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diff --git a/44370-0.txt b/44370-0.txt new file mode 100644 index 0000000..e8ad054 --- /dev/null +++ b/44370-0.txt @@ -0,0 +1,2854 @@ +*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK 44370 *** + +Note: Project Gutenberg also has an HTML version of this + file which includes the original illustrations. + See 44370-h.htm or 44370-h.zip: + (http://www.gutenberg.org/files/44370/44370-h/44370-h.htm) + or + (http://www.gutenberg.org/files/44370/44370-h.zip) + + + Images of the original pages are available through + Internet Archive. See + https://archive.org/details/handywarguidefor00hang + + +Transcriber's note: + + Text enclosed by underscores is in italics (_italics_). + + Text enclosed by equal signs is in bold face (=bold=). + + + + + +HANDY WAR GUIDE FOR MY COMPANY + +Handy Company Commander's Guide + +Written at the front by + +CAPTAIN HANGUILLART + +of the French Army + +Translated and edited by + +Louis J. A. Mercier, A.M. + +First Lieutenant, Harvard R. O. T. C. +Interpreter with British Expeditionary Force on the +French Front 1914-17. + +"_DASH UNDER DISCIPLINE_" + + + + + + + +Copyright, 1918 +by +R. D. Cortina Company. + +The Cortina Academy of Languages +New York +1918 + + + + +TABLE. + + + Preface 5 + + + Part I. + + Trench Life and Trench Warfare + + Taking over the Trenches 11 + Care and Improvement of the Trenches 14 + The Watch from the Trenches 17 + Patrolling 22 + Interrogating Prisoners 25 + Devices to draw the Enemy's Fire 28 + An Attack, the Repulse 32 + The Counter-Attack 34 + Precautions against Enemy's Artillery 36 + Use of Trench Artillery 37 + Field Artillery Cooperation 39 + Daily Schedule 41 + Turning over the Trenches 43 + Out of the Trenches 44 + Topical Questions on Part I 46 + + + Part II. + + French Infantry Combat Principles. + + Open Warfare 53 + The Approach 55 + Precautions against Silent Artillery 58 + Crossing a Bombarded Zone 59 + Use of Woods as Shelter 64 + To Cross a Crest 65 + The Fire Attack 69 + Precautions against Cavalry 65 + The Termination of the Approach 67 + Use of Machine Guns 71 + The Company Supports 72 + The Companies in Support 73 + The Charge and the Pursuit 73 + Attack of a Wood 75 + Attack of a Village 76 + Attack of a Defile 77 + Night Attacks 77 + Defense of Woods 80 + Defense of a Village 81 + Defense of a Defile 82 + Night Defense of a Position 83 + The Counter Attack 83 + Topical Questions on Part II 86 + + + Appendix + + A Division Front in Trench Warfare. + + The Trench System + The Back Areas + + + + +Printed in the United States of America +by the International Press +150 Lafayette Street +New York City + + + + +PREFACE. + + +The first part of Captain Hanguillart's little book "_Petit Guide +pratique de Guerre pour ma compagnie_" has been incorporated in the new +manuals of instruction published for the young recruits of the French +army by the official military publishing house "Librairie Militaire +Berger-Levrault," the editors of the "Annuaire officiel de l'Armée."[A] + +Its special value comes from the fact that it was written at the front +and is wholly based on the orders which Captain Hanguillart drew up for +the instruction of his own company and tested repeatedly through actual +experience. + +Thus its very omissions are significant. + +The text as it stands represents essentials. + +Its every paragraph is a unit of tried advice. + +=It embodies the practical data that has secured results.= + +=It sums up the cautions that have saved lives.= + +In the second part, Captain Hanguillart has merely reproduced the +French Infantry Combat principles long published in the official manual +for the instruction of platoon leaders. + +In presenting this little work, no claim is made that it is adequate to +the complete instruction of company commanders. + + Its obvious supplements are such works as: Colonel Paul + Azan--_The War of Position_. + + _The Army War College_--Translation of the French + Manual for Commanders of Infantry Platoons. + + Cole and Schoonmaker--_Military Instructors Manual_. + + Major J. A. Moss--_Manual of Military Training_. + + _U. S. A. Infantry Drill Regulations._ + +Captain Hanguillart's book should be carefully compared with these. +But because of its peculiar origin it has for the officer a value not +possessed by other books on this subject. + +It gives what a company commander =actually found essential=. + +Furthermore, it corresponds to the booklets published in France which +are placed in the hands of every recruit. + +Every officer should have full knowledge of his specialty, but =every +private= should understand the essential concerns of his officers so as +to appreciate orders the more readily. + +The army of