CHAPTER XI

THE ATTACK IN TRENCH WARFARE

OBJECTIVES

The objectives which must be dealt with in the attack of an intrenched position such as will be found on the western front are:

1. The trenches of the first line.

2. The supporting points.

3. The trenches of the second line.

By a study of the text preceding this you must realize that in the defense of these objectives there will be employed artillery, rifles, grenades and machine guns.

ARTILLERY PREPARATION

The first phase of the attack is the artillery preparation. In order that the infantry may make the attack with a minimum of losses, the artillery must have destroyed the wire entanglements and obstacles that obstruct the advance, or at least have sufficiently breached them to permit their being negotiated. The destruction of these obstacles is never complete. It would require too great an expenditure of ammunition. The infantry occupying the hostile trenches must be simply overwhelmed with artillery fire so that they will be unable to man the parapets when the assault is launched. During the artillery preparation the hostile infantry does not occupy their firing positions in the trenches but remain in their dugouts, which are fully protected from all but the heaviest shells. Only a few observers are left in the trenches.

When the bombardment against this particular part of the line ceases the infantry leave their dugouts and man the firing positions. To prevent this is one of the most important as well as most difficult tasks of the artillery. This may be effected by a well-directed fire on the exits to the dugouts with a view to caving them in and thus preventing the egress of the occupants. The enemy may sometimes be induced to leave his shelter prematurely by the following ruse:

1. Cease the artillery fire.

2. Open a heavy rifle fire; this causes the enemy to believe that the assault has begun and he will man his parapets in strength.

3. After waiting for several minutes open the artillery again with even increased vigor.

The hostile infantry may be forced out of his dugouts by the use of shells and grenades containing suffocating gases which penetrate the shelters and make them untenable.

The artillery is also charged with putting the enemy's artillery out of action to prevent them from firing upon the attacking infantry.

If the enemy artillery is left free, it will shell our trenches and approaches, causing casualties and confusion and thus interfering with the formation for the attack. The location of hostile batteries is effected by aerial reconnaissance.

Another task of the artillery is to prevent the hostile reserves from coming up to reinforce their firing lines. These reserves will be located back in the second line until their presence is required at the front. As long as the artillery preparation continues they remain in the shelters, but as soon as it ceases they man the trenches. The artillery must therefore extend its fire to the second line and continue it while the first line is being rushed. Back of the second position the enemy holds strong reserves. The entrance of these into action must be prevented. This is accomplished by extending the curtain of fire still further to the rear. The supporting points must receive a lion's share of attention for, bristling with machine guns and trench mortars, they are the really dangerous elements to the infantry attack after it passes the first line trenches.

The weapon which inflicts the greatest losses on the assaulting infantry is the machine gun, which appears suddenly out of the ground and lays low whole units. By a careful reconnaissance these machine-gun positions are ferreted out and every possible means are taken to effect their destruction.

The effectiveness of the artillery preparation depends simply upon superiority of guns and munitions. In this respect we now possess a great advantage, for the state of our munition supply is such that our artillery may fire several shells to one of the enemy. This is what established the superiority.

ORGANIZATION OF INFANTRY ATTACK

The organization of the attacking infantry corresponds in a general way to the organization of the position being attacked. A first line of assault is organized. Its mission is the capture of the enemy's first line trenches. A second line follows, having for its mission the assault and capture of the second line trenches. A separate organization of these two lines is necessary for the reason that the first attacking line is generally so disorganized in the fighting that it no longer possesses the cohesion necessary to carry it through to the second line. It has been found necessary to launch a comparatively fresh and intact force against it.

As the first position is organized into several separate lines of defense, so also is the first attacking line organized and launched in two or more waves, those in rear being in the nature of reinforcements to those in front.

OBJECTIVES

Each unit of the attacking line is assigned a distinct objective. Certain units are given the mission of attacking the supporting points to prevent their enfilading the units advancing through the intervals between them.

The main efforts are made along the lines between the supporting points, as to assault the latter would entail a casualty list not commensurate with the results. The effort against them is made with a view to neutralizing their effect. If the attack is successful in the intervals, the supporting points will fall as a result.

The waves of the first line are directed against the first position, the second against the second position. The reserves held under the orders of the division commander are employed where the development of the situation dictates.

Further to the rear, and under orders of the supreme commander, large bodies of reinforcements are held ready to be moved rapidly to points where progress has been made to such an extent that maneuver operations are practicable.

PREPARATION FOR THE ASSAULT

Preparatory to the assault, numerous saps (trenches) are run out to the front from the main firing trenches. The night before the attack, a parallel is broken out connecting the sap heads. This parallel is amply supplied with short ladders and is occupied by the companies composing the first wave of the attack. The saps and the main trenches are also filled with men assigned to the following waves, who will move into the parallel as soon as the first wave leaves it. As the artillery preparation ceases, the first waves rush up the ladders in succession and move out to the assault.

