POM eI ely elias)(ns to prices tm bracleta, ao top af page 2%) fo AE Bs. Oto on Ui Active Lhd.” Uettincen wae ; i ‘Ot Tit ee raet 1 fev Mie AL. lnk ier | vers ie mee | De eee one = "Suthep ect varataas merit ee ee ee Tra I iy. witta tea, Fok Fy an tad ~ team Se upsets eth ap SRE oe = a a gems satros, BARON A 58K, Soar iee tenet tee saucer, DOWLI®, | ioe wrrea in 1930, from the The prices } are fee, ee cwhis tee het ew, ma ar anh esa n Pon ee 4. -Abgpsinin a. Exnedition to. 2 vets. and mapa. INR Hall Morocco, Aeerante, Army. Se Przanctas Invite © ontsesote Aimy. Se aaa eect, th, Se ttt) ee oa ey wa, ogee en cogs | en “Asivendiewrn im, A prik 121. eis Some atlowine end Sart Amparia Laneuace, Start Manual Mae thes With oeattarg. acuaunl\ipn for O24 r. Metewon the, 4th eMition, ear, 5 goles Hemera erase 2 Ente its Cificers endy,) EMT, 10, (104.64) ricer Sontowminioned | 3 fgets eee f Erie tp hee | See ea Ur es 7d, ane {he Secrenury, War Orlor, | ee Toga cmowa thoes ive fn Sas 237. |MILITARY BOOKS, published by Astterty—eouttaved, (Aa to prices in bracksts, ase top of page 2.) Antimint Maumee, Ao Beet ancy Sar of aStheny, Beton "Fie, ae sng oe ser Z SE co eee eens REE stot crm ah "Gare at, Linthecios fay MOM. 8&4) sips Bru Grike nt ad jujotales“eporesas tele ies neg Bormada Bilitis We, si i) Bounty to: British Minor Expeditions, 1746 to 1614, ek met. (14114) Survey, 1903-1911. Report ee erecta write. As amet 5 Hr i Lar 22k Gein ih re ere a San rhe om meine Mee aim Hraiag Oivaiat, os ta See a cago eet ed Genet: A Conta: vent. Halen and Raguations Ae ate on it GUN Pie eal : a MILITARY BOOKS, published by Autheriiy—cantionet ee brackets, use top of page 2.) Part Si. whet Ee PR tineal Renee eer Gelehoater Guzrieon Sing tem IF BF) eae See carey siete ce ee 1 He Use oo ofthe spcolalHaterves Te * crny vat hice oe re Gzumtaton, Th Tihs Gerwoum. (Eition wetlind Noten) 1900, Gl, (0) Sookinetnd Dietary. Millsary, Manialct. "aati 11 8d. 4d) af Voluntary Bir, fees Be foemation of ae a feeble sr We Wonk of he Roni Ha te Ge Gerben tnd 17s ie Tape of te Dic Genera ea pene riot, it] of Susi Wa es ont Soham for 1919-20. Provislons! tnvirueieas re Party Bee Glos of alt Teint we Beyarimat Or war BD ‘Veesais and Sremtaelenas eS Sppavincent Pag, ana vonetie a th, ae DA eljat Traini, (017, Vrovideal, (fs. dh3; Amendments, Ang 118. emcees see ei coat anaes renal, Wie agate a secu, Bernt Satlone pe ey act a ear ae Ea a oe fate ee eat ae ‘AmenisanenMILITARY HOOKS, pabitehed by Authority —emnilawed. (As to prices in trackoty, mae top of page 2.) Disabled nod Ditcharred Golaiers in France, Tap irbiadcotte Becce Miattey of incense a) mete: Es anh os an eit Rr, cme Onc aa prea te occ erectietern eee rawine Billsary vee Se ae Qa Pit 3 Doetall eee shoot a We oe em eaceialy ‘Ble pubes. Fob a ie Drill Book: BA6.0,. seas with 4.0. toe we) a6, ey Nelenom, Ste Onusaree q oi itgoutlon, Gondngaee, Fnperal on oat dom and’ 12, 2018, acre pocal Raising eet (Geom Proseoh {fx de pecan) Beypt. British Force in. staring Onion. 191k ts. (old Mayor, Onmpain of 1888 in Milas Mistery, Wak Cone ot ape BoM (an. ef Expeditionary Farce, A telet reooed of the ddlrance of the bly, WIG, te Dek WIS. es, Le Blectrical Communications. | Pixed. Initrustlos a to. 1982 (Re Teiagwity upcnamntg Wish de fad (steam, ala. u, t2e Apparatus, ‘Deforioa, Instrections tor the working ot. Se ee Rete oa, ‘Dhe'Battle of. Wy Mane von Klaing- Part L. Practical ee Istantry Recruit tm Teatnine. ‘The. 10, fet Witt Amsedioeata pubidea upto May 1 in) ‘ele teelien, leprinted, with Amendimenln te ee ec, Te Inaotey Ceguter rm). 11 7 MILITARY BOORS, polished by Autherity-—contnaad: (ss to: prices in brackets, wea top of page 2.1 Abo ie 6, (lsat: Sort Bilis Wester. ie acd fiom oie fe tua L:nperial Yeomanry, Jeguaticxcnder whic Commie Mor (igupaar oes Ue eealoed OMe te Royal Arar Votarisary Gorpa., lopli or Adainton tothe. Soegitanal Yalsitta Millen) aad Kerritorial Wares, Oieareet Ee ke ‘Wargte Oates mei 3.0, atthe 2 Cie Taint Osetia Se ant Tee eal Eqotpment. Inca aan oa att)” Ben SNC ccd pas ee gioAne Sy Wier an tial tlh Agena shat oan Jp Ben BH to, Ante taney. Be, 4, 1, ugly gwae Ary), TL mn at ark ia Dae ae am)CONTENTS. PART It. WAR. CHAPTER XIV. ‘CHARACTERISTICS OF THE MACHINE GUN. Gee, 82. Goneral charnctoriatios CHAPTER XV. i Pace 237 GENERAL CONSIDERATIONS GOVERNING THE EMPLOY- MENT OF MACHINE GUNS. PEBSSESISHES Introductivs Eniilade Gre Cover and gonceatment ‘Harassing fit Anti-sireraft tte Co- fr Pesinieniel ‘Tactical use of limbered wages... ntor-communieation and liaison Ammunition supply he a . Action of forward machine guns . Mutual auppart and exerise of the initintivo ... ... |. Fire tactics Machine gun platoons bel . General considerations Duties in the defence... . Dispositions in tho defence |. Laying out new defences ir CHAPTER XVI PROTECTION. Machine with outpost troops ae Mashon gun wih en advanced gnc Machine guna with a roxrgeacd .. Local protection of machine gus CHAPTER XVII. MACHINE GUNS IN THE ATTACK. Dutioa in tho | attack 7 Dispositions in the Pace 266 257 260 tack Action of supporting machine guns General rales governing the Funco of machine’ guns 207 Machine gon in Ube attack on 6 wood oF vilage Machine as in support of eavaley ‘The machine gun platoon opersting with ita battalion CHAPTER XVIII MACHINE GUNS IN THE DEFENCE. Gasman Parcirues ov, Eartoramr, wrew.vickersmachinegun.org.ukTssued by Command of the Army Council, Tue Wan Ornce, September, 1921, MACHINE GUN TRAINING, ‘Duvrxerions. Ave of fire-—"The zone or usta of ground on to which it iu desired that fire suay be brought to bear freon a given gun paaltion, + Frmh.""=—A convenient objest on tho ground, within the are of fire, sith reference to which the guns of o machine gun unit are onlered to bo mounted. Gen Uimbera These limlora detailed to carry tho gana, tri cand Grst supply of ammunition. Acipeda Jn action —A ranebine gun is suid to be in action when it ix mounted with referoacs to the fromt” and loaded. Layiug.—Tho provess of eluvating (or depressing) and teaversing 2 ata car ats 1s toale to poss n any given dlrecton. ‘On Conelusion of this process the gun is said to be laid. ‘Oltereation posl.—A position whence ibe fire of a machine gun unit fs observed, corrected and contralled. Position of readineae—A_ position in which guns and personnel are assembled jreparstory to coming into action. lose Réleative range—from 800 to 2,000 yards. “Long range—from 2,000 to 2,000 yarda, wew.vickersmachinegun.org.ukMACHINE GUN TRAINING. PART L—TRAINING. CHAPTER I. Principles anp System or Trarinc. 4. General instructions, 4. This manus! deals with the training of machine gunners and their duties tn war. ‘The instructions which dt contains and the principles which it onunciates are based on the doctrine for the organization, training and leador- ship of the Army, as sot forth in Field Service Regulations, a knewlodge of which is incumbent on every officer, 2. Any enunciation, by officers responsible for the training of machine gunners, of w other than those contained in this manual, or any practice of motheds not based om thous principles, is forbidden. 2. Organization, 1, A machine gun platoon forms an integral part of each infant battalion and composes No. 2 Group of te headquarter wing. t is @ self-contained fire unit, capable of detachment, and comprites two rections, each of four guns, Each section ix self-contained in two G8, limbered ach of which earriea two machine guns and the first supply of ammunition. ee a Etch section consists ‘of two sub-toctions each of imo guns. ‘The employment of machine guns in unite smallor than & section aabould be avoided. Pp 2 A machine gun troop forms part of each caialry. regiment, Ice eelhtontained fire unit capable of detuchiomnt, and comprises two sections cach of two guna, Tho guns and the first supply of ammunition are carried on pack borsoy and the gun detachment are mounted, 3. Each machina gun platoon or troop hat one G.S, Himbered wagon carrying reserve 8.A.A. 4. A gun detachment consists of the number of mon detailed for the s0rvioe of one Each detachment is numbered from 1 to 8, A gun detachment is commanded by a gun commander (corporal ot Jance-corporal) who is not the fire: of the gun, &, Further details with regard to tho above units will be found in War Establishments, 3. Principles of training. 1. Tho training of un ormy has but one object ia view—the defeat of the nation’s enemies in war. ‘The foundation of micoessfal training is mutual confidence between all ranks, 2% All past wars havo proved that victory ean be woo only-as the result of ukilled leadership and bold offensive section, while Feoent experience kas shown that the increased decentralization of command necessitated hy tho power of modern weapons calls ever for increased. initiative on tho part of subordinate loaders, and increased tactioal knowledge on the part of ail ranks, wew.vickersmachinegua.org.uk4 3, ‘The sueceas of depends, therofore, on sound training and skilled ee ogres to blob; aa the rosall of this tnlning and leadership, to troop, possoms— . 4, The will to go forward. i, The slcill ta dafeat the enemy. ‘These two military qualities reinforeo each other, bub the one cannot replace tho other; both mre necessary and both ean be dovoloped. Upan their development all training for battle must bo based, 4, “Machine Gun Training” doala with tho genoral principles, both (ection ond technleal, which govern the training of & machina at But throughout the details of training, while skill is wired, the f cof moral, which includes the fighting aie 8 igh state of dlseiplin, rout be borne kn mis ap hat the two qualities may grow toget! 6, An army oan exert its fall power only when all its parts act in close combination. ‘The infantry is the ann which in the end wins battles. It is tho only arm whieh can break down the last stzands of resistance and sue and hold w hoste postion, Bat agile « foro of all arms quipped with moderna ee ee Bee of eae it their cao therefore, all ranks must. be tang to ‘the close erica between their own réle and that of the other arma in battle, They must undermtand not cooly the methods employed by the injaniry, with erat ies ey sell be moat closely aaocinted in Battle Unt alo of the cavalry, artillery, evgincers, aircraft, and tanks; they must appreciate the ‘of close liaison and intimate co-opemtion during the a Latile and throughout overy stage 5 = Tt must be tho aim of all officers and N.C.Os, to fit themselves to carry. out offciently the duties of the rank next higher than thelr own. 1. The prinelples of training and fighting horuis enuotsted sro based on wido experienos and are well: él, But principles on. papor and apart from thee splistion re Hilo eas, ‘Their depends mainly upon the effort of the commander to fenulate isa Lito tha eveeytay Me oCAGs io "Tha virtao cam ta bo cultivated in training, as ip war, a energy. Enorgy in training, onergy in fighting, pride in bis work, and pride in and sympathy for his men ore the commander's aur ingrodionts of enoccas, 4. Olject and melted of training, 1, The aim of oll training is to produce :— 4, In the Toadars : ‘The ability 1 command—developed iy sotual praction in the ‘command of men. ‘The ability to command includes ‘readiness of judgment, which can be acquired only as the resalt of sound military nnd technical knowledge, ‘built up by study ond practice untll it kins become an instinet, It includes the capacity for quici deciaions and for giving cloor , and the willpower to ensure thet orders are carried out. It includes initiative, fe, the ability to moe when. f jt action in required, and the becessary self comfidience to take euch action promptly and to assano responsibility for tt. ‘Lastly, it includes the ability to execute an arder through mbordinato commanders without interference with their personal responsibility. wrew.vickersmachinegun.org.ukHi, Tn the man : (2) The moral alrdaee of oldie, inctuing patrician, ty, pride of race, and a high senso of lionour, ee) is liplieg qariirmcktin to creo iin ii eal, based on confidence in their own au] (2) Discipline — the ingrained abit of ful und un Tatating, obedience which contiols and ants the spirit idually, respect its outward marks, euch aa slenalines! and 8 amart boating ; Jectnay, “team work” under the captain of the (aoe corp tie press aloe whch ano me ee aod discredit on it and ready at need tom for its miccers. (e) Physical fitness—to sland the and necvous. strain and ‘under fire. () Skill at arms—a thorough knowledge by every sian of his ‘weapons and their use, and thus absolute reliance upots thom to kill the enemy, ‘Those aro the qualitios required ef a machine gunner, and they can all be developed by the methods of training described in this ‘Bho growtls of the moral qualiths will be fostered aly by the environmcnt, and it is the duty of all ranks to assist in this abject by thoir contersation and exasnple, 2, To bo the muccensful trainer of a platoon, does not primadily ‘demand deep learning or the experience of many campaigns. Jad down for tho sec Tawra this tan the ‘raining. of Fpiios macklon ges. trop, where hie 20h Shere pedeeaty ela, A good trainer requires :— 1. Sympathy with and knowledge of his sun. ii, An ornot notion boforehand of the result be is aiming at. Knowlodgo of his subject suificient to produce this result. ‘Common sense in his methods, ‘There must bo a reason clear do the trainers mind for overy Iesson that he teaches. WTaaing wel msl owl patie 3, No method of training will be effective unless it possases two. paaentials =— i. Simplicity, ik Totmeak Tho platoon commander will socure ‘simplicity by self-reeteaint. ‘Ho must set out to teach eno lesson only nt a time, and he must strip his teaching of everything which dogs net help to devo his lesion home. Unessential details cbacure the lesion and confuse the mind of tho learner, ‘Tho business of the platoon commundes yet te his dally lessons in an interesting and varied shape. take the form of a competition or even a ins praia ik bee the novelty which attmats interest and produces unmistakeably the rezult: at which bo aims. 4 Novaliy will not be ereieet without eff ‘The shone of training for any day demands careful forotkought ond preparation, undia trainer ehould always explain bis intentions to bis subordinates and discuss with them bis and armngements, rammes aro of two kinds; the progremme on general lines which s commander ixwes for tho guidanes of his immediate wrew.vickersmachinegun.org.uksubordinates, and the programme in detail which a subordinate renders to bis commander. ‘Tho main value of any programme ia for the commander who makes it. Tt is the written expression of his foretlioaght. , B. The training of the platoon should not be held up ‘became of the backwardness of one or two individual men, ‘These men must he sent awny for special instruction under a ¥N.C.0. to bring thom up to the sunk, while ihe remainder of the platoon ite training. progrossively, 6, In supervising the work of his sootion commanders the platoon ‘commander must expect and look for mistakes. It is by the correc ‘tion of mistakes that training progresses. Provided encouragement follows cormestion, criticism of fanita due to slucknoss or neglect should be unsparing, but oriticiam of shortcomings after an honost aiktenipt mast bo wach aa will produce a further and better cifurt, 7, Tho two susin chanools of instruction aro by the oye and the as. sa mal lsesey fo CRG tao ma Uy to os at enough by the eye. ‘Talking requires fees effort than action, ‘The train retains more readily and firmly whnt it aces with the eye than what it boars with the oar. ‘Tho trainer must thersfore call to his assistance his mon’s eyes na well os their hearing, and, for ‘this qurpose, iis instruction should follow a definite sequence — Explanation—Insiruotion by the ear. Demonstration—Instruction by the eye. ‘Execution —Testing the results of the instruction and correat- ing the mistakes, : Ropotition—Practice to gain improvement. 8 The first and method of teaching dinciptine in close onder drill. ‘The soldier bogins his drill by being taught the “ position of attention,” which in itself ia the key to the purpose for which o * ~ drill was invented, It secures the whole attention of the man £0 his commander by requiring :— {a) Absoiute silence. at motion! (0 Seat eéestatin ofthe word of comraod, and intent readiness to obey ity i ition of attention the pintoon iteelf at tho: CAG dierent leone ss lls to this the instant, unhesitating andl oxact obedinnce af orders. ‘Thos close order drill compels the habit of obedience, and stimulates by the combined and orderly movement of the platoon the soldior’s prio in himself ass soldier. It will not have these resulta unlos cmartly carried oat. Slovonly drill is wore than profitiess, It ia the quality of the drill and not the length of time spent cn it which matters. Drill should be carried out for periods Of from 10, mitutes to balf-an-hoar, tnt the platoon somaander during the drill must insist on to and rigid obedience by ithe whole platoon to crery onder he gives, He thos learns to dominate their minds, . Strint and unvarying maintenance of tnit organization nan srebmataneos Ia the turet guarnten of apt de On ‘and off parade the man must work or play, not ai an bul aa a mocenbor of his section, platoon or battalion, aud football matches between sections or platoons stimulate pride in the unit and loyalty to it, ‘The man will lear to “play fer the aide" and not for binself, and. realize that the section is of more importance than the individuals who compeso it. Within ‘the teotion or platoon the men must know their commanders. and cash other. ‘The breaking-up of xections and platoons for whatever Purpose will make tho men resthes and dispirited. and sickness aro the accidents of war and tho incvitable causes of wew.vickersmachinegun.org.uk10 change ina man's surroundings, It ka Uhe ai orgoniznt to counteract the disturbing effects or aaa alnapsrr him a home as 1 member of a definite unit, Good march dissiptine reflects esprit de : corps, A battalion is judged—and judges itsel’—by conduct on the march and by the bearing tie Unsafe ate sn eel ‘Oiicors and. men in a rohing: battali : verse ia pele eces ole cia an a cee ped Beret atraggler will be mnde SoS to feel that he has disgmeod Eaprit de corps guarantees working ino ate int eign a i Petar 1 test of its soldierly edicionoy ; it ensures thnt tho individual man, whether prosent with or away from hia lnssell In accordance with ita landanda ewe orers Esprit de corps will be fostered by short and interesting lectures Sn tle tear of the regimens sod eechlng pee te oe e a i ee Special gallantry, eal ‘by individual 10, ‘Tho fighting spirit, discipline and esprit de carpe of w uni Hound up with it4 physical fitness, The keen, aclligd a efficient ae cee soar ae Ea For this the physleal exorcise of drill and physical training are most valuable, but sre not by themsclves sufficlerit, Fitness of body and content af mind come mage readily in the free atmosphere of games. Left to themselves when the day's work is aver, the men develop a bad ‘commander & I competition with other platoons, and tako part in them blmseif, ‘The men will respond wholebeariedly end will exrry the spirit of thelr games into thelz work. A platoon ‘which plays football, rans and boxes, will not be found wanting in war. It ‘will be qualified to meat and overcome the stress and strain of battle, of long marchen, and of work under fire. TI. ‘The platoon commander is the guardian of bis platoon. Th is his privilege to guard i ho locks to his own comfort. for sceing that arrangements for supply of rations and water are working efficiently ; that his sick men are ‘seen by Officer, and thnt his eyes are open both for the malingeror and for the man who will not report eick when he should, He should know all his men and the history and personality of each, He should frequently talk to thom on general: topics, keep thera informed of ‘the mews and soe that they get papers to read. When o man ‘becomes a casualty, the platoon commander should write to his poxt-of-kin and sec aleo that his personal property 13 correctly dis~ posed of, These azo'a fow of the ways in which the platoon com Mander ean interest himself in his xien's welfare and ear a loyalty ‘which the dangor snd discomfort. of war will be powerless to shake. 12. Lenderahip ia not bem of learning. It depends on simple ond straightforward hnman qualities. A Trader, above all, mvuat Inve the coofdence of his man. a ell ga Ahab, mabe by ‘commanding their speot for tho olernoss and simplicit cae aedece and for tho rm way fn which ho iesista that they shall he carried out; respect for hin sense of justice; for his common sean; for his keonness, energy, and habit of fc 5; for his indifference to permonal danger and the rondiness with which he wew.vickersmachinegun.org.uk2 shares his men's hardships ; for bis OL UMStber aed tr tos hvioun posts ha taboe MU cece ‘The leader who wins his men's has won more than half is He has a instrament to his hand eapablo af high pars ‘Tho spirit with which he is able to fire it will carry re eee aoe oe hardest: i Whatever demands Bs ain on i mil be herflly and willingly mot, Whar o 8. Responsibility for training. 1 AN seine tos comma, pat, : from section commander aesponsiblo for the training and eliloieney : oe i frre ‘of their officers, mon- aro also responsible that the guns, rohicles eae ee E aahino gun troop in the ease of principal tmining’ unit in mtchine gun trganbation, aad it i swat hat ahs be garded nel ontaned ‘unit. Machine gun units must be trained not dently with the battalion to which Se eae ae Os snllestiraly in eo-opemntion Sittin ee eer ion commanders aro responsible for the trainis clliciency Sf Hee machine gun platoas wx regan indivadadl and platoon training, a aa : A cmpable enbordiesie lets ‘ ix. The position of No. 4. When the mon have made sufficient progress in. the aboro, thoy should be. practised in ing and clamping, under cover, the arranging olampii pene st iba {hefore mounting), s that the socket, will ‘upright: when the tripod is mounted on the position indicated. 63 é 21, Blementary section dnl. 4 1, Elementary ovetion drill consists of :— Section drill. i Back eoddery dil (ee Chop. YE Pack (see Chap. VI. Instrootions in machine Me signals (Seo. 14) will ko given before elementary section drill iv carried out, nnd tbowe signals should henceforth be used whonerer passibla Elementary section drill is curtied ont with four guns, ive, the seotion, An oflicer will contrel the drill, and » N.C.Q. will saper- vise onch gan detachment. ‘The N.C.O, will take times and care- fully note the performance of each movement; he will mot nasiat the gan dctochment, not give any instructions unlees so ordered. When the state of the ground permits, all numbers should lie down, ‘Nos. 8 and 4 forming @ sbort chain of supply, and the remainder continuing the chain or ropecemting reserres to replace casualties. purpose section dil in to increase profeleney in advanced gun drill, to aecastom the various muntbers to work 23 ‘section, and to provide practical instruction in the following Beir, ject : i: The delivery and execution of ire orders, ‘This opportunity should Be taken of proctising ani non-commnis- sionedl oficers in fire control, fv. The supply of ammunition, oil, and-water, iy, The vavoge dell movements for carrying out indirect Gre i, Timber drill and pack raddlery dri, Section drill (Siagee 1 to-5). 3. In onder that » section may work in the eld with officienoys the methods of fire must be learnt os a drill. ‘This will enable the wew.vickersmachinegun.org.ukat in action to roproduce nutomatically the morementa in practice, with such modifications as the conditions of baitle may impose. it roquired for each gun detachment. Gun with the barrel casing filled, tripod, two belt boxes and belts with dammics, spare parts box complete, condenser tubc® fitted to gun, condenser bag balled with water, 4. Section gan drill will be taught in seven stagos. i First stages ‘The dotachmonta will be exoroiged in all the movements of clemen- tory drill up te and inetuding esta 4d Or of win.” in Hai ccioestasuune sraten ist lepaabaudeneie ih. Second lage, In audition to tho polnta montloned in the fost tog, tho fire orders should include the use of traversing, seurching and combined nighta (Svc. 67). Also tho fitting of the condenser tubo and bag. 1, Third atage, Tn this stage service targets in the open country will bo med. Tn addition to the points mentioned in the previous atagns prantion should be given in om a Immediate action. Replacing casualtios and. breakages, Ammunition, oil, and water supply, 6 4 iv, Fourth. stage, 1s for groin sag at nb es cei oot and pansiag of fire orders. vy. Fifth tage. ae stages, but introducing safety Initeal and verGon! for cirect overlead fe, pout eight, 0. Sixth etege. As for the frst three stages, bat introducing the laying of gone ‘on parallel lines preparatory to ueing indirect ‘Kit required for each gun detachment. ‘Gun and tripod. Bar foresight. Bolt hoses (4), belts, and dummies. Condenser tube and bag. tafety methods bath ee ei Epariae rel “ n ‘Two prute—the aaa post” ind the * target. post Guns and tripods will be Inid out as in elementary gun drill. i. * Pall jn!” ‘Detuchments will fallin in Hine asin‘ clementary ¢a0 drill, one ‘of Nos. ¥ Nea ee ier vil nticate the reference object (one 0 bedng employed). i + Number." As in clermontary gun drill. wew.vickersmachinegun.org.uk68 iii, "Take post.!* Asinclementary gan deitl. No. 3 has with him a condenser bag, four elt boxes, ond ibe poste. No. 4 has the spare barrel, ‘Tho gun commander takes post on the left of No. 1, and has the cleaning rod, elinometer, and bar foresight. iv. “ ‘ell off by guns." The gan commanders ucber off from the right: ke. 1 gun’ ¥. ' Prepare for action,'" No, examines the tripod, and No. 2 the gun (condenser tubo. Bxed) for motion “Rov 9 inapeeta tho emmvauison, Nos. 6 to 8 are spare men, and remain under cover. vi. ‘The section must wow belatd on: af doing this should be practised. ‘the drill will be ax follows :— zero lines. Allmethods a reference object is used and laid on each other. No. tho direction dial and signals with bis band to the other No. 2 when this is done. Boti: guns now Iny on the reference object, and the swung is noted, Thee are to the section cam- mander, who then calculates the ‘angle to obtain lines. - sai i wien comedies le ail be dled bp 1, who will adjust the tangent sight slide to bring the fie wt on to ta pak are ae la kere at seit nck be mowed once the gum ah Been oid on ite parailel zero tine. & Seventh stage, As for sixth stage, but introducing tho issue, carrying ont and Paming of fre orders for indirect fire. The gun commander Rese clown with the cleaning rod aon) stinometee on the Jal The andlo of switch neoossary to engage the frst tanzet will be ven verbally or in writing. No. 8 will then drive in the target (pest at euch in distance from the gun as will onraro that the post a not struck by bullets when fire is opened, ‘Ts many cases the zero line may be made to coinckle with the Mine of fir in the first target, In such onsos no target post will the required by day. ‘Gediers for distribution (if necessary) will then be given, wew.vickersmachinegun.org.ukWhenever possible thee and subsequent orders for changes. of direction: Fad davalion should be given in writing in the form of a gun © When the angle of deviation from the zero line docs not exced 7 degrees it can be laid off from the zero post by means of the bar forctight, in which cae there will be no need to place out the target post by E ‘The gun commander will place the elevation on the gun by moans of tbe clinemeter. When direction and elevation kave been placod on tho gun, the gua commander will roport “No. 1 gun ready," sce. 1" Losd." Av in elementary gun drill. fi,“ Traxorse.!" ‘Will be 2 degrees, i.t,, 1 dogreo right and 1 degree. left, unless otherwizo ondered. Hil, Hato of fire. Stow, mnodium, or rapid. fv. 1 Fire.!? Bursts of fire should not be less than 50 rounds, No, relays between bute, and traverses between bursts, Agewnaey in reeiaying must alicays be tneivled upom, ¥. ! Conse five.!” Procedure after overy 500'rounds,! when the tadtieal situation = . 1 unloads and clears gun. . 2 cleans the barrel and replenishes the water in the barrel easing, if necessary. No. 3 brings wp ammunition, [No. 1 oils up, relonds, and Inys for direetion, Gun commander checks elevation. No. 2 rignals * Ready to fre." j Tn any case the above'procedure must be carried gut after erery 1,000 rounds fired. vi,“ Unload,"* As ie saws nary mA, Began onammaismport os gun elear,"**No. 2 gun clear,” and soon. vil, “ Out of action.'* Tho guna will bo dismounted at the firing point. vill, Sections thould be practised in coming into action in different ition=, obtaining parallel lines by different methods, and Pe dan In the Intter onse, verbal orders should. be dis with as for a2 possible, Tn the Goal stages of training, section commanders should be practised im applying the fre of their cections to any tanget with fapidity and accuracy. ‘Throughout the drill, gun numbers must be changed round frequently. 7.—Examples of verbal orders, Either of the flank guns may be the directing gan. Ta the follow- ing examples the left gun is taken aa the dineciog gun. {a} DISTRIBUTION. i, To obtain. parallel lines, '—This is tho angle obtained by para. 5, vb ‘The angle 20 wrew. vickersmachinegun.org.uknw ( ‘The same applies to all othcrangles. This order will bo passed | down as follows : S ‘The gun commander of No. 4 gun repeats the order and the laying of No. 4 gun is not altered. ‘Thegun commander of No, 8 gun repeste 20 minutes right— Distribute 20 minutes,” and No. 2 gun fs laid off 20 minutes to the right of tho reference object by means of the bar fore shit. gun conimiander of No. 2 gun repeats“ 40 minutes right— Distribute 20 minutes,” and tho gun is Inid off 40 minutes to the Fight af the reference object by means of the bar forcaight. ‘Tho procedure for tho other gun ia similar to the above, ‘Pho guna are now laid on parallel lines and ean bo swang on to thelr zor lines 1s follows >— “ All gune—Dogrona right {or lelt),"" Each gun commander repeats the ordor and the gut off the given angle from the reference object on tho di dial. ‘Tho guns nre now lid on parallel zero Lines, ti, To engage a target. “+ il guna on zero lines,"* The gun commander repeats the order. No, 1 lays on the pero port. + All guns—Dogroes right (or lelt)."” ‘The gun commander repeats tho orden. No, 1 lays off the given angle on the dirwction dial. No, Spaces out 10 yards “trom the cross-Lead and, directed by No. 1, drives in the target i “ Distribute 20 minutes.** The procedure is the in (i centered ota pe aS acme (¢) ELEVATION, 1. “ Elevation 3 dogress.'* Roh gua commander repeats tho onder and lays the. siaiehreunisterts ct irene sett Sete night on the target post amd notes “ Elevation 4 degrees—Add 20 minutos,’* ‘The gun commander of No. 4 gun ropeats tho ordor and la Giger te Adorn with tho clinometer, No, 1 peoseod aa ‘The gun commander of No. 3 gun roy ts Bleration 4 dogrson 20 miautes—ald 20 mlmutee" el layn the teen ts Tee 20 telnwton with the otinocster, No.l peosteds as ‘The procedure for the other guns is similar to the above. it Hi, ** Elevation § degrees—teen 40 mtnutes,"* ‘The gun commanter of No. 4 gun the order and the to 5 dogo with the inomelen.” No 1 provvede a ‘The gun commander of No. 3 ts EI 4 90 mainntes—Less 10 rainaioa,” sae lays eee ss Cleon WO minutes with the elinomater No. 1 proceeds ax eS for the other guns ls similar to the abows. (8 15591 )9 pe ww. vickersmachinegui.org.uk72 22, Adzanced section drill. 1. Before this dell is carried owt the following should nve been. given -— 1, A nbort lecture on the chameteriatics of the machine ii, A short lecture on reconnaissance, especially with reference ‘to tho ecloction of gun positions. 