The following notes from overseas on machine guns, compiled by Capt. E. Feilder (Attached Gen. Staff, A.T.C.), are of considerable value:— INSTRUCTIONS FOR MACHINE GUN OFFICER. 1. The Machine Gun Officer should have a complete knowledge of the nature of the action and the plans of the Commander. 2. The Commanding Officer should inform the M.G. Officer generally of the part he expects the guns to play, and the particular assistance he requires from him. 3. The M.G. Officer should then be allowed to form and carry out his own plan of action in such a way as best meets the requirements of the C.O. and the situation generally. 4. When possible, ample time should be given the M.G. Officer to make his arrangements. 5. He should not be given hurried orders at the last moment; such a proceeding is very seldom necessary. SUGGESTIONS FOR THE EMPLOYMENT OF THE MACHINE GUNS OF A BRIGADE TAKING PART IN AN ATTACK ON AN ENTRENCHED POSITION. 1. The whole of the machine guns must be organised under the command of one Officer. 2. This Officer, in conjunction with the Section Officers, must make detailed plans for the employment of the guns. 3. In this manner each gun or group of guns will have a specific task allotted to it. Before the action commences all concerned will thoroughly understand their duties. 4. It must be clearly understood by all Officers of the Brigade that the machine guns have definite tasks allotted to them. That they are under the command of the Brigade Machine Gun Officer, and are therefore not to be given orders or otherwise interfered with by other Officers. 5. The plans of the B.M.G.O. will have been made in consultation with the Brigade Commander, who will have explained to him the course that the action is expected to take. All guns must be in their allotted places before the preliminary bombardment commences. 6. The Machine Guns will be allotted as follows:— A.—=Some to go forward with the Attacking Infantry.= These guns should not open fire until the infantry advance takes place. Their role will be to make good the ground gained by the infantry against counter attack. They should advance in such a manner as to ensure their reaching the position gained by the infantry in safety. The locality in which the guns will be mounted in the captured lines should be settled before the advance. B.—=Some to Cover the Infantry Advance.= The possibility of using guns for this purpose and their positions if used depends on:— 1. The lie of the ground. 2. The position of your own and the enemy’s trenches. When their role of covering fire is completed they should automatically come again under the control of the B.M.G.O., who will give them further orders. C.—=Some Detailed in Pairs to Engage the Enemy’s Machine Guns when these are Located.= These may possibly go forward with the attacking Infantry. This will depend on the nature of the ground, action, etc.