democracy should be an intelligent thinking army. + +Such little books have helped to give the French poilu his famed +self-reliance and resourcefulness. + +It is the hope of the publishers that this translation may help to do +the same for his American comrades. + +The publishers also believe that the book offers just the information +needed by civilians to follow intelligently reports of military +operations and of life at the front. + +The editor has felt it his duty in rearranging the loose notes of +Captain Hanguillart to respect scrupulously the text, though, at times, +the best way to do so was through a free translation. + +The paragraphs have been numbered and questions and diagrams added to +facilitate assimilation. + + Cambridge, Mass. + + L.J.A.M. + +FOOTNOTE: + +[A] Cf Chapuis. _Instruction théorique et générale du soldat pour la +période de guerre._ 27e édition, January 1917. + + + + + Part I. + + Trench Life and Trench + Warfare. + + + + +TRENCH LIFE AND TRENCH WARFARE. + + + + +TAKING OVER THE TRENCHES. + + +1.--Leaving Billets. + +The battalions of a Brigade occupying a given sector of the front are +billeted when out of the trenches, in the villages closest to their +sector. Cf. appendix. + +When their turn comes to relieve the battalions in the trenches, the +officers in charge should have the following instructions carried out: + + +2.--On the day before the relief make sure: + + That the rifles, bayonets, etc., are in good condition. + + That the ammunition and reserve rations are supplied. + + That the equipment of every man is complete. + + That all officers and N.C.O.'s watches are set to + division time. + + +3.--On the day of the relief, one hour before departure: + + Have rifles stacked and equipment laid out outside the + billets. + + Make sure that nothing is left behind, that premises + are cleaned, all rubbish burnt, and latrines filled. + + Have rifles loaded and with the safety lock turned to + the safe. + + Assign an energetic N. C. O. to act as file closer of + each platoon to prevent straggling. + + Call the roll and have it duly forwarded to the company + commander. + + +4.--On the way to the trenches: + + If under fire, have units march at proper intervals + (Cf. par. 117ff.) + + Adopt marching order best suitable to avoid blocking + the road. + + At night do not allow smoking. + + Exact silence when nearing the trenches. + + Take special precaution at all times to maintain + constant communication between units, especially at + night and when crossing woods. + + If enemy aeroplanes appear, stop and keep out of sight + as much as possible. (Cf. par. 120.) + + +5.--On reaching the trenches: + + The relief should be completed in silence--without + hurry. + + Carefully ascertain the orders of the battalion + relieved. + + Check up and assign to each unit the supplies taken + over. + + Requisition at once additional supplies and ammunition + wanted. + + Each platoon should be assigned its special duties, + the duty roster drawn up for all sentry and patrol + duties, details, etc. + + Have all the men locate the enemy trench as they come + on duty and give them the range. + + Inspect the dugouts and assign them. + + Forbid all digging under the parapet. + + Inspect the latrines. Give strict order that small + amount of dirt be thrown in after use and that lime + be sprinkled in daily. + + See that the men are provided with ammunition. + + Communication should be insured between the various + units to the right and left and with the rear. + + + + +CARE AND IMPROVEMENT OF THE TRENCHES. + + +6.--Improvements: + + Investigate the work under way for the improvement + of defense and prepare plans for further work if + necessary. + + Obvious improvements are: making additional + communication trenches, repairing or completing + shelters, listening posts, mining tunnels, wire + entanglements. + + +7.--Ammunition shelters: + + See that there are a sufficient number of shelters + for rifle ammunition, grenades, rockets and other + supplies. + + +8.--Loopholes and Parapet: + + Ascertain the conditions of all the loopholes and + have them repaired if need be. (They should cut the + parapet diagonally and be concealed in every way + possible with vegetation, branches, and the opening + blocked when not in use.) + + Have all damages to the parapet and to the ground + underneath quickly attended to. + + See that in each section there are small ladders to + permit of easy access to the top of the parapet. + + See that means are provided to fire above the parapet + in case of an attack. + + +9.--Drainage: + + Attend carefully to the drainage. Have the trench + bottom kept convex with small gutters on either side + running into pits lined with gabions. If trench + bottom is lined with board walks, keep it in repair. + Have water pits emptied if necessary. + + +10.