Page:Machine-gun tactics (IA machineguntactic00appl).pdf/81

 guns. Although both guns will fire together before the collision, their subsequent action must be made in mutual support, one gun firing while the other races to a new position from which it can overtake and flank the retiring enemy, so that, if possible, one gun is always firing at effective range while the other is moving. In the same way, if covering the retreat of their own squadron, one gun will fire while the other retires to a second position and in turn covers the retirement of the first. The guns must not hesitate to separate widely in order to obtain unseen the best possible positions from which to fire, but must always be able to support each other. If the country is much broken, opportunities will be found for concealing the gun in a position from which to enfilade the pursuing cavalry at short range, or for bringing a cross fire to bear from both guns on a defile. Such an opportunity skilfully utilised, when the range has been accurately taken, and fire reserved until the main body is within close range (600 yards or less), should be so decisive in its result as to check the pursuit altogether and possibly turn defeat into victory, if the retiring squadron has had time to re-form and is in a position to launch a counter-attack at this moment.

To make full use of machine guns with a squadron, it is necessary for the squadron leader thoroughly to understand their power and capabilities, and to anticipate their action and the result likely to ensue; otherwise he will be unable