2. ‘Che object. of advanced seation dr dn carrying out the various forms of dell already taught in clomentary section drill, and in applying it to sult all formm of ground. All ranks must be exercised in their respective For this all, movements, tions, ec. must be made with reference 19 some tactical situation explained belore- ‘commander. The situation must bo such x vill necessitate the employment of scouts and rangetakers ino realistic manner. Ranges will actually ; sapply will be carried out, empty boxes being ‘passod tack for felling, ‘The replacement’ of easualtics and brookag ‘bat must not be carried to an extreme. ‘The points to ‘attended 10 in clenientary seotion drill musirbo carefully observed. ‘An prolielonoy incresees, practice should be given in situations which requiro rapid action, such as changes of targeta and of gan to mect surprise situations. ‘The drill should bo carried out in stages or iessons ns shown below. 8, Firat tage. ‘To give practice to gun numbers in the following :-— i. Reconnalasance for gun positions, ii, The use of covor in: — (@) The approach to the gun position (see See, 40, 3}, (8) The gun. position itself (sce See. 40, 3}. to prectice the acetion reasonable limi In this lesson Jimbers will not. be used, but the a ee Seabees i ‘section shoul sien up ia « povition of seadinew at last 00 yards fra the well eome in Selected should be sallalig for inouleatiog the Inca to batieerne ‘Eorumlgaic and wetin of pn. pontine (ie Ss ‘The frontage should br at lenst ide, ac sa Tis aren should bya st 20 rads wid, ac aboot con Second stage ‘To tesch tho selection of gum pouitions with reference to +— ‘4, Ability to ire within the are of fire ordered. ii. Communication with absorvation poot, fii, Provision of a chain of sraraunition wupply under ever 5, Third elage, ‘Aa for tirst and second stages, but introd ion fron This Wil ental attention ie loliwig pti 4. Drill must not be divorord from tacticn. After postion han hen selected and ils colec haa toe pice to bring up the guts, application of drill is required in Betting the gues into action. The danger of the de- fachments bunching togetber when advancing tsom the m i a Fesiton mcat be arvidel Broadly speaking, except in the ease of o flosth ‘when it will bo expedieat to open fire at i Era first gun to get Into action, a nection commander will wait til all hin guns (or at any rate three af them) are gtr F f a) wew.vickersmachinegun.org.ukit Toady to open fire before he gives the signal to do so. ee arrival of the various numbers at the gon position should be aimed at. Undue haste, which ‘will only lead to confusion, should be avoided. De- ‘tachments must bo well under control when going into action, and meh eontrol should be oscreisod by the N.C.O. at the limber. ‘There is nood for quick action, but it must not bo allowed to degenerate into a scurry aud there should be no shouting, iif, Genorally speaking, erawling should be confined to move- act ovee iba iil foe yands in approaching a position, When longer distances must be covered, in postible ger iow of the it in better to make a bold dash view onomy, i ssimulating: the ‘as mavch aa posible, ies Bromoes Te principle that every anit fe eaponsite for its own protection must ba impressed upon all ranks, ‘and practice must be given in the methods of protection to be employed, The measures against surprise which have been taken when the guns are on he move mest not be relaxed. when the guns are in action. Protestion ‘of the unks is of spocial importance, and steps masz always be taken to wateh any focality from which the fan position may be turned, 6, Fourth stage. As for previous stages, but Picea a from limbers to pack and coming into action from the Some the ground selected should, if possible, be such aa to necessitate this change. 7, Fifth tape, for the thind ‘but introd a forward movement: eee mes $ 5 re pid pons ory ee sapid eonveyands of gona and mon, ‘Where the line of aj ia concealed from the tp as close aa possible i the first instance, Bat aa soon. aa tho limbers have should bo sont back to a suitable away to avold sboll-fire directed nt Ube guns, Gn teste tad, AC nats sover (euch ax a ‘OF very steep elopo). love’ beliind the gun Pilon ie ter ny romain fhe Ana situation where it ig ahgolutoly easential to. Bet ‘Inte action without » moment's delay, and where the nature of the ground permita of no alternative, limbers, ‘should be driven boldly up to Ue gun position, quickly unloaded, ond a4 quickly dHven away to anitable covet. fs must not nnch ‘opt st least 40 yards apert whenever they az6 on ich may be subjected to hostile fire exurt be kept between the limbors and tho gons when the Istter are In action. & Sizth stage, facie fhe Prorions ages, bot withthe forward movement cariod ‘out on pack (#2e note to stage), W Seventh sage, As for fifth stage, bub applied to muit indirect firs positions. 10, Bighth stage, Asfor seventh stage, but introducing selection of tions by: gon somianaders to encure alearunoe of tho immediate ober te, fs scoordance with fostmootions reeelved regarding lowest clova- ition to be used and limita ef aro offi wew.vickersmachinegun.org.uk8 |. After the section has attained proficioney in each af the abora meshed be practised in carrying out elementary tactical earls framed eo as to Bring oot all the lesions to bo learnt; fn several of the above stages, snd carried out on different” areas of i be carried oft It will be of great advantage if these exercises can im eo.operation with infantry. Tefore ench ees setion will explain its purpose and the princi iiakeer ta carrying it out, and, on its conclosion, detailed critioiom will be mate, a is we Jo. should gradually be train sic esa lay wet ate cain eer na dameloped along sonra Hoes. Tn thes exirine, in edition to all the points montionad previously, particular attention” shou! ‘be paid to:— i. Formations to be atopted in battle (eee Tafantry Training, Vol. 1). fi. Inter-eommunication, both by siznal and ranner, CHAPTER IV, Tiwmze Dans, 23. General inelructions, 1 ; attention should bo fe cast ts pl ie tng 1 Poctical—These: will, affect tho distribution of the londa both as between each portion and aa between the lies bere bere, Ta io nystem detailed ulow all equipment und supplies necessary for the guns boing brought iste mckeinte sarried in the fore portion at aah timber asd further aupplics aro carried in the hind portion, If the tactical nifumtion demands rapldl wotien « few gyn gumbors can rido in the fore portion, the Mind portion belng unhooked if desired, fi Balance of finders —It is important; if galls on the animals aro to bo minimised, that the load in each portion of the lisober ahould be well balanosd, Also, thy fore portion should carry « heavies load than the hind portion” BL Speed in info action.—In order that the guns may some into and out of action as rapidly as possible it for allranks to know exactly where every article is snd for the gun mumbers to be well dulled is ‘Packing and unpacking the gun limber. A uniform Pieles shall be adopted und in tery section a should be detailed to supervioe the packing of the limbera vorrectiy,! = wrew.vickersmachinegun.org.uk8 2, In this chapter a drill for packing the gun limbors is given. "The drill will be carried out at the double. ‘Ths tailboard of the fore fon should never bo lowered when the hind portion is attached ‘wnd the animals aro hooked in. The pack saddlory will be carried on the off-side animals, with the exception of the hangers anv racks (onrried in the hind portion of the gan Labret the water boxes (carried in the fore portion of the Lina) Wybon tke paaks of the offices, warrant offcers, 0.08, and men are oaried on the limbers they should bo distributed evenly between the limbens, the importance of balance being kept in mind. 24, Packing limbers. 1. Tho cquipment, a4 shown in the Joad tables {gun limber), ‘Ses. 26, willbe dunmped ia rear ofcheKishec. in “ Fall in,''—The sub-section (oxcluding drivers who will stand to Shale rea) wil fall in immediately in rar of the limber, in two ronks. 4 Sumber "tas in slementary gun drill 2. 1" Pack limber."" «4. Fore portion (Plates XT and XIT}. On the command "' Pack limber,” the Nos. 1 and 2 deuble'to the damp, take threo helt boxes each and place six on cach sido of the limber, upeight, the aide of the box touching tho aide of the Hiniber, arrowhead pointing inwards, Immediately the belb boxes are in position the Nos. 3 wud d place the gun shesis on top, ene on either nda ofthe limber, hinges toreards the sides of the Hinber, ‘Tha Noa. 1 will then follow with the Mark L¥ tei ipadas, condensers and condemer tubes, placing the tripods in the esntro of the limber, [Fo far Brave XI. Seca GUN LIMBER—FORE PORTION—BOTTOM LAYER.(ie follow plate X1. (To foltow Puare XML : — SUN LIMBER—REAR PORTION—BOTTOM LAYER. PLATE GUN LIMBER—FORE PORTION—TOP LAYER, —S : TWO SPARE Pants ‘CASES, =GUN - CHEST- *CUN- CHEST-(i foltow plate XI, ; Phare XIV, eross-heads toushing the tallboard andl aa close to oach other aa GUN LIMBER—REAR PORTION—TOP LAYER, | ‘The condenser bags and tabes All Nos. 1 to 4 of each dotachment placa tha cover on the limber, tachmont on tho off-side and the left detachment on the z, é = i 5 ; 2 ‘On the command “ Paok lmbor,"" No. § of the right dotachment and fe toes ine eae ta the front noat corner and the Periscopes and folding saw on tep of tho font horse rugs, thesis timo the othur No, vil plnos onp canvas mack foontete: ‘Bag three belt box), Jengthways, on the near aide of tha limbor, i the bag line gear, lida to bo against the noar side of the SHOES See eae wvew.vickersmachinegun.org.uk» No. 7 of the right dotachment will place the two metal carriers {each containing one belt box) upright, and as far forward as poasible off #ide, souching che water douat aad Loves gh ‘The other No. 7 vane canvas rack on the near side, lengthways, mar aftiren al packed. "Tho Nos. 8 place two canvas racks as far forward as possible, ends tonohing the off-aide of the limber. ‘The Nos. & pack four camp kettles on top of the motal carriers, 6 of the right detachment packs the night finng lampa in the “off reat corner of the limber, and the zeto posts and target poats alongside the canvas racks on the off-sclo. The athoe No. G packs the tools onthe oor space, bead tothe ras ‘No. 7 of the right detachment places the horseshoe valise againat the: ing thea rea nr raber, Tho The 7 packs: ae ‘on ae horse xugs, and tro canvas beckets on top stag lia No. § of the right ahseroines the two hangers and the two web surcingks on top of the metal carciers and tools. ‘The other No, & places the two drivers’ packs in the contre, ‘All numbers 5 to 8 of cach detachment place tho caver om the Viaber, the right team on the off.aide and the left toam on tha near-slde. 25, Action sror Limbers, Lt Prepare for Action.'! : ‘On the command “Prepare for Action,” Noa. 1 to 4 of each detachment double to the limber (the right detachment on the offside, the left detachment on the near side) and remove the ‘covers from tho limber, ‘The Noa J take the tripods and cacry oat their normal duties. ‘The Nos. 2 and 3 romove the guns from the chesta, - 61 ‘The Nos. 3 take ont the spare parte casca, and hang them over the thoullces of thelr Nox 3 wha then doable out with the guias and condenter tubos to their Nos. 1. The Nox. 3 each take two belt boxes, and esrry out their normal duties. The Nox € Haina the condonkoe tbaga from, tho water drum in ‘th rear portion, double «ut each with a condenser lag and one ‘belt box, and lie down under cover. ‘The NOLO. detailed thea movea the limber to cover, the Nos. 5, 6, T and § accompanying him, 2, “ Out of action.” ‘On tho command “Out of action,” the N.C.0, maves the limber up to the most conreaient position for the gana coming out of action, consistent with the safety of the animals. ‘The Noa. 3 and 4 take out tho gua chesta, repack the belt boxes, ‘and tidy the limber. Tho Nos, £ tako the conionsor tubes off the guns as soon as tho Nas, 3 arcive with thom, ‘Tho Nos. 2 and & repack the guna in the chests, closo the lids, replace the cheats, and the Nos. 2 hand the spare parta esacs to the Now. 3 to repsok in tho limbor. Tho Nos. 1 rupack tho tripods, and the Noa. 4 repack the con- denser bags and tubes. All numbers 1 to 4 of each detachment replace the cover on ths. laser, the eight detachment on the. off-alde und the loft detachment ‘on the near-al:le. 26. Load vables, ‘Ths following load tables should be eousidered as a guide or as definite instructions, owing to the necessity of ee ‘the load to suit local conditions, Modifications of these bbe required ‘on the introduction of siripless belts packed in epecial boxes. wew.vickersmachinegun.org.ukso ES 2. fim Limber—Pore Portion. 7 Article, 30, | “eae sweicht, hr ig tevach, machine gin 10 ameantition, neingis bose ¥ Hens epams parts ad tele lay oo ie Weled(illed) ae s . bata, No. ny a ees “ s ies, wala at ing apare falas jz, erate ‘ * wicam (bag and tabs, witli unies faint) 7) 4 4 ‘Guns, Voekien, completa led wich water ich nfl egek” ih ‘is, mene peta. sng fan ‘bare, ba. » ‘ : Sart Wy, sit call : Saar i 3 2 ‘Toad, fore portion 689 ee weight, Ta : | 2 2] 2 a | 2 iM pT : 2 1 ofl, stale ply of water (Jilted) i My |, cont ly af wal Perens eget nen a eat Ud al foarsp, eva, 13 quazte 2: al om ‘Approxi- CHAPTER Y. Pack Sapprrrey Darn Maouree Gey Puxrooxs waose Rqurmtest 15 Canntan my Linen. 22. General instructions, 1. Pack saddlery is used ox a mothod of carriage by :— , j, Maghine gun troops (cavalry), ii Machine gon platoons, whothor their equipment is carried (a) entirely on pack, or (b) normally im timbers. 2, When it is found néceseary to use pack animals instead of limbers, the two lead animals of the gun limbers will broome pack | animals, the noar loader carrying the ammuattion pack an the oif- Teader the gun and tripod pack, Each gun dstachment should be practised in tho following drill, wits purpose the detachment will consist of Nos. 1 to 8, No 8 acting as leader of one pack animal, i . To prevent alarming th animal the deill will be corricd ont ———————— ‘im quick time, not of tle double, * eetaeerend—tink ijn z z More—For dotails of wets and description of gor se Hand- book for the -30% in, Viekers Machine Gon, See. XVI. ‘Tho hanger ‘with two narrow slings, used in this drill for the gon, is officially Keown as the banger, gun, sling; and the hanger, with ono wide ‘aad one narrow sling, uand for the tripod, is oficlally known aa the hanger, tripod, aling, wew.vickersmachinegun.org.ukwew.vickersmachinegua.org.uk ‘30S HVEN—MOVE COATT GNV NQO—-PIAGVS MOV i "AX Sav Ho ifnedesiie gee gays 3 Sean sg .ce3 25 sag ef LMAHIN Mit * i: BS Haul ult fe ae ae Lig fi: Fall @ JVB | qmail ihe i aod hevtig i ft ke i it ! at acai } i| ainda pe] Henn bit ies Rael il‘ s i i 4 and No, 6 the tri (hotiger with one witle and one|iarrow Ga he none ofthe yea 5 Ne. ee eee caring tho strap of tho nose-bag round the front arch of the anddle. No. § takes the canvas water bucket and puts it between the front and rear arch of the saddle, the rope handle going under the oreo fo cee oy eB ot she ees No, 5 also ‘takes tho spare parts case out spare parts box,and passes ‘the strap ie rave pacts ee Flee ee da and ‘over the front near side hook; this avoids ing the trap. é ‘Nos, 1 and 2 take out ome tripod and gun. No. 1 takes the tripod, and with tho ansistanos of No; 6, places it in the near-side slings, legs to the rear, crosshead leaning towards the front arch. Nos. 1 and 6 buckle the meuring straps, Care fmust be taken that the inner jamming handle is turned back on to the leather panel of the saddle, No, 2 takes the gun, and with tho assistance of No. 5, places it in tho off side'slings, muzzle ta the rear, the front aling being passed ‘aver tha feed blcok and tho ronr sling over the barrel casing. Nos. 2 and 5 buckle the securing straps, No, & takes the cleaning rod and = Rises It rough the gon nog front to iar, where the metal Tinga are held by tho Nos. 6 and 6 each take one belt box and place them respecti between the gun and arches af the saddle, and tho tripod lega sarobes of the aaddio, lids facing wutwards, ‘Phe Now. 1 and 2 fix the «traps, long and short, which aro on the thers of the hangers, roand tho dripod legs and gun respectively, and buckle them on to the belly band. Nes. 5 and 6 pasa tho web wereinglo through the belt box hanilles and seoure under belly. wew.vickersmachinegun.org.uk88 * il Ammmition pack (Plate XVI). Numbers roquired—3, No. 7 takes « canvas water bucket and puta it on as above, and fastens tho other feoc from the off-leader on to the rear side hook: ‘of adie. Se a eee Te ee bog in tho eentre of the saddle, eceuring tho ling to the front and ‘The condenser tubo can be fixed on the gun in the Sady" "penition, if Nos. J and 4 takes fall ammunition rack each and hang them on to the kooks, tho metal “1D” on the bottom of the rack being neareat fA ee ee ogy foe th anal non fled PRE (leather girth), each ond, ey ‘the metal ID on the ack then lees Se the slot in the ““Iay on™ ee top of the near No. 4 takes the water bax ancl pin in top af the oll-sido rank, ‘Nos, 3 and 4 then sceure the wel surcingle by passing it over the ‘oil.eago and water box and under tho animal's belly. Wire autters, if likely to ho required, should bo carried attacked to the frout arch of the pack saddic, Both packs aro loaded! simul- ‘The gun detachment can now move off, the leading driver leading $ho-ammunition pack animal, and No. § the gun and tripod pack nimal, 4. OM pack anddies."" On the command “Of pack suddles," tho reverse procedure swill be adopted. traction cipamn a peed oe nlied on the Intodontian of tipi” tis snr oped (To face page 88. PAGK SADDLE—AMMUNITION PACK. wew.vickersmachinegun.org.uka1 pad i a aol terrain renders it necessary or aitvisablo (eg., Indin), of a machine gun platoon may be earzied entirely Als cane the sets of pack eadiery difer in certala sss those doseribed above, and the method of loading, &o., ing the packatdilery seta, drill, &e., for platoons Bea os coon ta auton tp anced cr sz] | BBoxes tt nat | 6 sua] 8 | Water Box (Mlled) | 15 29. Action from pack saddles, m- “Prepare for Action."* ‘4 On the command “ Proparo for Action" the gua numbers will ary out their duties us for the command “Off pack saddles” and ‘will propate their guns for “Action.” They will only remove ‘those articles which aro aotunily required from the pack, ‘The driver and No. 8 will assist wach other to secaro all loose gear andl straps after the gun team moves aff, Tn the case of ammunition packs, tyre will bx taken that the samo number of belt boxes aro rom cach rack, so that the remainder of the load is balanced. tbat every man should know how to strip the replace any damaged parta, fi th srlhoes ot ding ie es fn thi © saddles, aro given e for tho “B00 inoh Vicktor Machine Gee, See SP, % Action from pack: eaddles—During the early atnges of whos the personnel is dismounted, the detachments should fi Ses for “Battle Order” mounted, ‘the command “ Action,” the detachments will carry out the jae laid down in “ Allocation of Duties" (eve Sec, 16.) - wew.vickersmachinegun.org.uk> ‘9, Range practices will ba fred in drill order. the same unit a ‘Tha best shot in each troup or platoon will be determined by hin aggregate acora in the classification practices. 39. Bango duties. 1. During slamifoation practices, which are tanto of te rents of tmining, officers, 3.0.0. ond mem from machine Grn SPS fo platoons other than that which is fring will be detailed under the orders of aficers commanding for oll duties of supervising and Texoopt in, the ‘Territocial Force, where the indePon: i mapereiion teed be.casiodomt in tho batts ony, 5" Mh veetitoe gun aflcers or, when this iv impracticable, by ofieers c er 7 {a) No gun will be loaded until the senior officer presen For the above practic, the provisos of part 0 am 1 Gndored the practice to begin. nem will be scrupulously carmied out. ©) Before tho rod flag ix raised at the fing point, signifying 4k One officer cannot nupervise at the ang pol more than fear ‘cessation of fire, the senior officer present will give the firers at one tame. | onder “Clear guns," when the firer will remove the lock from tho lock guides and report “Gun clear.” ‘The lock “g, Timarkers cannot bo found érom other unite, olfiess of‘ other will lei pont f fe ae ent ald bo : a arent Jie potion asl te See Lond " is Fiston at the batts and the firing point. ae ae * officer in charge of the left-hand section may give the 5 Chae oftoes willbe detailed to superviao-st the butts the mark- ing of not more than four targets. ae P 5 slicer ing the firibg or in the discretion of the 6. coocre of the troop or platoon which is Gring will be detailed ee cack wets 4 t ee ie Loe edn otha Erng pink aa ming be aoe each ection afer may abject 0 the Sug whieh Hey nL bo tase special duty to report to the oes: SRT ee encase ) carry 0 intending soy toppayes that may bare oconred whon all ‘the ms pervision. oe void por the practice have uot been fired within the time Peay duties of the officer waperintonding at the firing point {1558199 sionals to fire and cease fire for tho whole line af guns, under the ordera—by signal or otherwise—of the senior | www. vickersmachinegua.org.uk——— oS classifleation practices to vary the order of firing before O78 Ceci ot praotices 8 11 and 14. (Prac. tines 8, 8, 10, and 11, 12, 13, rexpeetively, will be fired eonsecutively witheut leaving the Bring point.) ‘To seo that each man on his roll (AF, 1, 2060) fires at i the targot (or area in tho case of ranging practions) to mebioh he has been. detailed, ancl fires with the machine gun and tripod which hes been issued to his gum detach- Sront, Ti classification practices the number of the gun and tripod used ‘will be ontored on A.F. B. 2060, (iii) During instructional practices— ‘cccgill person at the firing point but the officers, Or ee nanan the mon Peale, firing and their Na. 2's. ss {b) To ensure that the regulations as to target prtice and Iocall orders are obeyed. , {e} To detail n N.0.0. or man to send and receive mekauged fon the telephone oF by signal, : (a) To detail a N.C.0, to supsrinwnd each man's fring and to instruct. (iv) During classification practices — # (a) To allow no N.C.0. or man within 20 yards of the gun ositions, seep the Xow. and 2. HD Da pee et ues ot acussdeds ace thas te bal gpaced ” 1x described in Beo. 34 4. ‘Before to allow each firer time to cxamine (0) Rates ernel to Kis gun, tripod and wsomunition belt (ay Ta dined practices to eater in the color of remarks on ‘Arbected for any man firing alter the signal to cease __cepeplesieadipsbsae tend Ge) Te wee that 10 assistance of any kind in given to non-com- _ wiimioned oBteers or mon while thoy are at the firing with the exception of the Nos. 2 carrying out their duties at the guns. Wf) Te deckdo whether extra time shall be allowed, or the ‘prctice fired again, in the event of a stoppage oF ‘Moppages in the gun (are Seo. 35, 9). fg) To camse the targets to he chockod immediately before (ers Van ta targa a cst on the bin ghee able facilities for observing fire, cither above, below, or to one side of thom, {) To onsure after each practise, by personal inspection, that all rounds allotted for the previous practios and not fired have been’ removed from the belt and the number of rounds fired aro entered on the roll on eee re (J) To seo that tho tangent sight ia not raisod during the practices fired at 400 yards is #) Teoforo traversing practices are commenced, to ensure that fires understand the direction in which they are to Soe te oe xt tho commencement of the a that they hove an opportunity of Keating their clamp. ms ae Hi. ‘The duties. of an officer on butt duty in a gallery range are follows — = ee (a) By notoal measurement’ to ensure that the 6-inch bands forming the berder of the application targets aro of the correct dimensions and correctly put on the targets, wew.vickersmachinegun.org.ukas ‘and that the vertical lines on the traversing targets are correctly matked. To noo thet the autelde meastrementa of all targets fare correct, and that tho targets ore sufficiently clean to eaable shot holes to be ensily distinguiabed. {B) Tosee thnt the butt and appliances aren good omer, and ie duteags and doktor {c) To expiain all regulations and looal orders to tht anarkers, anil to ensure their observance. (@) To detail markers to targeu. ‘e) To see that the targeta placed om the Tuts are 80 Mw re that the ares a at penile obeersntian of fire to the firers. Uf) To see that tbo area allotted tom gun for ranging practices is marked by a flag or nuraber, but that mo target is erected for the grarpose. (See also See. 35, 8.) (q) To sbook the application and traversing targets imunestintely: toro firing and 4 bape wats ont SPY hits which, aay have been made of them ax the remalé of a previous practice, {8} To allow no one to tone tho target until he is in frost Pormnally to check the target of each rer and to in ink ihe number of ita in the butt regiiter (AF. B2000,), In traversing petotiees to enter an the * which contain 10 a the pes ne ane figures, tthe amendment verified frth the offer's nits, out. ee rece re ae terak < Kae coagaualy i ‘noross the unused spaces in the register before signing it, and to hand all butt register to th cer ti Fe ea pees ae a 36. Special Instructions, 1. Lt is exsential that tho mounting and gun should be auch a to mp (S-inoh ring, containing @ allots out of 10 ‘ebable the standard ‘at a range of 25 to be obtained. ‘This will be tested in the ‘presence of the ilcere before Part I is fired, in the following manner :— i. Range, 25 yards. Target, any convenient vertical Raunds, 10 (one burst ‘ott ee i. The tripod will be erocted on firm ground. Experience has shown that the fring of only 10 rounds will not tbo sulllcient to affect the size of the group, provided ‘the gronnd is firm or a T-base is used. Bila a i aba ee that the shots will trike the sercen. traversing clamp will then be tightened. Te Linked Meee wrew.vickersmachinegun.org.uk100 iv. The triggor bar will ho drown back and cetained in this ‘position by inserting a No, 3 punch botwoun the thumb ‘piece and the snfoty ‘¥, Tha loading will now be: and this will eanwn the ‘gun to fire automatically until the 10 rounds are fired. vi, Tho gronp will then be measored, If tho wan fails to “group in a S-inch ring the eause is generally attributable to the mounting. Steps inust be taken to analyep the ‘anse or camies of the failure to group, which must be eliminated beforo Part I is fired. 2. A similar tost will be made mt any timo when it is mespeoted that the standard group is not being obtained. 3, Siefore Port Tis fred the barrel wil bo tested for sccuncy at A 6 fot squaro provided with an oiming mark will be Pane te te tere Agronp of 10 rounds will be fired at this target, but previous to so doing a few shots wall be fired into the stop butt to warm tbe barrel, In order to-ensuro that the whole group of 10 shots will strike the largel a dew ingle nightiagshota will be heed ot tbe and their ion signalled from tho butts, Theso singlo shots must be patched oul before the 10 shot feraup ts fired. ‘On comelusion the group will be measured and the area of the meclangle enclosing all the ehgts should not exceed 19 spare fort, ‘This area represents tho avorage dispersion of a numl groupe of which the figure of merit does not exceed the limit-of 1-5 fect. Should the area of the rectangle oxceed 12 square feet the barrel will be tested for accuracy in nocondanca with the instructions riven in Appendix XII, ‘Note—The above tosts will be of little value unteas the gun and mounting are in perfect order. we sume timo Baye the opportunity of finally the bolt will bo loaded with four groups af 60 than 15 euipty pockets piling «platoon or party 1a responstbl guna are unloaded before they hey dns yard os the fixing one 6, Ammunition allotted to machine than i sapeuled fs fide, Hotchkis or Lowa gen tice 35. Method of conducting Parte 1, 11, LET ond LV. Part I, I. Part I is insteuetional and in carried out on the 26 yarels range. As the machine gunner will have hitherto carrie! out little firing with service ammunition, careful and instruction ts ry throughout. For this reason no time limit is placed any of ‘be Practices, and in order that the beginner eee to be leamt all the of Part I shoald not be fired on one day. Ench practice will bo explained to cach man wew.vickersmachinegun.org.uk‘pofore be fires, ‘The best value will be obtained by cratielsing: each than by waiting until the praction it before commencing the point of mean impact of a group to criticise. ‘At the conclasion of the practice faults should also bo inch a rs felnted owt ae tho target, and the fire fold hew to cocrect them sae edna ot etait om 2, ‘The instructor at tho Bring point should wateh the firer, not may be repented ns conudered nectssary ae ie fiat be may se that all points of elementary b that the total number of ee ‘i I. Theshota on the ff ia not oxceeded. No record of Siow to any faolia that. tho fier may bave itted whilst Iv the total umber of rounds expended fring, Instructors realiso that the greatest caro 1 fenlls dating the firing of Part 1, 20 t mer aball not carry them with bim ond acquire faulty action Part 11 fram tho commencement of bis training, ‘This applies equally {9 & ss thé wotions of the No. 2 at the gun, ‘The following ate the pointa 5, Before proceeding to fire practices 8 to 17, the machine gunner {o which particular attention must be paid =— ‘will be exercised in abservation of fire on a field firing range (Prac. A tice 7). Tho practico will be limited to the observation of fire of In No. b= fone gun during this period of individual training (ssa Seo. 43, 0). sis ard i | Tt is essential that the machine gunner should appreciate the varying Sek und Scion of all orders conditions under which observation of fire ar be ttliate ft ‘Quis aud accurate londing and laying. thin purpose the range and the area selected for tho heaten zone Correct. presare an the thumibpiess on the signal * Fire.” should be varied for the different mambers of the gun detachment. ‘on the target, not looking alovg the sighta or down at the Farther, as detachmenta will bonoflt from observing fire under vary Thumbpiece when fire ing conditions of wenther and light, it is acristble to allot several eae diving hing dass for the conduct of this practice, 20 that one detachment. muy receive farther training when other dotachmenta are being exer- In Nod ised. ‘Tnsgection of ammunition od belts. Tn onler thet they may undergo instrection, at an Goerect service position (nat kneelisig up). ete eet to vostnl vorls nad Wo feoding tho gum, wot watching the tat ) cone i ar al ct agus to“ Fisa” and ‘Coase | | | from resulta of ohwervation, machine first year of service in the machine tarry out the following instructional wew.vickersmachinegun.org.uk| j a 104 Drnotices. ‘Those will be fired at n range of 800 yards and will bo tarried out after practice 7 aad before the classification practices are commenced, ‘he ammunition to be used for these ‘rill bo that alloted fur Part ¥, moder that the fullost valno may be gained from those practives no thu limit is to be im pomed. Yaturvt tanger. | ‘Natuzm of praotioe, | Besta] 7, Practices § to 17, Part TL, are fired on the Clasufioation Range, and a strict thme Limit is impesed in the Classification Practices, Tn these the firer is classified as cithor a— socording to the total score fe obtains, ‘Ts fier stiould aye learat by this time how to handlo his gua, and consequently no help or criti- ism will be given while ho ia actually Gring. He should bo bolt to bia own resources, with the object of developing self-reliance snd confidence in himself and his weapon, ‘The strictest pomibla disoiplino must be enforced at the firing point, and, as in Part 1, all points of elementary training should be onrried out correctly. In range work thero in an inevitable tendency for these to br neglected, which can, only be obecked by the vigilance and eure of sertion officers and instractors, Each practice and the time allowed will be explained clearly to each man before he fires. ‘ os ‘On tanges where the naturo of the stop-butt is such as to berth of eo by the Bren, op must be ome neanguents tarot oes oats cherration of fre moy bo obtainebio. I hls comnts tho ie of dry ay edn potions of the sstop-butt, has been found to give good revults. 