction with the Section Officers, must make
detailed plans for the employment of the guns.
3. In this manner each gun or group of guns will have a specific task
allotted to it. Before the action commences all concerned will
thoroughly understand their duties.
4. It must be clearly understood by all Officers of the Brigade that the
machine guns have definite tasks allotted to them. That they are under
the command of the Brigade Machine Gun Officer, and are therefore not to
be given orders or otherwise interfered with by other Officers.
5. The plans of the B.M.G.O. will have been made in consultation with
the Brigade Commander, who will have explained to him the course that
the action is expected to take.
All guns must be in their allotted places before the preliminary
bombardment commences.
6. The Machine Guns will be allotted as follows:—
A.—=Some to go forward with the Attacking Infantry.=
These guns should not open fire until the infantry advance takes place.
Their role will be to make good the ground gained by the infantry
against counter attack.
They should advance in such a manner as to ensure their reaching the
position gained by the infantry in safety.
The locality in which the guns will be mounted in the captured lines
should be settled before the advance.
B.—=Some to Cover the Infantry Advance.=
The possibility of using guns for this purpose and their positions if
used depends on:—
1. The lie of the ground.
2. The position of your own and the enemy’s trenches.
When their role of covering fire is completed they should automatically
come again under the control of the B.M.G.O., who will give them further
orders.
C.—=Some Detailed in Pairs to Engage the Enemy’s Machine Guns when these
are Located.=
These may possibly go forward with the attacking Infantry. This will
depend on the nature of the ground, action, etc.
D.—=Some in Reserve under the Brigade Commander.=
These should be retained as a real reserve and not pushed too early into
the fight.
If the attack is to consist of more than one phase, that is to say, of
two or more distinct advances, separate plans must be made for each.
Arrangements for the supply of ammunition, belt fittings, ammunition
depôts, etc., must be made before the action commences. One Officer
should be placed in charge of these arrangements.
The B.M.G.O. should remain with the Brigadier. He should provide himself
with a suitable number of orderlies.
CO-OPERATION.
The necessity for co-operation between the machine guns taking part in
any particular action cannot be overestimated.
Not only should the individual guns of a particular unit work upon some
definite plan for mutual support, but the sections of all units that are
operating together should co-operate with a view to obtaining the best
results from their combined actions. This cannot be done in action
unless previously practised. Therefore attention should be paid to
training numbers of guns to operate together for some specific purpose.
RANGES.
The ranges fired at have varied from 15 yards (at which, in one
instance, a German rush was stopped), to 2,800 yds., at which range a
battery of the enemy’s field artillery was silenced. This brings out the
importance of:—
1. The allowance for wind at long ranges.
2. The importance of range-taking, range cards, judging distance, visual
training, reference points, etc.
3. Practice of the “Swinging Traverse” for stopping rushes and dealing
with dense targets at very close range.
4. Practice of traversing by means of the “Automatic Tap” for medium and
long ranges.
NATURE OF TARGETS FIRED AT.
Targets have been of all kinds, such as:—
1. Dense masses at all ranges.
2. Extended lines at all ranges.
3. Artillery on the move and in action.
4. Edges of woods, hedges, ditches, etc., where enemy’s firing-line was
known to be, but in many cases could not be seen.
5. Enemy machine guns in all manner of positions, usually invisible to
the eye or even with glasses.
6. Hollows, wood, and other cover under which the enemy was known to be
concentrating.
7. Searching fire to try and locate and beat down hostile fire that was
being delivered from concealed positions.
The varied nature of the targets that the machine gunner may have to
engage brings out the fact that the machine gunner must be very
thoroughly trained, and emphasizes the points brought out under “Ranges,
Fire Orders, Indication and Recognition.”
FIRE ORDERS.
While in a large number of instances it has been possible to give fire
orders by word of mouth, this will, as a rule, be only possible under
exceptionally favourable circumstances.
Thus the successful co-operation of the guns working under one leader
will very largely depend on the mutual understanding that exists between
the Officer and his Gun Commanders.
Therefore the Officer must ensure that all those under him clearly
understand:—
1. The part the machine guns are intended to play.
2. The plans of the Machine Gun Officer.
3. The objects in view and the methods by which the Machine Gun Officer
hopes to attain them.
