Page:Tactics (Balck 1915).djvu/182



and open fire on him suddenly at short range." Such fire surprises should be attempted when the conditions essential for their success are present.

France. In attack, fire is opened as late as possible, at any rate not until the losses make it necessary to discontinue the forward movement. Fire is the only means which makes a further advance possible.

In defense, long range fire may be used under certain circumstances. "Sudden and violent rafales delivered at short range take the attacker by surprise if, all at once, he loses a great many men."

England (1905). Attack. Infantry is to advance as close as possible to the enemy before opening fire; small losses must be endured. Fire is decisive under 540 m. (600 yds.). Artillery and infantry should support each other. Attention is called to the support afforded advancing skirmishers by the fire of infantry units and machine guns held in rear. The British are thus the first to prescribe "fire of position." Their Firing Regulations require that "fire of position" be practiced by company at a range of 900 m. The company forms line of skirmishers (2-pace intervals) while movable disappearing targets are placed opposite it. The fire is to increase in intensity when the attacking infantry advances over level ground or finds obstacles; it is discontinued when cover is reached. "Fire of position" is not without danger, but seems to be practicable occasionally. Aside from its employment in "fire of position," long range fire is to be used in attack in the following cases: In enveloping movements for the purpose of enfilading the enemy's line; when favorable targets present themselves; in containing actions or in feints; in concentrated collective fire; and finally in pursuit. Defense: Fire is to be opened at 1000 m. on skirmishers, but it may be advantageous to withhold it until the hostile line comes within short range. This will give good results when the enemy is in ignorance of the defender's position, or when the attack is made by poorly disciplined troops. Continued long range fire tires the eye and the hand.

Italy. In attack, the firing line is to reach the extreme limit of short range (500 m.) with as little firing as possible; to open fire before this with a part of the advancing force is only permissible when necessary to carry the line forward. Defense. As soon as the defender has a chance of obtaining some fire effect, he should open fire to prevent the attacking infantry from getting within short range. Fire at long (up to 1800 m.) and at mid ranges (up to 1000 m.) may also be used for this purpose. The battalion commander determines when fire is to be opened.

From what has been said in the preceding pages as to the time when infantry should open fire, we may deduce the following General Rules:—