Machine-Gun TacticsApplin, R. V. K. (Reginald Vincent Kempenfeldt)
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Machine-Gun Tactics
Applin, R. V. K. (Reginald Vincent Kempenfeldt)
Machine guns
The method of attack will probably be as follows. Scouts
(dismounted) having been sent forward to reconnoitre and draw fire
to disclose the extent of the position, two troops dismounted and
widely extended will advance to the attack and open a heavy fire
and push the attack as hotly as possible; at the same moment one
troop (mounted) will move slowly round the flank which it is not
intended to attack, keeping wide of the position and closed up,
and in signalling communication with the squadron leader. This
will probably draw attention to this flank, and the troop should
report by signal any movement made by the enemy to check them.
Rapid fire should now be ordered all along the line, and the troop
on the flank should wheel and open out towards the enemy, but not
approach within range if it can be avoided. Under cover of this
demonstration, the machine guns with the remaining troop will work
round the flank selected for attack, the guns being concealed on
the outer flank of the troop and using every bit of cover possible
to prevent being seen. Scouts must precede them, and the troop
should screen their movements and engage the enemy with fire if
opposed. Engagement with the enemy should be avoided as far as
possible until the place selected for attack is reached, and the
position turned. Even now the machine guns must avoid opening fire
with the troop, and must endeavour to find a position from which an
enfilading fire can be brought to bear at close range. Under cover
of the surprise caused by the sudden burst of machine-gun fire, the
second gun must push farther round to the rear, and try to fire on
the led horses or catch the enemy’s guns on the move, for they will
certainly be moved to meet this fresh attack. If the horses cannot
be reached, the second gun must seek the best position to bring a
reverse fire in support of the first gun; and unless a really good
target is obtained, fire should be reserved until the first gun is
discovered and attacked, when its intention to retire must be the
signal for a burst of heavy fire which must be kept up until the
first gun is in a fresh position and ready to open fire to cover
the retirement of the second.
This action will enable the squadron leader to use the troop
feinting on the other flank, which he will have recalled on the
first sign of firing by the flank attack, in order to reinforce the
point where the attack can be pressed home.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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