Page:Machine-gun tactics (IA machineguntactic00appl).pdf/131

 out. The object being to obtain superiority of fire regardless of cost, rapidity and concentration of fire must be the principal points. The guns must therefore press forward to the closest range, and where it is possible to bring a cross or enfilading fire to bear, the opportunity must not be neglected. It may be necessary to fire over the heads of the infantry or even to push guns into the firing line itself, though this is seldom desirable if good positions can be found in rear. When any portion of the line advances to the assault, fire must be concentrated over their heads on the position assaulted; and when they are so close to the position as to render such fire impossible, fire must not cease, but be directed over the position so as to strike the enemy as they retreat. Fire from machine guns may be kept up from 500 yards' range over the heads of prone infantry within 100 yards of the target with perfect safety, and from 800 yards over infantry advancing to within the same distance. General Nogi, speaking of the use of machine guns in the attack, says: "Our troops trained machine guns on the most advanced lines of infantry to overwhelm with fire the points at which resistance was greatest. Sacks of earth were used to mask them. They have often enabled the infantry to advance with success." M. Ulrich, war correspondent of the ''Gazette de Cologne'', was present in many engagements in which machine guns were pushed up to support the firing line in the final stage. He