--Sanitation: + + Have latrines kept in perfect sanitary order. + + Have them filled up and others dug =if need be=. + + Have all rubbish collected and carried out. + + +11.--Precautions against capture of fire-trench. + + Prepare for the obstruction of the communicating + trenches in case the enemy should capture the fire + trench: Have piles of sand bags above the entrance of + each trench ready to be dumped into it. Have chevaux + de frise lined up on one parapet of the trench and + all held up in such a way by a single wire that when + the wire is cut they will fall into the trench. Mines + can also be prepared to blow up the trench when + invaded. The communicating trench between the fire + trench and the listening post should be covered with + barbed wire screens or be tunnelled. + + + + +THE WATCH FROM THE TRENCHES. + + +12.--Trench Warfare an outpost duty. + +Trench warfare, the inevitable form of modern warfare, is a continuous +series of outpost duty. Hence it is based wholly on eternal vigilance. +The patrols correspond to the scouts; the listening posts to the +sentinels; the firing trench to the outguards; the cover trench to the +supports. The safety of the sector depends entirely on the vigilance +of the advanced elements and the rapidity with which supports and the +reserves can be summoned. + +Watching is thus the fundamental duty in trench warfare. + +The following points should be kept in mind: + + + + +AT ALL TIMES + + +13.--Number of men in the fire trench. + +There must be as many sentinels in each section as is necessary to +cover completely the sector to be watched, no more, no less, each +sentinel being given the exact limits (such as tree, copse, post, +etc.) at each end of the line he should watch. + + +14.--Fix bayonets. + +The men on duty should have bayonets fixed as, in case of a possible +surprise, they are needed for defense. Otherwise too, fixing bayonets +would be an indication to the enemy of an impending raid. + + + + +DURING THE DAY. + + +15.--Observation of open terrain. + +When the terrain opposite is open country, the necessary observation +may be done by the smallest possible number of men. Fire only, if any +of the enemy are sighted. Then, have two rounds fired, then three. But +keep fire under strict control. (If enemy continues to approach. Cf. +par. 52 ff.) + + +16.--Observation of covered terrain. + +When the terrain is covered (high brush wood, copses, trees, etc.) a +sharpshooter in each section should fire occasionally into the trees, +etc., which may be observation or sharpshooters' posts but this should +not be overdone. + + + + +AT NIGHT. + + +17.--Double sentinels. + +Post double sentinels in each section, each man watching in turn, the +other resting but within call. + + +18.--Silence. + +They should refrain from making the least noise so as to hear and not +be heard. + + +19.--No firing when fired upon. + +There should be no firing when the enemy fires since when the enemy +fires, he does not advance. + + +20.--Look and listen. + +They should keep a sharp lookout but listen even more attentively. + + +21.--In the listening posts. + +Sentinels in the listening posts should listen especially for the noise +of crushed branches, stirring leaves, slight noise of arms or utensils. + +If enemy is detected, these sentinels should hasten back to fire trench +to give the alarm quietly so that the enemy may be surprised. + +They should fire only if they are themselves caught unawares. + +Listening posts should not be too numerous, about two per battalion. + +If there are no listening posts, patrols should be sent out to +favorable spots especially at sundown and before sunrise. + + +22.--Enemy sighted or heard, fire. + +If the night is clear and the terrain is open, proceed as during the +day: If the enemy is sighted or heard, fire in short volleys. In case +of doubt throw grenades with the first volley. + + +23.--Otherwise no firing. + +Otherwise, absolute silence should be observed. No firing whatever. + + +24.--Unless night is dark. + +If the night is dark, to avoid surprise, keep up firing: One man per +section should fire in turn, from time to time varying the direction. + + +25.--Digging by enemy. + +If digging by the enemy is reported, cease firing. Have it located, +throw bombs followed by volleys. Notify sappers for counter mining. + + +26.--Watch for light of enemy's fire. + +If enemy fires, note where light appears. + + +27.--Posting of sharpshooters. + +Locate sharpshooters in advantageous posts behind the trenches (trees, +etc.). Have them fire into the enemy's listening posts and into the +enemy's trench, especially wherever light appears. These posts should +not be occupied during the day. + + +28.