CHAPTER VIII.

BRIGADE TACTICS.

=180.= _General instructions._

1. The brigade is the tactical unit. Its commander is responsible for reconnoitring and selecting positions for the batteries composing the brigade, for the method of occupying them, and for the allotment of zones, tasks, or objectives to each battery within the limits of the orders he has received.

2. When the brigade commander finds it necessary to change the objective of one of its batteries he should inform other batteries whom it may concern.

Should it become necessary to open fire on a target outside the area allotted to him, he must be careful to report the circumstances to the divisional artillery commander.

As changes of target entail fresh ranging and consequently some loss of fire effect, they should not be lightly ordered.

3. The brigade commander exercises general control over the expenditure of ammunition, but the ranging, the method of engaging an objective and the rate of fire should be left in the hands of battery commanders. The brigade commander may, if in close touch with a battery commander, give him precise orders as to the nature and rate of fire; otherwise he should only interfere if he has convinced himself that the fire of a battery is ineffective, or unsuited to the tactical situation.

=181.= _Reconnaissance._

1. As soon as the brigade commander has received his orders, which should include full information as to the tactical situation and the intention of the divisional artillery commander with regard to the action of his batteries, he communicates them to his battery commanders, and informs them if they are to accompany him during his reconnaissance.

=As a rule, he should then seek out the commander of any infantry with which he is to co-operate, and obtain from him full information as to his intended action.= (_See also_ Sec. =153= (7).)

2. Before proceeding to reconnoitre with a view to selecting the most suitable positions from which to carry out the task allotted to him, the brigade commander should indicate to the brigade leader the pace and general direction of the advance.

If he is unable to direct the brigade to any definite spot near its probable position in action he should select a point or series of points, if possible marked on the map, which the brigade is to pass in its advance and at which he can communicate to the brigade leader any necessary instructions as to its further movements.

If the brigade commander thinks it necessary to supplement this system of intercommunication he may be accompanied in his reconnaissance by a few additional men to direct the brigade at doubtful points. These men will join the brigade when it reaches them unless they receive orders to the contrary.

In carrying out his reconnaissance the brigade commander should be accompanied only by such men as are essential for the purpose and for communication between himself and the brigade, the remainder of the headquarters with the telephone wagon following at the head of the brigade.

A natural eye for country, and previous training will materially assist him in coming to a decision as to the best position to be occupied. At the same time he should be well ahead of his batteries, so that he may have as much time as possible to reconnoitre the position before they arrive.

3. The selection of an observing station, which is not likely to be readily recognized as such by the enemy, which affords cover to the observing officer and his assistants, from which the tactical situation can be watched, and which offers facilities for intercommunication with the infantry and the batteries should be one of the brigade commander’s first cares. This position should be occupied and the enemy observed by himself or another officer from the earliest possible moment.

4. In selecting the position for the batteries the first consideration is that they should be able to carry out the task allotted to them. If this task involves bringing fire to bear over an extensive area, it may be advisable to divide the area into zones, and to select positions for the batteries, which will ensure each of them observing a different zone.

5. The extent to which dispersion, combined with concealment, may be possible, must depend partly on the ground available and partly on the amount of dead ground that can safely be left near the guns.

The further a position is in rear of a crest the greater become the difficulties of command or of a change to a position in which direct fire is possible, and the greater must the interval be between units. On the other hand greater immunity will be obtained from hostile fire, of which oblique or enfilade fire is the most dangerous.

At a distance of 400 yards from the crest it is doubtful if the enemy’s searching fire would be effective.

6. A position with rising ground behind and with a wood or rising ground in front has the advantage that concealment can be obtained without sacrificing spaces for observation, since the battery commanders can observe and control the fire from a position in rear. In such a position special arrangements for the replenishment of ammunition will be necessary, if concealment is to be maintained.

7. The following points, some of which must often be left to battery commanders to decide, are also important:--

i. A good platform for the guns. ii. The position and cover available for wagon lines.