In this way, even when individual control by the Officer has been lost,
the desired effect will most likely be obtained, for each Gun Commander
will be striving to attain that effect, though, perhaps, by different
means.
METHODS EMPLOYED IN CONTROLLING FIRE OF SECTION.
The following have been the usual methods:—
1. Fire orders by word of mouth.
2. Signals (including flashlights, etc.).
3. Telephones (in one or two cases in trenches).
4. Orderlies.
But whatever method is employed, a thorough understanding between the
Officer and those under him is essential.
NUMBER OF GUNS UNDER ONE COMMAND.
One Officer to a 4–Gun Section is not sufficient. Whether the guns are
grouped under the supreme command of one Senior Officer, or whether they
work in sections, there should always be one Officer to each pair of
guns.
ALTERNATIVE POSITIONS ARRANGED FOR.
The great importance of alternative positions being arranged for cannot
be overestimated. The best way of moving the gun from one position to
another without being seen should be studied. If guns are located and
shelled, either:—
1. Move guns at once to an alternative position or right away.
2. Let the gunners cease fire and get under cover until the shelling
ceases.
The first will be the more useful proceeding, but success has been
obtained several times with the second. For example:—
On one occasion, after shelling for some time, the artillery ceased,
thinking, no doubt, that they had “knocked out” the machine guns. Massed
enemy infantry then advanced, the machine guns opening fire again from
their old position with great effect.
The great importance of concealed approach in occupying positions must
be impressed on Machine Gun Officers.
GENERAL REMARKS OF INTEREST.
1. Lack of any organised method of using machine guns. Young and
inexperienced Officers are left in many cases to do what they think best
with their sections, without any previous consultation or plan as to how
guns can be most usefully employed.
2. Lack of any attempt at co-operation between the sections of the units
working together in any particular action.
3. Lack of initiative and push. This is usually due to want of
knowledge. Though the machine gun is a weapon of opportunity,
opportunities seldom occur to those who passively await them.
A good Machine Gun Officer, by keeping himself thoroughly in touch with
the situation, must have an opportunity to use his guns with effect.
4. This lack of co-operation is seen both in the open and in trench
work. All this points to the fact that co-operation between the whole of
the machine guns taking part in any action is not sufficiently studied.
GUNS BRIGADED IN ACTION.
On many of the occasions brought to notice in which machine guns have
been brigaded they have achieved marked success, but on the whole not
sufficient use has been made of this method of obtaining the combined
action of a number of guns.
“Brigading” guns does not mean “massing” them. It means the “brigaded”
guns are employed with some definite plan under the direction of one
Officer.
In all cases where the action of brigade guns has been successful there
has been:—
1. A thorough understanding of the plans of the Brigadier by the
B.M.G.O.
2. Conference between the B.M.G.O. and the Section Officers at which the
arrangements for the employment of the machine guns were fully
discussed.
3. Definite orders to the Section Officers.
4. A proportion of the guns held in reserve under the B.M.G.O.
But when the sections have been hastily collected together and placed
under the B.M.G.O., without time for making the above arrangements, the
result has usually been that sections have been dispersed without
definite orders or a complete understanding of the situation, and effect
has been lost.
In trench warfare the successful co-operation of the machine guns
assisting in the defence of any particular section of the entrenched
line has been obtained by:—
1. A previous reconnaissance of the whole line by the B.M.G.O.
2. Diagrams made of own and enemy’s trenches.
3. The number of emplacements.
This has enabled rapid concentration of the requisite number of guns
only on any one portion of the enemy’s line, and has prevented
unnecessary opening of fire and the consequent waste of ammunition.
In many cases, however, Officers in command of troops in sections of
trench line have considered they are also in command of the machine guns
placed in that portion of the trench occupied by their troops. This has
led to:—
1. The disadvantage of dual control.
2. The guns being placed in the same emplacement day after day.
3. The arrangements of Machine Gun Officer being interfered with.
4. The guns being located by the enemy through an unnecessary opening of
fire ordered by an Officer who is not an expert in machine gun tactics.
FIRE ORDERS.
The system of fire orders as taught at Hythe previous to the war has
been most successful.