--Patrols. + +Send out patrols, stationary or mobile. + + + + +PATROLLING. + + +29.--Functions of Patrols. + +The aim: to supplement the work of the listening posts and of the +sentinels through more forward observation. To discover the movements +and the operations of the enemy. To locate his emplacements. + +To keep in close touch with the enemy so as to take advantage of his +possible weaknesses: lack of watchfulness, of ammunition, of sufficient +troops. To verify, repair and complete advance defences. To get the +exact range of enemy's positions. To bring back prisoners. + + +30.--Time to patrol. + +Patrols should be on duty through the night but be specially watchful +before sunrise. + + +31.--Assignment of patrol duty. + +N. C. O. and men should be assigned to patrol duty by roster or as +volunteers. In the former case, if there is reason to think that a +patrol has not done its best to secure information, the same men should +be sent out again. + + +32.--Sentinels should know about patrols. + +Neighboring companies should be notified of the departure, route and +probable time of return of patrols. If several patrols are sent out at +the same time they should know one another's itinerary. + + +33.--Dress and equipment of patrols. + +The men (3 to 5 commanded by N. C. O.) should carry no impediments +and their dress should not interfere with ease of movements: sweaters +should be worn instead of overcoats. The woolen cap or comforter should +be worn as they cover most of the face. Slits should be cut for the +ears that hearing be not interfered with. The helmet should always be +worn over comforter. Also dark gloves to hide the hands. No equipment +save the rifle, the bayonet fixed or carried in the hand, (no bayonet +scabbard), a few hand grenades. + + +34.--Method of advance. + +Patrols should crawl forward or advance by short dashes, silently, stop +often and for long periods, listen intently. + + +35.--Under flare light. + +If the enemy sends up lighting rockets (flares) or fires volleys, lie +flat on the ground until he stops. + + +36.--Against an hostile patrol. + +If a small hostile patrol approaches, do the same, throw a stone or two +so as to turn its attention away and take advantage of this to surprise +it. If men of enemy's patrol give the alarm, kill them--lie flat on +ground during enemy's volleys which will follow. Then strip bodies of +distinctive uniform badges, and search for papers, etc. Otherwise bring +men back as prisoners. + + +37.--Need of initiative. + +Patrols should exercise initiative, take advantage of circumstances, in +devising ways of bringing back the greatest possible amount of useful +information. + + + + +INTERROGATING PRISONERS. + + +38.--Information from prisoners. + +One of the chief aims of patrolling is to bring back prisoners from +whom information may be gathered. + + +39.--Its use by General Staff. + +The General Staff is interested to know the nationality, the division, +the age, etc. of prisoners captured in a given sector. + + +40.--Its use by company commander. + +But these are of little value to the battalion or company commander. +Hence, when possible, they should ask the prisoners questions more +pertinent to the organization of the enemy sector opposite: + + +41.--Questions to ask. + +How strongly are your various lines held? + +Where are the C. O. Post and the officers' dugouts? + +When and by what routes are the reliefs made, how often and on what +days and at what time. Ask the same questions for the fatigues. + +At what time are rations brought or served? + +What is the actual muster of the company? + +How many regular army officers, how many reserve officers? What do the +men think of their officers? + +How many advanced posts? How many men in each, by day and by night? Do +they have grenades and how are they relieved? + +How many men are sent out on patrol, how often, at what time, by what +route coming and going? How are they dressed and armed? What are their +instructions? + +What does the enemy know about our own patrols? + +Are snipers placed in trees during the day and at night? If so, what +trees are used. What parts of our sectors can they see? + +Are they planning any raids? Do they anticipate raids by us? + +What work are they carrying on during the day and at night? + +Have they any idea of our own activities? + +What is the nature and the location of their accessory defences? + +What is the location of their machine guns, trench mortars? + +Have they any asphyxiating gas or liquid fire apparatus? + +Have they abundant supplies of hand grenades, etc., etc. + + + + +DEVICES TO DRAW THE ENEMY'S FIRE. + + +42.