Chapter VI

Attack of a Position

=Phases=—Preparation—Assault against First Hostile Line— Exploitation of Success—=Preparation=—Front of Attack— =Conditions of Assault=—Distance of—Trace of Lines of Departure— Ground Preparation—=Organization of Assault=—=Execution of the Works=—=Artillery Preparation=—Counter-Battery Fire—Fire on Communication Routes, etc.—Destructive Fire—=Plan of Action=— Observation—Control—=Plan of Battle=—Strength of Enemy— Preparation of Men for Attack—Mission of Attack—=The Assault=— Disposition in Depth—Waves—Assaulting Companies—Supporting Companies—Disposition of Assaulting Battalion in the Departure Trenches—Order of Attack—Departure of Assault—Support Artillery— Departure of First Echelon—Departure of Second Echelon—Advance of Reserves—=Fighting in the Interior of a Position=—Principle of—Details of—Assaulting Companies—Reinforcing Companies—=Rôle of the Artillery during the Attack=—Principle of Accompaniment Fire—Means of Controlling Barrage—=Liaisons during Attack=— =Aviation= 152