9. In Classification Practices (8, 9, 10, 12, 13 and 14) fire will be as poon as the time limit is reacled. ine-fifth of the total in all practices except practice 14, when, xf the target is Ee dedioted. No allowanes will bo made im these Drsetons for stoppages which are duc to causes other than defect the mechanism, o . Tho firer will be given time to. var amm in ook tn gia Kad) aikiwunsce “ine) belova| cash, pradlien ed ee eee eee oe ena breakage, sullicien remedy such stoppage allowed or the practice may bo repeated. 10, Points will be allotted as follows :-— Pasoricrs § and 16 :— For each Lit on the target below and inoluding 16: ” = above 16: 2 points, 3 patna wrew.vickersmachinegun.org.uk107 Paacrics 10:— Part TH, ‘For enoh bit on We target: 1 point. TR I ere tere ecg p sr Slarpaiy No wpaces 20 points, * io. taop oF eee ie wearer 35 folate considers micet eee rumcsy thee oc platooe: This will, however, include :— (e) Pasion in obcrvalion of So/for oer, warrant lies those non-commissioned officers who may bo called ‘ts cout the reat «faction! uni. Including 10+ 4 points. ari at On os reiult of observation and when S points, ion haa not been obtained. cee pone pai told Te ge ering a 11.000 yer sd orse. on these rounds Nee minsed : Soma apaces mised + Sen et eae ‘Six or more missed: add oO Practice 12 :— ‘For each hit on the target bale a « a howe 10: eaoh bit: target it Be wee fad ene = in’ the ammunition book, cxoopt euch os are Sopacal for One space mised: add 45 pointe. practice of bad shots, nocd’ bo kept, nor should any statemcut. ‘Dwo spaces missod: add GE the nothed of expeoditere be required, 12. ‘The traluing of @ section in the above subjesta should com = Se aa Pca tech eed ere For each subsequent hit on the target : ‘This shoold ba onrried out on tho lines given in See, $5, Tn, Practices 10, 12 and 17 the soreens attention being paid to the vertical lines, invisible to the firor, (a) Four aoe of aim. It may bo aera that one or reat ‘by means of inches apart, A. nieana any rectangle which does not cant ‘beaten zones have heen observed and corres- bullet mark. A hit on dividing line to count an most fo tions Te a niecewte made, fo the ror, but will only ocunt in one rectangle. a es ‘Tho depth and width ‘In order to be classified a a— the combined boaten zone is demonstrated by a ” Gage oe fatigue men, and corrections aru subse Mesterns goat oe ieee ence quently made, ‘olast gunner, 250 points mast be obtain ‘OF more Tt may be assumed that 11 Qualified ganner, 150 points must be obtained. beaten see tan’ be obwected on grotnd rhs ‘Thoap wha obtain lest than 150 painta will Le put back for fu shout 90 degrees of the target and at about the instraction. game range. www. vickersmachinegun.org.ukUi. Training with ball ammunition. ‘Phia should be carried out on the followityg Lines -— (2) Range B00 to 1,000 yarda. Separste aiming marks fais Srecal eirnmaine observe four Taten sons, “Noosity for longer bus to give uiader THC to (b} Range 1000.49 1.500 ards. One aiming mark. To ee reach ihe i ale onaineiae en ett oa See cca anid tates ia it, (2) Range 1,500 to 2,000 yards. To teach the Bre unit commamicr, with the assistance of the Barr and ‘Stroud jer, to make uso of this instrument. Tiss Usk patcon oeamatda ions vee ae emma ie ol platoon when engaging Scale eer easton uae = communieation arrangements so thet subsequent fir onders can be given and acted Part Iv. 13. Field proeticer —These oxercises should be carried out between ranges af 600 and 1,200 yards. The training of machine gen troop oF platoon cansob bs considered completo until it has ted fild practices on n field firing range. 108 98. Allctment of Amamunition and Summary of Practices. “Ailotaent of Ammunition, Part I= ‘Rounds. Each officer, N.C.0, and man... an 200, Part Enoh officer, N.C.0. and mans we mK Part I— Enchoffice, NGO. and man .., we BD Part 1V— "Each ofliecr, N.C.O, and man ise ase tee 190 Part V— a “Each office, NCO. and man a, 6 70 © Tier romods will not be tred individually, bat will be expended collectlvety, Bi wew.vickersmachinegun.org.ukLiu | MW ‘Bimmary of Practices—eodinued. Parla lf, 111, 1¥ and Vs ‘ST, Detail of Parta I and 1. Port I.—Insiructional, Nature of peuctice, : To be fired it 25 pants range. 1Instewetdonal Muchine Gus. argel, (See Plate XVIUL) Pase ee Odjott of penetice nna method of s festios (a0) wodsetings _ ze rwersing (4005) Be a) “th Hed the sighting elowation necem- ae aury to bit the point of am. (See “ Spell trenpeert ot % ae ronda. cushy diverted aa W iderent ‘aiming. exe, 20. | ‘To practise automadis tapeing. Fired ‘Total for Part IE ra travers of 10 snate ote tack, one te the right and one Ue Total, ParteTand Woe ‘the | Pans IL shieryaton of the Ore of & ston] Me pence inten so = | iain dans ta one vt eeceee Aown.® 100 | To robe axtomatie tapping with Fase TV. aie apn ae outa o he practices wee ene vee ool ‘Fired in soves bareta of 13-15 a roads cach af the sewet aiming Pai V _ aks reqectitly. See a emma 5k fk. eoaexre oon tani, oe hese png “args rae cen ha areet mtd oe Sou Sox eet TL TOL TY Eel Egetich hosters, willromnin rained exoeps), for the inital Inyfog a Seememesrent Gf voch yractloe “Chamieation praclonn wew.vickersmachinegun.org.ukPart 11.—Olasrifiation. Metore ot | Naver ot | & 7 Mo. “peactice. | target, a © Mewuurks. = «| Upto d ieee | = ee) [ees shia Sekt te oni oct = at pomite, “To this praticn Seb tam has the. oppor aly of sighing ie ges the clemibation feasten clas i # | Apptoation | Seren ae.) «00 | 90] 10 | Fixed sights, Oely shots rane: ‘ayuare. within the Sit, square 90 | To praction rostifioatiun of a ar ont with tall asxsoaition, ae propre, 16 | Travensing... Serecn 4 tt.| 400} 70| 20 | Pised alghte. Gun to be Tagh, 204%. revered by groupe from sang. riphs to Toft tbe Beer in 1 | Racging = eo | 39} —| See Prastice & Tangeat ‘12 Applinution | Seren 6 ft.| 600 | 39 | 15 | Tanpentsighe wed, All abou square. va] 0 the teres count, (See Plata XVII, 8)aM Part 11.—Glassifiention—eoninned. a poluted out Ilmita ‘ween whith hh target will appear; these liraitwabould Kotte ang height luis om sige fom the ‘ring poem eon, vale ae In done i Lie bette The firer lage ancl fires immne- diately tho target, appenre, fun observes his fine. This | practice exerciues the firer | |eeametermrenscneis: {eget which weeny ape aires. [csear 16 | Ampbcatien | Asfor | $80 AF | Fenweraing...| Scrwn 3 f1.) #80 igh, auf long. | * Where #00 yards mange ts not obtainable, there practices may be carried ont ‘oma Feld fring range, o° tbe aromjanition max be utilire! fox ferther tratning iD pinctices ef Part Il at the discerties of the Bastiation Commeniier. 1s AvouaL Macunm Gow, Covmse—Trxarromat Foren. ‘fhe annus! machine gun courte for the Territorial Forve will be Pant Tit. Fire at long ranges, &o. (ae Part Lf for Regular Army)—00 ra on ae de nih yan for Pasta I TI and T1T—530 rounds. to be chasified skas— —* Te ore lace peanet——100 points must be cbiained. ‘Qoalified gunner—70 points must be obtained. } ‘Those who obtain less than 70 points will be unqualiied apd will be put beck for further instruction. www. vickersmachinegun.org.ukPare XVIDL—Maomee Gos Covnse tanasrs (continued). Fig. 5 Fig. Target for Practices 0, 12 and 16. ‘Target for Practice 14. www. vickersmachinegun.org.ukanya CHAPTER VII. Tramrxe w Ere.p Operations. 89, General insiruetions, 1. From the beginning of bis training the nature of hin dution will impross upon tip rane une nowslts or: lone 0; operation with his comrades. Field operat one, atiould be regarded both as a continuation of individual training and as practice in the co-operstion of the machine gun unit with other ‘units and other arma in the field. 2, The following scotloms Acal with training ia the field, and with the application of the principles indiented in Field Service Regula- tions. Vel. TL, and amplified in this manual, (See als ‘Training, and Manmuyre Regulations, Ch TH.) R In all stages of training advantage should be taken of local conditions to teach those lessons far which the nature of the ground in best suited. 4. In sation training the men will first be instructed in the methods of handling ine guns inthe field by means of advanced nection drill and elementary tactical exercise, ‘When the troop or platoon commander considers that his sections are fit to take their place in the teoop or platoon the Intter will he exercised aa a whole. machine gun units co-opera! cavalry or infnatey in eith ve dean ie ca tos eae tls rear supporting guns should. and i, and 6. [ele uareise to attempt to teach too many losiona in one exercise; ft will normally be sufficient to exemplify one phase of the operations in one day's work ; anaplo timo devoied to discussion and the comeetion of faults on the J. At the ond of the course of training the ranchine gun troops af « ani the machine gun platoons of an infantry hould, when local conditions admit, earry out continuaas training of abont thie days daration (see'Training and Manowvre Regulations) under n selected maciune gun officer. & In pesico Operations, owing to the absence of fire effect, and to the nocealty of making a few reunds of blank lant through hours of fighting, the tendency is to -pay moro attention to numbers, formne Hons and sonsequent vulnerability of opposing forse than to fre direction, fire canted! and fire discipline. 1k is ef tho Liphost importance to guard against this tendenoy, and all machine gan commanilers at all periods of training in the ficld should devote ial attention to ensuring that the principles of fire txctics are correctly taught and applied, eo that neither bad habits are acquired noe false lessons deduced from tho mare or less artificial conditions ‘of peace operations, Q. Exercises in the ffold will be carriod ont under service con- ditions as regards equipment unto climatic conditions mako this inadvisable. Blank amraunition will be wed in carrying out the ‘more advanced exercises. wew.vickersmachinegun.org.uk120 40. Tratning in ‘ete of ground and methods of adeancing under fire. ae ‘The machine gunner. will receive = He should be taught that a scene it affords, is bard on produoing power with the minimam of oxpasure. 2, Grouwil and artificial features are used for concealment of :-— (a) Movement. a Gun positions, regards the luttor it must be realised thot toe occupation of = ee re pe i, Fire offest. ii, Conoealment. « iii. Cover from fire. fy. Inter-communivation and ammunition supply. 'y. Nature of the operation in hand. . Mtontion must be pald to the following pointe =~ The uso of to obtala the i, The uso of groan to ol — test yomibisToouneal Stik ts ecru of ies nana ii, The method of approach to the gun position ax ay ‘earrying the gun, tripod and ammunition boxes. ith in reasobable limita, sonscalment of ester eae in relation to tho solection cof a gxin position in the open must be impressed on all portance: should be sited as low aa is 121 iv, Tho value of conionffage must be demonstrated, and men must be in the use of simple ane practical materials for the ¥. Tnstruction must be given in methods Of concealment from altcraft, by troops on the move or when at rest. 4. Tho loads carried by machine gunners in action render the fun detachment conspicuous. Om ces, thre, we view of the enemy, parereenadereppeet Pace ise formations and aon 5 appemeeners AA. Pratning in réconnaiseonce anid instruction of aeaule 1, Whilst all ranks should he trained in recomnoitring, observing ‘and reporting tho result of thoir observations, the training of ie: ‘achine gun officer in reconnaissance is of great importance. Officers who may be called upon ta carry ont reconnaissances. Se te ok epoetng rong ips and a concise contw:ning only euch information ax will be of uss te the for whom it is intended, and which is relevant to the object in view. They must nlao be able to make out visibility shart, If an area is being reconnoitred for machine gun positions the report should commence with a brief description of the arva Teconntitred and of the positions available with their special advan- ‘Tho positions recommended ta be cocapied akould then be given it tion furnished on such points as the following :— i, The approaches, whether concealed or exposed ; and the nature of the ground, whether hard or formation machine gun units can advance i. Positions of readiness in their vicinity. iy. Suitability for direct or indirect laying. Nature of ground surface, e.g.. plough, grass, &e. (w 15501}9 ¥ wrew.vickersmachinegun.org.ukiz vi, Number of guns for which there is room at full interval, Bost positions for observation ef fire. (Ses also Bea. 6B, 3.) Positions for lirabered wagons. ‘Doseription and position of any natural soroen in front or to the fanks. x. Necossity for any field work, 1, Bost mothod of protocting the position from surprise ; lead, ground in front or to the flanko. xii, Bost lines of advance froin tho position and the oxtent to which they are concealed from view. ‘sili, Obstacles to movement, such ag streams with high banks and aS Soe et sens Alnebe fo I mile, bale cre to them and the position of any natural screens will be a-valunble addition to the report and will often sve muoh writing. ‘Concurrently with the above, any information obtainable on the following points should be noted and roparted -— (@) Desorption of the enemy's position giving approximate rolative boighte. (b) Likely positions far tho enemy's guns or observation stations. (e) Any earthworks that can ‘be observed. 2. In the sctaal reconnaissance of areas for gan positions, atten- tion ahoald be paid to the following points :— 4. The field of fire must be udoquate for the task in hand, ‘and for effectirn co-operation with adjacent machine _ guns. fi. Cover, eapecially {rom view, should, whenever possible, he found forthe position and its approaches, and for the 12 Fire eficct, bowever, should zrely be sacrifice! for the iA pen cover, of readinoss must bo selected, under 7 (Moms to the gun piion, to which the trespr pinicos, _ Ge section cas, be directed prior to coming into action. ie. Besitions must be provided for observation nnd control, Observation of fro and of the movement of cur own sad hontily should be obtained from positions es OTTER, ly within sight of the gun ‘Position. Control of fire should be direct, if pomsible...., ¥. Thezoate of approach to the postition of readiness, there to the gun position, ahouli bo under tovers for Pe tere ts ae ‘Hane of inter- communieation and supply will largely di aati dnote sce, Dies Gateamare: ernst eee ositious may bo required must also vi. Positions for transport must be found. Limbers or pack franaport akould be brought aa clove to the gua postion as.cover will allow, although, if the situation se demands, Over miay have to be sacrificed to speed of action, vii. Arrangements must be snade for local tion when inaction. In this conection the question an to whether a spilt et wil bo soil tun be eonldeed i. When hostile fre compela » change. of positi : should be moved to an alternative postion, ‘hlgakeetd be selected aa soon as the original position has been eboven. ‘There ahould bo a covered approach, and, ax nearly as pomible, « sinlar field of fire to that of ‘the original position, iz Lines of advance or retirement to the next postion mont ( 16501)q os www. vickersmachinegun.org.uk124 3, The aliove instructions apply to officers, but in order that N.0.0s. and selocted mon em eyed on reconnaissance work many be of use to them, they will require training in the following ‘subjocts :— : i. Mopreading.—Thoy should be able tofind the way in a strange aria Hest eceeeal ae een aaa memory of the map; by sun and compas; by marks; by questioning natives of tho country, As maps may not always be available on service, they should bbe practined in working without their aid. It should bo o habit with them to notine the: genoeal direction taken and changes of direction subscquently: mado, fi, j-—When they have learntto rend a, sree yairarismieen reread instenction in conventional signs; judging distances by time or by eye; making a simplo approximate sealo, finding approximato north point; sketching =. Piece of simple country ; drawing a map from memory ; fatimating helghta, fe lil, Reporting.—As tho valu of the men’s work dependa fi tools ability Yo furnish «clear moport thoy: ahoeld ecelve inateuction in thia subject. Wetton reports thould be in tolegeaphic Inngaage, andl verbal reporta thouglit out boforchand iv. Concealment.—Their attention should be drawn to the ¢ importanc of taking cover and of sclecting « eure! {0 suit the colour of their clothing when observing; the impurtance of retaining perfectly still of avoiding tho sky line; of eolecting lock-out when on the move, and of gotting from one paint to tinother quickly, and unseen, sey given situntion, prior to taking part in an - machine gun commander will be given definite efSeer commanding the force with which be ix co- “on eurederpao hia task, the ciachine gun com- a sil he allowed to carry it vit in euch a way a3 he may think Beet mebject to certain conditions of time ond space, which will Te Sra ote ite of the operat Reconnaissance should be his first. i and description of the action of @ Sena on elroumatances, indi hs Se an indicates the procedure to i, Explain thoroughly to his command (he nature and scope ofthe task in hand, stating his intentions. ii, Direct one of hia section officers to lead the troop or platoon toa point (under cover from view of the enemy) in the direction of the looality where it ia intended to come into action. ‘Thia paint may have to be selected ‘off the map, but it will often be possible to indicate it to the L. Tk should not bo too near the locality noloat into action, in ease chang of dirct- tion is fonnd necossarg. iii, Proceed as quickly ax possible well akead of his command to roronnoitre tho hostile position and tho locality which the troop or platoon is to come into action, ‘this reconnaisance ho chould be accompanied only by wach men as aro essential for the purpoeo and for communication between himself and his oommand, 9 one of two soot and m range-taker. Tt may alto be advisable for lim to take @ setion commander with him, - In most cases his wew.vickersmachinegun.org.uk16 rs Daring the reconnaissanee saleot a suitable lino of approssts = form sound conclusions from signs, such as for tho Go ‘or platoon from the point to which it bas - ee es el io an hoon direated to the actual gun position. nderstand Low to guide himself ty compas, by the aun, Slash the gat pons it i he tk fn nil Trdiemte ranges to n by tho range-taker. | walle of the wurle don is Sond back one of the party to lead the troop or platoon faded they cotules Fee into position. Lock for alternative positions. i Brey. a Many other minor dateils swill require attention, bub unloss Sibettetaadsucd iaih and its| pron eroctcmen somothing like tho above procedure i adopted the or platoon : f seoute is to observe and Bop ‘will blunder into action with correspondingly bad. fen-thoks mpeclal Goides, thoy will caly nan thot sto, 6, Tn sadtion toto anni and runner on, troop ot patos _ Be ects hendquarters, nt one mann detachment will be spec eecamansier vel fet of scouts inmet, ily tui a the dae a outa sh sing ill boca at } them for moans of rapidly communicating any intalligenoe taining by a sulocted officor, ander whote operations sconts should not be allowed to omploy ‘change all the above men sliould be placed for a definite period. ‘would be impossible in war. 2. Fisll enpinsering: Duties in billets, camps, or bivounce; & ‘Tho methods to be adopted in the training of scouts should | te left to tho officers concerned. Tho standard to bo aimed ot i that a scout should fulfil the following conditions — 1 Bo of thoronghly sound physique and in good condition. ii, Know how to observe. iit, Be abla to read a map say, iv. Know what to report on, ond bow to make a report. ‘nal concisely. ticular attention will be paid 10 the constraotion af gan emplacements as can be, poraploe aeatly ae expert supervision or amintance. Details regarding «uch ments are Inid down in the Manual of Field Works (All Part I, Chapter ¥. ‘Tho gonoral principles governing the ef machine gun Positions are given in Secs, 146 and 437. wrew.vickersmachinegun.org.uk128 3, Instructions rogarding duties in billets, camps or_bivounce aro given in Field Servies Regulations, Vol. I, Chapter V. . 4. The efficiency of « nit depends Iargoly’ upon ita general health, eee fronapoct increases the fatigue ofa. man, ~The presurvation of health and the provention of disease are there- ‘ail the fore, on long marches, when not in contact foro incumbeat on every officer and soldier. limbered wagons of befguded machine gun ‘Thin oan bo secured ouly by atrict adlherenoe to the laws of sanita- tion, ‘This subjoct is fully dealt with in the Manual of Military ‘Hygione, of which all ranks must havo « guieral knowledge. "The lea that sanitation is the province of the medieal sorvice alone is entiraly erroneous and must be strongly combated, a3 also must be tho tendency to overlook ite broacier application and, to ‘regard it'as dealing ouly with scavenging, dispoul of refuse, and. ‘SXcan eee on z ‘Though uel: of the work of disense prevention is of a technical cde oun eet by Lar bs crete al ae aa to the reasons for the varlous sanitary ‘moosuros taken and shonld| realise that they are personally responsible for whole-heart co-aporation In these methods, and that a low percentage of sick in their unit is asign of their unit's efficiency. 43. Training in marching. ve 19 Zé be 1 Belore commencing a march, commanders chou! certain that harness and saddlery are correct, That ale ‘tng hos been proporly attended fo and that the animals are fit for the march. A small supply of bandages, _ puttees and blankets is required for galls, H. Tit ix not likely to be. ible to water enimmalr during the first fow hours of tho march, a very early slart should bo avoided, sinow horsea and moles will not usually seine early in the adi weariaee ing at-an early hour a small fecd 1. The general rules and principles negarding marches and oC discipline oro laid down in Field Service ‘Vol. Ti, Baebes drieteeralt ke cleat ek ee ys ect ia See ea : tosaddle up carefully, bet on no aerount should animals eG Penrod up or Rodel in an unnecessarily long tine before starting. alt, | Aesrefil cxamination should be made of animals, harnoss, saddlery, and 'vobloles at overy halt, cme wee fist one, Drivers must be trained €0 examine their Ssimal’s fect and to report injurier, breakages, to; 2. Tho power of undertaking lang and rapid marohos without sian en as otis is Gn ee ee war, ond ia as esaential to the efficiency of the machine gunner at to that of tho infantry soldier. 5, Tn ston to roato marching in marching oer, the machine gunner must bo trained in carrying machine gun over consider= able distances, aince hia efficiency in battle will largely depend oo wew.vickersmachinegun.org.uk130 ate muscles if he is newer ridden, and is aleo apt to FLEETS fhe Mbit of leaning om the offside of tho bit. ehange of position may bo necessary on a long march. Brake should be put on sufficiently tight to beck but ‘mot to skicl the wheels, Teele miietnee jan must begin easing it off soon cnough for tho wheels Biscbe cits cos bekare, the boginaing a the rise on the io is reached, must realise the importance of dealing with an teal pet gall esol ately Io enolic : ‘HL At halts of 10 minutes or over, whenever the tactical situm- thon allows, girths ehould be slackened and potes lowered, * but traces need not be unhocked. It is of great imy anco to reliewe horses or mules as antuch as possible of the heavy weights they liave to carry. Whon they are: standing in harness the drivem be dinnounted. iii, Opportunities which may occur for watering and i should slwaya be seized, Watering must bo sehenever pomible, rats i i i sec aetere mil eR istics fete required of hin by operations carried ont in alight, the road as the rest of the column, and should fase Sear oie Fess be orem cdatang contra af the road if standing on it. Care must be ees bo enrried. out progeessively in the unit, and srhen continuing the march that officers’ chargers Serpe thot Book the road. £ 'Vinoal training. &. Training in hearing. SE Methods of advancing silently, carying tonls or machine loads. ealning in oiautation. Eeirenohng a might, in moving by night, inctading instruc: tonia mabe ot oie ae ee ‘Uso of pack transport, and changing from limbore to pack, ‘Since the co-operation required from machine guna in either or defence is limited to. tho production of fire, the of night firing (see Soc. 80) is evident, and tho machine ‘uast receive thoroagh instruction in the limitations of and to be adopted in carrying out night firing. Guroughent. tho column. T's check’ ig wnayolds the micklonnea of It may be reduced by palling into nda. {i Drivors moat ensure that all the animal in team doth fair share of work: this cannot be obtained ynless former apply tholr lega and shipe corrsctly. iii, Drivers must not loungo in thelr saddles, aa this is Hable tune wore backs. iv. During training the position of mules ar horses requertly be charged: a led. ule, for example, | ww. vickersmachinegun.org.uk183 ‘The sentry will be given tho following details and orders :— i. Definite orders as to his action in case of witack. i, Exaot location of all gun positions allotted to his gun, and their numbers or names. ii, Pointe shown on the range eard, and extent of the front to bo watched. iv, Incazo of alnrm, to warn the commander and team. ve en! orders for eenteies ; special orders for the gun feta iforcatioa ee, wiring, parties, danger a infantry, &o. vil, Positions of on eithor flank. 132, 48, Posting sad relief af sentrics: relief of smite, he object of this instruction is to givo practice Posting and relieving sentries, and Nos. i. Relief of nections. ‘Coming into action fram eover. ‘Quick changes to alternative positions. 2. Kit required : Guan (barrel casing filled with water), ‘Condenser tuba and condenser, half fitted with water. ‘Mark TV tripod. ‘Two belt boxca (6, if available), belts and demmios. ‘Spare parts care, ‘Position of the officer. AuxiBary aiming mark. ix. Position of the nearest telephone and latrine. Clinometer. 4, Posting and relict of eontries by night. Sag it double senirica will always be posted, ding the SS eaet oranee oun ba eas tan gan cin ths eg a gun will be mounted in the position, half loaded and laid the night line. Four belt boxen and. the «pare parte caso wil Se the ivable i Xoo, ng of the deal snties willbe performed by & 8.0 make certain that the senteiea understand their orders. Range card. Machine gun tronch bag. Water box, or tin. Signal pistol {not to be fired near the gun position), Box respirators. 8. Posting and relief of sentries by day. Tho following proocdure will be carried out when relieving sentri within a gun detachment :— "Phe petnelples involved are idontival with those for the post ee a ter tenga eek tates tks gan fo cake and relief of a acntey on guard or outpost duty. that it is in thorough working order and ready to open fire By day, ono gan number anly need bo on duty at the ‘completion of the loading mation. He will sec that all necessary position; hee is the sentry. ‘gin place, and will bo infarnsed of any spesial fire orders THe il always be postal by a N.0.0., who will explain the orders ‘night firing from the position, to Nim, als ctan tha 0 orders aro nsanitood. peices oath tgiceysant Gil WH lev atten The trinod and two belts in boxes will be in the position remaindor of the team and equipment will be undor cover. wrew.vickersmachinegun.org.uk13 6. Relief of sections. Tuo guide with tho eioving aeotion wil lend it tots potion of the command: ‘the section to be relieved, and report to erotion that ny relieving seotion has arrived, (2) ‘Phe officer in charge of the relieving seotion will :— i, Report to the officcr of the section ta be relieves. ii, Remain with him and reoeivo repurta from his N.C.0s, UW Reccive any ins}rustions or information with roger to the f situation, other than those he has learnt during his ler of that any special order he may ‘hnvo issued with regard to work to be di ‘olny scxaplied wih eee ef (8) The relioving N.C.O. will » 1, Ascertain the positions of the guns and the sentrics, alter- antive omplacoments, his officer's headquarters, the ‘noarest telephone and the Iatrine. He will also ascertabx i Hi Order hie Now. to mount their gun, al ere ‘that ‘this in done Norn—Whon the reli ix by night Paes minst be taken that the incoming uns are laid’ en the correct ling, (See Seo. 80.) -vi, Report to his officer “* Retief complete.’ vii, Draw out a duty roster, {e) The relieving scutey will acertain the orders fer the wentry an dotailed in paras. $ and 4. (d) ‘The officer in charge of the section relieved will not mowo off until his section in reported closed ap and som G Tho relief of units lnrger than a scetion should be carried out ‘en lines similar to the above. 46, Dutics in case of gaa alarai oF gas attack, 4. Duties in case of the alarm “ Gas" or‘ Gas shells.'* i. All ranks will adjust their box respirator. ‘The gun and apare parts will be well oiled. it By dog doy.—On the alarm being given, the sentry gives the ‘alam to tho other numbers, completes the loading * motions and Inve Ko, 2 immediately takes past at the gun, and the remaining numbers stand by ender cover. ‘When “ stand to” fs ardered, the above prooudara is carried eee era marhine gun detachments, but the ‘gun is only. a2 pot On the alarm being given, No. 1 completes the joading motions, ‘Tho other sentry will walzea the ie Seater ed rebec be poe wrew.vickersmachinegun.org.uk136 2. Action during and after a gas attack. © Daring » gna attack’: — (a) Tho gua will be kept firing, or (0) The gua, ammunition boxrs, and space parts ease will be completely covered with ground shoots or blankets, After a gan attack, the gun, its equipment and tho ammuni- ‘Son ‘mill be thoroughly elotach (ffarclbgek for the *303-in, Vickers Machine Gun, Sce, G,, pare. TI.) PART IL. FIRE DIRECTION. CHAPTER VILL. Generar Consmerations, AT, Introduction, 1. Fire diteotion is the clection and application, in conformity tho twotical sitantion, of the hest meted of engaging any given 2. In the field, tactios and fire direction are interdependent ofmnchinn gunnory. Both are based on the charsetoristioa the gun and ore comprised in the term “ fire tactica." The main object of all fire is to cover movement, Normally machine gun fire is “covering” fire, and it will uyunlly ‘evechead fire for delivering which the msctioc gun is eminently owing to tho stability of the mounting from whieh it is fired Sec. 82}. ‘he duty of machine guns is to sopport tho infantry, or in the of machine gun troops the cavalry, by nasisting them wew.vickersmachinegun.org.uk138 to gain muperiority of fire, ‘To carry Sut this réfe wuocomdully, volume of fireis eazntial. ‘Toobtain the requisite valusie of nuacbine gun fire ft in necessary te have a number of guns under one oantrol. For this reason tho scetion of four runs is to-be regarded na the normal “nit for purposes of fire dircetion and conteal, 3. Beloie commencing tho study of fire direction, 9s a Pe machine gunnery, the stsdent mint. bo. thoroughly ka foe tho Mannal of Map Reading and Field Sketching. ‘A thorough knowledge of topography and of clementary — cease cee es ee onal i ae ras % able to use & priamatic compass with acouracy, and must be trained a (Fig. 3) —The. where the bullot has. . te descendles fo sommes ata te taper oe ain of warts ein fort ho hea of aman wheter outa, an eae ‘A {nir knowledge af field sketching is also of ndvantage to 48, Definitions and clementary ballistics, 1. The ais of the barrel is an imaginary lina following the centre ‘of the bore from breseh to nmzzie. 