THE FIRST WAVE

As the artillery preparation against the first line is completed and the curtain of fire shifted far into the enemy's position, the infantry of the first wave emerges from the parallel and moves out. The formation and gait depend upon the distance to the hostile trench. If the artillery preparation has been effective and the distance is not more than 100 yards, it is expected that the wave will be able to reach the fire trench without firing, except possibly when the wire is reached. If the distance is much greater than 100 yards, it is necessary to cover the advance with rifle fire. This is accomplished by a line of skirmishers deployed at extended intervals, which precedes the wave at about 50 yards. The wave starts out at a walk, carefully aligned. It afterwards takes up the double time and advances by rushes until the wire entanglements are reached.

From this moment the period of the charge and individual combat begins. The men can no longer be kept from firing. Each tries to protect himself with his rifle. Each man locates his opening in the wire through which he is to go and makes for it. The line reforms on the other side. With rifles at the high charge (a position to our old head parry, but slanting slightly upward from right to left) the line rushes upon the enemy. Each man runs straight towards the part of the trench in front of him and jumps upon the parapet. By rifle shots and bayonet thrusts he destroys everything in his way. Men selected in advance take charge of the prisoners. The line is reformed, lying down just beyond the fire trench, and fire is opened against the second line. Men are positively forbidden to enter the communication trenches. They are most inviting for cover, but a man rarely gets out of them.

The grenadier squad proceed to their work of clearing the fire and communication trenches.

THE SECOND WAVE

The second wave of the first line starts forward at the moment the first wave reaches the hostile trenches. If it starts sooner, it will unite with the first at the entanglement and become involved in the fight for the fire trench. It will be broken up prematurely and will be unable to take advantage of the developments of the fight of the first wave. The reinforcement by the second wave and the disorganization produced by the assault lead to a mixture of units in the trenches of the first position. Before starting out to the assault of the next trench it is necessary that order be restored. When this is accomplished the attack is launched against the second line. In front of the supporting points the combat rages. The men are barely able to hold on the outer edges. In the interval the advance has reached high tide and has expanded like a wave and stopped. This is the limit that can be expected of the first line.

Hasty cover is prepared and advantage taken of such cover as may exist. All elements of the attack open fire on the second position.

THE SECOND LINE

Under the cover of these operations the second line has come up in a series of three lines, where it is built up compact at the position of the stopped first line. From this point its attack against the enemy's second line is launched. The lines are worked up to a point from which the assault is to be made, and when the time comes the first wave dashes out to the attack, followed by the second wave in the same manner as the assault against the first position was made.

The action of the two lines of attack may be expected to overwhelm the greater part of the two main hostile positions. At certain points, however, the resistance will hold out, and, if not overcome, will constitute points of support to which the enemy may bring up reinforcements and even turn the tide of battle by a counter attack.

To deal with these points that hold out, as well as with hostile reinforcements which may arrive, the reserve is launched into action, which brings the attack into the open ground beyond the second line of defense, and maneuver operations are begun. The mobile units are rapidly thrown into action, and large forces from the general reserve are hurried to the point where the lines of defense are broken through.

From what has gone before we may deduce that the following conditions must prevail to attain success in an attack on a prepared position:

1. The attack must be planned down to the most minute detail.

2. There must be a greatly superior force of artillery concentrated at the point of attack, and the artillery preparation must be thorough.

3. The infantry must be sufficient in number, training and morale to perform the tasks that will be demanded of them.

4. The arrangements for the supply of ammunition to the firing line must be planned and carried out in all its details.

5. Plans for meeting counter attacks must be thorough and complete. The capture of a position is often less difficult than its retention.

6. Finally, every officer and man must know exactly what he is to do.

Bayonet Training

Waldron

The system of Bayonet Training stated herein is taken from the provisional Manual of Bayonet Training of the British Army. In the vernacular of the day, it is the "real dope."

Every battalion should have a bayonet assault practice course constructed along the lines indicated and the work of training should be systematically conducted. The non-commissioned officers should be taken out on a "Tactical Walk" on the course and all the features of the exercises explained. This is followed by their practical training over the course and this in turn is followed by the instruction of the privates of the organization.

FEATURES OF THE BAYONET

To attack with the bayonet effectively requires good direction, strength and quickness, during a state of wild excitement and probable physical exhaustion. The limit of the range of a bayonet is about 5 feet (measured from the opponent's eyes) but more often the killing is at close quarters, at a range of 2 feet or less, when troops are struggling hand to hand in trenches or darkness.

The bayonet is essentially an offensive weapon--go straight at an opponent with the point threatening his throat and deliver the point wherever an opening presents itself. If no opening is obvious, one must be created by beating off the opponents weapon or making a "feint point" in order to make him uncover himself.