Machine Gun Officers are also of opinion that, though it has often been
impossible to give orders by word of mouth, the systematic training of
all ranks in this system tends to ease of control under difficult
circumstances, and when a number of guns are being employed for combined
action.
This training forms a basis from which other methods of control can most
easily be evolved, and inculcates into the men the necessity for
assuring themselves that any orders received by them are passed on by
some means to those concerned.
“INDICATION AND RECOGNITION.”
The methods of “indication and recognition,” as taught at Hythe before
the war, have proved most useful. This fact has been brought out in the
accounts of the most successful machine gun actions, as has also the
great value of the use of range cards and indication points. Targets are
generally easy to indicate, as men are more alert than in peace-time.
Training in indication, recognition, fire orders, and judging distance,
can be given at any time, as no apparatus is required.
This is also valuable, as it trains all ranks in a quick understanding
of directions given, study of ground, and trains the eye in quick
observation.
WORKING GUNS IN PAIRS AND INTERVALS BETWEEN GUNS.
The necessity of using guns in pairs for mutual support in case of
mechanical trouble no longer holds good. Guns in the open have usually
been placed not less than 50 yards apart. This enables the best use to
be made of the ground as protection against artillery fire and for
concealment. In trench warfare guns should usually be placed singly,
arrangements being made for “cross fire” and mutual support between the
guns of any particular section of the defensive line.
OBSERVATION OF FIRE.
Observation of fire has usually been obtainable up to 900 yards, and in
favourable circumstances at even longer ranges.
Even when the ground has been unfavourable, observation has often been
obtainable on water, walls of houses, enemy’s parapet, etc.
OVERHEAD FIRE AND CONDITION OF GROUND.
During the fighting on the Marne and on the Aisne, guns were often able
to support the infantry advance to within 100 yards of the enemy’s
position.
Even on flat ground frequent instances are given where overhead fire has
been used, with excellent effect, from buildings.
On the whole it would appear that not enough use is made of this fire.
This is a question that should be carefully studied by all Machine Gun
Officers.
INDIRECT FIRE BY GRATICULES, LEVEL, AIMING POSTS AND OBSERVATION.
All the suggested methods have been used, and in some cases compasses
and maps as well. Effect has been obtained in the open and on enemy’s
concentrations at long ranges, and in trench warfare on working parties,
ration parties, communications, etc., behind the enemy’s lines. A great
deal more could be done in this way if all guns were not almost
invariably placed in trenches, instead of a proportion being placed in
suitable positions in rear, and long-range fire employed. All this
points to the fact that a Machine Gun Officer should be acquainted with
all methods of employing indirect fire, in order that he may be in a
position to make the best of any opportunities that may occur.
CLOSE CO-OPERATION BY MACHINE GUNS WITH THE FRONT LINES OF ATTACKING
INFANTRY.
Very little information has been given on this subject, but co-operation
seems to have been very poor; but this co-operation is made very
difficult in many cases by:—
1. Inability of the M.G. sections to keep pace with the attacking
infantry.
2. The visibility of the methods employed of carrying the gun. This
leads to many casualties.
3. Lack of tactical knowledge on the part of many of the more junior
M.G.Os.
4. Lack of definite plans as to the role of the M.Gs. before the action
commences.
The two following examples serve to illustrate some of the above:—
1. In a recent attack, owing to lack of any previous understanding
between M.G.Os., eight M.Gs. converged into one small section of a
captured trench. Owing to lack of space only two of these guns were able
to come into action.
2. In another instance during an attack, six guns converged into one
small house. Owing to lack of space, etc., only two of these guns were
able to come into action.
Before an attack a certain M.G. Officer was told to await orders from
his Commanding Officer. He was forgotten and left behind.
In this case, as soon as the Officer realized that he had been
forgotten, he should have used his own initiative.
All these point to the fact that some arrangements for concerted action
should be made.
N. B.—See “Guns Brigaded in Action.”
OBTAINING AMMUNITION FROM LIMBER FOR GUNS WHEN ATTACKING.
1. The usual system of using Nos. 3 and 4 as carriers is generally
adopted. Often these numbers are not sufficient for the work. It is then
necessary to borrow men from neighbouring squadrons or companies.
