Part 10
_Captain Scott_: “I would take a look at the positions of the right assault company, the machine gun company, and the terrain, to determine whether it would be possible to support the assaulting company by overhead machine gun fire. I see that there is an excellent position for the machine guns and howitzer platoon. The commanding officers of these organizations are with me, so I at once give them the following verbal orders:
“Company —— has encountered heavy fire from (_t_). It will attack at (_u_) by building up a firing line at (_v_), and having a platoon attack in the direction of (_w_). A red rocket from this platoon will indicate the beginning of the attack.
“The Stokes mortar will lay down a barrage in front of the platoon, advancing in the direction of (_w_). The one-pounder will be in readiness to engage any hostile machine guns that open fire.
“The machine guns will open fire from this hill at (_u_), covering the enemy’s position at (_t_).
“Battalion ammunition point 500 yards east of this point in edge of woods.
“I shall remain here.”
_The Director_: “That is an excellent order. It shows that you understand that Major X should first attempt to give assistance by the use of his machine guns and auxiliary weapons and not by the use of his reserve. The reserve company should not be employed as long as the assaulting companies can overcome the resistance with the assistance of the machine guns and auxiliary weapons. Fire power should be made to take the place of man-power to the greatest extent that is practicable. You have also given an excellent example of the proper coordination of the machine guns and Stokes mortar. The ground in the direction of (_w_) is such that the machine guns could not effectively support the platoon advancing in that direction. The Stokes mortar, however, can search this ground and provide covering fire for the platoon. Your ordering a red rocket to be fired by the platoon advancing in the direction of (_w_) shows that you understand the necessity for synchronizing the launching of the attack and the opening of fire by the machine guns and auxiliary weapons. However, the steps that you have taken are not adequate to secure this. You have failed to notify the commanding officer of the right assault company of the time that the machine guns will open fire and have not directed him to have his platoon fire a red rocket at the beginning of its attack.
“Captain Howe, tell us how you would notify the commanding officer of the assault companies of your plans.”
_Captain Howe_: “I would send a written message by a runner as follows:
“Begin your attack at (_u_). The machine guns will open fire from (_s_) at (_u_). The Stokes mortar will open fire in the direction of (_w_) at (_u_) and will lift their fire 100 yards in two minutes for six minutes. The one-pounders will fire on hostile machine guns.
“Your platoon, advancing in the direction of (_w_), will fire a red rocket as a signal that it is leaving its cover and beginning the attack.
“Battalion ammunition point in edge of woods 500 yards east of (_s_).
“I shall remain here.”
* * * * *
=Machine Gun Co.= =Card No. 1=
=Director’s Key=
1. Make copies of the problems and the situation, one for each member of the class.
2. Conduct the class to the point where the battalion commander receives the messages from his assault companies.
3. Make a short talk on the employment of machine guns on the offensive: (_a_) tasks of machine guns in general on the offensive. (_b_) Tasks of a machine gun company of an assault battalion. (_c_) Orders of the battalion commander to the machine gun company. (_d_) Formation of the machine gun company. (_e_) Communications.
4. Distribute the sheets bearing problem and situation No. 1.
5. Read problem and question members of the class on the tactical situation.
6. Take up the solution of the problem: Action of Major X; Orders actually issued by Major X.
7. Explanation by the director of the importance of using fire power, and of the necessity for coordination between the rifle companies and the machine guns.
8. May have members of the class write out orders of the battalion commander.
* * * * *
Explanation
_The Director_: “In the situation just completed we have considered the employment of machine guns from the point of view of the commander who has the responsibility for the coordination of the rifle companies and the machine gun company and for the application of fire power to save man-power wherever it is practicable. In the next situation we shall take up the methods of applying this fire power to support the rifle companies. These are technical questions entirely within the province of the machine gun officer. In the formation the battalion commander designates the position of the machine gun company with reference to the rifle companies; the machine gun company commander determines the formation within his company. Ordinarily the company commander will determine whether the guns will go forward on carts and when it will be necessary to abandon the carts. The firing position may be designated by the battalion commander, or it may be left to the selection of the machine gun company commander. The manner of occupation of the position is decided upon by the machine gun officer. The class of fire to be delivered is a question for the decision of machine gun officers or non-commissioned officers. The situation may be such as to require the sections or platoons to employ different classes of fire. The concentration of the fire of his platoons is a function of the machine gun company commander. In the absence of orders from the battalion commander, the company commander will determine whether the fire of the company will be distributed over the front of the whole battalion or whether it will be concentrated upon a portion of the front. The method of advance from one firing position to another will be determined by the company or platoon commander. Where the company is employed as a whole the advance may be by platoon. As a rule, however, the platoons will advance by alternate sections so that a rifle company will never be without support. The duty of maintaining the ammunition supply from the battalion ammunition point forward to the guns devolves upon the machine gun captain. The machine gun company is responsible for communication forward to the assault companies and to the battalion commander.”