Hand to hand fighting with the bayonet is individual, which means that a man must think and act for himself and rely on his own resources and skill; but, as in all games, he must play for his side and not only for himself. In a bayonet assault all ranks go forward to kill or be killed, and only those who have developed skill and strength by constant training will be able to kill.

The spirit of the bayonet must be inculcated into all ranks so that they go forward with that aggressive determination and confidence of superiority born of continual practice, without which a bayonet assault will not be effective.

The technical points of bayonet fighting are extremely few and simple. The essence of bayonet training is continuity of practice.

METHOD OF CARRYING OUT BAYONET TRAINING AND HINTS TO INSTRUCTORS

An important point to be kept in mind in Bayonet Training is the development of the individual by teaching him to think and act for himself. The simplest means of attaining this end is to make men use their brains and eyes to the fullest extent by carrying out the practices so far as possible, without words of command, i.e., to point at a shifting target as soon as it is stationary, to parry sticks, etc. The class should, whenever possible, work in pairs and act on the principle of "master and teacher." This procedure in itself, develops individuality and confidence. Sharp jerky words of command which tend to make men act mechanically, should be omitted. Rapidity of movement and alertness are taught by competition in fixing and unfixing the bayonet and by other such quickening movements.

As the technique of bayonet fighting is so simple, long detail is quite unnecessary and makes the work monotonous. All instructions should be carried out on common-sense lines. It should seldom be necessary to give the details of a "point" or "parry" more than two or three times, after which the class should acquire the correct positions by practice. For this reason a lesson or daily practice should rarely last more than half an hour. Remember that nothing kills interest so easily as monotony.

The spirit of the bayonet is to be inculcated by describing the special features of bayonet and hand to hand fighting. The men must learn to practice bayonet fighting in the spirit and with the enthusiasm that animates them when training for their games, and to look upon their instructor as a trainer and helper. Interest in the work is to be created by explaining the reasons for the various positions, the method of handling the rifle and bayonet and the uses of the points. Questions should be put to the men to find out if they understand these reasons. When men realize the object of their work they naturally take a greater interest in it.

Progression in bayonet training is regulated by obtaining first correct position and good direction, then quickness. Strength is the outcome of continual practice.

In order to encourage dash and gradually strengthen the leg muscles from the commencement of the training, classes should be frequently practiced in charging short distances over the bayonet practice courses.

All company officers and non-commissioned officers should be taught how to instruct in bayonet training in order that they may be able to teach their squads and platoons this very important part of a soldier's training, which must be regularly practiced during the whole of his service at home, and during his periods of rest behind the firing-lines.

The greatest care should be taken that the object representing the opponent and its support should be incapable of injuring the bayonet or butt. Only light sticks are to be used for parrying practice.

The chief causes of injury to the bayonet are insufficient instruction, in the bayonet training lessons, failure to withdraw the bayonet clear of the dummy, and placing the dummies on hard, unprepared ground.

BAYONET LESSONS

_Formation._--Intervals or distances are taken as prescribed in paragraphs 109 and 111 I.D.R. Bayonets are fixed, paragraph 95, I.D.R.

_Technique of Instruction._--Before requiring the soldier to take a position or execute a movement for the first time, the instructor should show him the position or how to execute the movement, stating the essential elements and explaining the purpose that they serve.

Illustrate the position or movement a second time, requiring careful observation so that the men will be taught to use their eyes and brains right from the beginning.

Now, require the men to assume the position or execute the movement under consideration. Accuracy and expertness will be developed by practice.

Fatigue and exhaustion should be carefully guarded against. They prevent proper interest being taken in the exercises and delay the progress of the instruction.

The training consists of five lessons and the Final Assault practice.

_Lesson No. 1_

The First lesson is divided into:

1. The position of _Guard_, from which the various bayonet attacks are made.

2. The position of _High Port_, which is assumed when advancing.

3. The _Long Point_, which is the normal method of bayonet attack.

4. The _Withdrawal_, which follows the attack.

THE POSITION OF GUARD

Being at the Order Arms: Raise the piece with the right hand, throw it to the front. Grasp with both hands, the left at a convenient place above the rear sight so that the left arm is only slightly bent; right hand at the small of the stock and held just in front of the navel. The rifle is held naturally and easily, without constraint, barrel inclined slightly to the left. At the same time the left foot is carried forward to a point in a natural position such as a man walking might adopt on meeting with resistance. The left knee is slightly bent, right leg straight and braced. The right foot is flat on the ground with the toe inclined to the right front.

The common faults that will be noted in assuming the position are:

1. The body will be leaned back from the hips, which causes unsteadiness and does not permit quick and aggressive action.

