Tactics, Volume 1 (of 2). Introduction and Formal Tactics of InfantryBalck, W. (William)
History
Tactics, Volume 1 (of 2). Introduction and Formal Tactics of Infantry
Balck, W. (William)
Military art and science; Tactics
A commander should not exercise a constant influence on his
subordinates just because modern means of communication permit him
to do so, as this would destroy all initiative and independence. The
permanent communication to which we are accustomed in time of peace,
and the method of leading produced thereby, do not allow real qualities
of leadership and initiative to develop. It is unquestionably not easy
for a commander to refrain from interfering when a deployment does
not progress with sufficient rapidity or not in accordance with his
wishes.[256]
[256] Interference of the Commander-In-Chief of the IIIrd Army
with the deployment of the 1st Bavarian Army Corps at Wörth. KUNZ,
_Kriegsgeschichtliche Beispiele_, 15, p. 44, et seq. The impatience
of the commander-in-chief was natural perhaps, but, due to his
interference, the enveloping movement skillfully initiated by General
v. d. Tann, could not be executed.
=Austria-Hungary.= “Infantry telegraph detachments” are assigned
to every infantry division and brigade of mountain troops.[257]
These detachments are charged with the duty of keeping up the
visual signal and telegraph service in field and mountain warfare.
The Morse alphabet is used in visual signaling and in telegraphic
communication. In this the Austrian regulations differ from the
German. The infantry telegraph detachment attached to an infantry
division is divided into three sections, and is equipped with
telephones, wire, heliographs, and signal flags. Each section
consists of 15 men (6 of whom are telegraphers), and is equipped with
24 km. of wire.
[257] _Streffleur_, 1905, April-May number.
=France.= Provisional signal detachments have been formed in some of
the infantry organizations. These detachments are to take care of
visual signal and telephone communication. The telephone sections are
expected to maintain two stations (12 km. wire).
=England.= Each brigade (4 battalions) has one telephone detachment.
Wire (9.6 km.) is carried along on two pack animals.
7. LOCAL RECONNAISSANCE OF THE INFANTRY.
(Pars. 305, 319, 355, 363 and 376 German I. D. R.).
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