--To make enemy waste ammunition. + +Any devices which lead the enemy to waste ammunition or to expose +themselves is a clear gain. + +Many may be readily devised and officers and men should be encouraged +to do so. The following have often proved successful: + + +43.--Pretend abandoning trench. + +Remain absolutely quiescent during several days. This may lead the +enemy to send out patrols or raiding parties which may be the more +surely destroyed. They should be allowed to approach to the wire +entanglements before a shot is fired. + + +44.--Pretend a raid. + +On dark nights, have all firing stop. Throw stones by hand or with +slings, a dozen at a time toward the enemy's trench. This will lead +him to fire repeated volleys and waste ammunition in his fear of an +attack, especially if the trenches are in wooded terrain and there are +leaves on the ground. Repeat several times during the night. + +Patrols may also tie strings to the enemy's barb wire. On dark nights +pulling on the string may lead the enemy to fire. + + +45.--Use decoys. + +Decoys may be arranged in trees or stuck up momentarily over the +parapet. They will draw the enemy's fire. + + +46.--Pretend a fire attack. + +If the enemy's trenches are near enough for the sound to carry, +whistles may be blown all along the line before a volley. They may +be blown again after the command to omit the volley. The enemy may +continue to fire indefinitely. + + +47.--Watch out for enemy's ruses. + +Let the aim of all these devices be to make the enemy waste ammunition +and to save your own. On the other hand, the enemy is likely to attempt +like ruses and many others which are not permissible such as the use of +white flags or raising hands to indicate pretended surrender. + + +48.--His use of blank cartridges. + +A legitimate ruse, of which the enemy is fond and which should be +guarded against, consists in their firing blank cartridges to mask an +advance of their men. It is clear that men do not advance while bullets +are fired from their own trenches. Nor does one fire in retaliation +until the enemy's fire ceases. A little attention will be sufficient to +spoil this plan as, when only blank cartridges are fired, no bullets +will whiz by. As long as the enemy fires blank cartridges, withhold +your own fire, be on guard against the appearance of patrols and be +ready to receive them when they draw near. + + +49.--His use of flares. + +In case the enemy sends up flares, patrols should lie flat and +motionless till after the volley which often follows. The sentinels in +the fire trench should note spot where flare was sent up and abstain +from firing unless enemy is sighted out of his trenches. + + +50.--His machine guns. + +If a machine gun opens fire from the trench opposite, try to locate it +through the light and sound at night, through sound and actual sight +during the day. + +Fire a converging volley of two rounds in its direction, and repeat, +but not over six rounds if unsuccessful. + +At the same time let trench mortars fire bombs in the same direction. + + +51.--His field and trench artillery fire. + +If enemy's artillery fires upon trenches (Cf. par. 69 ff.) + + + + +AN ATTACK. + + + + +THE REPULSE. + + +52.--A threatened raid. + +As has been stated (par. 15 and 22) in case enemy patrols approach, +volleys of two, then of three rounds should be fired. Keep cool. Do not +fire prematurely. + + +53.--Fire above parapet. + +The firing should be done over the parapet and not through the +loopholes. + + +54.--When alarm is given. + +If the sentinels report that an attack is developing, every one on duty +takes his post. + + +55.--Flares. + +Flares are sent up from each section. + + +56.--Trench Mortars. + +Trench mortars fire bombs with the first volley. + + +57.--How to repulse an attack. + +If the attack materializes, repeat volleys and trench mortar discharge +and open fire with the machine guns. + +(On dark nights, in covered terrain, the machine guns should be fired +with the first volley.) + + +58.--Use of hand grenades. + +Hand grenades should be thrown as soon as the enemy is within 30 yards. + +The grenadiers of the odd number squads should aim to throw their +grenades upon the assailants while those of the even number squads +should try to establish a barrage by throwing behind the assailants. + + +59.--Use of trench mortars. + +The trench mortars are aimed at the enemy's trench. + + +60.--Use of the machine guns. + +The machine guns fire directly at the assailants, with slight +differences in height of aim, (knee high, waist high, etc.) according +to the directions previously given to each man. + + +61.