2. The left arm is bent too much, which raises the point of the bayonet too high and produces a certain amount of constraint. The left hand should grasp the piece at such a point that will avoid this defect. A little practice will show the exact place to hold the hand to obtain the maximum effect.

3. The right hand may be held too low and too far back, which has the effect of raising the point of the bayonet and giving a faulty position to the left arm and hand.

4. The rifle may be grasped too tightly with the hands, which produces rigidity and restrains freedom of movement. The left hand merely guides the bayonet in the attack, the right furnishes the power behind the thrust, hence great care should be taken to see that the left arm is not deprived of its freedom of action by gripping the rifle too hard with the left hand.

THE POSITION OF "REST"

The feet are retained at the position of Guard. The piece is lowered and held in the easiest and most comfortable position.

THE POSITION OF HIGH PORT

Being at the position of Guard. Without changing the position of the hands on the piece, carry the rifle so that the left wrist is level with and directly in front of the left shoulder. The right hand is level with the belt.

Practice will be had at the position of _High Port_ with the right hand quitting the piece, it being held approximately in position with the left hand alone. This will be found advantageous when jumping ditches, climbing out of trenches, surmounting obstacles, etc., leaving the right hand free.

THE POSITION OF LONG POINT

Being at the position of Guard. Thrust the point of the bayonet vigorously towards the point of the objective, to the full extent of the left arm, the stock running along side of and kept close to the right inner fore arm. The body is inclined forward; left knee well bent; right leg braced, and weight of body pressed well forward with the sole of the right foot, heel raised. The chief power in the Point is derived from the right arm with the weight of the body behind it, the left arm and hand being employed to direct the point of the bayonet at the objective.

The eyes must be fixed on the objective. In making the point other than straight to the front the left foot will be moved laterally in the direction to which the point is made. After progress has been made in the execution of the simple point as indicated above, practice should include stepping forward with the rear foot when the assault is delivered.

The common faults in the execution of the Long Point will be noted as follows:

1. The rifle is drawn back slightly before delivering the point, which makes for a momentary loss of time that may give an opponent the advantage and should be assiduously guarded against.

2. The stock of the piece is held too high, which makes the guiding of the point of the bayonet with the left hand more difficult, and reduces accuracy in delivering the point at the exact spot intended.

3. The eyes are not directed on the point of the attack. This is an error. One that may cause a man to miss his mark. The soldier must realize what this means in hand to hand fighting. The opponent will get him.

4. The left knee is not sufficiently bent, which does not allow the point to be made with the force intended.

5. The body is not thrust sufficiently forward, which reduces just that much the force of the attack.

6. The point is started at too great a distance from the objective to make a hit. Practice must be conducted in making the point until the soldier knows the exact distance at which he will have to start to produce the maximum effect. This distance is between four and five feet.

During the later stages of the instruction the men should also be taught to step forward with the rear foot when delivering the point.

THE WITHDRAWAL AFTER A LONG POINT

Being at the position of Long Point. To withdraw the bayonet. Draw the piece straight back until the right hand is well behind the hip. Immediately assume the position of Guard. If the leverage or proximity of the object transfixed with the bayonet renders it necessary, prior to the withdrawal, the left hand is slipped up close to the stacking swivel.

In the preliminary instruction all Points will be immediately followed by a withdrawal, prior to assuming the position of guard.

PROGRESSION

After the several positions hereinbefore described have been learned, the Points should be made at a definite place on a target, such as the throat, the stomach, the head, etc.

As progress is made, the pause between the point and the withdrawal is shortened until the soldier comes directly to the position of Guard from the point. Proficiency will finally be attained in making a "feint point" at one part of the target and the real point at another, for example: Feint at the head and point at the right thigh; feint at the stomach and point at the neck, etc.

Attacks at a retreating foe should be made against the kidneys, the position of which should be shown to the soldier.

VULNERABLE PARTS OF THE BODY

If possible, the point of the bayonet should be directed against the opponents throat, especially in hand to hand fighting. The point of the bayonet will easily enter and make a fatal wound on penetrating a few inches. Other and more or less exposed parts are the face, chest, lower abdomen, thighs and the region of the kidneys when the back is turned. Four to six inches penetration is sufficient to incapacitate and allow for a quick withdrawal, whereas if a bayonet is driven home too far it is often impossible to withdraw it.

As soon as the nomenclature of the positions and movements are learned the men should work in pairs. They should be practiced in pointing in various directions. 1. At the opposite man's hand, which he places in various positions on and off the body. 2. At thrusting rings tied on the end of a stick.

This practice is conducted without word of command, so that the eyes and brain may be trained.

It is not sufficient that a dummy be merely transfixed. Some particular spot on the dummy should constitute the target. Discs or numbers should be placed on the dummy and the men required to point at a distance of about five feet from it and later as they become more proficient, to point after advancing several paces. The advance must be made in a practical manner and the point delivered with either foot to the front.