2. The bringing up of ammunition is dangerous work; therefore it is
obviously best to avoid employing trained gunners if unskilled men are
available.
3. In this manner you conserve your trained gunners for replacing
casualties.
4. Pack animals can sometimes be brought close to the firing-line when
the ground is favourable, thus saving manual labour.
5. Several instances are given of confusion occurring during an attack,
owing to the limber moving without orders. This should be guarded
against.
CHIEF MECHANICAL TROUBLES.
The answer to this subject emphasizes the fact that when well looked
after, the Maxim or Vickers machine gun is thoroughly reliable. Except
in very few cases all breakages may be said to be due to want of care.
The following are the principal troubles that have occurred:—
1. Broken Lock Spring.
From inquiries made it would appear that many gunners keep their guns
loaded with the lock spring compressed during the whole period that the
gun is in the trenches. This practice will be a fruitful source of
broken lock springs. The half loading motion should be performed, and
the lock spring released. To complete the loading when required should
not take more than one second.
2. Bulged Barrels.
These are due to mud getting into the barrel when the gun is being
carried into the trenches, while it is being mounted, or through
striking against the parapet when in position.
Waterproof sheets or sandbags should be put round the gun when carrying
it to or from the trenches.
3. Wet Belts.
These can generally be kept dry by covering the box with a waterproof
sheet; the exposed part of the belt also being covered by that part of
the sheet that is hung over the gun.
4. Muzzle Cups (Vickers’ Gun).
The reason for most of the breakages of these cups is that they are
screwed up too tight, thus allowing for no expansion of the metal of the
barrel owing to heat. At the same time they must not be too loosely
screwed up, as this will equally cause breakages.
5. Stove Pipe Attachment.
Complaints are made that this bursts at the seam. This seam can easily
be riveted by the armourer sergeant.
6. Loose Belts.
Loose belts have given trouble owing to wear.
7. Firing Pins.
A number of firing pins have been broken.
Beyond these few things mechanism troubles have been very rare.
USE OF PACK TRANSPORT.
Pack transport for both cavalry and infantry has been found to be more
mobile and less conspicuous than limbered wagons. A combination of both
is probably best. In many cases, before the war, pack transport was
never used; thus when issued it was little understood. Sufficient
attention is not paid to the selection of horses for pack work. If the
horses with easy action are selected the bad effects of undue jolting
can be minimized. Putting on pack and getting in and out of action with
it is too little practised.
THE FOLLOWING COMPLAINTS HAVE BEEN RECEIVED.
1. Canvas ammunition carriers soon wear out. These can easily be
reinforced with leather by a saddler. A board placed underneath them
with rope passed through the brass eyelets has been found very
satisfactory.
2. Jolting of the pack causes the ammunition to slip back in the belt,
leading to faults in feed. Boxes can be lined with tin from biscuit
boxes. Ammunition has been carried in boxes that have been treated in
this way for long periods without any movement of the ammunition.
PACKING AND CARRYING GUNS IN LIMBER.
Almost every detachment appeared to have a different method of packing
their limbers. It is advisable that gun, tripod, etc., should be carried
in the front portion, as the rear half may have to be discarded. In many
cases boxes to hold the gun are fitted into the limber itself with good
results. Converted guns are sent in boxes too long to fit the limber.
BREAKAGES TO LIMBER.
Perches, brakes and perch hooks have frequently broken. It is thought
that brakes are too often used instead of horses being made to take the
weight of the limber when descending hills.
BILLETS.
Most Machine Gun Officers appear to make every endeavour to keep their
men in practice, practice being daily given whether in or out of the
trenches. There are, however, exceptions, who state that there is no
time for training. As all brigades doing trench work are similarly
situated, this points to lack of effort in those particular cases. In
very few cases is any physical training attempted. This is one of the
most important parts of the training of any man who has to carry a heavy
weight at a rapid pace. After several days of trench work this becomes
more than ever necessary. It is suggested that only the minimum number
of men actually required to work the guns should be kept in the
trenches. The remainder of the team should be practised daily, and every
effort should be made to keep them physically fit. In this way each man
would do only very short periods of trench work, and would be in every
way better and more prepared for really strenuous work when required.
TO TRAIN NEW MEN FOR GUN TEAMS.