2, The line of departure is, tho direction of tho bullet on leaving tho muzzle, i.¢., tha prolongation of the axin of the barrel at the instant of explosion. 5 5. ‘The line of fire is « lino joining tho muzste-of the gun and the target. 4, The line of sipht Is a straight line pessing through tho sighte and é Folens tho point aimed at, ao 6. The culminaiing point ee abore: ao ot lo 2 soma (nies = sight to which the centre of cor in ite flight. is =I area of ground secched at a point a little beyond hall the distance to which the cose Deeten ‘by acense of Tavek.. (For the dellition of a **oone” 4ee below.) ee ee fet casow Fra. 3. 8." First graze (Fig. 4)-—The point where the lowest 3h, wil et auike'ise gee, Heli Hta he length is great compared with the width, ea ee iven in the range tables, Appendix I. Gly the best per cat of the ote fake imo i i, wew.vickersmachinegun.org.ukcc uM oa IL. Dangerous space (Fig. 6).—For any particular rangy ls tho distance betweon tho first catch and the fiest gras. Dangers Fio. 6. 12, Davigerous zone( Fig. 7),—Tn a barst of machine gin fro the ungerous xone Is an area equal to the beaten 20n0 Glas the aren formaod by the dangerous space for the lowest bullet. Mia. 5, Dangerons Fic. 7, 1% Defiaded 2ma(Fig. 8)—'The area of ground which would Heirtistod ia tin bated ein Eat for ts ee ee is unswept fire by reason, of the gradiont of the ground boing grenter than grediant of tho bullets. Defiaded Zane. Fo. & wew.vickersmachinegun.org.ukMe ley and the horizontal plane, ‘By convention, the angle is asid to be positive (4-) when the above the horizontal plane, and nogative (—) when the the horizontal plane throngh the gun position, Fro. 10, 15. Angle of tangent elecation (Fig, 11}.—The" angle which. the fier al sgt toate wit ap ach ol ors For the make of brevity this angle will be known as tho tangent angle, aud. will ‘be so referred to throughout this manual. Tan geatt Angle Target fra of Signe ‘Fro. 11. = Se angle of tangent lovation is 40 called heewmee it ix put-on by means of the tangent sight. ‘The tangent sight derive: its name from the fact that the stom of the sight forms a tangent to: tho cirelo of which tho centre is the tip of the foresight and the radius the distaneo from foresight ta when the Latter ‘is in ita lowest position, ¢.c., the eipht radius of the gun. 1: Quadros angle (Mig 12}-The'ungle which the axis of the fae aoe vit ores Fw. 12, ‘Note-—Relation between the quadrant: Je (Q.A.), tangent tage (PA) axlengieotaga (a) Target above gun (Fig. 13). Pio. 13, When the ds above the the quad: je ft eng nage fot te amp etcgns wew.vickersmachinegun.org.uka Ma 145 - “Ut ai ‘descent (Fig. 16),—The « shieh the tangent to thi fbsiogy atte pant temaa ae eee ae f When tho target is below tho gun, the quadrant angle is equal to the tangent angle minds the angle of sight, Gr lin sieht ee ee Tonge low yn i 1) ee = For all practical perposus this cant he ealeulated in the following = manner (Big. 17):— a ‘OBT iis tho trajestory, les AT = line of sight, DT = tangent at point of impact, ‘Then if AT = 100 yards, the trajec- tory BT will bo practically coincident with the tangent DT, and we can z ‘7° assume that the angle BTA = DEA, Fic. 17. ‘The distance BA can he found for any range, from, the trajectory gph. (Appendix 11.) wrew.vickersmachinegun.org.uk146 Then angle BEA w Bx 3,400 = Angle of Descent, Enumnple.—Vind tho angle of descent for 1,600 yards, From th trajectory find the height BA, ie, the height of ‘the TOO See eee ak 1,700 er "This equals 12 yards, BA Then angle of deaoent = FR x 8400 = #2 > $400 = 408 mln. (Compare Colume 3, Appendix 1) 18. Aifiing.—A gun barrel ip said to be rifled whom it has apiral rev ent down the “bore.” Rifling a barral enables an. elongated tobe wed; the advantage of this form of bullet is that it haa great weight tn proportion to the surface directly opps! to are eaea ies cee ance air, thus up When is fired the bullet ta forced ato and follows the grooves up the berrel, thus leaving the muzale with rotation on ite longer axis, This tends ta keop its polut foremost and therstore to ensure aconracy cof fight. 19, Forces arting on the tulle —Throo forces act-on tho ballat— the oxplosion of the charge, gravity, und the resistance of the air ‘The explosion of-the charge drives the bullet forward. Gravity, it, the natural attraction which draws all unsupported bodies towards the eeatre of the earth with ever-increasing. vakicity, acta on the bullet immodsately it leaves tho muzzle. ‘The resiatance of ‘the air causes tho velocity of the bullet to decrease rapidly, 20. —Tho combined effect of thes forces causes tho bullet to-travol in» curved line ealied the trajectory, the curvature. af which becomes moro pronounced th longer the bullets expowed to their action, 7 21; Blecation—In order to allow for tho fall of the bullet it is necessary to dircct the line of re ns touch shore the object to be hit as the bullet will fall below it if the axis of tho barrel of the rm is pointed at the mark. ‘This raising ofthe barrel to allow for tho curve of the trajectory is tertiod “‘giying elevation.” ‘The target must of necessity be kept in view; the gun is therefore Provided with sighta which permit the firor to give the elevation required whilst keeping his aye fixed on tho mark, 22. Sighting of guns.—In the sighting of mackine guns a“ moun” graduation for each range haa been ‘sdopied, and’ high standard of accuracy for all practical purpasea is. thus obtained, Each machine gun is tested before iasue, but it must be undorstond that no two machine guns behave in exactly similar manner, and that.even if compensation could be made for every error in the sighting of the gun before issuo tho wear of mechanism and barrels, the pucking of barrels and other adjustments, the woaring ‘of the gun mounting, éc., would corabine to bring about faulta from timo to time. It is thorefore necessary that overy gunner should stody from the first the shooting and. peculiarities of hin gun, ond mako himself acquainted with any incorrectnoss of the graduations marked on the tangent sight in ordor that he may bo in @ position to givo his gun the correct elevation for the cstimated or ascertained rango to the Further, it should bbe explained to the machine gunner that, owing to the close grouping of machino gun fire, igorance on his part of the correet sighting, elevation of the gun may result in partial or even total lose of effect. 23. Jump.—Owing to the shock of dischange 0 vibratory or wavy motion is tot up in tha barrel at the moment the bullet leaves the hore, snd the muzzle is usually dofleated from its original axis. It rarely happons that tho line of departure coincides with the axis of the bartel bofore firing and tho angle between the two fe known as the angle of jump. Jump may be withor preitive or wrew.vickersmachinegun.org.uknegative, according ad the muzzle is doflected upwards or down- ‘wands ‘with referonce to the axis of the barrel, With Mark VIL ommunition, which gives m muzzle velocty of 2,440 fect a scoond, ‘tho jump is. “negative ” in Maxim and Viekers guns, and is al for in the sighting. Lateral jump has alse to be considered, but ss variations can be allowed for bry acjeating the ‘position of the fare- sight to the right or left, itis of fess importance. 24. Drifl—Drift is the torm usecl to xpress the Interal deviation of the bullet after it has left the barrel. ‘This doviation, which is considerably fess than that cansed by the jump, ix brought about By Us ea ‘ballet and the position which if assumes in ite Bight, ‘Ths left-handed rifling of the service machine gun barrel eases ‘the bullet to rotate from right over to the left, and, owing to gyro- atopic action, the point works over alightly to the left. ‘Tho con- ‘sequont increased air pressure on the right side of the bnllot therefore foreos it to the left. ‘The dodection duc to drift at dintanees bolow 1,000 yards is neg- ligible, At 1,500 yards it may be regarded as about 7 fest. The causes and oxtent of jamp and drift ars more folly dealt swith in the ‘Text Book of Small Arms, 49, Fire effect in reation to slope af ground, 1, On Jewel ground the length of the boaten zone varies con- siderably with the range; lut also ot any lar range the Yeouth of the beaten 2000 aries with the iim of the ground to the lino of sight. 2, A forward slope, as shown ot AN in Fig. 18 will have the effect ‘af shortening the zone on the ground: a reverse slope, as shown at AR, lengthens it, Fis. 10 ‘Similarly, the beaten zone of a gun firing from w commanding ‘fesition on to level veil be nbarior than hat of Bring, ‘at the same range, from caida tis mat nvslan geen ‘on which the beaten xone falls (ve« Fig. 10). 3. Axon approximate guide to the amount of reduotion or inoreane in the case illustrated in Fig. 18 above, the table givon im Appendix IT has been compiled by graphical methods, The ‘method of uso is beat illasteated by an example— i, Range 2,000 yards: gradiont of near slope (such as AN, Fig. 18), on which shota are falling, is found from the map to be I in 20; the beaten zone at 2000 yards wew.vickersmachinegun.org.ukthe is 190 yards Jong: from the table, the factor in vertical column under 2,000" opposite “near Jy”? 160-78. Se erent 180 x 0-78 = say, 100 yards. 50, Climatie and other influences and their allowances, — 1, The following oro the normal conditions for the sighting of a Barometric pressure. 2) inches, (Sea level.) Hi, Temperature. 60 deg. Fahrenheit, It is used 2s follows -— i. Barometer curve, ‘This gives the allowance necessary for » variation af one ineh from the normal, ic, for a barometrical pressure of 29 inches or 31 inches. Tf the barometer stands below normal, tho allowanon must bo deducted ; if above, added. For variations of more than 1 inch » proportionately greater allowance than that given by the curremual be made. ii, Temperature curve. This gives tho allowance nocomilry for # variation of 20 deg, from the normal, é.¢., for s temperature of 40 deg. or 80 dog, Pabrenheit. If tha temporature is below normal, the allowance must bo added ; if above, deducted. For variations of moro than 20 deg. a proportionately greater sllawaoco than that givem by the sue amas bemaae ‘Kors.—Variations of less than 1 inek in tho barometer or 20 «log. ia temperaturu noed not be considered, unlos they give allowances ‘which have both to bo added or both deducted. Head or rexr wind curve. ‘This gives the allowance necosary for a wind of 20 miles an hour. Bs bee wind ol che allowinte for a rear wind, deduct, For ‘of greater or leas strength » proportionately greater or leas than that given by the curve must be made. z Side wind curve. This gives tho allowanoo necessary fer a wind of 20 miles an hour bright angles tothe linooffire, It is appliod ad a deflection the flank from which the wind is blowing. For a wind of strength & proportionately greater allowance than that by the curre must bo made. For a wind of lees strength wrew.vickersmachinegun.org.uk Somes ‘the greater: {alla below 20 inches, or at a height above sea Hah eer elevation will be required an the stmompbere will for reduged resistance to the bullet. In the same mannor.the bellet teats with lose resistance in bot weather when the thermore 4 high, and greater resistance in oold weather when itis low: ] ‘Winds from front or rear also demand allowances in. elevation. Ba rinds lle dicection and area meh rore dificolt ‘The effect of winds ia far gronter at long ranges than nt abort, owing to tho gretly inrossed timo of fight allowing the wind much more time during which to act on the 4h raph allowances for elimatio variations (eee Appea- arm wa foe ten ond barometer heights to bo caloniated rapidiy, and also shows the allowances necessary for152 proportionately lows allowance than that given by tho curve mast ‘Halve tho allowance for oblique winds. & Eifect of not hacing w horizoniat tine of sight, i. As provioarly stated, one of the normal conilitions whder whioh amnchine gun is sighted ia that the line of sight shall be horizontal. When this condition obtains, the foress acting on the bullet cause it to travel on its greatest curve, aud the normal tangent angle. far ang given distance rust therefore be givea to the gua. To Aivien fring up or dewn hull, the tangent elevation required increases, until when firing vertically of sight: tongent cleration in required at all. that it will bo cf Tt is Improbable, howeror, that it found necessary ees atan angle of ca ‘hostile aireraft, which is provided for on the special sights: tnd it sls bappons that no allowance need bo mace for angles of ‘tight Teas than 10 deg, Hence no table for correction ia necessary. the pont fas wlia = Poskible, be eng oS a 8 48 git beaten zone, Thus, - aged by means of endlate ov sine ner, tha objoct in to prevent tho aufyanoo af tha (Gem linear target having opty provided that mulficient guns see yeeaeiie oe oe vies eae semen, aa he rt Unit fdr direct fire is fre be controlled the1 detached duties, and the fire of one gon will acldom be effective at the longer ranges. 5. Owing to wear of mountings and barrela, it for any ilar gun, corrections may bave to be made when seiting the tangent night for any given range. It is, therefore, important that tho correst sighting for enoh gun should be known to the gua commander and mon of each detachment. Guns should be Rested for 500, 1,000 and 1,500 yards ond the corrections care- range to the’ target and applying fire by turning the elevating wheel (without touching: the tangent sight slide) until the beaten zone is on the target. ‘without touching the elevating wheel, the tangent sight slide will be moved up ox down until the sights re correctly on the target, : 52, Factors to be considered in the application af fires 1. In order that fire may be correetly applied to any given target, it is necessary to overcome crront of direction and clovation and to distribute the fire according to the size and shapo of the target to be engaged. 2. Ervre of dircton:—le al asso ia wil. ‘The! gpl ‘Appendix IV.) 0 Inter: fections ni when the ey of the wid fa known. Owing, lowevey, ta ths of correctly ostimating this velocity, it will seldom be possible to make certain of striking a definite point by firint: on it continuoanly ‘with the samo point of aim, unioas observation of! 3. Errors of alevation —These: aro cased by— (o) Tie ditiuley of Beding the corcot range to the targct tery rh tr ‘is by far the snore im ‘The sleoady deat with in Sea 60. ee olsorvation oan be obtained and all crrors eliminated, aa explained in tho preceding iksuay be commer Date not only with the estimated correct elevation, but also wits Brenter San et of this is that o depth of ground than that of the beaten zone will be ‘ure Unt the target baa been included, | 8% ns making oho peed 2 tha Tellonieg pamarar, oF MaBting this procedare is diwvoserd 4, Permissible and probable errors in. range-fiuding. (a) Permissible error in range piling, re Era. 20. (8 15581)q a2 wrew.vickersmachinegun.org.uk(8). Probable error in ronge finding-—-Whother the fire be direct or can rarely be obtainod with complete aeourasy, and the of this probable error depends on the mothod employed in obtaining the range. ‘The following table will act as a rough guido — i. Using rangp-finding instrument, & per cent. error, from key ranges, the key ranges AL "Uslig a rang ead bulls up fora bey k found by by judg 10 per cent, error. fii, Judging fea ree 16 por cent. error. fy, Using 1/10,000 map Within " vy, Using 1/20,000 map ‘porcont ist This means that a target can never be considered aa point, {ar there will always be m cortain length in which the targes may li. (Fe scomple—Suppors with » range-finding. instrument it is found that the range to s certain target in 1.800 Fands Fig 20), 310 10 ame Gun A B Fra, 21. (Then, ax an error of 5 per cont. (G0 yartls) muy have been tiads slther way, tho targot may He anywhere between the points A and 1B which aro 1,710 yards atid 1,890 yards reepoctively from the gun, To ensure effict it will therefore be to include the line from A to B in the beaten sone, which must be at leant 189 yards in Iength, i.e, twlee the probable error, Ata range of 1,800 yards the beaten xone is M0 yards long. Ik is, therefore, obvious that unloss the beaten ono ai the range ex ‘is al toast twice as great as the probable ertur in range the fire of one gun will not necessarily be fully effective, pen whoa the correct range has boon abiained, unless"sozne method of Increasing the beaten zone is employed, S. The methods by whick the commande: of one gun, actin ingly, can effect this ar Hmited, but they form the Sadia of fire on, and apply to the control of soveral guns, ‘These methods are dealt with in Seos. 8% to 87. 89. Rules for flanking fire, 4. When tire is carried out directly toa flank of our own trcops, the following precautions mast invariably bo énken— 4 The limit of tho line of fire GB (Fig. 22) must not bo closer than 3 deg. to tho line joining the gun and the flank of our own troops GA. wew.vickersmachinegun.org.ukhat the pe, | of our own Fe {ip 2000" Fig, 2 i < — : marement oF G =~ Gun position GA = Left limit oF & ————_—_—_—————— oe ‘H, This type of fim must not be attem; if the exact position of ear own topes akon jit ‘be taken to tra the Siege or ‘Provent traversing beyond iv. Cacefel allowance must be mado for side winds, +. Hoar own troops are the lino GA (Fig. 22) must bo such that, if ee me eae ‘thin 3.000 yards eo gun, Further at aisle definitely eed, A—Dineer Fise or Guxs Coxtnotunn Sorany, SA. Eanging, 1. Banging (or registering) és the process of determining by obterva tion of fire iat dvation greene repaired ta hit Mee ‘Tho direction and clovation nesedsary to hit the target may differ from those required under normal conditions for any ot he fallow: ing reasons :— iM io influences. ih Pevoliasities of the individual gun. ‘These may be inherent ormay boctured by wear, capceially of the tarrol. iii, Variation in the ammunition. iv, " Holding” of the No. 1. 2. Ranging showd be employed whonover the tadtical siteation Permits; by this mcans error in direction and elewntion aro cor, reoted and fire is applied to the target. ‘When ranging is emplayed, sarprite effect ean only be obtained if the target in included in the beaten zone directly fro ia or immediately afterwards. ‘When sircumstances meat gael ‘he carried out some tine before a target is cxpected ta . %. When obvervation of fire is unobtainable, ertors of direction ani elevation must be eatimated and allowed for by distributing wew.vickersmachinegun.org.uk100 fire ive.,' “ traversing) and in depth (fz., “ "hy noes cose 85. Searchin 1, Definition —Tho: wothed of any: required dopth of Goce te cerlylng vacsoecrsty ovnleesiig tealeeuaee Serves ‘or more suns. 2. Tt will bo econ that searching is of little value when surprise ‘affect in desired, because by this method each part of the target is engaged maccossively. Suppose the target lios somewhore between the points A and B (Fig. 23) then to cnsure hitting it, the whole distance AB must be ‘The firer places a burst on A, thon elevates bis gun and places masini) ome en tondicee Sed tes ede Ie ae Been covered, i 5 3 It requires much skill on the part of tho fror to avoid gaps between burats, and proficienoy can only be obtained by constant practice, ‘Tho firor ix taught on the 25 yards rango to tan tho elevating wheel after firing o burst, 20 that the next burst of fire is 4 inches above the first. ‘This in called the ” or “fifteen minsto” tum, and ensures orerlapping of successive beaten zones, G is the gun position (Fig. 24). A and B the positions on the target of two bursts of fire, tho nocessary elevation being given to the gun after the first burst to taiso the point of impact ta B, which is four inches above A. Using the V.1. formula (ace Seo, 65) -— ‘Tho angle B.G.A. oe oa = 16 minutes (approximately), 4. The firer should alsa be trained to apply his fire in suitable volume, Supposo the targot is 1,200 way and a burst ‘Fra, 23, Fro. ct} wrew.vickersmachinegun.org.ukof five rounds iafired. ‘The length of the ground covered by that. beaten zone may bo 240 yanls, and the width is 7 yards, and it i clear'that the effect of five tnllets on euch a lange area will bo very small, Bursts of 40 ar 50 rounds should be fred, or even more, if there is reason 1o suppose that the target is a dense one. 5, When searching is boing employed to overcome errors in range-finding (the object at present under discussion} the following intl peeaa ‘Tho officer controlling the fire docides between. what limite tho target lies (say, botween 1,200 yards and 1,500 yards) ( He ordem range to near limit {i,2., 1,00 yards), target. ‘Thon he indicates the conve Pa TTT 1 Farget Fro. 26, No. 1 sims at: the target with smaller range (1,200 yards}. ‘Tho officer then erslere range to farlimit (11600 pasta), 1 his without élevating the gun. No. 1 fires bursts, and elevates i oeaal (or *Aeen mite ™) ort 1,000 yards on his sights. i 1,200 yard & Vy oe aoe CT : i B tho far end of the target, instanes the firer should fire and olerate until BE, Traversing (single gun). 1. Diftnition—The inothod of ex; nny required width ef ground by distributing fire Isterally against it. 2. Traversing is employed either (a) to engage # target having sreater width than that of the boaten zone at the rango employed, or (2) to counteract possible errors in direction. wew.vickersmachinegun.org.uk1 ‘Tho romlt will be « distribution of fre along the target, a shown in Fig. 27, and it so happens that if the corsect tap is piven ta the iim each timo, the besten zones will overlap each other on the ground, ‘This is true for all ranges, . The normal way of engaging « wide target, lying more or ioc none is to sim at one extremity, firo a burst and then tap and fire alternately until tho wholo target covered. a ‘The firer is taught on the 25 yards’ range the required strength af tap to eotio the horsontal isanes betre bua eke etek on the targut at 25 yards, ‘This ix called the Regulation fifteen minute tap.” Tt is equivalent to a traverse of 18 minutes (see “fifteen minute turn," See, 88), 4. It fs sometimes advisable, however, not to distribute tho fire by traversing with absolute regularity, na this may afford tho ehemy foie clue os to where to expect the next burst of fire, In Sach oases, the flrer should switoh his fire from one portion of tha target to another, without any attempt at a systematic traverse, in the mannor indicated in Fig. 23, where tho order of the burata ia'shown by the numbers against the beaten zoaoe, Targs YVAN AVA WAT RAT heh Fo. 28, 5. It in view bs to bring fire effect on a belt or an area of ground, this method is very effective. But if the target is.a thin line of extended infantry, or a trench manning at right angles to the fine Js wasteful. Exoept at long range, the ost fire effect ia obtained by firing in enflade, or ax obliquely Fro. 29. EF in a line of extended infantry st 1,000 yards (Fig. 29), ‘The beaten zone is 3K) yards long and & yards wid. ‘Then if EF is cugnged from A (i.c., frontally), only the width of the beaten none can be counted as effective (5 yards). If EF is engaged from C (i.e, in enfilade), the whole length of attics sone ee Ad tou aa tare cas omen ‘The fire effect produced will then bo 60 timea aa offective from C as from A From Bi {ée., obliquely) the fire effect will be greater than from Earls ts it tocin he mee oe ee Tt will also be seen that the tims taken to cover the whole target EF from B will be much less than from A. ww. vickersmachinegun.org.ukEvery endeavour, therofore, should be made to rodlueo traversing es siintmum, word to engage targets with oblique or onfilade Wolt.—In the above example EF is looked upon as one singlo tang Which 31 in beter to engage from C aa from any other 4. Oblique traverse —To engago w linear target, the tanges of the @xtremitios of which are approximately equal, but one extremity of the target is at grenter altitude than the other, it is easeatial ‘thnt the firer, travorsing, ehould so manipulate the olavating ‘wheel a to keep bis line of sight continuously on the target, 7. Sioinging traverse. —This is 0 method of engaging w Interal target ee ee eee ab the game time distributing the fre whole target. Tt nocestitates loosening the traversing clatmp, which allows the gun to vibrato more than in ordinary tap traversing, and itis, therefore, not 20 aecurate as the saa ea eee Conrequently the swinging traverse shonld not. be ured, at denso targeta which are not more than 500 yards distant, B.—Dinsor Fine ov Guns Costsouimn om Sxoriows, 7, Combined eights. ae methodsof fire described in the Eos to tho fire direction of several les mal “oat a tis cu te ua of somebiedeghts afl an ecalstonad method of overcoming orrors in range-finding. : 2. Definition. —The method of engagi mired depth of gee by eppiying oncelpping oven wees scialtancoonly Eom ‘two OF more guns AREA SWEPT Br FIRE AT #0RST BURST Use or Commsnp Sionts—Smrom Anmxa Manx, v-vickersmachinegua.org.uk /a 169 5. ‘The depth of the beaten zone is increased by ordering different elevations ta be used by each gun, eithor (a) with all guns using the sane aiming mark (Fig. 50) or (b) with each gun using a different p 3) ding mark. (Fig, 31 Solo fines died erations Sed -an by ordng sock gun. to fire with a difforont rango on the langent hight. Ii indirect fro the same effect be produced by ordering a different sun. 4. Rule for combined sights—Ah te 100 garde diferences i the depth of ground to be covered considerable, and 60 yards it is small. cin tagapectan fiat ta a of lng ale Hable when engaging narrow target having consider. rhilst the use of different aiming marks should bo to cither when the t is broad and shallow, or in ordor fo overcome possible errors in direction, In the latter case, observation of the separite beaten zone js ible, eo that each gunner can pick out hia own besten sane, Js not the caso when only ono simng mark by used, owing to tho diftieulty of distinguishing the beaten zones af tho reepective 6. Tt in clear that the likelihood of hitting the target (whieh Hew between A and 3) (Rigs, 90 and 31) is greatly increased by the wes gh combined sights, but aa tho fire is spread out its density: will ‘be greatly diminished, Particular part of the target has been ehicrved. Cases vill arise in which the combined eaten rones of two will cover sufficient depth of ground to ensure the inclusion www. vickersmachinegun.org.uk JeLUSTRATasG THE Ven or CommINED SIGHTS Wie 4 YORTe OF AIM170. of the target, and when at the same time st is roquired to engage ‘certain width of front. bined sights “by sub. rections” should, therefore, be employed. Each sub-section, using toro elevations, will then engage half tho frontage. An addi. tiosal advantage will bo the halving of the time required to cover the whole frontage to be engaged. 5. “Combined sights" is eapecially ureful when surprise effect is desired,-becaueo sch portion of the ground in which the tarot simultantously. The was of combined is not for Tae tae eae ‘gui Acepula Having octnldcrao length of tbe bastea con is more ecror in range-linding. (See Ranga ‘When using combined sights, with n single point of aim, officer will decide from the number of guna available, and of the target, whether he should nes 100 yards OF pie ifferenees in order to ‘the whole t. Tithe targetis on a forward slope it will generally be advisable to use 100. ? differenoos, in order to counter-balanee tha shorten: ing of dbo tons wld arses wien firiog on such a slope, Bxample-—AB in a road, the near end being 1,200 yards and the far end 1,600 from the gun (Fig. 32). ‘Then although a distance CD (400 yards) is oowered along the Hine of sight (| all gone will have the same line of sight to'N), uly 4 pitt of tho rosd AB will bo covered, namely, EE. condor to cover as much of AB as possiblo, spread out the fre by ordering 100 yards? differences, Pio, 32, 58. Trawersing (platoons or sections), 1. Whea a soction is ordered to on method of distributing fire over the follows — ‘The two flanks of the target will he indicated, that named first bai as the “inner” and the order ‘distribute Each gunner will then select that postion af the turgot which corresponds to the peaition af his gen in the asction, lay on its inner flank and traveree, a wide targot, the usual otted frontage will be as will be given fire is opened, to its outer Should the order to distribute have been preceded by the order “by sub-sections”—“combined sights," each wub-doetion will engage and traverse half the target, taking one point of aim initially for the twa guns. (See Soa, 57, 7.) 2. When an oblique linear target has to bo i, the best smothod to eraploy fa taually's epeleagsion of come rghtn aad traversing. An example ia ahown in Big. 3%, the fire arder for which would be:— 1,900, add 100. Column on read. Lett end to right ond. Distribute. Fir. wew.vickersmachinegun.org.ukee 7 Wa %. When it is desired to cingage target which haa considerable dopth and width ((2., an area) it will usually bo necessary to mse combined sights with a single point of aim and to traverse acrons the whos target with all the guns, 88. Control, 1. In the application of fire by several guns aoting under ono control, all tho methods discussed in the preceding sections may be employed singly ox in combination. But the sucessful application of fire will often bo obtained only by a combination of several of those methods. Herein lies the sceret of good fire direction, The following example will serve to illustrate this point. 2 A section officer has observed a hostile column marching along road of a range of 1,500 yards. He orders fire to be opened with Combined sights and differnt points of ain (Fig. 31), Fire effect is observed on part of tho column which immodintely sontters oa both sides of the road (Fig. 34). ‘The officer at once orders “ cease dire." He then orders the left sub-scotion, with combined sights and a single point of alm, on to the loft hand end of the area in question ; the right sub-section, with combined sighta and a single point af sim, on to the right hand.cad of the area. Inwarda traversing. This is not the only method by which this target might be suitably engaged, but serves to illustrate the point under discussion, 5. Tt muse bo realised that, exoopt when fire is carried out in accordance with a definite time-table (e.g., in position warfare), a. machine gun commander cannot always control the fire of his guns elfectively from a position at or close to (i.e., within speaking distance ‘off the grin position. ‘Good control of fire will depend on (a) observation of fire ; (#) ‘observation of our own troops and of hostile troops or their position, wrew.vickersmachinegun.org.uk16 CHAPTER X. Direct Overnuap Fmr. 60. Introduction. 1, principle of infantsy tacties ‘that, whenever the ground an advance thould be nested hy firo directed at tho enemy over tho heads of the assaulting 2, To seoure the sufoty of the advancing troops, to onmure that tho bullets shall psa at a certain minimum height above their heads, When direct fire is employed tho dosired security is obtained by the uo of a safety angle or by means of a safety olearance (cee Soe. 62, 6). 