Machine-Gun TacticsApplin, R. V. K. (Reginald Vincent Kempenfeldt)
History
Machine-Gun Tactics
Applin, R. V. K. (Reginald Vincent Kempenfeldt)
Machine guns
There are many instances in war when cavalry flushed with victory
and exhausted in the pursuit have been themselves caught and ridden
down by troops that have rallied or by fresh supports; but machine
guns have nothing to fear from cavalry, and can confidently await
their attack while covering the retirement of their own cavalry.
The longer they are in action, the more time there is for their own
horses to recover their “wind,” and be ready to carry their guns
out of action at a speed which renders pursuit useless. It must
be remembered also that the machine guns with cavalry cannot be
distinguished from that arm at a distance even when moving alone,
while it is impossible to do so when they are with their regiment
or brigade.
The machine guns must anticipate the pursuit and race off to
positions on the flanks and rear from which they can best cut off,
and if possible annihilate, the retreating squadrons; no effort
must be spared to inflict the maximum loss, and guns must be
pushed up to close range even at the risk of being ridden down.
The troops reserved for the pursuit should have their machine guns
with them, as their co-operation will be of the greatest service,
and regiments will probably act separately, and may be directed to
special points to intercept the enemy or prevent reinforcements
coming up.
The Independent Cavalry, having defeated and scattered the enemy’s
cavalry, are now in a position to send out strategical patrols;
and having “torn aside the veil” are able to see the dispositions
of his main armies, and are free to undertake raids on his
communications and to harass and delay the march of his columns.
Raids are only justified when some specific object can be
attained, and are only likely to be effective during the course
of operations, when both armies are in touch and awaiting
reinforcements to renew hostilities.
The cavalry will in most cases be more profitably employed in
attacking the enemy’s main columns in flank or rear, and thus
hindering their march by causing premature deployment. This action
will bring the independent cavalry in contact with infantry. The
machine guns can now be used to supplement the fire action and
to enable as many squadrons as possible to remain mounted. They
should be employed as separate units or attached to squadrons
according to the nature of the engagement and the force to which
they are opposed. Usually they will be held back in the preliminary
stages of the dismounted fight, until the action has developed
sufficiently to enable the general situation to be seen, when they
will be sent forward under cover to positions from which they can
develop superiority of fire, by concentrating against the enemy’s
strongest points. This will not prevent the use of a few guns with
the advanced guard to seize and hold important points, and nothing
should prevent machine guns from seizing the key of the position,
the moment this can be discovered.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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