Where instruction in billets is carried out on a properly organized
system there would appear to be no difficulty in training considerable
numbers of new men. In certain brigades, brigade machine gun courses are
held under a selected Officer; the men attending these courses are kept
out of the trenches for the duration of the course. This would appear to
be by far the most satisfactory arrangement. Many Officers complain that
as soon as they train a reserve team it is placed in the ranks, the men
fighting as ordinary riflemen. Thus after an action when reserve men are
required to replace the casualties in the gun team, it is generally
found that many of these, on whose training as machine gunners much time
and trouble has been spent, have been killed or wounded. This is a
mistaken policy. In conclusion:—
1. Trained machine gunners are too valuable to be risked on any work
except their own particular job.
2. All trained reserves should be kept out of danger as much as possible
until required to replace casualties.
3. At ordinary times four men per gun are ample for work in trenches;
the remainder should be kept in reserve.
4. A proper system of training should be established in each brigade.
PAINTING OF GUNS.
It is suggested that guns should be painted on the rainbow smudge
system, in order to make them less conspicuous and visible.
KEEPING OFFICERS IN PRACTICE.
It is very important that all Officers, when trained as machine gunners,
should be given opportunities of practice and of handling a section.
Thus they will be ready to take over the section at any time, if
required.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
[Illustration: _A Silver Model of a Maxim Gun._]
War Trophies & Souvenirs
The Goldsmiths & Silversmiths Company have a selection of designs open
for inspection or special designs can be prepared by expert artists free
of charge. Shells, fuses and other War Souvenirs can be mounted in
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The
Goldsmiths & Silversmiths Company, Ltd.,
_Jewellers to H.M. The King._
112, Regent Street, London, W.
No Branches.
[Illustration: TRADE MARK.]
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[Illustration: [Coat]]
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[Illustration: _By Appointment To H.M. The King._]
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Medium 105/–
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Without Rubber } Write for Prices.
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Phone: Gerrard 3657.
Telegrams: “WEFT, RAND, LONDON.”
[Illustration: [Coat]]
The Rimasop Trench Coat
Made by the old-established Bond Street House of Rimell & Allsop, this
coat embodies the suggestions of British Officers who have fought in
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the experienced services of Messrs. Rimell & Allsop in the selection of
any kit, either for Ceremonial occasions or for the Front.
A 16–page booklet will be sent _post free_ to any address by
Rimell & Allsop,
_Sporting & Military Tailors_,
54, New Bond Street, London, W.
WRIGHT’S
Coal Tar
SOAP
_is now known as the_
Soldiers’ Soap.
_It Soothes, Protects, Heals._
Bournemouth, 1916.
Dear Sirs,
I am sending you an extract from my son’s letter (he is on active
service, somewhere in France). I wrote asking if I should send him
vermin powder, and his reply is: “DON’T SEND ANY VERMIN POWDER, THANKS;
I USE WRIGHT’S COAL TAR SOAP, THAT’S AS EFFECTIVE AND MUCH MORE
PLEASANT.”
It seems to me a unique and spontaneous tribute to your soap.
Yours truly, S.....
4½d. PER TABLET.
[Illustration: [Logo]]
B.S.A.
RIFLES
AND
SIGHTS
The very extensive B.S.A. rifle and sight plant is at present
exclusively engaged in the manufacture of service pattern arms for the
War Department. The production of the various B.S.A. target and sporting
rifles and sights will be resumed as soon as the pressure due to the war
eases off.
There are still remaining in stock a few rifles of ·250, ·300, ·310, and
·32/20 bore.
_WRITE FOR DETAILS, POST FREE._
B.S.A. Rifle “Safetipaste”
THE “NO TROUBLE” RIFLE BARREL PRESERVER.
Abolishes the arduous process of scrubbing out rifle barrels. The bore
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Sold by all Gunmakers at 1/– per tube.
_Inventors and Sole Manufacturers_:—
THE BIRMINGHAM SMALL ARMS CO., LTD.,
BIRMINGHAM.
H. Graham Bennet,
_Uniform Specialist_,
58, Moorgate Street, LONDON, E.C.
_Telephone No.: LONDON WALL 205._
Estimate for Outfit for Second Lieutenant of Infantry
on joining Unit (Home Service).