3. Tho safety angle is the anglo botweon the firer's lino of sight to tthe target and a line from his eye to & point on the ground in front of and bolow the target, ‘The position of this point is determined by the measure of the sate anh tbe scipeye ‘Tho magnitude of the safety anglo amployed dopants on the range to our own troops, Supposn tho'safety shown in Fig. 35 GB. Then it vane emia ee advancing troops mect the lina GB. G1. Rules for direct overhead fre. Li, Range must be known to within § por cont. ii, If the troops fired over are in movement, they must bo kept under observation wi with great care, ill. ‘The mounting must be in good order. iy. Good barrels must be used. ¥. The range io our own ¢roops must never exceed 2,000 Note. —The above are applicable alsa to indirect overhead fire, vi If tho range to our own troops is 1,000 yards or under, tho safety angle is 30 minutes. Tf tho range to our own troops is over 1,000 up to 1,600 yards, the safety angle is 60 minutes, i J the range to our own troops is over 1,500 yards, tho aafoty angio is 99 minutes, 2. Nolet om the preceding rules —L ‘Tho calculation of tho safoty ‘angles given in Rule (vi) is based on the following cousideratione— wew.vickersmachinegun.org.uk{i} Thats maxinmm error of & por cent. of the range may ‘haye been made in renge-finding. () That the beatea zone may fall short an additional 10 per est of tho rango for various teatens Ta rule (¥) there in mo limit to the range from gun to target. Ralow (i) to (iv) axe practical precautions tor mini the orrors allows! for in rule (vi), and thus making the safety of the ‘Attacking troops absolute, jy. In widition, the offioor controlling tho fire must allow for climatic conditions, especially for head winds, 62, Methols of applying afery angles, ‘Phore are three methods of applying eafety angles — L. Method I. By graticuled field glasses.—Place the 2ot0 graticulo ‘on tho target and note the point at which the line from tho ee Hirough the 30 minotes, 00 minutes, or 90 minutes grutieale, an required by the range to our own trogps, cnts tle ground, 3. Sfethod LU. By graticule card.—When a graticulo cand (Fig. 36) is used, the procedure is as follows— Holding the card vertically at tho full longth “of the string from. the eye, align the card so that the lino of sight from tho eye to tho target pastes through the zero line on tho card. the card steady in this position, look along whichever lino corresponds with the range to our own troops, i<, for ranges up f° 1,000 yards nse the 1,000 line; over 1,000 up to 1,600 [ 19. 7 yards, tho 1,50 line: abors 1,500 yards, the over 1,500 Line. Hour own troops are islow the line applicable thoy are safe, but the point in their advance at-which it will be necomary to apply 0 greater safety anzie must be carefully ascertained, ¢g., when our troops pass 8 point 1,000 yards from the gan, the 60 min, angle inust he unod instead of the $0 min, Whon our own troops reach the safety limit, sights will be ralaod 600 yards and the guns re-laid on the target. Fire may then be continued until our own troops uss the objective. Netes—1, When. using the graticule mothod the card should not be held more than 6 foot above or below the gua and at approximately tho sume range from the target, 2 On dat ground tho method deoceibed in para. 6 should be used. SGRATICULE CARD. Fre. 36. wrew.vickersmachinegun.org.ukes 181 y. 3. Method IH. angent sight method. This is a method to be used when, owing to casualty or other reason, no fire controller is available. Ibis m simple means whorchy the men actually firing the guns can ensure the safety of the treupa eure Te will only be employed when no highor control is, Giver tho rango to the sangsé Hil neoeemry to ascertain to what Himit the infantry ean advance before considerations of clear- tender an increase of neceasary. In a ‘hea fr rut not be applied when Gur own troops are nore han 2,000 yards from tho ‘To bocertain the lint of advance before levation la ineroasd, the firer, having Inid on the target with the correct on his sights, will raise his sights 300 yards, and, without allering Ais elevate ing wheel, see at what point his new lino of sight outs the ground, ‘This point marks the position up to which our own troupa can advance with aafoty so Jong as fire in being directed on to tho ‘The firer will uso this point as an aiming mark on whieh to chock hs aim when fring the tangent sight being tnt to tho range tothe target: plas 900 yards (Fig. 37). 4. When the advancing troopa have reached the position aa found by either of the abore metiods, he guns will be Sevated ‘sa to bring fire to bear en ground in rear of tho cbjective, with the 1,900 yards. If tho sddition of the extra 200 yards brings the tangent sight to loss than 1,900 vards it must be raised to 1,300 yards wew.vickersmachinegun.org.uk182 [ad Eons atlas thaph erlagal Firo will cease hen the attacking troops pase the abjestive, “Mfuole “tangs totagpe, 100 yates (ig 8). Fra, 38. Lay on the tangot with 700 yards on the sights, iter tangent sight 9 1,000 yams (fe, 900 yards higher, uso the point AC thus fond, ns aiming mark. z iro until the attacking troops touch the line G.M, ‘Then conto firo, and art sights af 1,200 gands. Aim nt-the target, and continu fring until the advancing troop: pass’, ‘Then couse Bre, 4G. Tn flat comntry, or in eases whioro the gun, target and our own troops all lio on the same plane (not necessarily horizontal), if will not be posible to obtain eafety angles, The following procedure may then be adopted— i, Take mange to target, e Hi, From table givin below, ascertain safety xone for range to te ii Els Rape nde dently iliac nately etme green) fy. Order guns to Iny on target with correct rango oa sights, allowing for atmospheric conditions, y. Open fire when our own troops reach the near limit of safety rane, ‘vi. Ceaso fire when they reach the far limit, or raiso sights 500. and relay on target if our troops are mot ing beyond it. ii 10 suseeueeuses sisfscesesse Sega gSEEEE2 ————— 8, Conclusion. —In the absence of factors which obatrct the field of viow (mist, siieke sorcens, the amoke anid dist cansed by artillery, ve,), the foregoing methods of direct overhead fire ars technically toliable. But Iheeause ane or other of these factors cither Is or may be ts ents for indirect. fire should he made as stated in See, 446, 8, and they should be of the following naturo— Ones the gum las been Inid on the torget, an auzilinry aiming mark should ke put out for the purpose of ous elevation and direction, and the maximum. time during which the advance an be abould be obtained either by estimating the rato of advance or by ol it from’ the time-table. ‘Thus, the paint up to which the attacking can advance with mfety being known, it con be decided how long fire muy safely be directed on the target. wrew.vickersmachinegun.org.ukCHAPTER XI. Inpirecr Fire. 63. Introduction. 1. As has alway been pointed out, the. normal mathod of en- gaging a targot is by direct firm, Cases will, however, frequently fro in which this is impossible or inadvisable, ‘Tho meth. then employed is that of indirect fire, i.., tbe dizoction of fire on to.a target ‘which is invisible to the firer. It is carried out by any means other than thet of the target over the sights. ies al ape eoraaaess sais starevees te ore largely increases the accuraay and value of the fire. 2, Indirect fire is always carried out at medium or long ranges ‘ond is almost invariably overhead fire. It follows, therafore, that couriderable volume af fire will be required, entailing the usp of at least four guns (i-e,, the section) warking under contra, Note.—In cases where the fire is not overhead but is carried out too flank of our own troops, the rules for flanking fire given in Sec. 83 must bo observed, &, Indirect fire may be fe of the foll : aos meres asa tee lowing reasons i, Whee shich direst fire can be ieee LW eee these: of gate peter lo giro and Fastlane sia pepper See fre wea ‘the advisable owing to Mid Geah eketig of oBtising tse of the guns, chain of supply, Ac, eee Rtn meet ta shia ter ot paw ploced fa rearward tions, to give de en meta nds Hs catful orcert ton maa also Sere teen tion of point from which control ean be exer the movements of oar own Seles oes Seeeted typ tascine gan commander, If this Sb doo the acarey of tho wil equal shat of et oo end aa de the time taken to open fire a The cigar ‘of indirect’ fire with avediruey and a entails a high standard al rok! slicieeay on ‘the part of the officer, He must have a thorough knowledge of— (a) Maps (8) Tho compass nnd its charaptoristica,” fe) The tables and graphs which give— i, Tungont angles and angles of deseont, cD cme beaten zonos, + Methods of detarmining tho angle of sight (seo: V.I- formula, Sec. 68) and the quadrant angle, iv. Meseket acces ates ¥, Allowances for atmospheric sonditions, p paerbilype ee taba technical rent in face ae (g) The postibilities and Limitations of the machine gun, 6. Tt must be clearly realised that, except where accurate observa- tion a effective tan ae sa teal wew.vickersmachinegun.org.uk188, ee oO ‘Fro. 39, (4) Then angle OGT — 180 — (TOG + OTG). ‘ia frat laid on the O.P, and is then swung off through the angle ) Itis now laid on the target. Note. —Efect of atmoepherie comditions on direction.—Alver the gun has been Inid for direction, it in neceasary to make the correction for wind. ‘To find the allowanee, see graph of elimatis allowances, Appendix 1¥. ‘This allowance is put on the gun by using the bar foresight (we Seo. 81). ii, To obtain elevation, {o) Knowing range OT, GT can be eatisaated, (b) Tako angle of sight trom 0 to 'T. (e) Add this to or subtract it from the tangent angle for the range GT. This 4s the quadrant angle for the gun. ae ee arise in which the position of the O.P. is Fioun that of the gun, although tbo distance it will then be necessary to af sight from gua to angle att ‘the O.P. to th: a ips organi ne Oa Ce er eae ising resulting angle to the QA already onloulated fern oO et il, Te put elemation on the gen.—Elevation should be put on with ‘tbe Vickers Gun Clinometer, aa follows — ‘Set the clinometer to the required reading. (Open the rear cover of the gun and ft the clinometer accurately von top of the sido plates of the breech the arrow Seed on tho slinometer pointing towards the musale of the gun Elevate the gun by tuning the clevating whee! until the bubble Ee (Paitin feel to the maintenance of elevation, ‘sight. toa to any suitable auxili ark bldg sight on toany suitable auxilinry aiming ma maintained throughout. ids abouia tow be aljeatat’ So to being Pressure being placing elevation on the gun the correction for almo- ics fst be nae ond he evan wed esbtracted » according as the correction is negative, ibe ging ot cinate lbwances, Appendix IV.) Note 2—Clinometers should be frequently tested by any of the ssethods given ia Appendix VI. Eiovation can bo maintained by using the olinometer during intervals of fring to check the elevation oa the gun, and hy envur Ubat the line of sight remaina on tho auxiliary mand ia if it is shakon oe eveyone asaya 2. Long Base. ‘Tas method is uch slower in applieation, and will only be used when demanded by tho tactical sitoation, and the necessary time is axallable, The method is as follows — i Ta obaain direction, (a) Take the ranges OT and OG. (b) Measure the angle TOG, wrew.vickersmachinegun.org.ukdirection and clevation); if, on looking along the sighta the obstruction is not visible, tho shots will clear, ‘the clearance must be found by the method af substitute fing “obstruction” for “oar own een Ged Sec, 77). The wal to the height learance must be at least eqs t of the cone. 67, Maintaining laying, 1. Afters gun bas beoa laid for direction and elevation by any of the means described. in Soos 64 and 65, an aiming peot-is put out in ondor to maintain direction and elevation, The tangent sight lide is ron up until the sights are aligned on the bullseye on the aiming post, and the laying is maintained by relaying on the bulls- eye betwoon ‘bursts, In addition, the elevation should be frequently cheaked by the elinometer. 9 Inaccurate laying on the auxiliary aiming mark can only be Bee ae ts cesta iis aoa laid on this part of the machine gunper's t as failure to realise the importance of accurate aiming may lend to fire becoming dangerous to our own troopa, and s consequent loss of confidence ‘by the infantry. Nole.—Where no form of artificial » aiming mark is available, some natural object on the may ‘be soloated. ‘This should only be regarded ax a ft, and not taught a « general 17 B—Ispmecr Fins or Guns OoxTnoLuEn ns PLatooxs 0% Sxormoxs, 68. General remarks. 1. The principles and methods taid down in the following sections apply any number of machine guns that ay be gronped together as a fire unit under the contrel of one officer. “The section—four gunt—bs referred to throughout for reasons of brevity and simplicity. Tt raust be realised that the figures in the following sections are pot drawn to scale. 2 Although omgsnized fire from a largo number of machine ‘guns ean be carried out by controlling the fire of cack gun soparstely, experience has shown that the method lacks flexibility, thnt oal- 3. In laying out the lines of fire, the position of ane gun in fixed ca the map a: accurately a4 posible; this gun is known ns the directing gun and is generally a flank gun of the section. To provide the officer controlling the fire with a basis from which fe direct the fe of his guns in any required direction, all guns are laid, in the firet instance, on “zero” lines from which they can be mwung through the anglo necessary to direct their fire om to any ‘target within range, 68, Definitions, 1. Zero lines for a weetion are parallel auxiliary lines of sight on to auziliary siming marks Inid out in any convenient direvtion, wrew.vickersmachinegun.org.uki, Zero lines of flank guns of s section; La and 44. In this caso tha frontage of the section = 1-F, as the angle ddl = 90 deg. ii, Parallel lines of fire 14 and 4D after a switch through the angle 4D, In this caso the frontage of the section in now 1F (where IF is perpendicular to 4D) and NOT 1-4. 70, Bera lines. 1 ‘Tho guna of the section are all lid Stially on, parallel Lines direction, and posts ‘pluced in. position, howe’ ary called "rom pots an ho puns arid 0 be ilo ““zaro Tinea.” ‘The choice of the actual direction of the zero Hines is arbitrary, Whea shooting by the TOG method i is wsually the line from the cireating gua 10 the OF. When shooting by map itis unully the line from the directing gun to the corresponding Hank of the target. "The sera line af the dirceting gun can bo laid out by ang of the methods im indirect fire. ‘The remainder af the can then, bo ini a favilal oas line Wy toeod ig ag heed in Soe, 75, 2. The ideal case ia where the frontage of the target: as viewed iia gon onion jual to the frontage of the ecetion, and ‘where the rerp line gun is laid on the correaponding a eet ihe ta} Jaid on « line of fire which is 1 to the zero eas directing gun, it follows that No, 1 gun will be Jaid on the oo miei cod of a tressinnd se ates pe pa lhe particular ‘the target they have, respectively, to engage, a4 shown in 1 BEBO LINES Uh) Bhd Ideal caes—Target frontage = section frontage. Zor lino! directing gun on the left end of tbe target, wew.vickersmachinegun.org.uk205 Caso 1.—Short Bate. i. Find the angle subtended by the target at the 0.2. il, From thin angle subtract one degree. iii, Divide the remainder by the mumber of gun intervals, Tho result is the angle of distribution, Case IL— Lang Base, (a) Draw the triangle TOG by the method described: in S00, 64, 2. | {b) Using tho other ond of tho target as the point T, draw ‘a socond triangle baving a common baso OG with the first. {e) Measure the angle between the two lines joining G to ‘the extremities of the tanget. (@) From this angle subtract one dogree and divide the remainder by the number of gun intervals, ‘The result is the angle of distribution, Second method (Fig. 47)—Draw 1a parallel to 4D. Then angle Alas angle between LA and 4D, Measure angle ‘Ala with a protructor, Divide this angle by the number of gun + the reeult is the angle of distribution, PARALLEL LINES OF FIRT i Third sw-chad (Fiz. 47 (u)),—Caeo .—Whoro tho anglo ADA is i ‘between $0 deg. and 100 deg, (a) Shows a. section laid on parallel lines where the frontage of Procedare— i the target as viewed from the gun position, exeoeds that of the {) Subtract the frontage af the section from tho frontage of section, ‘The directing gun is laid ou tho left end af the target ; ‘the target, thus obtaining tho length Aa. a portion of the target is engaged. (0) Fined what anglo this length (Aa) subtenda ot the range 4D. Shows: tea be engaged by opening cul the linc of Bre fen the original parallel lines wrew.vickersmachinegun.org.uk08 pusing of verbal onlors, These methods are dealt with under (Goo, 21). ‘The angle of distribution ia entered up in the eu-group chart, I 3 é 5, In Cue TI, an ala eos would atin ithe ease ro scedare was adopted as for Caso T, orring to the foreshortaning of the target as viewed from thu section, , Tk ia not casontial that tho line of gun positions as laid out on thy actial ground should correspond exactly with that Hing ns drawn, ‘sa the map for the purpose of calnulating the of distribution, ‘Even a comparatively large difference in the direction of these is to engage an area in which the target is known to lie, rather than to attempt to direct all the fire on to a point (Sco, 63, 6), “com eentration,” need not be consitlered in relation to machine gan fire, Since the interval betweon the guns of a section or platoon will Coe Tne ares HE wll by suflent to engage the target on paral traversing being employed to ensure overlapping of beaten zones, ae lin the case of targets which are mot directly in front of the gun ponitioa, itis obrious that the more nonrly the lines of fie apgrosch to the line of the gun pocitions, the closer together will the lines af fire become, (Fig. 48.) (Seale 1/ 40,000.) wew.vickersmachinegun.org.ukHew.212 20 min. What is the angle of deviation from aero for No. 1 gun (No, 4 gum directing} t ‘No, 1 gun will swing to tho right first through the angle of switel, = os aoe and then (still in the samo direction) through threo times distribution =3 x pdeg. —Ipdeg.: the angle of foun from zero is therefore 56} dey. B. for Uhis particular gun “a Note tha sits hal boon 85 dog. ft. the angle of devise would have been 53} deg. I ‘Th Bleoation and traversing, 1, Blevation,—Cuses such na that shown in Fig, 61 ill often arise, It is obvious that a different. Q.A. must be placed on ‘each gun in order that the target may be engaged. ‘The procedure should then be as follows -— ‘Determine the Q.A.'s for the flank suns, Find the difference between thess (LA's. . Divide the difference by the number of gun intervals. Thos: supposing that in Fig. 61— Q.A. for No, 1 gun = 4 deg, Dividing by 3 gives 20° ‘Then Q.A. for No, 2.gun = 4°20 oy ry Orde tration 3 sa 20 min. (asmaming tho right gon to be thedireeting gun). eegieat inn hs Saare Fre. GL wrew.vickersmachinegun.org.ukworw.vicker216. iL, The officer will then by dts rika feo he an ablodted by tho sootion st tha O.P, iii, This angle, divided by the number of gun intervals and used as an angle of distribution, will put the section on ero lines. Zero posta are then put out. ‘Nore.—Unless tho 0.P. is at a considerable distance, the guns must be accurately in line and at equal intarvals, 217 C—Matted of laying out zero Tinea by the use of an 2.0, The Sank guns aro mounted first and laid on each other. AB gase are thea Inid on tho R.O. ‘Whe Sank guns note, by their dircotion dials, the angles Me attind apeller Soc gebicwtted fms 190. angle subtended at the B.O. by the tho number of gun intervals and use an angle of distribation, ‘The guns are ‘then on parallel Tis aro not in the required direction, all guna can be switebed through the same angle (Rd) to bring the Hines of to the bearing desired before xera posts are pat out. eee Ore toe tbe lbee Sa ee directly to a donk of the guns, distribution is unneoreanry a8 will already be, for all practical purposes, parallel, tors 2—It may happen that no nuitable RO. existe which is cn the rang, but thai there is somo object which might be ? the ground. By taking a bearing with the compass on to ‘fila object, the angle which the guns must bo to ‘them on to their zero lines can be obtained. Tho object ‘sap then be ted as an B,O, to obtain parallelism an above. rere O. must be aa far away a8 postible, and it la Hf the guns aro approximately in linc. If thero ii no suit. abe BLO. ose ex bo pit ont inthe Line of the gene at @ cintanoe gms lesst 400 yar, If posible, and the guns sbould be accurately (153910 I wew.vickersmachinegun.org.uk25 ‘Tho quickest method of caloulnting quadrant angles and Sve P eer ea ican 5 Peat . is tne thon al os beige S02 trajectory graph (Appendix method of use is explained bite fot of tae ge. s tho obstruotion (see Column 4, Brample of use— i used in place of the metre scales (a) To find the quadrant sogle—Suppose the gun to be on a yards, or whore it is required to 105 metre contour, and the target to be on m 190 motre contour ia yards, (ie, 18 metres above the gun) at a range of 2,500 yards, ’ ‘to read the graph Hf a pin la stuck Take the 2,500 range and follew up the vertical line tom point ‘ and that of the troops or abstraction 15 metres above the gun level. nel thnt the 7 deg. e = ee a 8) min. curro outa this point. rreet quadrant given angle oan to put on the gun. meee fe eee te gt ces ah ee er ray i To the clearanee over our on troops—Suppose that oar | target 15 motres above the gun, QA. is 7deg. 80 min. ; oan 100 motre contour (i.e, $5 motres above the merken ea ie bee gun) st a range of 1,000 yards, which ia the range corresponding the 1,000 yards, and follow up the vertical line to range the point 85 motret above the gun. Mcaaure upwards from this point to the point where the 7 deg. 80 min, curve enis the 1,000 ‘yards rango vertical line. This will be seen to be 23 metres above position of the troops. Ai the foot of the diagram itwill be nated ‘Ta. Indirect overhead fire by TOG method. 1. When short base TOG mothod is employed, tho method of ee eee res a ee te eres £ that 18 motres clearnnco is necessary nt this range. ‘The clearaneo Gring direct, ‘Tho officor at the O.P. uses graticules and 4 thamdore euishenk iis une ‘the troopa fired over under careful obsarvation. tis desired to clearance of tho lowes ssubtraos ‘When Sitinil ts ui the figure at the top of the diagram. (Use the “metres” or ble pelle dred ee srs hanes “yards acies esenting 80 she sl} Lear 1 most botaken from the OP. ‘The helght of our own being wo the O.P. can then be al this their height oat). In this example the clearance of the lowest = shot will be 23—3 motres, 4.4, 20 metres. pelative ‘between, wew.vickersmachinegua.org.uk‘and controlled ea dogreo: ts Hexibiity, i gent eo ay Minramiee eegieg of of Organization : aes: Drill, A 2. Organisation—{a) Gon te groups. OMAR ann TIbnG more than this utero gute en to sender to g300p ul riley. may, therefore, consist of from 2 tod platoons, Tt is cade iy aie ded a into iy ib-; aiesth ap may be ‘two or more sm ‘groupe: Seaiaer ocinee onee eee eas to . carmen my ‘Esch ibis comity 3 20.0. or senior private, who is not the dee of the gon, and is Amown an the gun commander, (@) Tho Group Commander issues orders dealing with the taske ese ‘Those orders are contained on the Group Osganization Chart. (A.F. W. 3760.) ‘works out the aeiual data to A Go Senate eget oul — orSevtion Chat {AB W. 3707.) Ea me anon ent denn at and maintained on hin gun. ee ee SS eee s) The gun detachments will assemble under cover with the eee necemary equipment. Having received their orders, ‘Sry loro acd mum gon he oon rh "Tis inverals bebwesa ps = ‘to local conditions, jel agan td paler about 10 to 15 yards. [The are not Ld on thelr pealal nar Hines, and aero ‘posts put in. wew.vickersmachinegua.org.uk- 528 . 229 (c) Lf an angle of ewiteh ia to ‘the desired . frontage —When the fire of or platoon ix STG othe ale cenit, ammireticetigc pos ones nat Cray 8 0p on ‘ fe fo na a ee eon Fighting Mp acts be put = ecu crep Sa per J ated pon (ay tion, if necessary, will then be ordered; Type of fire—A troop or: pl ‘ cammnders wil adjost the barleseight tka gaen iprtorm the following tank ‘amount, and Srers will re-lay on the aiming mark, i ; Nora-—Gun Chars should be used whensrerpomibl, of Keeping dawn tho enemy's dire, arnssing his com- in which case (c) and (a) will bo combined into ons munications and movements, or securing fire effect ‘Speration (angle of deviation from sore Kno}. (¢) Elevation is then orcered ; thismay either be issued verbally ground in front of our ad oe ie the top or platoon commander of taken from the ioh oxso tho range inareases (genorally by lifts of not gun chart by the gun commander, who is responsible for Jess than 200 yards) according to the Tate of advance ‘setting the clinometer and ‘that ele. ‘of the troops, and must wet all times be mffcient to vation is placed and maintained on the gun, After the ensure the nevestary clearance aver thom at all points gun bas been laid for elevation, sights will be aligned of thoir advance. (Tho ones wil m be piven to Load areas bela pir fe wi to" Load.” ‘two of & support a re tet tourerte will be ardor, ee involve advanced Ereree de ae eat Tha tate of dro will then be ordored, followed by the signal communications. Frontal fire is generally ed |, but safety oonsiderstians usually require that tho beater: 4, Fire control, —Tho fire of the troop or platoon will nermally be fall 300 to 400 yards in front of the furthest positions of controlled by itt commander in direct communication with all his | ‘ gun. Ho will set under tho instructions of his group commander, ‘who will establish communication with him, Observation of fro must always be sought eithor from the viclal ‘of the gunaor by a forward obscrving officer in communication wi the treop or platoon commands ky telephone or visual signals, eae reacts ab talon Beene and commanders is necosary to prevent undue penciture of amacnition, ; wew.vickersmachinegun.org.ukCHAPTER XIII, Nicur Firing. Equrruenr, the target After dark the sights should bo al it tering the dicotion tr sleabiaios ieee? ‘Hf the target in mot visible, indirect moans cxaployed to lay the gone” pee i, Gm browghe Sno potion forthe fret time by night—In this ‘caso the problem is inuireo! Genova hd iy (a) Tf the gun position can be fixed by day, it ehould be a cet reeset weno me be rane Prue ie target if visible, or by compass if Pack fae omy be Re post (whieh ark ieivuee pomblete ari ty the position on which be) Heit is not to get to on wl Be paca ts te cee a tes, io llevtne eae cedure should be adag ‘Obtain from the map the of the target from tho gun position, and the moceamary fring emp then be put out, and the firer should toate angen ihe lide unt the sights ao alfgned on he amp. instruction must be given in tho use of the sight Gring (luminous) sights (see See. 61). 2 The above methods can be adapted to the raliof during Satiness of o gun laid on a dodnite target by another gun to bo laid fon the sare target. ‘in all cases it is advisable to cenploy a emall amount of traversing ‘sed searching in order to make cortain of including the target, % An clectrio toreh is essential for reading graduations on the ‘GGreotion dial and tangent sight, and for solting and reading, the ‘Screens of wet canvas or sandbags, if stretched taut, have no ‘elect on a cons which is fired through them, and effectively screen “the flash. Care should be taken to screen the flasks at the slides aa ‘ss tho front, When firing et long ranges, screens can be so ea to defilade tho flash. = * wew.vickersmachinegun.org.ukInstructions for the care and overhaul of the Mark IV Tripod are iven in “Notes on Care and Adjustment of the Mark IV Tripod,” aa an Addendum to tho Handbook for the -303inch Viekers Eitan ae iaccaciency Tho most on firma Hit to orect the tripod on soft ground, a T base (see Appondix XI) should be used. 2. In onder to obtain the scouracy of direction required for indineot fire, it fs necessary to be able to lay off to 10minutes, ‘This eannot be dane by the direction dial at present in tus and ia carried out by means of— Ba bee renee ate a ‘Thie is comstructed #0 as to lamp on the wings Cee eee ‘Tho alicting foresight, sliding on the bar, can desired ‘Tho baria graduated in degrees, su! Any up to 7 deg., can be “laid off night when the sliding foresight in set at zero, Tt should be noted that if deficotion is requirod to the right of the centre line Of sight, the sliding foresight must be mbved lo the lett, and vice verad, Tuare XIX. WAR YORESIGHT AND LUMINOUS SIGHTS FITTED WITH SHIELDS, LusnoUs roResonr AND SHHIRD: wrew.vickersmachinegun.org.uk[1 Jace page 253 2 For oxample, a gun is laid on ite eam tect atzero. Distribution of 1 in toh jered ; the gun commander sete foresight (lo sci th in cme fe sei ‘he firer then re-lays the gun on the aiming post. (Piste XX). LING OF FiRE ‘To facilitate laying, a mall shiold with an sight has alto been fitted to the standard luminous bacl which should: be used in eanjunetion with the ecient iaeelgtl, 3. Direction and elevation dials —The direction dial has a ise carrying the seule, which oan bo sot to read 0 deg. (&2., cule etolsedl) treet ee gen may then be swung right or left until the i wes ‘trom the scale, ‘Tp is graduated from 0 di pagan on each side, abs reraton dal st mie tara of wi hariolaciet Bibs dial fe civised ints Seareenia divicw east 1 dg.) sack of ews is sivided in la intervals, more often employed in searching fire than for putting sien one pn vl is usually put on by means of the Th onder to *zeroise' tho dial without altering the clevation of ‘the elovating wheel should be held fram beneath to prevent foes turaing; the clamping worews can ten be loosened, the dial wew.vickersmachinegun.org.ukom rotated until the xero is under the pointer, and the ecrews clam; Lig Polat pe Tina bes sige eects Luasapos Us epee ol oie 2 forming , the eyepicee of whic fo arranged this beides the view and a botisoalaland vertical line the instrument, a spirit bobbie can be seen. The babble can be Inclined to the line of aight, and the inclination read off the degree and minute scales, ‘The magnification of tho telescope Js about threo diameters, and tho molght ofthe fstrument in casos about 1 1b. 8 om tal and vertical planes. 5, Clinometer Vickers, +303 inch gun, Mb. L—This instrument (easaaertte =. called “the cradle." ‘The riod. A tealo of degrees from 0 dog. to 20 dg. elevation and 20 Seen ks eae ER SE ee ee ese gape treats Mircea 25 A worm spindle is fitted in two. bearings in the cradle, the rear end being on» pivot. This allows. of the worm being put out of grr with the aro for quick setting, by presing downwards on the ‘enc of the worm spindlo, ‘A spring is provided to keep the worm spindle and are in gear. ‘Two micrometer collars are fixed to the worm spindle, the forward ‘one for reading depression in minutes, the rear one for reading eleva- tion in minutes. ‘Tho micrometer collars aro divided every 5 min. and aymbesed ‘every 10 min., and aro coloured tho sume aa tho degree neal, ‘The ‘ar the micrometer coliam hnve the Iettom "E:” and 1" engmved underneath to indienta elevation and depression respectively. Se en ne ee |, and ono turn of thia milled head represonts ono dere, ‘The are is shaped to slide in the cradle, On ita under surface are ent teeth, into which the worm gears, Attached to it by two screws: isan adjustable reader for the degree scale, On its wurlsco: is attached a spirit bubble, tho underalde of which is rondered ‘ominous for night work by means of radium paint. weight of the clinamoter nnd enso le 3 Th. 6 0%, ved on the base is an arrow and the word “ target.” ‘This {sto indioate the correct direction in which to place the clinometer ‘on tho gan. Zero post, —This is an fron stake 8 fect long and inch in thick- ‘The upper end is formed into a ring about 4 inch in diameter, the lower enc being pointed to facilitate pressing into tho . Sib oaks peti caltraly aban an ly 7. Target post.