The rifle must never be drawn back when making a Long Point in a forward movement. The impetus of the body and the forward stretching of the arms supply sufficient force.

The bayonet must be withdrawn immediately after the Point has been delivered, and a forward threatening attitude assumed by the side of or beyond the dummy.

To guard against accidents the men must be at least five feet apart and the bayonet scabbard should be on the bayonet.

The principles of this practice should be observed when pointing at dummies in trenches, standing upright on the ground or suspended from gallows. They should be applied at first slowly and deliberately. No attempt must be made to carry out the Final Assault Practice until the men have been carefully instructed in and have thoroughly mastered the preliminary lessons.

_Lesson No. 2_

THE PARRIES

Being at the position of Guard: The right or left parry is executed by vigorously straightening the left arm, without bending the wrist or twisting the rifle in the hand, and forcing the piece to the right or left far enough to fend off the adversary's weapon. The eyes must be kept on the weapon that is being parried and not on the eyes of the opponent as indicated in our bayonet combat training.

The common faults in the execution of the parries consist of:

1. Making a wide, sweeping parry, with no forward movement of the bayonet or body in it.

2. The eyes are taken off the weapon that is being parried.

The men should be taught to regard the parry as a part of an offensive movement, namely of the Point, which would immediately follow it in actual combat. For this reason, as soon as the movements of the parries have been learned they should always be accompanied by a slight forward movement of the body.

Parries will be practiced with the right as well as with the left foot forward, preparatory to the practice of parrying when advancing.

PRACTICE

Men when learning the parries should be required to observe the movements of the rifle carefully, and should not be kept longer at this practice than is necessary for them to understand what is required, that is vigorous, yet controlled action.

The men work in pairs with scabbards on the bayonets, one man pointing with the stick and the other parrying it. The position of guard is resumed after each parry. At first this practice must be slow and deliberate, without being allowed to become mechanical, and will be progressively increased in rapidity and vigor.

Later a point at that part of the body indicated by the opposite man's hand should immediately follow the parry, and, finally sticks long enough to represent the opponents weapon at the position of guard should be attached to dummies and parried before delivering the point. (See Targets.)

The men must be taught to parry points made at them:

1. By an enemy in a trench when they are themselves on the parapet.

2. By an enemy on the parapet when they are on the trench.

3. When both are fighting on the same level at close quarters in a deep trench.

_Lesson No. 3_

THE SHORT POINT

Being at the position of Guard: Shift the left hand quickly towards the muzzle and draw the rifle back to the full extent of the right arm, the butt either upwards or downwards, according as a low point or high point is to be made. Deliver the point vigorously to the full extent of the left arm.

The short point is used at a range of about three feet. In close fighting it is the natural point to make when the bayonet has just been withdrawn after a long point. If a strong withdrawal is necessary the right hand should be slipped above the back sight after the short point has been made.

By placing two discs on a dummy the short point should be taught in conjunction with the long point, the first disc being transfixed with the latter and the second with the former. On delivery of the long point if the left foot is forward, the short point would take place with the right foot forward and _vice versa_.

The parries should be practiced from the position of the short point.

_Lesson No. 4_

THE JAB OR UPWARD POINT

Being at the position of Short Point: Shift the right hand up the rifle and grasp it above the balance, at the same time bringing the piece to an almost vertical position close to the body. From this position, bend the knees and jab the point of the bayonet upwards into the throat or under the chin of the opponent.

The common faults in this movement are:

1. The rifle is drawn backward and not held sufficiently upright.

2. The rifle is grasped too low with the right hand.

From the position of Jab, the men will be practiced in fending off an attack made on any part of their body by an opponent.

When making a Jab from the position of guard, the right, being the thrusting hand, will be brought up first.

The Jab can be employed successfully in close quarter fighting in narrow trenches or when embraced by an enemy.

METHODS OF INJURING AN OPPONENT

It should be impressed upon the soldier that, although a man's point has missed, or has been parried or his bayonet has been broken, he can, as attacker, still maintain his advantage by injuring his opponent in one of the following ways:

_Butt Strike I._ Swing the butt up at the opponent's crotch, ribs, forearm, etc., using a half arm blow and advancing the rear foot.

This is essentially a half arm blow from the shoulder, keeping the elbow rigid. It can be executed only when the rifle is grasped at the small of the stock.

_Butt Strike II._ If the opponent jumps back so that the first butt strike misses, the rifle will come into a horizontal position over the left shoulder, butt to the front. The attacker will then step in with the rear foot and dash the butt into his opponent's face.

_Butt Strike III._ If the opponent retires still further out of distance, the attacker again closes up and slashes his bayonet down on his opponent's head or neck.

