Bombers' Training, and Application of Same in Trench Warfare — John Shaqi
Bombers' Training, and Application of Same in Trench WarfareFerris, J. R., Lieutenant
History
Bombers' Training, and Application of Same in Trench Warfare
Ferris, J. R., Lieutenant
Intrenchments
our ever industrious and systematic enemy.
=Note.--In the following lectures blackboard illustrations may be
used with good results.=
LECTURE V.
FRONTAL ATTACK.
=Preparation and Organization.= In trench warfare, when our movements
are changed from the defensive to the offensive, it is necessary to
choose certain sections of the enemy’s front line of trenches. These
are chosen from a tactical point of view, and after having been
occupied and consolidated to our use become the bases from which
enfilade attacks are directed to the flanks and front, by means of
which we extend and connect our positions. The Officers and their
Staffs ordering the offensive, make a very careful study of the
neighborhood in the sections to be occupied from maps and sketches
which have been compiled from information gained by the Air Service and
Reconnaisance. They finally decide the exact extent of front which will
be occupied in each case by direct frontal attack. The extent of front
in each case is never greater than is absolutely necessary, and is
clearly defined in orders. Every officer taking a part in the assault
is supplied with maps and sketches, which constitute part of his orders.
(Note the necessity for every officer being able to make a study of a
locality from information given on maps and sketches.)
Arrangements are made for the co-operation of the different arms of the
service taking part in the assault, such as the engineers, artillery,
air service and infantry. A schedule or program is arranged covering
the movements of the different arms of the service, which are carried
out by time-table, each Officer and Non-Commissioned Officer having
correct divisional time.
Arrangements are made for reinforcements, ammunition, supplies and
materials necessary to carry out the attack and consolidate the new
positions to be taken, also for the establishment and maintenance of
communication. Artillery fire is directed on the positions to be
occupied, also on the trenches to each flank and the rear of the same,
and on the enemy’s obstacles for a period of from thirty minutes to
several hours prior to the advancing of the infantry.
Saps are run out in front of our obstacles and as much progress as
possible is made in joining up the sapheads to form a new line of
trenches from which to deliver the actual assault without the hindrance
of our own obstacles.
Our troops are massed as near as possible to the front line in
readiness for the assault. The supplies of ammunition and material are
brought forward to as convenient a position as possible, to be taken
into the new position at the first opportunity.
Saps are extended towards the enemy’s machine gun positions and any
positions from which they could supply cover fire, and bombs are thrown
from these to finish the work of the artillery in the destruction of
the same.
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