£ _s._ _d._
1 Service Jacket, whipcord material 4 14 6
1 pair Collar Badges for ditto 0 6 6
1 pair Knicker-breeches, whipcord material 1 10 0
1 Service Jacket, fine grade serge 3 10 0
1 pair Collar Badges for ditto 0 6 6
1 pair “Slacks” to match 1 5 0
British Warm Coat (Lined Woollen Plaid) 3 15 0
1 pair Gilt Stars for shoulders of ditto 0 2 6
Sam Browne Belt, fine grade, with two braces, frog,
holster, pouch, etc., complete 2 5 0
Cap and Badge 1 0 0
1 pair Spiral Puttees 0 7 6
Haversack 0 7 6
Water Bottle 0 12 6
Whistle and Lanyard 0 2 6
Great Coat Carrier, best grade sling and swivels 0 8 6
3 Best Quality Khaki Flannel Shirts at 10/6 1 11 6
6 Collars to match at 1/6 0 9 0
2 Khaki Silk Knitted Ties at 2/6 0 5 0
——— —— —
22 19 0
Wolseley Valise and Camp Kit complete 7 10 0
——— —— —
30 9 0
Infantry Pattern Burberry Coat 3 13 6
——— —— —
£34 2 6
——— —— —
Strictly Net Cash.
NOTE.—The above figures are a quotation for the complete outfit, and do
not refer in every case to separate items.
All the above articles of best materials, best cut and style and sound
workmanship.
Full detailed price list and list of regiments, etc., for which outfits
have been supplied, can be had on application.
Speciality—Promptitude.
BENSON’S
LUMINOUS
“Active Service” Watch.
VISIBLE AT NIGHT.
WARRANTED TIMEKEEPERS.
[Illustration: [Watch]]
Silver Crystal Glass, =£3 3s.=
Silver Hunter or Half Hunter, =£3 15s.=
Gold Crystal Glass =£8 0s.=
„ Hunter or Half Hunter =£8 10s.=
Others in Silver from =£2 10s.=
Fine quality lever movement, fully luminous figures and hands, and extra
heavy Screw case (special to our make).
_Illustrated Lists of Wristlet Watches, Rings (with size card), Watches,
Chains, Jewels, etc., post free._
62 & 64, LUDGATE HILL, E.C. 4, and 25, OLD BOND STREET, W. 1.
[Illustration: _We Pyjama the World._]
ALWAYS WEAR “SWAN-STRIPE” Pyjamas.
Will not shrink.
_Known throughout the world as Swan & Edgar’s Pyjamas._
REFUSE
SUBSTITUTES.
“MERCERISED”
(thin), 6/11 3 for 20/–
CEYLON WOOL,
Medium Weight, 6/11
3 for 20/–
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18/6 3 for 54/–
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21/– 35/– 45/–
_We hold the largest stock of Pyjamas in London._
ALL PYJAMAS SENT POST FREE IN U.K.
Height and Chest Measurement required.
Swan & Edgar
LTD.
Regent Street and Piccadilly, London, W.
[Illustration: OXO]
is particularly valuable for use on the Field, in the Hospital, in the
Canteen and in Training
It aids and increases nutrition and stimulates and builds up strength to
resist climatic changes; it is invaluable for all who have to undergo
exertion either to promote fitness or to recuperate after fatigue.
OXO, Ltd., Thames House, London, E.C. 4.
_Don’t forget to take_
BRYANT & MAY’S
“KAMPITE”
SAFETY TRENCH COOKER
[Illustration: [Cooker]]
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‘Brymay’ Safety Matches & Swan Vestas
Smart Yet Dependable
Prior to the invention of THE TIELOCKEN, a Weatherproof combining the
smart Service appearance requisite to the Soldier, with such protective
powers as would enable it to resist the heaviest downpour and keenest
wind, may be said to have been non-existent.
In every case one quality had to be sacrificed for the benefit of the
other, and to-day
THE TIELOCKEN
[Illustration: [Coat]]
is the only Service top-coat that successfully unites both these
essential characteristics.
Its design ensures that, from chin to knees, every vulnerable part of
the body is doubly protected.