—Thia oonsista of a toleacapic stand capable lb ale lowered etene tao let 16 bc ad 4 feet from the ground. ww. vickersmachinegun.org.uk20 ‘The bara of tho stand la provkdad with» ntl plats about 4 inch lin diameter, and a spike 10 inch long. oe af the plate facilitates forcing round by mean of the font and st the sume time prevents from sinking in too far in soft ground and belps to mnintain it an ib position, econ etn fitted, with clamping sores which allow the stand to be fixed at the extension, ‘The innermost draw tube is surmounted with a bracket. and spring to which can be secured the night firing lamp (sce Appendix XI} or day mark consists of a circular metal 4 iol in diameter, ‘The frout tice ia srhta wits Hoa i attached a socket: which fite PART LL Wan. CHAPTER XIV. Cuanacreristi¢s of THE MACHINE Gun. 82. General characterisation, i Pi ia oa oar AARC a rae ey a airmen. field, the rhachine gun must be regarded aa a distinctive ‘weapon with tactics of its own, which aro neither thoua of ee ee ee ee isa nick iret on doce and in ovr sper “the offensive possibilities of the machine gun must be developed ee sainee pa eee possesses the power of delivering a com- ‘ecntrated olume of fire which, owing to the ease of control, can be a ly directed against any deaird object, and facilitates ject. SS mechenionl meapon it i Iahte to accidental cemation of but in skilled hands and by the provision of spare parts and fore of ammunition which Ye suitably packed, ita automatic is rendered highly reliable. wrew.vickersmachinegua.org.ukNV 238 & Its chief characteristics are :— i A fized tripod mounting a rece irae ev Dediickopigtiisr Set (a) Accuracy of fire is increased by the reduction of the personal Be Seine Leelee ee Tomg ra Direction and elevation ean ‘be. put on Sacanbeneeingeaieiea ne ee ee eee e nae ‘deoctone Pun can be turned quickly (0) ‘The fire in closely grouped so that ite cone forms Pec eno hi ey og cen ts width. At close and Tangle the fie of the machine guniaamoat effective, therfore, when delivered ‘nv enillade, When clove grouping ta tol desired, fire can bo distributed by traversing, but dlaelbutson must bo limited to about 60 yards of front per gun, in order that fire may be offective. AL. Strang: mechani belt waler cooling system, Fees tine ee he rrangementa are made for the renowal of the barrel, te uply of id wae el he met ‘tenance of the supply of ammunition, the fire of the Ee en bo main- Hii Smollness of talk, which fuoilitates conceal toaskine gun and thetwo nin required to work, oocory ‘small spaop aad therefore oan be easily hidden from 299 iv. The location of the machine gum may be detected by any of the following -— (a) Sieam.—Alter abaut G00 rounds of conbimuous fire, the water in tho barrel ensing bails. The condenser, ‘therefore, must be fitted carefully and in time: (8) Plash.—The flash of the machine gun is discernible et night, in very dull woather, and against a dark background, ‘This can be overcome by special devices. fe) Muzzle Boet—The discharge of the bulleta and gates from the muzzle erentes @ blast which may raise considerable dust when the gon is fired from a low mounting. ‘This ean be prevented either by wetting the ground beneath the mutzle or by laying down web sand-bags. ‘The blast will aleo produce a fan: shaped mack, which is cletrly visible from the alr wires concealment by artificial means. (d) Noise of firiig—Tho sound of a machine gun in action is unmistakable, but as the explosion at the gun ix largely offset by the crack of the bullets in the air, the position of the gun cannot readily be detected. ™ ‘mobility.—The mobility of the machine gun ‘on its method of transport -— When carried in the limbered wagon, the mobility of the machine gun.on toads, tracks, or open. ground la greater ‘than that of the infantry. When carried on its mobility d and the niothod employed ‘the animal. When the pack animal is led by aman on foot, the mobility in rather less than that of infantry ; when the pack animal ix led by a mounted man, the mobility is mither less than that of cavalry. wew.vickersmachinegun.org.uk~ 0 When carried by thedotachment ite mobility is considerably Joas thon thut of the infantry on uecount of the weight of the gun, ammunition and equipment. 4, The following aro the chief points to be noted in comparing the bare characteristics eae ot ta Laie or Hotchkiss guns. ‘Thess weapons aro cooled by air and are liable to become overheated after about 500 rounds of continuous fire. They ara thorefore leas ‘eapable of sustained fire thun the machine cun, and are the wea particularly suited to engaging targets for which short bursta of fire See tos Hotebkiss guns cannot bo used for indirect are es fine gun has n mechanises and is loss Hable to ‘than either the or the Hotchkiss gun, As it is from a fixed platform the machine gun is more accurate and ean carry out indirect and overhead fire. ‘The machine gun with its accessories ia mach heavier than elthor the Lawis orthe Hotabkisa gun: the latter oan, therefore, be brought into ection with greater ‘the action of machine is CHAPTER XY, Geverar Coxsmenations GovERNING THE Exrroyment or Macnmse Guxe. 83, Ditrodsistion. 1. A comprehensive and, when pesible, pre-arranged plan for guns jn order to ensure ca- ordination of effort both in attack and defence. Unity of contro} is essential if fall use is to be made of avallable resouroes, It srarely possible toarrange tat machine gon sections or platoons acting independently shall oo-operate effectively with each other. Within reasonable Uimits, therefore, the ‘the number of renchine gums which can be placed under one ‘ing suthority, the less will be the overlapping and consequent waste of fire power, and the easier will it be to replace caausltios by reserve gua. 2. The a platoon clea Fa tine but ‘effort can be ensured by " brigading ™ machine gun platoons. ‘This method does ot imply the meaning of mae that all the machine guns within the brigade. neonesarily Gperate onder tho immediate control of the brigade commander. Teigading” enabler the brigade commander to allot machine guns on & tactical basis, ie., according ta the nature af the operation hand and of the ground over which it i to take place. After the brigade commander has deolded on the allotment of machine pone to ault bin plan of estion, some machine gun platoons or wrew.vickersmachinegun.org.ukGonorally speaking, if « is operating om 8 limited or normal frontage, ‘halite Sees co-ordination will be ot isl i oh seen wil bo obtained ty “ brigading”” the machine guns. | On the other hand, if brigade is operating abnormally ‘wide frontage, control and ‘so-ordiaation af ees gee bby the brignd> commander may not be feasible and it may then be oxpodient to leave machine gun platoons with their 5. When machine gun platoons are briguded an offer must be: greeted to command them. ‘To facilitate reference this officer w designated brigado machine gun commandor, His duties may be summarized as follows -— (a) To prepare, for the approval of the brigade commander, the plan of operations for the machine gun platogns of the brigade, both in offence and defence, ant to c+ ordinate these plans with those of the brigade on other not cavered ly the origina riles allotted to the machine ia the brigade’ . ee re roan cee eee battalion commanders to issue fresh ordera to the 6. The considorations given in tho remainder of this chapter are on the characteristics outlined im Chapter XIV, and are ie irrespective of whether machine gun platoons aro oj swith the battalions to which they bolong or are “ ie Hi Bh. Surprise. ‘The material and moral resulta obtained by machine gun opened unexpectedly on suitable targets can hardly be over sand every opportunity for securing surprise effect must wrew.vickersmachinegun.org.uk= me 85, Enjllade fire, J. Av cloge and medium ranges, enflade fre gives the beat reenlta with the minimem expenditure of ammunition, Normally, frontal ae AF on: rorge alald mot ba ual unies an excoptine tarert presents itself. 2, The une of enfilade and oblique fire facilitates concealment, if 4 machine gun positions ean be selected which are daladed from 86. Cover and concealment, 1 Paved fire and surprise effect are both dependent upon the and cover ae tho won" is being 2. Groups of horses and ia the open are caally seen from cere le may be an indication of their Every step must therefore be taken to ensure concealment of led homes and limbered wagons, 8, Concealment, both as regards position and mancuvre, must be focegone if mequate reasons prownt thenuelves. To wippost inf and to enal Poe ee irpoae machine t tory te enable Use pare ‘guns roe 87. Harassing fre 1. The objects of fire are to lower the enemy's moral, impede his movement and dislorate his communications. Harassing fine will generally be carried out qt night or in fogay or misty ments, 4. To obtain the best results machine gun harassing Gre ahoald be carried out in co-operation with the artillery and mortars, the gencral plan ‘being based on information provided by the Intalligence branch of the general aafl. 88, Anticaireraft defence. 1. By reason of ita design, the machine. ‘is not suited for epeotd. paciel defones wick, for wish she’ Law gum is to be preferred, Tila doss got sbesiey missles gaat wat na poring thelr own local protection against low flying airccalt. 2 Asa general principle, machine guns which are not ongugi ound targete, likely to at the moment, Eecsediately cyan Gre ot howtile siroralt, provided thas they are ‘within range. Me lane fl ate it of over 3,000 feet should be fired tet seed es ae acral shel eqgiged which have been proved beyond io actual jook out must bo maintained, as only fleeting oppor- fer engaging aircraft will occur. % Unies sitasted in « ve icwous earth penny en rom he, ak mochine guns Jecsted by = low fiying aeroplane is comparatively small. wew.vickersmachinegun.org.ukr 246 7 ~ “The crack of the bullet is misleading, and attention is not directed 4. Tt iu eamendial that thoro should ba tho closcas co-operation Hoi {2 tte gua position, In addition to material damage inflcted, | between tbe machine guna nnd the infantry. All maskinc gas Borel efloct of the fo la very great and observation by the | commanders mast know tho plan of activa of the infantry winch Socupant of the aeroplane is rendered more dificult atl morelikely | they ace to eapport; infantry command: similarly, era must bo to be auperficial. sere of the le oad speattions of the roacfoo gua In cases: where there in reason to au ‘Hint the position of the x them. ring the battle it becomes more PemesSagrsdiee soe qerar ace aT: ee ee e spot mus Maistinae baer Mie etioa whlch fs boing tabon, & Whenever a masbise rmancer is allotted task neoosi- 89. Co-operation, eo-operation with ara forve of fatantey, wholhor Ls ts 1, Co-operation is ee riick sacl masking uader the ordors of the commander of that force or not, ‘gun tactics rest. To ensure it, the possible linisom must be becomes his duty to open communication with its commander, muaintained. Sppaing te bin in peron, if pols in onder to objain fll infor- ‘The dntertictst cia! wieseaa tee lan wield! je ff sation as to tho character af ths oparation in rich ho ia bo 00- goumamiatd fo the eashine fun ofiecr in ths feom a geo aeekheek a ta cen etlind of Ita emactton snd the tack, instructions, It is Intitude should be allowed So the machiso gans- to the machine gun in deciding upoa the dispositions and math fri ht pl Ivey an ee bw | 8, Coestin Dbl, mora asso cue panied ‘out, as eee i tonepet gua five differs in saat or defence, may be brought into play with the maximam of falas ras y the machine gun officer to his subordinates should | "== macally bo gen as tea in der that inti ve may nok bo etterd 80, Tactical control. wl conditions and unforeseen ze! Aut sansa E Tactical waits must be kept latact and the number of taotioal Ree Resenlereretot Ber oa eee fp ails employed must bo ealBtiont for the tak ne hoes I tho machine gus dlr poemcapes a Eetuiecge of tho eccttne e eatioa ent of caachino guna is the esate ot tore gan. ‘other arms, and secks mutual hy means of personal 2 The macicsuim fro effoot in obtained by the employment of ston go all ocoasions. Similarly, the heat remults can only be Wl seliective fen frum a coc of peralingg under trol. if commanders possom a goneral knowledge of machine ‘The ase of individual machine a, coral ieee ronal Toss een tactica and the scope of mashine gun fire, at control, dilfieaity of supply and dissipation of Bro powor, (e 15501)q K wew.vickersmachinegun.org.uk95, Recomnatseance, 1, The time available for reconnalmance will vary according to ‘the mature of the operation in hand ; thus, in sn encounter battle, fein Une cage of ischine gona suppor log cavalry in mounted sation, little {f any time may be available for reconnaissance, sinee the situation may require instant notion. ‘The le is that, whi ble, recon: Ree Fee rte ee whenever post os ‘oammitted to an engagement, “eran. a 2, The mothods to be adopted by a machi commander gia Caen RE Ua aaah dealt with in Seo, 54. Se es ee id by personal Sah f fn Pst recon nee, wi md over Petia ss Kio 'aeo tabs glace HS ast tabs toby oan tion 1. Positions from which initial cowering fire can best be tieliverod. Al. Suitable places for fire positions aa the advance ii, ne any natural obstacles likely to bo ncomfeed, bth a regards permonmel an rs fre Taal feces lana hlal ol neta guikies during the advance. Ire charachor of Ealanecayta deca al ebetacton whl “ell be encountered by the infantzy at the various stagen cof the attack; and tha facllliies for machine gum suppork. vi, Whore tho greatest difficulties are Iikely to bo oncountered by the infantry. Mo vil, Whether the flanks aro liable to’ become dangerously wai The positions covered aly ta bo used by eae distribution of will they be able to interrene in its later stagoa, support may be thinner and the onemy’s resistance 4. Before undertaking a reconnaisanso to decide on méohins gun ‘positions in defence, a michino gun comiander must be informed aa to:— & Tho tastical featarsa within the outpost zone which it is eine essontial to cover by means of machina Hh Tad patties or acre in th to fT eee ons in the battlo in Fo fire oan wk factianly sata bo tha fence, y. The genoral plan of artillery defenon, nies this information is forthcoming, It will be imposible to select machine tions sion gun positions in accordance with tho general plan of 82. Tactical use of tmbered weapons, 1. The gun and ammunition limbored wagons oro essenthally Pig eee eat the tro vebislen section mast a8 ral part of au See ence sean Integral pe of the ecto, n2 wew.vickersmachinegun.org.uk250 pace must be made ef all transyort in an offensive Sete tees ao ‘only be made to a headling when al ‘mears of transport have been found imporsible. site open werfare mechine guna will often be requited to act ahead of the main body af the , in order to consolidate tactical snta already gained by advanced ticops. It will often be nocemary ‘guns to move foster than the infantry—for instance, reachino guns, marching near the heed of the main guard of en advanced quad, may bo required to push abead and Lold ground fo cover deployment. Similarly, when infantry hove gained an Uhisclive, tactine guns eve aequived to push on quickly to that cbjective, On such cecasions where the ground is enitablo and the tactical situation permite, limbered wagons should be wed for the mpid conveyance of guns end men. B.I.wronte cen be ng ater careful oedy and aeroplane S anfiicient Ietitode con fe allied as to the Mine gf eavance, wheelod transport i uavally to reach ite destination, “ the ground is likely to provo difficult: for Iimbered wagons it may bo nevicable to employ limbers either(a) with w full team, oF (0) with tho leaders carrying guns and tripods on pnck saddles. can be taken over almost any ground which is passable for pack animals, 4. When erosain, d, Mmbered wagons should eo the next Sake aera dotechments should swork their way to it ently. When in action, the limbered wagon can be left under cover doe to the gun position, while tho animals are taken back to a safe distance, The wagon will then serve as tho ammunition reserve, and, if a change of position is ordered, can be loaded ready to move off as econ as the animals ate brought up. 5. In operations In close country the use of limbored wagons will ‘be restricted to roads and tracks, whilst in position warfare thera ‘will be little opportunity for the use of limberod a ‘on nen and animals, regards casualties and fatigue. Pack animals aro dificult, fo manage under fw and should not bo used unless it is impossible for limbered wagons to reach their destination, 28, Tster-coumounization anit liaison. 1. Pho highly-developed aystems of telephonic communioation sah are pesibie weatfonary warlare rca maintained in awar of movement. It will very rarely be possible to provid Sommanication hy wire forward of infantry’ brigade heaquaeers gan commanders must, therefore, accustom themselves to rely entirely upon other mothods of inter-communioation, such. ree ee ee rest ena onl hac oi al ™ and then only wi all ‘ether means of inter-communication have failod. z & The importance of closo liaison between machine gun and seuwalty or infantry commanders cannot rec geet This Sasion will bo largoly foailitated if the headquartors of machine gun feemenanlers are citunted in Uv vicinity of thoae of the commanders unite they azo suppor ‘ion commanders, howover, be ‘aa pmition from which they ean control thelr guns, Hiaison with tho commandors concemed oan only be achisved smashine gun coinmander is kept regularly informed na to the situation, When the tactical situation permits, the machine 8 cosmmander will report personally ta the infantry battalion ELF fr wrew.vickersmachinegun.org.uk262 Fs cepeopeorn that its maintenance is the duty of both partice conecened. 84. Ammacnition mepply. services deliver ammunition at the ‘am: 1. The administrative iver Ges = troops. te, the nua from reat to sy alive c os pny aul be pai fora wcrag tical situation without waiting dor demands from the firing line. - 2. Tho reserves of ammunition held by machine gun units arc divided into two tines :— 4. Divisional SAA. a ii ‘ta each machine gua platoon. ‘Tho nmount of ammunition cncried in each line is a9 follows :— Table of ammunition." Machine Gun Platoon (Infantry). Wherv Carried, | Adu. | seat | Aptos, | es | ee ceokaiem of packing SAA. Wh th els factory Elled stripes belts in rpceie pe type pes 3 The divisional S.A.A. column will march in accordance with STE esr ee ivainal teaqoartre ad, when an action {2 imminent, will usaally posh forw to connect with, ane L, tho commander of w esction ee Sn eT i The limbered wagon carrying the regimental reserve of machine gun ammunition will ko sont up to section ‘headquarters, as may bo necessary, to ruplenish ammuni- tion expended fram the gun limbers, Te will be the duty of the how ammunition can best in COMMmander to decide = ee up-to the gun position, or at any rato up to fhe af the gun liners. “Oa the thee Bao, Ht -caay. be necessary to carry out the replenishment by hand from & point some distance in roa, titer See eae lion ia empty, Hed from the hs divest G4. chan 00 wk written request for the amount of ammonition required will bo sent. ii, Men, vehicles and snimals belonging to the divisional ‘SAA. column will not be sent further to the front than ‘the brigade reierve of ammunition except in onse of ‘emergency. wrew.vickersmachinegun.org.uk6. When machine guns ere led, it will be mocemary to forms brigade reserve of machine gun aminunition by withdrawing the ammunition Iimabered wagon from each machine gun platoon. ‘The four limbered ammunition Sapeaeil orially te: Geert together in a scleated position, ‘will be notified to all con- for inter-eommunicotion are available. ‘Tho method of supply: of ammnition will be on tho lines indicated in pars. 6 above. 4. Until factory filled (stripless) belts packed in xpecial boxes become available, it will bo nosessary to establish belt tilling centres ‘The principle ia that as much belt Alling view ta minimising losses 8, When a fore ia acting on the defense, It is ganerally possible ‘de ample ammunition for the guns. At loast 8 belts ‘guna in defensive positions for toe in firing ‘positions end will vary according to the rato-of fire ordered and Hee Lag af eine Far hich fv fo reqlred to be maintained. ‘A forward brigade ammunition dump, from which carrying partica can draw supplies for the guns, should be provided as far forward ay it is possible to take transport. The arrangementa for drawing ommunition to replenish this dump will be on the lines indicated in pars. 6 above. 8, Tho following modifications to the normal methods of ammuni- tion eapply apply to position warkaro. Before the attack is launched, dumps of ammunition for the use of machine guns which are to be employed in the initial covering fire should bo formed wt the actual gum positions, 205 In this connection, it must be bome in mind that barrage Gre ‘exponds large quantities of ammunition. A certain amoant of ammunition should bo carried forward by the machine gua detachments, ‘The amount thus oartied must depend upon the distanse which is to. ha tcavellsd, tho coudition of tho ground, and the eapauity of tbo ery ‘The danger of detachments undaly must al ‘be bore ia mind, = a carrying partica may be employed to cary forward ional supplies of ammunition. isla! and expenmtive in men, and should not bo resarted te more than is absolutely necessary. It must be remembered that ‘whon such carrying parties have ta be employed, they will usually ‘be drawn from the infantry. ‘The amount man is given to carry ahould ot, as a rule, be more ‘tan two filled hele boxsa. ‘Tho use, however, of tump lines or ‘Yokon packs ia of valor-in order to leston physical fatigue, and thus ‘to increase the distanoo over whioh tho carrying parties ean travel. Tt is not advimblo to increaso the lond by moana of these onrrying devices, as the distance which can be travelled forms tho peimary ion. The supply of ammunition by limbored wagons or pack transport the normal method, and must be omployed whenever Acrngenonts may be mado for amuunition to be carried Seward in tanks, whon thee are available. Ge an emergency, amugunition can be dropped from seroplanes meant of parachutes. ‘This must, Howorer, bo rogarded ax an Steeda ot racy. wew.vickersmachinegun.org.ukCHAPTER XVI. Prorrorion. 85, Machine guna sith oulpost trobpe, 1. The rile of machine guns employed with outpost troops’ is ction of fire when the outposts are required to resist & the autpoat rotistance, but should be sited in positions from which effective firo can be brought to bear on to the avenues of ‘to the above line, tho guns being in sections to the nature of the ground and of the As it will be impossible to cover with machine gan Ie avenues of approach to the outpost line of ‘outpost commander, or the commander of a sector ‘the outpost, must inform the machine gun officer ss to the areas Tocalities in front of tho line of resistance on which it is desined the bulk of the gen fre ish SLi a os ape attack. ee 1e of resistance does not coincide the piquet Fine, it will be of advantage if machine guns sited ‘tho defence of the outpost. line of resistance oan bi to portions of the groundiin frontof the piquet line, either ‘the piquots in tho defence of theie posta or to cover their ton to the outpost line of resistance, or rob-sections i li 27 general principles regarding tho siting of machine guns aoe Paar a tesa ata alcatiencas ae preeed (dee Seo, 127) apply generally in the caso of machine guns employed in tho outpost zone. 4. y, unless the onemy is close st hand and battle imminent, | weil pote Toasd a gua BotecRuaatts 1 Gd their * | faid on Bxed lines of fire which should bo rade known to piquet lores. & Machine gun detachments will not bo required to take part in the general obsceration and reoonnoitring duties of outpost ‘troops, but. will be required to find their own soatcies over machine gan positions. 96, Machine guns with an ademicad guard. 1, The dutics of an ndvanoed guard render it necessary that great fire power should be available in the shortest posaibla time. ‘of machine guns will, in conscqucnce, uvually be allotted to advanced guards, and complete tactical units should, imvaciably be ceuployed for this purpose. 2 The main duties of mschine guns in an advanced gunrd wel sormally be — fe) To amist in driving in the enemy's advanced troops by rapid development of fire nt the required points. (@) To sesist ini holding any position gained and in covering the deployment of the main body. {g) To protect an exposed flank or flanks. ‘Machine cums should be placed well forward in the ondor fender to enable them to come quickly into action. wew.vickersmachinegun.org.uk. 8 ‘There will genorally bo opportunities tor obi nflaile ‘tre, of which fll poten te Failing the engagemont of targets by direct obacrvation, the crom- fire frog two oF more scctions of machine guns dispoard ao ns to sweep suspected arcas will often prove of valne. 4. Omertanitis for dict fw shoud be soup ath ere ol le. 0) fire should be cmployed ss much a8 possibl és doce not mean ‘that indirect fire ehould never be employed, but in the mobile fighting of an sdvanced guard indirect fire methods will usually only be advisable when the officer controlling the fire is in a position to-wateh the movements of the infantry, to control his machine guns i mse ae fire. 5. If om attack om any ular locality beeomes sccexsary, the employment of, front in by arden ipontanene oe enveloping movement by the infantry, will usually prove most efficacious, ‘The bold and skilful handing of the machine gun limbered wagons eal eee arene textos tha Aap and in the Mounted officers and orderlies and scouts on bigycles or on foot veill be found fnvaluable for reconnaissance and inter-communion- 87. Machine guns.with a rear guard. LAs a rear guard will usually be required to hold positions fell th fatlitoaa wuciber of men am wcopia praiertsca cl eanahine ‘guns should be allotted to it. Experience has shown that woll-placed and skilfully handled machine guns can, with tho support of a small number of infantry, — for long periods the advance of comparatively large numbers of a ‘ranges on suitable supply of ammunition, Positions should bo selected. to give a wide and comprohoamive dicld of fire. (0) Machine guns should be disposed mainly on the flanks. (o) Mackine guns shaukd be handled {a sections aa fat as possible. (@) Defoace in dopth must bo maintained by the retirement ‘of altécnute aub-sootiona or sections, {e) Mashine guns shoald ba sited with das regard to the pros ‘of ultimate withdrawal. (f) Fall ase should be made of limbered wagons and paok oimals or withdrawal, aa wall as for forming amma tion damps in suitable piacos near poaitions on wl a guns will fall mee : (9) Saxprise effect must bo sought, bul the necassary conooal- ment must not intorfors with the mobility which is eowssary to ensure that successive withdrawals ocoupy the minima amount of tims, % Woilo tho withdrawal of machine guns should not take place ‘Sstil the latest possible moment consistent with the tactical situs- “Mle, the neceusary should be foreseon and prepared. “Thee acrangemeats will involve:— 3 {) Tho previous ssleosion of positionsin roar. Ti these positions can be sited so ax to cover the flanks of the mera forward sachino guns, odditioaal power will bo given to the The reconnaissance of covered lines of withdrawal. ‘The clom proximity and full use of lixbored wagons snd ‘pack teanspozt, wew.vickersmachinegun.org.uk2, “Every commander is therefore at all times le for ‘the protection of his command from surprise" (F. Vol. I, Seo, 78). Nothing can absolve the manhine gun commander from taking steps to csure his own protection, for which ho must S06 SY anlirely_on the protection afforded bythe dispositions of other troops. When moving from one part of the battlefield to ‘another, scoute must be rent ont weil to the front and fanke, When inaction, machine guns should be able to protect their own front Sovod of concatl apysnches ml be Sop vad on ay mi ‘under con finnoes observation or frequently patrolled. ea CHAPTER XVU. Macutne Guns in THe Arrack. 90. Duties in the attack. 1. The réle of machine guns in the attack is the energetic and. determined support of the infantey by firo, 2. This rile involves the dutioa :— (a) The kamediate sapport af Joadiag infantry, (b) Pate of the fianks of the infantry againit counter- at {¢) Holding tactical localities wpon which the infantry ean rally if driven back. 100. Digpositions in tie attack. 1. In dru ‘a plan of machine gan action in the attack, duo nt heer Dig ‘enol thoavailable machino gunias a rewrre power, ‘be unailable for offensive’ or dofensive action sa the siiuation demand. wew.vickersmachinegui.org.ukSS 3, "he mechine grins detailed to carry cut the duties given in © Seo. 06 will Fy be divided Sato r= en i. Forward guns ; whose réle in to work forward in immediate “support of the leading infantry, Ligtappe ing prea wlled will be diepamd] wo ano. (a) ope re iacial ais a they ora wen tas cain infantry for the further advarico} ; (b) caver the flanks 5 {@) Incteaao the voleme of eovering fre where necessary. 4, Th order that contimrcur support may Lephengeinate mlorr r= attniek- Ang Infantry. wll Sequently be necesnry for es ih to advance through and beyond the pedial pie pecae guns, i Lied _— ee hes ee ef supporting guns, ‘the supporting machine Oreos exact cee ciemenrre ae ‘This system of ‘leap-frogging” will be particulazly nooewsary in opecntions in which the advance ae ‘be continuous and may cover considerable distance, ¢9., ¥ enemy bos been driven buck but is «till offering resistance. On the ether fiand, in operations in which the attacking force Lies m limited objective, it will often be advisable for the rame machine guns to act an forward guns t! ‘the operations in band up to tho consolidation of the objective. 5, No hav and fast rule ean be laid down to determine the pro- Hon of machine guns to bo held in rescrre, or the actual division io " forward” and * * guna in am attack. ‘The follow- ing must bo considered initial distribotions -— §. Nature of thi operation and rile ofthe attacking force i. Information as to hostile dispositions and strength. ‘ii, Nature of the country. iy. Amount of arlillery available to support the attack. a guns detailed esa will be the: of the manohino gun disposi tions, The Michio ot orey sags 4g tack Fost (@) feicead machine guna ore beld in reserve with which to sbiain superiority of fiw in the event of any serious elotance being (6) Rapid intervention to a flank may bo pasaible. (c) Adequate distribution in depth may bo maintained as a dofence against ie sounter-attack, 18. Tn an encounter attack in close country, owing to tho difficulty tof accurately locating the position of our own troops, overhead fire ‘will be mbject to greater limitations than In more open conmtry. Jn this cise the proportion of forrand nanchine guns diroot in immediate support of the infantey Theee machine guns should take fall advantage of the covered os available fn close country to push to gain surprise olfect, a deliberate attack in close evuntry {a carried out according well forward and ‘tine table and with Inrge seals mapa available, indirect Ere i foantblo, and the nooesity for inoveasing the propor- machine guns will not arise. _-Vismegelgalasttr neti daa ener conse ; expected to perform other insks aalag fer it is ecsontinl that they should arrive at their the jedoquato supply of ammunition. wew.vickersmachinegun.org.uk101. Action of foricard machine guns. for sation has been ordered, the forward i The ai. The proposed route af advance. Tha deliborate attack, and in position warfare, It will usually be Bi ip 5 Nis poallons cg the night before the this casa previous reconnaissance of these positions ia dl hy duane pn 2 ‘thelr: ot wnt at the same thie oa the lines of ita me bans esti a eo ibm be onenbord tht tho welt ofthe on edna ammunition loads prevent the machine gunnor from keeping up ‘with infantry in a rapid advance. 