_Butt Strike IV._ If the point is beaten or brought down, the butt can be used effectively by crashing it down on the opponent's head with an over-arm blow, advancing the rear foot. When the opponent is out of distance Butt Strike III can again be used.

In individual fighting the butt can also be used horizontally against the opponent's ribs, forearm, etc. This method is impossible in trench fighting or in an attack, owing to the horizontal sweep of the bayonet to the attacker's left.

The men must be impressed with the fact that the butt must never be used when it is possible to use the point of the bayonet effectively.

Butt Strikes can be used only under certain conditions and in certain positions. If the soldier acquires absolute control of his weapon under these conditions he will be able to adapt himself to all other phases of close in fighting. For example, when a man is gripped by an opponent, so that neither the point nor the butt can be used, the knee brought up against the crotch or the heel stamped on the instep may momentarily disable him and make him release his hold. When wrestling the opponent may be tripped by forcing his weight on to one leg and then kicking that leg from under him. These methods will only temporarily disable an enemy, who must be killed with the bayonet.

PRACTICE

When the men have been shown the methods of using the butt and the knee, they should be practiced by affixing several discs on a dummy and executing combination exercises at them. For example, point at one disc, use the knee on another fixed low down, jab at a third, etc. For practice with the Butt, light dummies should be used to prevent injury to the piece.

TACTICAL APPLICATION OF THE BAYONET

A bayonet assault should preferably be made under cover of fire, or darkness or as a surprise. Under these circumstances the prospect of success is greatest, for a bayonet is useless at any range except in hand to hand fighting.

The bayonet is essentially a weapon of offense to be used with skill and vigor. To await an opportunity for using the bayonet entails defeat. An approaching enemy will simply stand out of bayonet range and shoot down the defenders.

In an assault the enemy should be killed with the bayonet. Firing should be avoided. A bullet passing through an opponent's body may kill a friend who happens to be in the line of fire.

THE BAYONET ASSAULT

Training in the final assault is conducted only after the soldier has received a thorough course of instruction in the preliminary lessons and has acquired complete control over his weapons. This training must approximate as nearly as possible the conditions of actual fighting. Instructors should endeavor by every means in their power to arouse the interest and imagination of the men. Each problem should be carefully explained beforehand so that every man may have a complete knowledge of just exactly what is being attempted. Each target must be regarded as an armed opponent and each line of targets as an enemy line, attacking, defending or retiring, to be disposed of accordingly.

Any tendency towards carelessness and slackness must be corrected at once and all the men must be impressed with the fact that a practice assault that is not carried out with quickness, vigor and determination is worse than useless.

Lack of imagination or lack of understanding of what is being attempted, leading to a violation of the principles of tactics in practice assaults against dummy targets, can only lead to disaster in a real assault against the enemy.

Nervous tension, due to the anticipation of an attack, the advance across the open and the final dash at the enemy all combine to tire an assaulting party. It is only by their physical fitness and superior skill with the bayonet that they can overcome a comparatively fresh foe.

Accuracy in directing the bayonet when moving rapidly or surmounting obstacles; a thrust of sufficient force to penetrate clothing and equipment; a clean withdrawal, which requires no small effort, especially when the bayonet is fixed by a bone; are all of the greatest importance.

METHOD OF CARRYING THE RIFLE WITH BAYONET FIXED

1. A quick, short advance. Carry the rifle at the position of "High Port." This position is suitable for close formations. It minimizes risks of accidents when surmounting obstacles. It can be maintained with the left hand alone, allowing a free use of the right when necessary.

2. Long advance, in close formation. Carry the rifle slung over the left shoulder, barrel perpendicular, sling to the front. This allows the free use of both hands.

3. Long advance, in open order. Carry the rifle at the "Trail."

TEAMWORK

The importance of teamwork, discipline, and organized control throughout the conduct of the bayonet assault cannot be too strongly impressed upon the men. In this, as well as in all other tactical operations, success can only be achieved through the closest cooperation of all concerned. While individual initiative is to be encouraged, it must be strictly subordinated to the will of the leader of the assaulting party. The failure of an enterprize can usually be traced to the lack of this close cooperation.

THE ADVANCE

1. All members of the attacking party must "go over the top," that is, leave the trench, or rise from cover simultaneously.

2. The first stage, especially of a long advance, is slow and steady--not faster than the pace of the slowest man.

Such an advance has a decided moral effect on the enemy. It will produce the maximum shock at the moment of impact. It allows the attacking force to reach its objective without undue exhaustion. On the other hand, if the assault is allowed to develop without control and in a haphazard fashion, the moral effect of the steady advance of a resistless wall of men is lost and the defenders will be given time to dispose of their opponents in detail.