Procedure
The Director passes out the papers containing Special Situation No. 2, reads the situation aloud and calls upon one or more members of the class to explain it.
The Problem
=Situation No. 2=:
This consists of copies of the orders of Major X to the commanding officers of the machine gun company and howitzer platoon as given by Captain Scott, and of the message to the commanding officer of the right assault company as given by Captain Howe.
_Required_:
The orders actually issued by the commanding officer of the machine gun company.
Solution
_The Director_: “Captain Jones, what is the first decision that Captain M must make when he receives the order of Major X?”
Captain Jones: “He must decide whether he will employ the whole company to support the right assault company or only the platoon which had been directed to support this company at the beginning of the fight. Major X has not indicated whether the whole company will be employed, so Captain M must make this decision. The left assault company may encounter more stubborn resistance, so I should employ only the right platoon.”
_The Director_: “Captain Brown, what do you think about that?”
_Captain Brown_: “I think he should employ the whole company. Concentration of the fire of the platoons on points that are holding up the battalion is one of the duties of the captain. The left assault company is continuing to move forward and does not need the support of the left platoon so it should be used to help advance the right assault company. There is an excellent firing position directly in its line of advance and it can be switched to the support of the left assault company at any time that it becomes necessary. If the only firing position available were such that the platoon could not support the advance of the left assault company, if support were needed, and the position were so situated as to cause the left platoon to deviate greatly from its line of advance, the case would be different. In that situation I think the left platoon should continue its advance in rear of the left assault company with the purpose of bringing flanking fire on the enemy a little later.”
_The Director_: “Captain Burt, we shall assume that Captain M decides to employ both platoons to support the right assault company. What does he do next?”
_Captain Burt_: “He would send the buglers to have the platoon leaders report to him in advance of their platoons and would direct the reconnaissance officer to select the firing positions for the two platoons and obtain the ranges.”
_The Director_: “The captain has a company headquarters to assist him in commanding the company and the use that the captain makes of this headquarters is a sure indication of the efficiency of the company. It is impossible for the captain to command the company by himself and attend to all details. Part of this headquarters detail is mounted. The buglers and reconnaissance officer have horses. By having the platoon leaders precede their platoons they can receive their orders before the platoons arrive and be ready to move into position without delay. When the buglers reach the platoons they would turn over their horses to the platoon leaders and would remain with the platoons to guide them to their firing positions. The reconnaissance sergeant would assist the reconnaissance officer by taking the ranges as soon as the positions had been selected.
“Captain Smith, where would you select the positions and what frontage would you assign to a platoon?”
_Captain Smith_: “I would assign positions at the crest so that the guns could use direct overhead fire. The position should be such that the muzzles of the guns would be just over the crest. In that way the gunners will have the maximum amount of protection consistent with direct fire. The distance between guns should be not less than 20 yards, and preferably more. I would assign the right half of the position to the right platoon and the left half to the left platoon. This will allow a little distance between platoons so that the guns will not make such a conspicuous target.”
_The Director_: “I wish to emphasize the fact that you must select a position where the guns can employ _direct fire_. Indirect fire is thoroughly practicable in the beginning of a prepared attack or on the resumption of an attack that has been stopped for several hours. Often it is the only kind of fire that can be employed. However, considerable time is necessary to prepare for indirect fire, and this situation does not permit of the delay necessary to prepare for indirect fire. Direct fire is also more effective and should be employed whenever possible. It seldom will be advisable for a machine gun company of an assault battalion to use indirect fire. There is a distinct advantage in having an elevated firing position as the guns are able to give support to the rifle companies until they approach more closely to the target.
“Captain Jones, what assignment of targets would you make?”
_Captain Jones_: “I would assign a portion of the target to each platoon. The whole target could be assigned to each platoon which would permit an entire platoon to advance to a new firing position, while the other covered the entire target. However, any advance before the resistance is overcome would probably be by section and not by platoon; so there is no advantage in giving each platoon the whole target. A gunner can fire more effectively on a narrow target where it is not necessary to traverse so much.”
_The Director_: “Captain Howe, would you make any provision for lifting your fire as the infantry approaches the target?”
