CHAPTER VII

CONVOYS 95-108 Definition of convoy 95 Vulnerability of a convoy. Limit of size. Straggling 95 Flank marches by convoys. Moving trains on separate road 95 General rule for position of covering troops 95 Subdivisions and dispositions of escort 95-96 Motor convoys 96 ARRANGEMENTS FOR THE MARCH 96-97 Division of wagon train into sections 96 Classification of wagons-army, hired, impressed 96 Teamsters and wagonmasters 96 Order of march 96 Field train of escort 96 Police guards, infantry and cavalry 96-97 Duties of quartermaster in charge of wagons 96-97 THE ESCORT 97-100 Commander. Duty of escort 97-98 Strength and composition of escort 98-100 Infantry, cavalry, artillery, machine guns, engineers 98 Motor transport for escort. Armored cars. Motor cars in pursuit of a convoy 98 DISTRIBUTION AND DUTIES OF TROOPS 98 Subdivisions and relative strengths 98-99 Reconnaissance. Dispersion of fighting force 99 Position of main body of escort 99 Infantry in middle of a long column of wagons 99 Police guards 99 Advance cavalry and scouting parties 99 Mounted and dismounted point 99 Establishing contact with friendly troops in direction of march 99 Selection of defensive positions and camp sites 99 Engineers 99 Flank guards 99-100 Method of employing the cavalry of the escort 100 Rear guards. Strength, position, duties 100 Routes available for the march. Considerations governing the selection of route. Topography 100-101 Rate of progress and halts 101 Position and movements of the enemy 101 Defensive measures to be adopted. Lines of retreat. Alternative routes 101 Localities favorable for the attack of a convoy 101 Change of direction of march. Precautions 101-102 Parking the convoy for the night. Measures for the security of the camp 102 Change of route in moving back and forth 102 CONDUCT ON ENCOUNTERING THE ENEMY 102-103 Halting or parking the convoy prematurely 102 Localities favorable for defense 102 Details of defensive operations. Messages to adjacent friendly troops 102-103 ATTACK OF A CONVOY 103 Cavalry, armored cars 103 Obstacles. Ambuscades 103 Usual method of attack 103 Damaging the convoy by long range fire 103 CONVOYS OF PRISONERS. Strength of escort. Conduct 104 EXAMPLE OF ORDER FOR THE MARCH OF A CONVOY 107-108