THE CHARGE

The actual charge will not be delivered over a greater distance than 20 paces. Within the last ten paces the piece will be brought to the position of guard. The alignment will be maintained as far as possible until actual contact is gained.

As soon as a position is carried and prior to any further advance or any other operation whatsoever, the line must be reformed and every precaution taken against a counter attack. In Trench Warfare, the indiscriminate pursuit with the bayonet must never be permitted unless orders to that effect have been given by the leaders of the assaulting party. The attacking troops are not so fresh as the enemy and experience has shown that unorganized pursuit is exposed to ambuscades and machine gun fire. In most cases the work of immediate pursuit is better accomplished by the supporting artillery assisted by the rapid fire of the infantry on the retreating enemy.

ASSAULT PRACTICE

Throughout the period of training the men, the men should be constantly practiced in:

1. The recognized method of carrying the rifle with the bayonet fixed.

2. The rapid advance out of deep trenches.

3. Teamwork and control of advancing line. Fire discipline, direction and control.

4. The art of using the bayonet with effect in the cramped space of communication and fire trenches.

5. Reforming and opening fire after an assault.

6. Acting as leaders of an attacking party.

FINAL ASSAULT PRACTICE

One of the best methods of training a command in the final assault is to construct a section of trench, forming a course, over which the training may be conducted. The edges of the trenches should be protected by logs anchored back in the parapets or solid ground. Constant use will soon wear them down if this precaution is not taken. Cinders placed on the course are a great advantage, for they prevent the men from slipping.

When dummy targets are laid on the ground or on parapets, care should be taken to see that the earth under them is free from stones, otherwise bayonets will be injured when the thrust penetrates clear through the dummy and into the ground.

For this practice work it will be well to select the bayonets of the company that are most worn and use them exclusively.

Most interesting and practical problems in the tactics of trench warfare can be solved by combining the assault practice with other forms of training such as the operations of grenadier squads in clearing fire trenches and communication trenches; throwing hand grenades, to cover the assault; barricading with sandbags and the construction of trenches.

The illustration herein shows a type of Final Assault Practice course, that may be prepared with a minimum expenditure of labor and material. It occupies a space of about 100 feet in width and may be of varying depth according to the elements that it is desired to introduce. A platoon of four squads with the squad leaders taken out of the line and placed in rear to direct their squads, may be run over the course with safety after the men have had sufficient preliminary training. The elements of this course are:

1. A line of traversed type of fire trench. There being four bays, 18 feet long with 6 foot traverses. This trench is the simple type of standing trench shown in the profile.

2. A supervision trench located parallel to and about 50 feet in rear of the fire trench. Profile shown.

3. Communication zigzags from the supervision trench to the fire trench.

4. Two communication zigzags of three legs each running to the rear from the supervision trench.

5. The location of squad dugouts in rear of the bays of the fire trench and platoon dugouts just in rear of the supervision trench are indicated. It is not necessary for the purposes to excavate these. The location of the entrances in the trenches should be indicated.

The starting line is 40 feet in front of the traversed fire trench. This may be a deep trench or merely a line as desired. The trench gives good practice for the men in getting out of a fire trench, quickly and forming a line beyond. The whole system of trenches should be constructed on ground that can be easily drained.

ACCESSORIES

1. Portable gallows for the suspension of from one to four targets are constructed and located at such points as may be desired in the area between the fire trench and the supervision trench and that to the rear of the latter.

2. Shell craters may be excavated in the open spaces mentioned above in which dummy targets may be placed.

3. Portable Turk's Head may be constructed and placed at such points as may be desired in the trenches or in the open spaces above ground.

4. Dummy targets may be placed where-ever desired.

TARGETS

_Target A._ Consists of a portable gallows having one dummy target.

_Target B._ Consists of a portable gallows having two or more dummy targets.

_Target C._ Consists of a portable gallows the same as Target A, having a dummy target with the stick protruding to the front to represent the opponent's bayonet.

_Target D._ Consists of a dummy target to lie on the ground or rest against the side wall of the trench.

_Target E._ Is a Turk's Head.

CONSTRUCTION OF GALLOWS

The gallows for targets A, B, and C is constructed as shown in the plate. Two standards are made as indicated and joined together by pieces of 2×4 of the desired length at A and B. For Target A this length should be about 6 feet; for Target B at least 5 feet should be allowed for each dummy. Where more than two targets are hung the top cross piece had better be a 4×4 instead of a 2×4.

CONSTRUCTION OF DUMMIES

The dummy may consist of a gunny sack filled with straw and packed tightly. It may be an old uniform stuffed with straw. A more elaborate form that tends to hold the bayonet when it is thrust into it may be made as follows:

1. Split a sack along the side and across the end forming a manta. Lay it on the ground.

2. Place a layer of straw about 20 inches wide and nearly the length of the sack, allowing a few inches at the top and bottom for folding over. Now place a layer of good stiff sod on the straw. Follow this with another layer of straw. Follow this of sod and straw until the dummy is 8 or 10 inches thick. Then put a one-quarter board with the grain up and down on top of the whole.