8, In onder that they may be able to afford immediate support ‘to the loadin HT I ee ee eS ee to doal with hostile opposition which interferss infantry advance or threatens its flanks, to cover gaps in the attack or ta bald tantion inallon on wisi tho leading Witafcy oan ally if driven back. ‘These dates eal for ive action, and necossitatn readiness atiee The line of advance of these mactice guna Shadi beth ine wbionl tabethoncwll tae ana pose aloy to the points from which they can most eff jena the ees. But mora gain of ground should not be tod if it entails the ssactiflee of a position already oooapied which ‘better facilities {or carrying out tho task in hand. 285 Machine guna are not mited to take part in the close struggle ‘Progress. Immediate support: ecoeinat veteran on fimpest of he gun bined with readiness for by oll ranks, Constant relief is therefore necessry to ensure ‘& Commanders of forward machine guns will:— ‘4. Carry out personal reconnaissance well abead of the unit, Ii, As the advance progresses select fire positions which will :— (a) Enable the greatest mpport to be given combined with the minimum momber of bounds. (b) Give command of ground from which hostile fire is likely to hold up the advance. the flanks against counter attack during the oe | lil, Dee direct fire whomever poorible, 08 sa the tmp taken In seslva ' fire must be as short as possible, Indirect fire, however, should -be used when neccessary, but in much casca the mort simple method stall be expleyed, C2, 1.0.6. (short buse). 1, As for an j¢ maintain liaison with the commander of ntry whoee advance the machine gune are a Keep him informed of tho di of the machi report jlerea tactical situation permite, Linison ia often but occasionally useful information ean be obtained from the headquarters of another unit. wew.vickersmachinegun.org.uk266 Aw unexpected situations arise, deside on the immediate course of action. If this action conflicts with thé initial plan inform the infantry commander as regards tho action taken, =f 102, Acifon of supporting macine guna. 1. Tho supporting machine guns may be employed to carry out the init] programme of covering tira Ee ts copmeation Wik oe axtillory, whilst the forward guns aro in position of a endines to adranco in immodiato mpport of the a naar Sele ae ae guns will necessary for Fest pepey seep Sara fire om those focslities ronlaget whers, aati: sllustion derdlogs, the hostile resistance is found to be preponderant, 2 In solooting positions forthe abavo purpaso tho subsidiary taaks of the supporting guns, viz., consolidating suocessive objoatives as thoy ro by the loading troops, eoveriag gapa in the attack and affording protection ta the fants, must not be overlooked. Tho rélo of the supporting guns novessitates active forward reconmaissanse by the machine gan commanders in charge af thos guns, 3. Tn a deliberate attack upon a woll-orgunized position the machino guns employed to oarry out the initial yee Geryaiag cs eho, as iar an passiblo, Iho sited in inconspicuons positions in tho areas of-lesser shelling and in places which aro usually unocoupied by troops. ‘When time permits, omplaoaments should be dug beforehand, snd stocked with water ant SALA, and, if required: a batt filing shelter should be orected in the vicinity 207 ae ins detailed for ¢ ent in the initial Bre ee ere reared pee iceae Aaya adie ay chad Tn ae cases, overy ee for concealment miust be taken, eee one be done at night and conocaled “by camouflage v- machine em ployed progeamnie of Reece cuca cts performmanee of their task, thia move should invariably be regulated by a time table and the approximate Iocalion of new ponitions must be fixed beforehand by means of a ‘eareful study of the ground. protons here Jb is nobabls bed she eee wil barge must be avoided. taken forward to nssist in the concealment of the now po tions. it down should 103. General rules governing the advance of machine guns. 1, When advancing, alll machine guns, whatever their immediate ee ee ee $0 another along pre-arranged routes, ‘These should bo eecrnaltred by platoon or ection commanders during the advance. During tho advance concealment must: be soaght, not only from direct ground observation, tt else from the sir, and con: spioucus polis liable to shelling Bycncegspe antag una wew.vickersmachinegun.org.uk268 © 4. Every u2o must be made of limbered wagons (or failing thom Pack transport) to got tho machine guna forward quickly and to {Prevent the promatare exhaustion of detachment, 5. Fire and movemeut.—Although the principle that movement should be covered by fire, does not apply s0 mmach to the movement ‘of machine guna as to the notion of infantry in tho fire Sight, never- understood ‘thelew, tha principle must: bo tt ‘amid after applied by machine offices. Methods must, of course, be adapted to the situation at the moment, and to the tark in prec mien me fro rear oe jine gun move from one position to another, section should more, covered other oa shuld ve, cova bythe fio (if mens) of the cer section. ry leave the original ition when the section which moved first is im the new ate The sano method ies to tho sub-soctions of a section, and should generally bo by machine guns which have lien detailed for the protection of o flank, in addition, perhaps, to other duties. 104. Mutual apport and exereite of initiative. 1. The principle of mutual support must always be borne in mind, ‘Thus machine guns, which bare been detailed for.the immediate support of a particular unit, must always bo prepared to sover the advance of a neighbouring unit, if the opportunity should 2. Where the character of the country over whieh the atteck isto bo mace particalarly lends itecif to mutual support, definite arrange- menta can bo made in advance, but such support will be found more offen Lo depend upon the exercise of initiative by the machine gon commander on the spot. 105. Fire tactics. 1, The fire of machine ‘bo tithar direct. or indirect. Primarily tho machine Gina Gand en dante bat indirect fire may be usefully ecuployed to search localities on which direct fire cannot be brought to and to harass the enemy's back artas. and communications. Tndinéot fire also permits of distribution in depth ‘without undue sacrifice of fire powor, When e target ‘cannot. be by direst fire, the machine gun officer must immediately endeavour to engage it by indirect mothods. 2. Direct fire ovor the sights at ube target is the most effective form of machine gun fire, But although frequent opportunities vill be forthcoming for employing; with eflect, tho direct fire of machina guna in open fighting, both in attack and defence, tho opportunities for using this form of fre ta support infantry in the stinck of highly organized defences are lees numerous, Pull ad minst, therefore, be taken of the offensive power avail- tuble in the indirect fire of machine guns to support the infantry fa an milack of this noturo, for which purgoss barrage fre zusy often be amplayed. 3. Barrage fice by wachine guns is the fire of a large number of guns acting under a contealined control, dimicted on to definite lines in whioh the frontage engaged by s gun eldom exceeds 50 yards. “The cbjeat of barmge fre is to prevent the enemy from manning his defences in time to arrest the advance of the nssaulting infantry.” (FSR, Vol. 1, Seo. 448, 8.) 4, Barrage fire is cartied out by +— i, Artillery, ii, Machine guns, iii, Mortars, wew.vickersmachinegun.org.uk20 In any tho best results oan only be obtained irrage scheme asa whole and allotting to the dil ‘arms taiks which their characteristies render thom moat Atte to earry out. In this connection the limitations of machine gun range, and the noosasities as regards clearances over the heads of our own troops, mit be borns in mind when deciding whioh part of tho grand tw be barraged ja most suitable for the application of machine gua fire. 6. ‘There are two typos of barrago fire — i, Creeping barrage.—Tn which the hareage maves over aa aoa of around, in which caro the machine gun barrage would be ed th the artillery time table, thus searching ‘ground over which attacking troops are ailvaneing, or denying the usa of certain areas to tho enemy, &e. A creeping (maeliine gun) barrage been eed 200 yards at each Lift, It is frequently put down to 40 vou (semeien ing ta safety conslderations) Seon the 18, r barrage ii, Stoning barrage—Put down on a dedinito line and rematnl pee as long a8 sees a tat for the protaction a nitaek, &e. paper) renter sor case it F0- mains on its lino os long as safety and other considorm- tions permit, and may thon lift on tos socond ino further in advance. 8, When bombariment an operation in position warfare, thede machine guns which rs been llolie oe bates fre wal carry ant “ harassing fire," regarded as an part af tho protiminary bombardment. ae "Tho object of this ze is to— é i, Lower - ohbedh reas pie Si: Tnsteass ieee eat eer mae 1 by spssng se alloning targets — ‘the artillery—more “oNeiaeete ene jomuran oe which con ie. 8 ‘Routes, taken by ration partics and reliefs, dumps, rameye, ‘the aress botveon ommunication trenches, @) Any fi tatny_posns wl may, bo within range of machine gum fin. and other arms ration between machine soit 9 den ti routes into the com By it ia posible to drive the traffic fram © Bt iain ng eer i ‘Carualties eee ‘the ‘be ailery searching the communication tmnches with their enfilade guns, uring the; lovely approaching the day of attack when Fae ee ae ciegad tnd tin morezel Ube parison fas been thaken, tho plaa of concentrating the fire of machine on to carefully chosen centret of activity, and opening rapid ro for a short is effective. ‘This type of fire is known as Whee shooting.” ‘This treatment should ho applied to different points at irregular intervals, 7. Tho objects of barrage fire on ahe day of attack may be summarized as follows -— To place o protective ba at ovary stage of the advance. {2 vt pio of food and onuunition Beng brought (@ To mee reinforcement of the garrison, or ita retire- then] (@) To one ko onterny manning bis parspots and installing his mackine guns, wew.vickersmachinegun.org.uk(@) To tnterfore with the aoti oe eh xive uo, by the enemy, of mackine (N To moral, destroy (g) At al! times to save the infantry from casualties by koo} ddown the ire of the bstile infantry, cages dea aera of Nia tha Eleni ans alti — f Advancing aod eising thir objectives. 8. In order that machino guns may carry out tho réle allotted to thom in tho general ba machine reago ‘mauat fulfil tho Heceeeattaee, eee ete Te must be applicable equally to the doliberate attack where there is time for preparation, and to the Inter atages of lange operations which involve tho forward movement of units to new positions from which to ereate another barrage. iL Tetaust also apply to conditions of mabito warfare, becom: ing rolatively more important as the troops i of raga of the bulk of ther owa acilory. UO il. Tt must be foxible, ie, it mast bs possible to create a zone of intense machine gua fire on any ama within range with accuracy ond rapidity. 9. Dotails regarding the organization of machine gum barrage iain eee a 206. Machine guna in the alizct on a wood. or village. J. The attack on a laege wood, which cannot be envelo parsed by, will eonsist af ane or more of the following three phaace, role be entirely difforent in chamater, wiz. -— edge of the wood. ‘The the ii. ‘The struggle in the interior. ‘The ing from the wood on the ensiy's side, ama i i i ‘% As soon as the infantry have scoured a definite lodgment in 8 oomsidorable portion of the interior, some of the forward machine should be pushed up inclose support. | Tn addition to assisting advance of the infantry by meana of direct fire, those. machine guns will be of value in securing the flanks and in umdsting to beat off counter attacks. Caro mest be taken not to allot tasks to these machine guna whick would be better performed by Lewis guns. fat alge pach opportmiiee chil bo songs tet paing Beas Gaon Oe cnnitiiatat ioadieee nae thoy can support tho furthor advance of the infantry. TE this iw not feasible, owing to tho wood boing of ory large dimensions, it will bo necessary to increase the proportion of forward ‘mashing guns to assist the infantry in debouching from the wood ‘by means of direct covering fire. SG. In the case of sinall woods, forming part of a hostile defensive pesition, the attacker will probably endeavour to ouéflank and envelop rathor than attack them frontally. In this case machine gana will bo most usofully employed in covering the enveloping movomenta of the infantry by fire dixeeted against the {cont and Banks of tho locality which is being surrounded. For this purpos> 1s large proportion of the available machino gons will he employed ‘with advantago for long rango eovering and searching Lire, 6. As tho enveloping movements of the Infantry progress, machine gene abould bo moved to tultabla positions of the fanks of tbe Tneality, from which enfilade and oblique fire can bo brought against wrew.vickersmachinegun.org.uk276 the flanks and rear of the hoatilo defeneos. Qj doing s0 may frequently bo oflered to forward muchlon pans dal 1, The above principles th i pa fie sero mia nes aly equally totho handling of maching 497. Consolidation. 1. Tho forward machine guns can asst consolidation by covering thoreorganization of tho infantey and assisting i horronpniat ry anid assisting in repelling immediate 2. Where the atinok is limited in depth, th sonsolidation should be thought out Ces in Bal ie Precision, howorer, with which instructions on this subject can be tesued before the attack must in each ease dopend on the nature And scope of the operation nya whale, range fre ita must also be made to utili eZ eee ts utilise tho. jainits frontages or wreas in front or on the Gamks af the lending Yolume and organized depth will be ob- By this means tained to deal with deters counterattacks, 3, The following points ars of general application :— (a) A pause in the advance may oooar oither in nocondan: with tho gmeral plan of atiack, or owing to the strength, of the ecomy’s resistance, the exhaustion of tha attacking: infantry, nightfall, or any other caus. When such a patos, Ib ‘anticipated, machine gun commandees should 4) te) at once recomnoitre the with a view to moving tholr guns, if neccastry, into ‘positions more suitable for dofence in depth than’ those which they have occupicd during the attack, y Tf the attack is to come ta standstill at dusk, it is particularly important that final positions should be seleoted and ied, and range cards prepared, belore tho light fails, ‘Whenever there is a pause in tho battlo, and expecially at ae and at dawn, hostile counter-attacks are lable to lop. ‘At this stage, the Infantry may be in unfamfliar surround- ings, offen exhausted hy hard fighting, and porkaps eomo- what dimrgnnized. Machino guns oan do much to ‘protect the position and to anfoguard tho flanks, ‘This may necessitate the placing of machine guns as a tesi- oe ey in daolated fans, in which case guns should bo secompanied by an infantry escort. Tho advisability of detailing definite machine guns before the attack for the special purpose of consolidating soma particular tactical fosture depends upon -— ‘L The importance which is attached to the retention of the feature in question, ‘ii, ‘The likelihood of a counter-attack in strongth. Whero no sorious hostile reaction ls expected, it ix usually better to keep machine gun resources well in hand, ‘The state of readiness for repelling acounter-attack sbould bo upplomented dts the night by a vigorous pro- ene of hams arranged in co-operation with the artillery, on roads ad tracks, sovered Hnca of approach, and possible places of aasemibly. wew.vickersmachinegun.org.ukhe cs ing sai cal in mole etn he portunities offered to machine guns will be fleeting 5 quicknosa of See ek coming lito action arm teeta, of fiat im Mh machine gos must bohandlod rapidly and boldly, ver for ent bo mae fo open etre fire before the shock 8 ‘To ensure effective co-operation the machine andlor 1d ecoompany the commander of the eavaliy cent or formation until the momant whan tho machine guns ars required to be brought. into aetion, and tho former must be kept fully informed. the taation and the fatantions of sha earley F eee neta Dee osetia i seme Be rinciplos expressed in the foregoing scotiot spplicablo gnerally to tho handling of 6 musokine gun platoon corgi ia en oda a ie dispositions in the attack, P= ee 4 ho machine gn loon consis ofa eis ih ton Iam socapels tact unit Ey loall Gad neebeest lace sab-sections, a a stn os af a7 ‘breaking up taotical unite, which Leads to rol and dissipation of fire power, and must be avoided. fn the machine ees ‘dispositions in the attack will be obtained if the two sections ‘platoon ase pe eegtrereserer ss ts 4. In determining on the rilo of his machine gun Beom ie attack, the fimt consideration of @ battalion Comte at Be ehother he will retain the whole or a portion of the platoon in reserve during the initial stages of the attack. In making a decision on this matter, a. batialion sgoomander will bo gue by tha considentions given in Be. 4 100, 5. Jn an encounter attack it be advianble to retain in reserve ong or both sections athe Peles until tho situation is mulliciontly clear to indicate on what portion of the battalion front aschine gun fire is most required. Tn o deliberate attack it may bo expedient to utilise the whole ‘during the initial stages of tho attack, subsequently pushing forward one acction for the immediate support of the leading companics whilst the other section is held temporarily in reaerve, or is eont for consolidate a tactieal locality alrondy. 5, Before an attack is Inunched, the battalion commander must inform the machine gun platoon commander on the following a a ‘The objective or objectives to be (the frontage allotted to the batt (c) Whether any special measures are to be takna by the machine guns ts to the protection of coe or both fa. ‘The nature and the amount of artillecy support wyailablo, {e) Th tnctal Tovalifion which itis erotic oon bo mado good during tho a wew.vickersmachinegun.org.uka8 ‘partionlar measure required to be taken by the machine ie Pe to amb in consolidation of tho faal objective. S. n secept of the abore information, tho platoou commer will decide on his plan of aotion, for which purpose he muss, iftime permits, carry out recoanaissance (s0¢ Ses, 91) ot only Of the ground ovor which tho bnitalian is to advance but also of tho ground on both flanks of the froatago allotted to the battalion. 7. If the battalion commander has deokled ¢o rotain one machine m soutlon in roscrve, the platoon commander must issug instruc ‘Hoa for the ation of the remaining asction, which should normally be detailed for the Immediate support of the leading companica snd will then perform the duties of forward ons as laid down in Bec. 101. 8. Tf tho battalion commander places both sections nt the of the platoon commander, iho Inter must allot tasks to the two Sections in much a mannor as to ensure that the platoon is disposed ‘in depth throughout the advance, For this purpose he may dotail one section to act in the réle of forward guns tor {ha immediate ‘af the leading companics, rotaining the other soctioa mm Steely cal ie sont Toaot int vasa supporting guns, i.e, for the consolidation of tactical localities, tie protection of a. faale or the inerease of covering fire on any part of the batten front as roquired. 8. In the tactical handling af the two sections on the lings indic cated above, in order that contimows support may be afforded to t companics, “ loap-frogging " between ihe two seetions. will often be necessary. (See See. 100, 4.) Tt will he for the platoon ee the izarmost section should be a forward to take up (temporarily) the forwand guns, or wi {f should be brought into action to increase the volume of eavering fire en any particular locality, In onder that be may control such moves and ensure that they ace carried out at the right thne, the platoon commander must. be Ez Positoe to watch tho sdvance of the infantry and be in close with the rearmost scotion of his platoon. The qlatoon commander shoald not, therefore, be thed to his battalion headquar. tem duting the advance. A, Ts onder that the best: possible mpport may be afforded to the infantry during the advance it is omcutial that the platcon should retain goneral control of his cn For this reason machine guns should not be allotted to compatsies. Te will frequently be necessary for machine guns ta came inta action from posit sl aredfegtrernantabemeera ‘The distance from the fisnk of the battalion at which the machine Guns should operte will be limited by conikderations of lalson and inter-communication. U1. ‘The platoon commander is responsible for the supply of Amamunition to his sections. Ho must theeofore contrel the wove, ments of the S.A.A, limbered wagon which forme part of his platocn 110. Machine gum platoons brigaded, 1. In onder that ho may prepare « comprehensive plan for the action ol the machine quim, the brigade machine pon'enmeennie ‘aioe! receive instructions on the following points: (a) The tion of the available machine guns which the commander intends to retain in reserve. (®) The objective or objectives to be {e} The frontage allotted to the bri (2) The nature and amount of artillery support and whether any particular stepa are to Be taken as rogurds co. ‘operation between the muchine guns and the aztillery. (2 15591}Q, t wew.vickersmachinegun.org.uk230 {e) The tactical localities which it is emential should be made good daring the advance. (f) Whetler the rile of any battalion particularly nocenitates machine gun support. (y) Whothor any special measures ayeta be taken by the machine grins 08 regards the protection of one or hath Aanks, 6r to naaist int consolidation of the final objective. & In drawing up a pian of machine gun action in the attack, ‘the brigade machine gun commander will bo guided by the principles enunciated in Sec. 400. ‘The natire of the ground js a factor which he miust weigh carefully, ‘The ground will not always be eyually suitable for machine gin action on the whole of the brigade front, and it will often be necowsary for same ar oven the bulk of the machine guns to operate outside ‘the area covered by the brigade. - ,_As pointed oat in Sec. 100, 4, [t-will often bo desirable for both the forward and the supporting machine guns te operate under the orders of one machine gun commander. Uf, in the particular Operation in hand, it is not considered practic machine guns will act under the orders of the battalion commanders: for tush period or phase of the operation as may bo defined by the brigade commander and made clear to all concerned. 4, Whether the forward machine guns are acting under his orders or not, the brigade machine gun commande: must be in a position to control the movements and action of the supporting machine guns. In the initial stages of a delibernto attack it will be possible to allot beforchand definite tasks to faetocdee pn 251 But a8 the advance progresses constant changes in situation will necemilate the Intervention ‘of shane, or all of ony supporting machine guns on any part of the brigade trom 5. The brigade machine gun commander must take advantage pause in the operation toreviow the uaekine gunsituation goose, to satisfy himself that the machine gums are disposed in sufficient depth, and to comsider the advimbllity of the employment af rewrve guns, of carrying out reliefs, fe. Ho the guns have boconie avereancentratett or too nruch dispersed in hg Pomme of the fghllng, and he may hae to arrange thei regroup 6. In onder that he may regulate the supply of amon the muchine gun platoons in wecordance with the teclloalstantgey the brigndo machino gun commander must cantrol the movements z J of the brigaded machine gun ammunition limbered wagons. (2 15581j9 os wew.vickersmachinegun.org.uk282 CHAPTER XVIII. Machine Guns ix THe Derence. Gexxmar, Pamorurs or Eurtovstexr, r AAA. General considerations. 4. The priveiptes of defenco are laid down ia F.S.R,, Vol. 11, Chspter XI pense, i g 2A commanter who decides to await the enemy's attac before himself assuming the offensive, will economize as oe possible in the troops allotted to n defensive attitude, In order tay have the greatest possible force available for oflencn. hino guns, by reason of their great fire power, will assist pene ra deen deer peerage} will form on important part in the framework of the defence. ge . ‘The following sections deat mainly with the disposi Siete eens ees eae staid to frm part ofthe fore is to act temporarily on the defensive. Fs cubs otis cali ts peic iced ge aed etch i Lae held in reserve for offensive notion will follow the lines indicated in Okapter XVII al : 5, Troopa acting on the defensive must invariably bo imbued with tho offensive spirit; m merely passive defence lower moral 3 offensive spitit ia the machine gun detachments and envuce that the machine guns are ready to tire, and able to: fire edeotively, whenever an attack is by the eoomy. 442. Duliea in the defence. 1. The foundation of the doteasive organization must, be the ‘battle position, on which the defender intends to fight out ‘Tesourour. ‘the battle and oxpend bis lest An front of this and forming part of it thore will bo an post zone orgunised in dopth and held in such a way as to sorb the shook of the attack, to deprive it of its momentum ‘and to-broak up the enemy's organization aa far as possible, Thos abject of the defending troops isso ta wear down tho fighting Power of tho cnomy, while maintaining thelr own, that they wil able at a suitable time to romme the offensive, 3, Tho duties of machine guna in the echom of defence will, therefore, be :— 4. To assist the infantry in tho outpost zone to check and to ee disorganize a hostile attack, fi. To astist in the defence of the battle position, should ‘the enemy auceoed in ing the outpost zone. Hii To check tho advance cf the enumy, whether forward or laterally, should be penatmta the battle poaition. Jy, Toassist the infantry and tanks in tho exeeation of counter- attacks, 449. Dispositions in the defence, 1. In order that they may carry out the nbore duties macking gens uust be dixpored in depth. “Tho actual depth to which the ‘machine gun defence shold be carried should normally include the main field artillery positions. wrew.vickersmachinegun.org.uksupport ienportance, to attack for the recovery of the loat ground. ‘They must also. be die. tributed so that if the enemy succceds in overcoming the forward troops, his farther advance may be checked by the machine guns in rene nfl the pecewary mentures can be taken to rectors the tuation. “In the organization of tho machine an defeoue, 4%, In determining on the disposition of machine guna in tho fence, due consideration imist he given to the necessity for re- james Meo of tho available machine guns as a mobile reserve, to be used either (a) to stiffen the defence if necessary, or (b) to co-operte with troops detailed to carry outa coanter-sttack, (See Seo, 320.) rence hate boop Golatiedl ths bull bi tha seasiltly miibie ceasing Hous ta bo reed ie the aaa ers in edvance of the battle position hare the rile at ene ‘Only 8 comparatively small proportion of the available machine gans, therefore, must be allotted for the 3 inmadiale auppact of then tutes he aclu! sumbor to be allotted for this parpose can only be decided after a atudy of the ground. aay gunshald ural te dep eub-cections and should be employed to. assist of ef 16 Outpost lino of resistance, machine guna for the immediate support of the troops in the outpost cone, stops rhowld, _ 285 if possible, be taken to arrango that machine guna aited for the dlaage of the batts ration see eeinie eer features in the outpost lino of resistance. (ee also Bee. 416.) the available sroand is restricted, tho, forwanl partion of the battle position ‘will samotimes ooincide with the fina of resistance, In euch cases. {t will gonerally be neccumry for this Hine to be strongly defonded by machine gun fire. &. In position warfare fow machine guns, if any, should bo placed in the es area. z Even if machine gun detachments are accommodated in P ‘sats netr the front line, their ehancs of coming into atin baal, finco hy tho tine they have manned their gana the cabmy may have overrun the gun positions, and ono of tho chief characteriaties of the gun—eis., sustained fire—oannot be brought into play. AG. Leayinig out nese defences, Wibeas pou now defonces, the fields of fire for machine bs Iniet out befo.e tho lines of the teonch system are determined in detail (sec F-&.., Vol. I, Bee. 430, i be postible to make full use of the ground with a advantageous ‘view to the moat fon of machine gan fire, ‘Thin method of pre ization of the dafance is of especial importance in fiat country where the ficld of fire cannot be increased by moving muabine guna to higher pee Care must be taken while the are in process.of construction not to block the fields of machine gan fire which have boon decided upon. Sirsa oF Macumn Guxs mt Depxxce. 148. General principles, 1. No attempt should be made to site machine guns so that every yard of ground is rwept by their fire, ‘The tasks allotted to ‘machine guns must be those best suited to thelr characteristics, ww. vickersmachinegun.org.uk2. Muchine gon fire should be used te corer the more important features and (o deny to the enemy tho most favourable routes of ‘advance. It may be employed to stiflen the defence of arcas already covered by artillery or trench mortar fire er to defend areas which ‘the artillery cover cannot. Toealities of tactical importance must be strangly covered, Sey it becomes necosniry ti leave gaps on parts of the front ‘whero an attack ix less probable, ‘Generally ing, machine guns should be sited so that their fire will cover the ground on which the enemy is likely to present the Theat targete. 4, Owing to the value of enfilade fire at close and medium ranges, ‘the machine gun defence of a tactical feature is best ensured by placing the machine guns away from and on the flank of, rather than on, the feature. Consequently machine guns will not necosarily be sited in the area of tho unit whose fromt they are covering. ‘The employment of machine singly must be avoided. ihe machine gun defence were ioe disposition of the guns ssingly, the lost of onc machine gun might disorganite the whole system of defence. Machine guns be in of sections, in order to secure sufticient volume of fire, to control, and to inspire mutual confidence between the gun detachments, 416, Fire tnclies. 