_Captain Howe_: “I would leave that to the platoon commanders. The rate of advance may be different at different parts of the line so that some guns may continue firing safely after others are forced to stop. I would want every gun to fire as long as the safety of the infantry would permit.”
_The Director_: “Captain Burt, what provision would you make for opening fire?”
_Captain Burt_: “I would have the platoon leaders signal me when they were ready and open fire on my signal. The positions of the platoons are plainly visible from my position. Since it has been ordered that fire will open at a definite time I think it better to depend on one watch than to take a chance of the platoons opening a few seconds apart.”
_The Director_: “All of the doubtful points have been cleared up. Assuming that you would do what it has been decided that Captain M should do, I want each of you to write out the complete fire order of Captain M. It is understood, of course, that Captain M would give his order verbally, but it is desired to have you write out this order, so that the form of the order can be examined more carefully.”
Procedure
After the solutions have been written, the Director has one or more members of the class comment on the solution of other members. The Director then distributes the sheets containing Situation No. 3, which is the fire order of Captain M.
* * * * *
=Machine Gun Co.= =Card No. 2=
=Director’s Key=
1. Explain the duties of the commanding officer of a machine gun company of an assault battalion.
2. Pass out Situation No. 2. Have members of the class explain their understanding of it.
3. Have members of class discuss: Number of platoons to be employed. Use of headquarters detail. Selection of firing position. Use of direct fire. Assignment of targets. Opening fire.
4. Have members of class write out fire order of Captain M.
* * * * *
The Problem
=Situation No. 3=:
Captain M gave the following verbal orders to the platoon leaders at (_s_):
“Company —— has encountered heavy fire from (_t_). It will attack at (_u_) by building up a firing line at (_v_), and having a platoon attack in the direction of (_w_). A red rocket fired by this platoon will indicate the beginning of the attack.
“The Stokes mortar will lay down a barrage in front of the platoon advancing in the direction of (_w_). The one-pounder will engage any hostile machine guns.
“This company supports the attack.
“Firing positions:
“First platoon, the crest of this hill from 50 yards to the right of this point to 150 yards to the right of this point.
“Second platoon, the crest of this hill from 50 yards to the left of this point to 150 yards to the left of this point.
“Targets:
“First platoon, right half of enemy’s position at (_t_).
“Second platoon, left half of enemy’s position at (_t_).
“Platoon commanders will be responsible for lifting the fire so as not to endanger the infantry.
“Signal me when ready to open fire and open fire on my signal.
“Battalion ammunition point 500 yards east of here in edge of woods. Carts at disposal of platoon leaders.
“I shall be on the left of the 1st platoon.”
_Required_:
Actions of and orders actually issued by Lieutenant Y, commanding the 1st platoon.
Solution
_The Director_: “Captain Smith, in general what assistants has the platoon leader and what are their duties?”
_Captain Smith_: “The platoon sergeant takes command of the platoon when the lieutenant goes forward, and obtains ranges after the selection of the firing position.
“The communication corporal, with the agents (normally two), maintains communication between the platoon and the rifle company which it is supporting, and sends or signals to the platoon the information necessary to it.
“The transport corporal moves guns and ammunition carts forward in accordance with the movements of the platoon. Improvises packs when necessary. Provides for replenishment of ammunition and replacements for killed or disabled mules.
“There are seven privates in the headquarters detail. One of these is a bicyclist, two are agents to the rifle company, four runners maintain communication with machine gun company headquarters, with the sections and the platoon ammunition point.”
_The Director_: “Captain Burt, what would Lieutenant Y do after receiving the order from Captain M?”
_Captain Burt_: “He would proceed to the position assigned to his platoon. He would decide upon the positions to be assigned to his sections, and observe the enemy’s position to determine upon an allotment of targets. As the platoon approached he would halt it well under the cover of the hill and signal the platoon sergeant and the section leaders forward. When they arrived he would issue his fire order.”
_The Director_: “Captain Jones, give the fire order issued by Lieutenant Y.”
_Captain Jones_: “Lieutenant Y gives the following verbal order:
“Company —— has encountered heavy fire from (_t_). It will attack at (_u_) by building up a firing line at (_v_), and having a platoon attack in the direction of (_w_). A red rocket fired by that platoon will indicate the beginning of the attack.
“The Stokes mortars will lay down a barrage in front of the platoon advancing in the direction of (_w_). The one-pounder will engage hostile machine guns.
“This platoon and the remainder of our company supports the attack.
“Firing positions:
“First section to the right of this rock; 2nd section to the left. Mount your guns below the crest and drag them into position without disclosing your presence.