It affords effective security, yet is healthfully
self-ventilating—excludes heavy rain, yet is free from rubber or other
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Another advantage is its quick adjustment. A belt holds securely—no
buttons to fasten.
NEW KIT
BURBERRYS supply well-tailored Uniforms in Burberry-proofed cloths,
suitable for any part of the world, as well as every detail of
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Officers’ Complete Kits in 2 to 4 Days or Ready for Use.
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BURBERRYS Haymarket LONDON
8 & 10 Boulevard Malesherbes PARIS; Basingstoke and Provincial Agents
[Illustration: [Boot]]
The Best Boots
for
Active Service
are
Faulkners’ Norwegians
in their
[Illustration: [Boot]]
Special Service Leather.
The Smartest Boots
for
Home Service
are
Faulkners’ Field Boots.
_Write for Descriptive Booklets of Boots, Leggings and Spurs; also
Self-Measurement Apparatus if unable to call._
Faulkner & Son
SPECIALISTS IN SERVICE BOOTS & LEGGINGS.
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Of the world’s praise from dark antiquity
Hath flowed, ‘with pomp of waters, unwithstood,’
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Which spurns the check of salutary bands,
That this most famous Stream in Bogs and Sands
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Be lost for ever. In our Halls is hung
Armoury of the invincible Knights of old:
We must be free or die, who speak the tongue
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most interesting.”
_Vide_ PRESS.
PRICE =–/6= NET
POST FREE SEVENPENCE
Field States British Expeditionary Force
AND
OTHER
DATA
PRICE =1/–= NET
POST FREE 1/1
“A mass of data; strength, road space, animals, transport, tools,
medical services, bridging material, camp billets, etc.; of great
value for quick reference.”
SMART, SERVICEABLE AND SOLDIERLY.
[Illustration: [Officer]]
Let the Leading Military Tailors make your kit and you are assured of
quality in material, soldierly smartness in cut, correctness in detail,
and strict moderation in cost. Thresher’s Guide illustrates and
describes =everything= in Officers’ Uniforms and Equipment. The long
experience and wide knowledge which it embodies are invaluable to the
Cadet receiving a commission who wishes to be well and efficiently
equipped without throwing away money.
The Guide is kept constantly up-to-date, fresh editions, containing the
latest information, being frequently published.
Write for Guide (E) to Kit and Equipment.
A FEW PRICES.
£ _s._ _d._
Whipcord F. S. Jacket 4 4 0
Slacks 1 12 6
Bedford Cord Riding Breeches 3 3 0
Service Cap 0 15 6
British Warm from 4 4 0
Sam Browne Belt and Shoulder Strap 1 7 6
[Illustration: _By Appointment to H.M. The King._]
THRESHER & GLENNY
152 & 153, STRAND
LONDON, W.C. 2.
Estd. 1850.
_Elvery’s Ltd._
“Waterproof” Trencher
[Illustration: [Coat]]
☛ ELVERY’S TRENCHER is made of “Triple-proofed” fabric without the aid
of Oilsilk or Cotton, and is unsurpassed as a reliable “Trench Coat.”
¶ “LAND & WATER” says: “it is a good coat worthy of the consideration of
all officers in need of a really reliable coat.”
Best make & finish, special value, =4½ gns=.
Active Service Waterproof, 3 gns.
(Guaranteed Stormproof.)
☛ Elvery’s are waterproof Experts, and are replete with all Waterproof
Kit Requirements, Boots, Leggings, Gloves, etc.
Complete War Office Kit, =£7 10s.=
J. W. ELVERY & CO., Ltd., Waterproof Specialists,
ELEPHANT HOUSE, Estd. 1850,
31, CONDUIT STREET, LONDON, W.
(One door from New Bond Street), And at DUBLIN & CORK.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
TRANSCRIBER’S NOTES
1. Moved ads prior to the title page to the end of the text.
2. Silently corrected obvious typographical errors and variations in
spelling.
3. Retained archaic, non-standard, and uncertain spellings as printed.
4. Re-indexed footnotes using numbers.
5. Enclosed italics font in _underscores_.
6. Enclosed bold font in =equals=.
7. Denoted superscripts by a caret before a single superscript
character, e.g. M^r.
8. On page 87 of the original book, “are as on pages .” is
printed that way.