3. Fold in the sides and top tight and sew them together with a strong twine and a baling needle.

4. Run a strong rope around the outside edges, turning it at each corner to make a loop by which the dummy may be hanged to the gallows.

For those dummies that are to sit on the ground a piece of 2-inch plank placed across the bottom before the sacking is folded and sewed will form a good base. On these the rope will be omitted.

CONSTRUCTION OF "TURK'S HEAD"

On the end of a pole about six feet long place a ball of straw about 9 inches in diameter, packed tightly in gunny sacking. Sharpen the other end of the pole so that it may be stuck in the ground.

CONSTRUCTION OF PARRYING DUMMY TARGET

Take one of the ordinary dummies. Put a Turk's Head on a stick about 4 feet long and nail some canvas or gunny sacking to the other end so that the edges will spread out. Sew the canvas to a point on the dummy about two-thirds of the way down the front and suspend it from the top with strong ropes attached to the upper corners of the dummy.

DISCS ON TARGET

With a view to attaining accuracy in the points, cardboard discs about 3 inches in diameter should be placed on the front of the dummies. The soldier should not merely try to hit the dummy with his bayonet, but he should endeavor to make hits on the discs.

EXERCISES

The exercises that may be devised with this equipment are of an infinite variety, ranging from practice runs of one man to each bay of the trench, merely going into and out of the trenches, to an entire squad assaulting each bay with targets placed all along the course.

The following are suggested exercises:

_Exercise 1_

Number of men to make the run: Four, one at each bay.

_Targets: No. 1._ One Target D, half exposed on parapet at the left corner of Bay 4 to represent a man firing over the parapet.

_No. 2._ One Target D, resting against the rear wall of the fire trench of Bay 4, at the opening of the dugout, to represent a man just emerging from the squad dugout.

_No. 3._ One Target A, midway between the fire trench and the supervision trench.

_No. 4._ One Target E, in supervision trench.

_No. 5._ One Target D, in supervision trench at the entrance to the communication trench.

_No. 6._ One Target D, on the ground to the rear of the supervision trench. Note. Targets for the man making the run against Bay 4 are stated. Those for the other men making the run are similarly located.

THE RUN

The method of making the run will be explained for the man making the run at Bay 4. The other men proceed in a similar manner.

Being in the prone position at the starting point the soldier rises quickly to his feet and advances at the double time (not running) towards Target No. 1, the piece being carried at the "High Port." When within about 8 paces of Target No. 1 the piece is brought to the position of guard and when at the proper distance the target is attacked with a vigorous "Long Point." This is followed by a clean withdrawal.

The soldier then jumps into the fire trench and attacks Target No. 2 or attacks from over the fire trench as is desired. He then climbs out of the fire trench and continues his advance attacking Target No. 3 with a Long Point; No. 4 with a Long Point; No. 5 with a Short Point and No. 6 with a Long Point, each being followed by a clean withdrawal of the bayonet.

_Exercise 2_

Number of men to make run: Two squads, one at Bays 1 and 2, and the other at Bays 3 and 4.

_Targets_: The targets are given only for the four men making the run against Bay 4. Those for the other three bays are similarly arranged.

_No. 1._ Four Targets D, half exposed on parapet of bay to represent men firing over the parapet.

_No. 2._ Four Targets D, lying on ground or in shell crater a few feet in rear of the bay.

_No. 3._ Four Targets A or C, in the open area about midway between the fire trench and the supervision trench.

_No. 4._ Four Targets D in the bottom of the supervision trench.

_No. 5._ Four Targets E, a few yards in rear of the supervision trench.

The run is conducted in the same manner as explained for Exercise 1. Additional precautions will have to be taken to prevent the men from injuring one another with their bayonets.

The line attacks Target No. 1. The men jump over the fire trench landing on the parados and immediately attack Target No. 2. The line passes on towards Target No. 3, jumping all trenches encountered and attack Target No. 3 with a parry and a point if Target C is used and with a point if Target A is used. The line then goes into the supervision trench and attacks Target No. 4, climbing out immediately and advancing on Target No. 5 which is attacked by a "Jab."

In order to save time a second line may be started from the starting line when the first has passed beyond the fire trench and towards the supervision trench.

After the men have been taken through a thorough course of training in the individual instruction, problems should be devised in which a squad assaults a section of the trench system under the direction of the squad leader. This is followed by exercises conducted by the platoon leader, the strength of the platoon being as many squads as can be employed at one time on the front of the section of trench system available.

END.

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