--Fire Control. + +Carefully keep fire rifle under control and avoid wasting ammunition. + +Never fire without aiming. If the ground ahead is flat, aim waist-high; +if it slopes down, aim close to the soil; if it slopes up, aim at +height of chest. + + +62.--Repulse with the bayonet. + +If some of the enemy reach the trench, dispose of them with the bayonet. + + +63.--Save ammunition. + +Cease firing and abstain from further firing as soon as the attack is +repulsed. + + + + +THE COUNTER ATTACK. + + +64.--Immediate. + +It should follow immediately upon the successful repulse of the attack. + + +65.--Counter attack formation. + +It should be developed in the following formation: + +1st. Grenadiers armed only with a bayonet, a bowie knife, a revolver +and a full stock of grenades. With them a few men with pliers for wire +cutting. + +2nd. Next a skirmish line of riflemen with a full supply of ammunition. + +3rd. Lastly, a line of men with entrenching tools.[B] + + +66.--Method of advance. + +Proceed by short leaps making use of available protection and crawl +flat on the ground in approaching the enemy's trench. + + +67.--Capture of the enemy's fire trench. + +After the defenders in the fire trench are killed, jump in, throw bombs +into the dugouts, pursue the enemy into the support and communication +trenches. + + +68.--Organize it against the enemy. + +Let then the engineers block up to the right and left the captured +trench and organize it rapidly against the enemy, making it face about +(through changing the parados into a parapet). The enemy is pursued as +far as possible and kept away while fatigue parties from the rear bring +up all necessary ammunition, sand bags, barbed wire, etc., carrying +back all the captured enemy material. Other fatigue parties start at +once to connect the former fire trench with the captured trench by +communication trenches. + +FOOTNOTE: + +[B] Modifications of this formation have since been adopted. Cf. Works +cited in preface. + + + + +CONCERNING ARTILLERY. + + + + +PRECAUTIONS AGAINST ENEMY'S ARTILLERY. + + +69.--Artillery Bombardment. + +Whether preliminary to, in connection with, or independent of an +infantry attack, the enemy may make use of his artillery. + +This bombardment may be directed against the fire trench or back of the +fire-trench. + + +70.--Case I.--Bombardment of the Fire Trench. + + +71.--All in shelter except sentinels. + +Leave in the fire trench the necessary sentinels. + +Station all the other men in the shelters of the support trench, or +along the communication trench, if there are no shelters, but fully +equipped and ready to jump to their places in the fire trench as soon +as the enemy's artillery fire will stop or lengthen to allow his +infantry to advance. + + +72.--Fire to impede observation. + +All through the bombardment, the sentinels should fire at all objects +in the distance which may be used as observation posts. The machine +guns should cooperate with a slow sweeping fire. + + +73.--Case II.--Bombardment back of Fire Trench. + + +74.--Watch for infantry attack. + +All should stand to in the fire trench watching for a possible infantry +attack and for a possible shortening of the enemy's bombardment. If it +occurs, proceed as in Case I. + + +75.--Prevent observation. + +Fire against possible observation posts as in Case I. + + + + +USE OF TRENCH ARTILLERY. + + +76.--Use with a purpose. + +Whatever trench artillery appliances are provided, bomb-throwers, +trench mortars, catapults, etc., they should never be used hap-hazard, +but always with great deliberation and forethought. + +Have a distinct end in view and watch for the best opportunity to +attain it. + +Such definite aims may be: to interfere with a relief, a fatigue, a +trench construction or repair, to destroy accessory defences, etc. + + +77.--Keep it ready. + +Let the mortars, etc., be kept loaded and trained on the target +selected, ready to be fired instantly. The crews should be near at hand +and a sentinel posted to watch for a favorable opportunity. + + +78.--Save ammunition. + +Until this opportunity occurs, do not fire. + + +79.--Have several emplacements. + +Several emplacements should be provided so that mortars, etc., may be +removed as soon as they have obtained desired results or been located +by the enemy. + +The trench mortar commander should make it his business to study +carefully all possibilities for effective emplacements and should +inspire his men to be alert and quick to improve opportunities. + + +80.--Use of machine guns. + +The machine guns should likewise be handled as a mobile weapon and +not be used merely from elaborate carefully concealed emplacements +commanding otherwise uncovered ground or enfilading communication +trenches, etc.[C] + + +81.