“Targets:
“First section, the woods on the right of the enemy’s position at (_t_). Range 1,300 to 1,400. Combined sights.
“Second section, the ridge for 100 yards to the left of the woods. Range 1,300.
“Section leaders will be responsible for lifting their fire on the approach of the infantry.
“Rate of fire 200 for first minute, 150 thereafter.
“Signal me when ready. Open fire on my signal.
“Platoon ammunition point 100 yards down the hill.
“I shall remain here.”
_The Director_: “Captain Howe, what do you think of telling the 1st section to use combined sights? Explain the use of combined sights.”
_Captain Howe_: “The target undoubtedly calls for the use of combined sights. Whether it would be necessary for Lieutenant Y to direct the use of combined sights would depend on how well trained the section leader was. If I were at all doubtful I would order combined sights.
“Combined sights is the method of engaging any required depth of ground by applying simultaneously overlapping zones of fire from two or more guns. The depth of the beaten zone is increased by ordering different elevations to be used by each gun. This type of fire is not necessary under 800 meters. When it is used, as many guns as possible should be employed with 100 meters difference if the error in range finding is probably great, and with 50 meters difference if the error is probably small. This kind of fire is used either to engage a target which is deeper than the effective beaten zone or against a small target when the range is not exactly known.”
_The Director_: “Captain Burt, explain to the class how the section leader determines when the fire should be lifted.”
_Captain Burt_: “The section leader is equipped with a type EE field glass which has an inverted sight leaf in the field of view. The glass is used as follows:
“Align the inverted sight scale so that the announced range to the target will coincide with the target.
“If the range to the target is 850 meters or less, note where the line in the graticule representing 1,350 meters cuts the landscape.
“If the range to the target is 850 meters or over, add 500 meters to the range to the target, and locate the point on the landscape that is cut by this line.
“If the point located on the landscape is at or above the feet of our own troops, it will be safe to fire.
“The gunner in a similar manner determines when it is safe to fire by means of his rear sight so there is always a double check.”
_The Director_: “Captain Smith, do you see any purpose in ordering a rate of fire of 200 for the first minute?”
_Captain Smith_: “Yes, sir, it is important to place as great a volume of fire as possible on the enemy at the beginning of the attack. However, the guns cannot maintain such a rate for but a few minutes, so it is necessary to lower it. A rate of 125 to 150 could be maintained for 20 or 30 minutes, so it is safe to order that.”
_The Director_: “Captain Jones, what do you mean by the ammunition point?”
_Captain Jones_: “The machine gun platoon ammunition point consists of the transport corporal, one runner, and the four ammunition carts and four machine gun carts with their drivers. This ammunition point is responsible for maintaining the ammunition supply from the carts forward to the guns.”
_The Director_: “You are correct about the composition of the ammunition point, but not about its duties. Its function is to maintain a supply of ammunition in the carts sufficiently close to the guns that it can be gotten forward by the ammunition carriers, but it is not responsible for getting the ammunition forward. Numbers 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, and 8 of each squad are responsible for getting the ammunition forward from the carts to the guns. The transport corporal moves the carts forward from one covered position to another by bounds and keeps the platoon leader informed of the location of the carts. That is the reason a runner is assigned to the point. The corporal is responsible for getting the ammunition forward from the combat wagons. Normally this will be done by sending the ammunition carts to the battalion ammunition point. The machine gun carts should be kept filled at all times, if possible, and at the platoon ammunition point ready to move forward to the guns.
“Captain Brown, what do you think about Lieutenant Y not ordering emplacements and cover trenches to be constructed?”
_Captain Brown_: “If there is time before opening fire the section leader should construct them without any orders. However, I believe it is always safer to order the construction. In this case the time is limited, so it would be best to get the guns into position and ready to open fire and then begin construction. Great caution would have to be used, however, in the construction as emplacements not properly constructed would show up very distinctly on the crest and would be a source of danger. Cover trenches behind the trench would not be visible and would be a great protection for ammunition carriers.”
_The Director_: “Captain Howe, no mention was made in the order of communications, what do you think of that?”
_Captain Howe_: “It is unnecessary if the platoon is trained properly. It becomes a matter of routine, and instructions are given only if something out of the ordinary is required.”
* * * * *
=Machine Gun Co.= =Card No. 3=
=Director’s Key=
1. Pass out Situation No. 3. Have members of the class explain their understanding of it.
2. Have members of the class discuss: Duties of the members of the platoon headquarters detail. Action of Lieutenant Y prior to the issue of the fire order.
3. Have a member of the class give the fire order issued by Lieutenant Y.