Machine-Gun TacticsApplin, R. V. K. (Reginald Vincent Kempenfeldt)
History
Machine-Gun Tactics
Applin, R. V. K. (Reginald Vincent Kempenfeldt)
Machine guns
_Para. 248._--After a successful action machine-gun detachments
must be utilised in the boldest fashion, to turn the victory
to account during the pursuit. They are highly suitable for
this purpose, as they unite great power of fire with rapidity
of movement. The pursuit must be continued as long as strength
permits. The machine guns will approach to within effective range
of the enemy, and hinder every attempt of the adversary to re-form
and take up a position. Flanking fire is especially effective. A
liberal supply of ammunition must be pushed forward, this being
necessary for the energetic maintenance of fire in pursuit.
_Para. 249._--When breaking off an action in the event of
an unsuccessful issue, the machine-gun detachment can render
considerable service by opposing the enemy, regardless of the
possible loss of the guns, and by pouring a vigorous fire into
him. For keeping the enemy in check, positions behind defiles with
covered lines of retreat are especially suitable.
Special importance must be attached to the provision of sufficient
ammunition, to the thorough reconnaissance of the lines of retreat,
and to the correct estimation of the moment for beginning to
retire, especially when the movement is to be carried out in
echelon. To avoid obstruction the ammunition wagons must be moved
away at the right moment. Increased attention must be paid to the
flanks, since it is from these that danger most threatens during
a retreat. If suitable positions can be occupied on the flanks,
increased facilities for conducting the retreat will be obtained by
utilising them.
_Para. 250._--Machine guns attached to independent cavalry might
be used to increase the power of cavalry, mounted and dismounted,
and on the offensive and defensive. The duties that will fall
on machine guns in this service demand great mobility and the
strictest fire discipline.
_Para. 251._--The commander of the independent cavalry will
make all decisions regarding the employment of machine guns. He
communicates all his plans of action to the machine gun commander,
and provides him further with special orders concerning the first
entry into action of the machine guns. If the machine guns are
not to be used, it is advisable to leave them behind in a suitable
covering position.
_Para. 252._--On reconnaissance duty with the cavalry, machine guns
will be most frequently employed in breaking down the resistance of
the enemy at small posts or defiles which they have occupied, or
vice versa--to stiffen the opposition made by the cavalry at such
points. On such an occasion even the assistance of a single section
with its ammunition will be of use to the cavalry detachment.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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