--Use of hand grenades. + +Hand grenades may be listed as trench artillery. The temptation is to +use them too freely. Like other ammunition they should never be wasted +and always used with a definite aim. + +FOOTNOTE: + +[C] Captain Hanguillart treats this important subject very summarily. +Cf. Cole & Schoonmaker's Military Instructor's Manual p. 319. He also +barely mentions Gas attacks. Cf. very complete treatment in same work, +p. 356 to 370. + + + + +FIELD ARTILLERY COOPERATION. + + +82.--Communications with the artillery. + +Should be permanent so that it may cooperate whether to repulse an +enemy's attack, to silence his artillery, to damage his defences or to +prepare and protect an attack or a counter attack. + + +83.--Observations posts. + +To avoid a waste of ammunition, and attain the desired result as well +as to prevent the artillery fire from falling short upon one's own +trenches, artillery observation posts should be provided in the fire +trench or at one of the outposts. + + +84.--Artillery fire falling short. + +In case artillery fire does fall short upon one's own trenches, +communicate at once with artillery commander and proceed as when +bombarded by enemy. (Cf. 69 ff.) + + +85.--Artillery preparation of infantry attack. + +Special caution should be exercised in the case of a raid against the +enemy's trench. Make sure that the artillery preparation has secured +the desired result. Synchronize carefully the infantry advance and the +lengthening of the artillery fire. + + + + +DAILY SCHEDULE. + + +86.--Rosters and schedules. + +Throughout the stay in the trenches, the various fatigues should be +assigned by roster and carried out according to schedule. The following +schedule has been found practical: + + + + +7 A.M. (6 A.M. in summer). + + +87.--Cleaning of trenches. + +Have trenches cleaned of all rubbish, latrines disinfected, drinking +water supplied. + + +88.--Collecting of broken equipment. + +All cartridge shells, broken tools, etc. should be collected. + + +89.--Requisition Report. + +A list of the supplies and ammunition needed should be drawn up. + + +90.--Report on night activities. + +Full report should be brought to the company commander, covering the +work of the patrols and of the fatigue parties, and giving full details +of all that has happened during the night. + + +91.--Report on casualties. + +Also the list of casualties in the last twelve hours with full names +and nature of wound if possible. + + +92.--Disposal of property of dead and wounded. + +The arms and complete equipment of the wounded should be sent out +with them. The arms and equipment of the killed should be sent to +the battalion commander. Their personal effects; money, papers, +letters, etc., should be carefully collected, listed, and sent to the +sergeant-major. + + + + +8 A.M. + + +93.--Sick Parade. + +The men able to walk are taken to the doctor's dugout by an N.C.O. + + + + +4 P.M. + + +94.--Assignment of patrols. + +Assign night patrols from roster. Point out itinerary while light +permits. Have neighbouring sectors advised of same. + + + + +(8. P.M.) + + +95.--Inspections. + +Inspection of sentinels in fire trench. Inspection of ammunition +supplies. + + + + +TURNING OVER THE TRENCHES. + + + + +THE RELIEF. + + +96.--In the afternoon and in each section: + +Have all the tools and supplies collected and list drawn up ready to +hand over to successor against receipt for same. + +Inspect equipment of men that they may be taken out completely. + +Check up exact itinerary of relief in and out. + + +97.--At the time of relief: + +Have rifles inspected and emptied. + +Give strict orders for silence. + +Follow same marching order as when coming in. + +Have officer march in rear. + + +98.--On reaching billets. + +Have the roll called and sent to the officer of the day. + +Have rifles inspected. + + + + +THE DAY AFTER THE RELIEF. + + +99.--Replace equipment. + +Have all arms cleaned and oiled. + +Have broken arms turned in and others issued. + +Inspect shoes, clothes, equipment, tools, and replace when needed. + +Have special inspection of gas-masks and replace if needed. + + +100.--Sanitation. + +Have underwear washed, and personal cleanliness attended to, baths, +hair-cuts, etc. + +Have premises kept clean and latrines disinfected daily. + + + + +OUT OF THE TRENCHES. + + +101.--Specialists' Instruction. + +While in rest billets: Have all specialists' instruction continued: +sharpshooters, bomb-throwers, signallers, etc. + + +102.--Bayonet exercises. + +Should be given special attention. + + +103.--Close and extended order drill + +and marching give the men needed exercise. + + +104.--Relaxation. + +should also be provided: in the form of games, contests, +entertainments, etc. They help to keep the men "fit." + + +105.--Efficiency. + +The company commander should make it is his constant concern that his +men be kept at the highest possible point of efficiency. + + + + +QUESTIONS. + + + The following questions are topical. Supplements to the + answers found in this book should be looked for in the + larger works referred to in the preface. + + +Trench Life and Trench Warfare. + +1.--What inspections should be made on the day before the relief? + +2.--State orders to be issued one hour before departure. + +3.--What may be the marching orders, on the way to the trenches? + +4.--Describe precautions to be taken against enemy's fire, against +aeroplanes. + +5.--What other precautions should be taken? + +6.--What should the company commander attend to on reaching the +trenches? + +7.--What possible improvements of trenches are obviously called for? + +8.--What special attention should be given the parapet? + +9.--Give rules for drainage and sanitation. + +10.--What precautions may be taken against capture of fire-trench? + +11.--What does trench warfare correspond to in open warfare? + +12.--What does the safety of a sector depend on? + +13.--What is the fundamental duty in trench warfare? + +14.--What rule determines the number of men to be posted in the +fire-trench? + +15.--Sum up their orders about firing before open terrain, before +covered terrain. + +16.--What is meant by double sentinels? + +17.--Why is listening attentively even more important than keeping a +sharp look out? + +18.--Why should the sentinels refrain from answering the enemy's fire? + +19.--What is expected of the men in the listening posts? + +20.--When should the sentinels fire on a clear night? When, on a dark +night? + +21.--What should the sentinels do, if they hear the enemy's digging? + +22.--When and where are sharpshooters posted and what is their duty? + +23.--What information may patrols bring back? + +24.--When should patrols be sent out and how should they be assigned? + +25.--What should the sentinels along a sector know about the patrols, +and the several possible patrols know about one another? + +26.--Describe dress and equipment of men on patrols. + +27.--Describe their method of advance. + +28.--What should they do on encountering a hostile patrol? + +29.--What should be the motto of men on patrol? + +30.--What are some of the most useful informations about the enemy, you +should try to obtain? + +31.--What motto should you have about ammunition? + +32.--Describe several ways of leading enemy to waste ammunition. + +33.--What is the distinction between legitimate and illegitimate ruses? + +34.--On what principle is the enemy's ruse of the use of blank +cartridges based? + +35.--How may this ruse be foiled? + +36.--What should the sentinels, and what should the men on patrol do, +when the enemy sends up flares? + +37.--How should the enemy's machine gun fire be answered? + + +An Enemy's Attack. + +38.--Describe procedure when enemy's patrols are sighted by sentinels +and when an attack develops. + +39.--When are the trench mortars and the machine guns fired? + +40.--How are hand grenades thrown? + +41.--Where should the rifle fire be aimed? + +42.--When are bayonets used? + +43.--Is it sufficient to repulse an attack? + +44.--What formation should be adopted for the counter attack? + +45.--How is the advance made and the counter attack carried out? + +46.--Describe what is meant by organization of a newly conquered trench. + +47.--What should be done, if the enemy bombards the fire-trench? + +48.--What should the sentinels do? + +49.--What should be done if the bombardment is back of the fire-trench? + +50.--What general rule applies to the use of all trench artillery? + +51.--What are its ordinary objectives? + +52.--How are trench mortars handled? + +53.--What is meant by calling trench-artillery mobile weapons? + +54.--Give a general caution for the use of all ammunition. + +55.--What is essential to secure effective artillery fire? + +56.--What should be done if one's own artillery fire falls short upon +one's own trenches? + +57.--How is coordination between artillery and infantry secured in case +of a raid? + +58.--What are the principal items of the morning schedule, of the +afternoon schedule? + +59.--Describe the preparations for leaving the trenches. + +60.--What orders are given at the time of relief? + +61.--What is done before the men are dismissed to their billets? + +62.--How should the days in rest billets be utilized? + +63.--Describe a typical day in the trenches. + +64.--Describe a typical day in rest billets. + +65.--What should be the supreme aim alike of men and officers? + + + + + Part II. + + 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. + +*** END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK 44370 *** |