1. The fandamental principle upon which the plans for defence sti and nerf heb nfo are te propre enemy by direct urn ranges. Ee ae fire, preferably direct, can be ured in order to harass and to up troops advaneing in close formation. ‘Tt cam alo be used to assist in disorganising the enemy during tho 287 ‘opening stages of an attack if it ia directed on to the most likely avenues of approach, or between the posts in the outpost zone. ‘The employment of long range fire will bo limited by -— (a) The necemity for retaining at the mAchine gun positions ‘& minim of 2,000 rounds a gun (in fled belt) for loss range fire. (8) Tho undesirability of disclosing the machine gun positions, 3. Indirect fire can be employed where it ia not possible to. deal owith the vt by direct fire.” This may often be the caco when a which have to ba engaged at Jong range cannot bbe son from a gun , Or when sindke, mist or darkness Prevent any target whatever from being seen. For this roason all machine guns normally sited for direct fire must alao be able to & fire on their lines by indirect means if ne ‘Once the enemy hax ponetrated tho outpost ft will usually be impossible to engage him with indirect fro owing to the dificulties of tion of fire, and the tincortainty of his positions, 4. All the considerations contained in the procedi Fara] must be taken into nocount iio workiig Gerth cee ane gain defence, So) ERs machine guns sited in fixed positions munt in depth with the object of defending Sie fetes wid ee Oreos wets aoa When this has been done, as many of thoes machine posse sboild be utilised for long nn fire—dlrect of indarest accanding to circumstances, i will bave two main lig Cee ee ee (a) The more important line, for medium and olose ranges ; @) The long race lino, whlch will urvally ental fod re. & The i general considerations the yinen! © barage fig lan defioce are kid dova in PSE Ver ee tse Vol. TI, Sec, 238. wrew.vickersmachinegun.org.uk35 If armge fire forms part of the defence scheme, earefal co- ondination i required between artillery, machine guns and mortars inthe preparation of the scheme. ‘This will entail ample time ‘cing availablo for reconnaissance in Gea dass an eres ‘or localities are to be covered by attillery and machine gun fire ly. 447. Selection of positions on the grow. 1, Onea the gonernl distribution of the machine guns in the sobeme of defonce has been settled, and an approsimnte ides of ‘their locations has boon formes, it will be necessary to select tho actual poritions om tho ‘The following considerations ast be taken into accour (a) An extensive range along the most important line of fire is easential: if possible, this range should mot be less than 800 yards, for guna sited in paira, and not lean dhian 1,00 yards for guns sited in sections, (b) The field of view ehould bo ax wide ns possible, in order to enable the machine gunners to engage other tangata when the most important area of fire is clear. (@) When the configura ae toe ge re should be chee with « view to b ta ih bear upon. oe c (dy Al ae if rae ‘be capable of all rane defence. For 1 it is meceasary to siecop. Wi ieiocantie pare blo ox ternutive positions, (a No eae pepe as to the alting ef saehine ‘a clearly defined trench system. Gung sited es Mtely eo coma andr cnet rly i cate ern SS ey ove Visited in daylight. thee 30 Where a position can be sited in the pee without, any indications (¢g., tracks to the position, traces of ‘ork, ebadowe, &e-) being afforded py sie: from the ground or from the air, it may escape delibera pbelli: ats on tetas, he ald in ‘will be less restricted, expocitlly in at country, ‘Ths turn af Ue, eaplacnrseat ea sts ee sidered (ee Masa! Pad Works (Al Avra), Chapter Y). {f) Protded thet: » revere. slope affords the miquired fold ‘of fire, Ik possesses certain for machine (gun positions, and eae peau city teas east subjected to ground observation For nuchine guna in rear positions, however, shes concealment is less difficalt; a forward slope generally: seitie uctncite ys loge baer ie {g) An undulating country, valleys whieh leed from the enemy's positions will form likely svenues of approach, guns should be posted at the heada or along the sides of mich valleys, #0 as to command them, When there is a valley which the enemy must cross in bis advance, posithons for the machine guna should be foand from which it is possible to bring tire to bear on the enomy as lo ts erosging the ridge to descend Into tle alley, ad tlac t6 eablate the bottom of Ive rally, msl ia Pele Sle eg lb eee therefore, as 3 general rule, only a few, if any, Se ae cea ire enact sdraategsoen sites ean bo found, machine gins posted a village may prove of grest value. (9 8 wah gen Shoo be sited near a conspionous oF dous landmark (e.g., an isolated ruin, an isolated clump ee oe ek ‘trench junstions, &¢.), nor should a hy Ne wew.vickersmachinegun.org.uk(j) Machine guns may be sit oO tian be chosen which is 1 to be subjected Loyeeucuey a pei es in the collars of a group of niin he dificult for the enemy to Jocate thoir exnot positions ; but it must be remem! that carben monoxide gas may render ill-ventilated emplacements untenslle if muck firing 4s carried out, Similarly, a largo wood lends itself to defence by nests of machine guns, ax the folingo and undergrowth give ideal facilities for concealmont, even of comparatively large field works. ‘The sdvance of tho enemy should be diverted by woll arranged obstacles and, if necessary, lestingy, hls) ary omee VPy mectine wun fire. in woods, valloys or depressions gar is particularly: dangerous. When guns are sited in atch areas, the most stringent precautions must be taken against the effects of gun. {k) Wire obstacles sited In connection with machine 1 Bre, niay be classed ns “ tactical” or “dolensive.”” ‘Tactical wire should be carefully sited, with the object of forcing the cnomy into definite arcas or along routes upon ich concentated machine gun fire can be it to lear, Defonsive wire is that which is sited in to afford focal protection to machine gun positions ; it is mot necessarily covered by the fire of the machine guna it protects, but must be covered from fire. Tele not edviaable 10 alte machine gen ition At the apex of wire enfeglement, ns the enceny i bound to suspect its presence. dummy emplacements should be consirncted at such points: the actual gun should be in a concealed position to a flank or in rear. aL selecting a position due regard must be had to ite eon- Te ett Fas gael ter etek ak the siz, Zrery machine gon offcer sheckd t= familiar with the principles and pmctico of camouflage. (See ‘Manual of Field Works (All Arms), Chaptor IX.) Combined with the skilfal use of natural and artificial camouflage, mobility, alternative positions, frequent, obanges of position (where practicable) and dummy ‘positions should all be employed to deeive the enemy's ‘observers, 2. When « position is selected on a forward slope, thera should ‘be some covered approach by which access to the gun may be ‘Traces of occupation of an isolated position are diftioult to avoid : Aacog the day ie will ten prove advible forthe detach to live at some little distance from the machine ran position, if they can reach it by @ disused trench or some covered approach. 3. Machine guna should not be fired prematurely fron the positions which they will ccoupy in the event of an attack. Alternative positions must be prepared from which to carry out harassing fire. 4. Every machine gun detachment should have with it the moans for destroying the gun should necessity ario. A hand grenade placed on the brecch casing is sufficiont. 4B. Summary of onviderations as to siting. The following is a summory of the eonsidorations givon in the ‘preceding seotions regarding thesiting of machine guns in defence :— i, No attempt should be made to swoop every yard of ground by machine gun fire, Fire must bo directed on to areas over which the enemy will probably advance, and must wew.vickersmachinegui.org.ukoo ‘be utilised for the dofence of important tactical features, . Pigmaraigan med ‘OF inenfilade. . All machine gens must be sited for the employment. of diet fre ak medi afd close ges, ands races of at least $000 rounds» gun in filed belts must be Hasta as te mich gets pono a ie juice iii. Long range fire, either direct or indireet, can be employed es Liatmta aril Wi Sian gualen Abi ca ieay) babe cee duty of machine gons is that given in the preceding angraph, The fold offre should be as wide and as leop n8 possible, in order that ths greatest neo may bo of long range fire on suitable targets ‘This applies especially to machine guns sited in sections. iv. Machine guns should rarely be sited en ly singly, and thon ony ¥. The more forward machine gune should generally be sited Ee liek ee thle wll Sete te ecatcgl tel frst moral, and enable one gun to carry on the task in the rent of the other gua being put out of action. Machine farther in rear can usually be sited in sections. vil. Machine guns in rear can often be sited 40 that their fre will protect the flanks of the more forward guns, but this isa ry consideration, and must not restrict Local Se ee ae ae iy ‘of adequate caver for the machine csohbeis hast be eee TEs not sound 10 + select machine gun positions for m good field of iro in 208 ‘an aren which Is likely to be subjected to an intense bombardment unless adequate protection ia provided ‘within a short distance of the position. is. Liaisoa between the engineers and machine jannets mst ‘be maintained in order that the most olfeative use may tbe mnie of obstacles and fickd works, ‘Tacrtean Haxpuixe, ALD. General considerations, ‘has lnunehed an attack on a large zoale the L. Once the a action of tho guia, other then those in reserve, will bo by the tasks allotted to them beforehand in tho plan of defence. 9, Phe failure of all telephonic or telegraphic communication with the more forward gun detachments must be anticipated. Machine fun defenes in the forwnnd uses will probally clevslop into « sates Sb minor actions each involving the anost stubborn dofencs of im- portant taptieal features, So faz ox the gua detachments Mllatted to tho defence of a position aro consemed, any position thoy are oriered to dofend must be held to the last, or untill they receive orders to withdraw. As long as machine gunners are still eolding oat, no position can be regarded as lost, and the delay thus caused to the enemy's attack may gain time for the development of @ successful counter attack. If the gradual withdrawal of the more forward michine gun detachments is ‘by superior authority, their movements should be eovered by the infantry. 4. Tn onder to overcome the ditiiculties caused by loss of inter-eom: munisation, and to obtain information as to the dispositions of the defending and attacking troop, active reconnaissance must be carried out and close liaieon anaintained by the mechine gunners with the artiliery and tho infantry: wrew.vickersmachinegun.org.ukpay 420. Action of the reservea, 1. Im all plang for counter-attack, whother drawn up beforehand ‘of made on the spur of the moment, the covering fire of machine guns, proforably firing direct and from a flank, must bo included. Previous reconnaissance in eloso conjunction with infantry oam- manders should enable machine gun commanders ta determine pane tho areas in which counter-nttacks may have to bo ivered, ‘The latter will thon he able to. select. pouitions from ‘which direst observation of the counter-atimoka may be possible, 2, When time is available, positions must be prepared for reserve ly in the rear zone of the battle poaition. i machine guns will geeupy these positions directly the hostile attack materializes, but they must retain their auobilty in ordor that they may be able to more quickly when required either to protect the fanks or to support troops detailed to carry out a counter attack. Tt in possible that restrictions of time and labour may prevent tho roar systems of defence from boing fully prepared in all details Should tho enemy penetrate rapidly into the defended area, many ‘of the defences to bo cocupied in a rear system may be in the nature of i defences. In this cave, full use inast be monde of ee see ee el eae oro tome distance into the defended urea, the- ‘enemy for a time at any rate, be somewhat disonza- nisedl, his heavy guns will not have been moved up and registration Positions can, thereforo, be occupied. 3. happen, whon the arable reucrves are fom, that machine guns will, the fimst instance, form the principal - it z | } is defence. Under these ciroumstances machine gun detachments must be prepared to point out to the lotanisy Sis pevpared pealiocs in ihe reat ayes 4, Tis of extreme impartance that machine guns which may be ‘sequired to man rear systema of defence, should earry out thorough ‘of the positions which they may have ta occupy, and of the ground in the vielnity. Such reconnalasanees should be made both by day and by night. J, Although the enemy's advance does not necessarily entail the ‘rithdrawal of the machine guns, it may happon that such a with- drawal has to be carried out to conform with the movements of froops om tho danke, tis wuvntiah theron thet plans for a possible withdrawal should be prepared beforehand and communi- ‘sated confidentially to responsible. a 2, ‘The success of any such oparation will depend upon ;— i. The plan being communicated to, and thoroughly understood all eoncorned. linison betwoen machine gua, infantry and artillery commanders, iii, The determination of all ranks that the enemy must be made to sniffer heavy casualties for any gain of ground which bo may make. When moving from one position to another, machine gun detach- ments mast be assisted by covering fire feom the infantry, as machine: uaners cannot move their equipment and use their riiles at the same time. Ina withdrawal, tho infantry cecort forms an important factor in successful machine gun work, ‘commanders only. wrew.vickersmachinegun.org.uk422, The machine yun platoon operating with ite baleation. 1. A comprebensive plan for the action of machine guns ix of such cafne iv th general scheme of defence for a force ofall arms, thot itowill only be expedient to leave machine gun platoons with their ‘battalions when eircumstances ronder it impracticable to: prepara och «pla. ‘The occasions on which such cironmetances will are may be summarized 05 follows :— {. A-single battalion may be dotaited to cover the front of & rigade. beaten ents site arti rile of outpost troop: isposttion of the machine eer eine ce ee tata ii, When timo pipoeierien mrs oe which ie nocemury before a comprehensive plan of machine gon action ean be propared. HL Whoo a brigade bas to coeupy mach an abnormally, wide frontage that there can be little depth in ita dispositions. Tn the case of either (ii) or (lil) bore, the machine gun platoons sayin by battalion 2, Before he can subenit a plan for the dis gan platoon which must be bas ca the teetiona, the platoon commander tions of Lhe machine sciples in the proceding. must be: with information tn the pointe mentioned in Se. 92,4, and must know what pro- portion (if aay) of the platoon the battalion commander intends fo retain ns a mobile reserve, 207 423, MacKine gun platoons brigaled. 1 eG ‘plan for the action af the available inachine guns, a brigade commander must consider the brigade sector as a whole and make an allotment suitable to Sees ieccplivat ie nial ates dea is battalions. "Tho protection cf one or both flanks, or the nature of the ground, ‘will often make it necessary to allot’ a larger number of machine guns to tho defence of the ares occupied by ono battalion than to ‘that oocupied by another battalion. 2, Having received information oa the nientioned in See. es 4 and aed 4 (0 the proportion (if say) af the available machine Liga commander intends to ein sw bie PUR ais cote pon wae after carrying out the necessary reconnaissance, will submit plan for the disposition of tlie madling guna in acoordance ‘with the principles already enupedited, 3. The brigades machine gun commander must ensure that bat- talion commanders are fay ‘aware of the natare and amount of machine gum support which is to be aflordet to their battalions. He will also be ible for working out, in conjunction with the artillery staff, the technical details which ore necessary to ensure co-ordination of maebine gun and artillery fire. wew.vickersmachinegun.org.ukShatassealsye gesenaenoagesezese senate tnnnessees eeeeeereenenyenees ShASSoA esse eaGa Re Raxon Tawits—eontinwed, rare cate SSeceeeelys anas38a8 BRAS HSRSERSRASIREE ISTE Et sees 7 HIT Bs3e3e 4 i i Vaasa ‘ zs a ces g ai- ary ate 4 2 1) (2aessee toouxistova| BRSSREEEEE Pangent angle, a wew.vickersmachinegun.org.ukTime of fight. Distance Traversed in Yards, AebesUUeEaBUEE 2] 8 r Noten tie for oft (ange Table. Cal 7) ba oth descent and the size of the Beaten Zone at each particular ‘The: are arrived at in the following manger:— = me 1,200. Sst x ta rn ; er ar al a7 < H “nesses RSS H Pay e G WH wew.vickersmachinegun.org.ukmaeteeeagicsgeesezel § Bay eaigee t= ry PESERT TTT EOE am smewns oe SUULIN HI SORVAYET Ch mer as of eT VERSES uh NS Se = tess His hoTaW Hadad wea sae WIRYme ile i a ey a wail =i fa E 1 = Hetidbts - Bais aiget deh fuel aati Hiss: fy a a fs aera aa ages sno! 21 sen 00 . ax} sf 100 120 tio 100 sof Yards ww. vickersmachinegun.org.uk302 APPENDIX IV, GRAFH OF ALLowaxcEs OR Comamio Vantartoxs. Gilowagces ip Minutes. 2 4G 8 6 EG i a072 me ae Ee Range in Hundreds of Yards. Side twin curve Heed or rear wind curee }#t0 for 20 miles an hour wind, gurve ia for a variation of 20° from normal (60° F.), Sarometer ouree i fora varistion of | knob fron moral (30 iach), — ov sight. wwwew.wickersmachinegun.org.ukAPH, [Te face page 303, APPENDIX V. Seale fac the gonversion of OBLIQUE bases to TRUE baven, ‘Example -—Hase Sthx long at an angle of 128°. From ail, 75:2 of obliqus kaos equals trus base, which i 60x, nse eee ee re sacl line nearest to the point eat ae ee et k ‘base Hine (vertical) the $5 09 os 70 75 42 Os oD tae as so el ia or both in retrem, oe we ao Ww ae a ee ce r wad of 2° mt ae at a se 3" ah oy so ae oe A et ast ao ac’ se S* wg! an Bet 0" ot wt jot aoa a ae wot cr ae nec’ ot 2! gost ant out ast zac’ zac ped zoe son" gas" sau past ae 4 2 = lee He ele of jai at hs ee ag cre aoe ee i ee = ie a eg Tease Ra Sa WB po ae BASE. wew.vickersmachinegun.org ukGilowanees ig Minules > face page 303. i Ve 1. GForce ot ‘The Angle is shown by the di of intenection of the requi ae ESaMrin Range 2,00: Bar. 25.5" ‘Tera. 90°F, Wind oblique from Right Rear, 80 m.p.h. Blevation, From barometer curve: _ Allowance for 1" variation Ly ‘This mist be deducted From temperature curve : Allowance for 20° variation won MS This must be deducted From rear wind curve : alionabst oe ph ‘This must be halved aa wind is is olgue = = 16 ‘Thia must be deducted ... ==16 ‘Total allowance for elevation =—W Direction, From side wind curve: Allowance for 20:m.p.b. " 6a ag” ‘Thia must be halved as sind in oblique = Wind fe from right Allowance is to right Es a wrew.vickersmachinegun.org.uk304 . APPENDIX. VI. ‘Tessa axp Apyustiva Comsowermes ax Asoce vr Stant Issravsusrs, (AL —Clinomerer, Vickers! -203 inch Gun Mark [, Testing and Adjusting. 1L—To test, i Set soales to xora, i. Place olinometer on gun, elovate or depress until bubble ix in cathe of run, i, Reverse olinometer and note position of bubble, @ eee ie nommelor is probably in adjastmont, but dep, and 10 dog. elevation. (e) aisloca | isa ot ence presents iy. In the case of (6) leave tho clinometer on gun and rotate minute seale until the babble.is ngain contral, then note tho scale reading. y. Having noted the variation from zero, halve it and set the ” seale to this point, eg., smpposo that reader points te 20 min, E., eee vi, Replneoon gun and proceed nsin (ii) and. (Ill. does not come central, repeat process. Nore —When rotating minute drum always turn to tho left Inst, ive, clockwise.” Be ‘Should an error bo found, it will be seem that whon the clinometer is truly horizontal there will be a varintion in the xero reading. ‘This ceror can be noted oF scales adjusted, If the bubble 305 2 To adjust. ‘With a spanner unloose the “ nuts securing micrometer collar,” ‘set scale to zir0 and tighten "Ht the variation is large, it may be neoessary to resct the degree reader. This ix done by loosening the two securing screws and sliding reader ta right or left, as-may be necessary, and elamp up. (B).— Angle of Sight Insirwment, Mork 1. ‘Te teat and adjust the instrament, 1. Lay outa horizontal line. This is done as follows :— (a) Select a position whoro there are two walls or upright ports, sax about 200 yards aport, ond as far ax pombe on the same horizontal plane. (Sec Diagram.) TF HORIZON TAL ieee es 2 CO ate eens Tak che insteumunt to one wall (A, i poi at the comer of a house, Set the angle of sight seale to zero, iret the teleseope at tho etber wall and bring the to the centre of its run. Look through the telescope and direct someone to mark the point. whore the crost-wire outs through the distant wall (B}. Mark the wall where you are standing at (A) the sume height as the object glass of the instrament. wew.vickersmachinegun.org.uk2 (¢) Take tho inatrument to the distant wall (B) and place the object glass against. the mark (B) made oa it. Still ing the angle of sight scale at zero, bring the babble to the contre of ita ran, If the: instrument ia in adjust- ment the cross-wire should be in ling with the mark (A) on the first wall and the line betwoon the two marks is in m horizontal plane, (2) TEsuch is not the case direct someone to mark on the first wall (A) anotbor point (O) an which the eross-arite is laid, the babble being central. (¢) Make a third mark (D) om the first wall exactly balfway between (A) and (C). (fy) With the instrument still at (B) on the second wall elevate or depross the until the orost-wire is laid on the third mark (D). While keeping it laid on this poine rotate the micrometer head of the initrumont until the ‘bubble is again in the oontre af ita run, (g) Without altering the resdings take the instrament to (DB) and check the adjustment back on (B). If correct a line When ance a horizontal line bas been obtained any number of instruments ean be checked and adjusted on it ca ere eae abe beetricdal aig pees to adjust the instruments. Sct the degree and minute: to zero. Place the object glass at ono end of the horizontal line and lay the right ond of the cross.wire in the inatrument on the point at the other end of ‘the line laid out. ‘The contre of the bubble should then be in line with the horizontal eroas-wire in the instrument. ' 4, If the degree scale is found to be more than « few minutes off ipmlate the acrow the cased bubble until, the scalea belng at wero, the ‘horizontal eross-wire in the instrument: is laid.on the distant point in tho same horizontal plano, and at the sume time is opposite the ‘centre of tho bubble, [a ism dolicata operation and can only be carting out by an mapas there age of damaging the mechanism and smashing the bubble glass, 3 Ba i wew.vickersmachinegun.org.uk“ wew.vickersmachinegun.org.ukwrew.vickersmachinegun.org.uk —ANY TS MAR i aN AS BILE ae aS \ AS COS 8 Se SN SAR SS angy Pei! a cite san amean APPENDIX XI, Nigh firing lamp, (Eiga. and 61.) Jaonp ie specially withstand rough usage in wl ot the opie ptr is adjosted from tho outside and the flante cannot icone lamp is closed. if inch thick, and is double frosted 0: behind ae up to allow of ‘of tho is Fittee! to a small bracket on the target post, thus height to be adjusted according to tho slopo of the TF Pee ee APR ( 15591) i u wew.vickersmachinegun.org.uk312 fpaveys Oe rer sAayD hinegun.org.ul ‘weew. wickersmachil ue (B 15501}q34 APPENDIX XIII. ‘Testiva Macuixn Gux Basnera. 1. A machine gun barrel is anid to be inaccurate when a number of shota fired from it by a skilled firer wing reliable ammunition and in still atmonphero, strike a large target at several points widely ‘distant from each other. 2. It must be remembered that there are factors other than an inaccurate machine pun barrel, which will envse a large dispersion ‘of & target. A faulty mounting or unreliable amninition, may ‘cause a good barrel to give a dispersion which would eondemn it dit iagram. eee Day nin Gass Geen ale pag possible every care must be taken ta elitninato ax for ms poreible all aveidablo sources of error, both in the mounting or ammunition. 4. In condvoting teste the following roles must be carefully ob- served in order to ensure that relinble data aro obtained as to the condition of the machine gun barrel under trial :— i. The gun and Darrel will be carefully overhauled by an armourer and any defects noted. ai, The mounting will be overhauled by an aysourer and as far as possible all looseness in tho joints taken up, ii, A roliablo batch of ammunition will be used, of uniform make, carefully insposted and loaded into belts, and sptced into ten round groups. iv. A relisblo firor will bo solected who will fire throughout ‘the seriea. vy, A favourable day will be chosen, £ € 315 ¥L. The tripod will bo mounted on the normal position. vii, ‘The distance will be 500 yards, ‘vil, A square target of not Iess than eight feet side and covered with white paper will be wood. ‘The target will bo carefully rulod off into squares of one foot side, and suitable black aiming mark, eg. 0 square of black paper of one foot side will be provided. ‘ix, Aim will be taken as directed in the rules for aiming, and ‘tho slovation used will be noted, Should there be any lateral effect dus to wind, it may be necessnry to move the timing mark to the right or left os miay be required. x. Before applying fire to the target, 30 rounds ahould bo fired rough the gan directed at a point aa the stop butt alongaide the target in order to settle down the mounting. xi, Fire oan now be directed nt the alming mark, and a burst ‘often rounds fired, ‘Tho ten rounds must be fired in one burst, should any stoppage occur, the target. will be patehed ont and tho practieo repeated. xii, When the firing of the faa been completed, the target will be examined to ascertain if there are ten cloan shot-bolex visible. Should there be mare er leas than ten hits the target will be patched out and the practice repeated, xiii, Tf thoro are ten shot-holes visible the position of these hits will be recorded carefully, by measuring from the bovton: Ieft-hand comer of tho target, tho horizontal ‘and vertical distance of each shot-hole in feet and inches, and ing samediseck to A.F. 12202, or, preferably, entering in a note-book in two columns giving bori- = vontal and vertical measurements of euch shot. ww. vickersmachinegun.org.uk316 ‘Pho position of the “ point aimod at" must also be recorded in the samo manner. xiv. Three diagrams will be takea with each barrel to be tested. 4 Tho “Agure of mort’ of tho barrel will then bs computed in the following mannor — i, The position of esch shot will be plotted on A.F, B 202 aueasured from the left-hand bottom corner of the dia- gram according to the measurements taken down. Each shot will be numbered consecutively one to ton, and at the same time the horizontal and vertical ‘moasurements will be entered in foot and decimals of 4 foot to two plaoos, in the column provided for the re: ii, Similarly, the position of tho “ mark aimed at” will be plotted on tho diagram ond marked “X," amd its ‘Tmgasurements entered In the apaco provided. iii, Exch column will then be totalled and the means found. ‘ik pele ot tnteeetion. the the nd mean vested poriians of the ill give the position “point of moan eer cote te, oo rere iv. A rectangle will now be drawn whioh just embraces the eco tom ssl tha Sento Sl vere measurements entered In the summary. ¥. ‘The distance of exch hot from the“ point of mean impact” ‘will now fhe measured and entered consecutively in the column hoaded (‘deviation from point of mean impact.”” ‘Tho mean of the deviation gives tho * figure of merit ‘of the barrel, Tho “‘Ggure of merit" will show the an sccursoy of the Tare When the averags of the “figures of merit” of three dingrams oxcceda 1°5 foot, the barrel will be reported nx innecurate, 5. The various headings of A.F, B 202, will be filled up giving he foll particulars regarding tho mark, source of manufacture of t! gun and barrel, and the mark, date, and place of manufacture of the am : "The direction and strength of the wind should be noted, but ite elicct on = group of ten shots, individually, is so emall as to be ‘the abowe mothod it is possible to eainpare thr relative steadi- ness of different monntings, provided thst gun, barrel and ammuni- thon are known to be reliable. ‘Also, by ensuring that gun, barrel and mounting are reliable, St ia Posaiblo to compare the rarious brands of ammunition. wew.vickersmachinegun.org.uk318 APPENDIX XIV. Onoarmation or Mactme Gus Barrage Fre. “1. "The effoctivencas of machine gun barrage will depend prin- cipally upon the following factors — 1 Phe dangerous space of the dullle—This will vary swith ‘the range pela il Lam at eg tl the slope of the ground (ere Seo, 48). ii, Phe mumber of rounds fired a minule—Beeauso the leas the number fired, the lesa the chance of damaging the Seem bil Led peng threngh the Lenton aren, end Hil Tear vadvance—Because the quicker he passea ‘Uirough the be ‘beaten area, the fewer the ballets ho will will meet in that tine, and eiee rere iv. The frontage ollotied to exch gun.—Thia wi density of the barrage. Tho greateat frontage which should normally be allotted to exch gun is S0-yarde. I thero are not sufficient guns to cover the whole line to barmged on a. of 60 yards (or less) per gun, it becomes & matter for consideration whether it would not be better to apply an effective barmge to tho more important parts of the line, leaving gape to be dealt with by co-opmration of other arms, rather than. to pat down what might prove to be an ineffective barge over the whole line. 2, Rates of fire—To provent waste of S.A.Ay to ensure time for relaying and ailing (thercby prolonging the lle of the gum), and to enable estimates of S.A.A. to io made in advance, rates ‘of fire must be laid down for righ! observance by ench gun. fect the 319 Normal rates of fire aro :— i, Slow Gre: 00-76 rounds a minute. ‘This is tho rate for long period barrage fire. fi, Medium fires about 125 rounds a minute ‘This is tho rats that can be used to speed up slow fire for short ssa eaiited aesabert half sn hour, riod. Heh eg fe: on son euegaaieees ‘This rate is used when tho situation demands it, but should only bo maintained for a few fino sould Poser i la iy, Hamesing fire:1,000 rounds an hour, This may be oarried. ‘oat in burste at alow, medium, or rapid rates. _ Bofore ordering rates of tire, the following factors must be con- jered :— should (o) Tactioa ryuirements of the barragy. (a) machine te eae dering pris Ca targa tbs Bel (4) Rato at which belts ean be filled.” te ee & Frontal, and flanking barrages —Tho fact that a barrage nuny be oblique or flanking docs not affect tho frontago whieh oan ‘bo engaged by cach machine gun, other things being equal lasaba ercatcel oe: oa tae ely ‘The frontal barrage ia enaier to arrange and control: it has tho disadvantage that the safety of our own troope may require that the barrage sbauld not Se rr dren nee: then 900 o¢ A yard ia from of ther ‘This disadvantage may be overcome in cariain cases by clearing our own Sal cis eter periemrats apply when factory filled (strips) bali wrew.vickersmachinegui.org.uk"The fanking barrage may be put down much closer to our own but beep ale ao ‘The oblique barrage has the advantages and disadvantages of nn flanking typea according to the degree of obliquity. Frontal and SUN wae Tee require oe, the flanking tembcin barrages are frequently required for such purposea as raids, Ro. ‘These barrages Pes silat by a combination of froutal with f fire. 4. An ee eee coer tenia Rerage By TM asad patinaluea wiatts acai re ‘close ‘mimics he vss ri sob dc Lam ib may, however, suggest the genoral lines on which to work. (A.) General remarks. & Our own and the enemy trenches are aa shown In Plate XXL A i as pee glade eet stare etree lines south of St. Eloi with the following objecta :— i, To obtain identifications, capture prisoners and inflict casualties. i, To destroy the enemy works an cmplacemcnts, www.vickersmachinegun.org.uk z “ a aie wr li321 ive To be propared to engage with intense fire, certain head- ates ad rong points after the Aerminnin of the (B.) Action by machine gun group commander. 7. Considering the problem of Low to bloclt the trenclies on either dank, it is doubtful, anring to the proximity of our line to thnt of a frontal | con ‘which will allow a. ; clearance over our own ven i fan! eecels particulars of the area to bot times, duration “Sioa of fire, ke. vic bia divistonal machine gua commandar, pis on a Sans ren considers the location of tho barrage required to isolate this shoul be as clove a» possible to the fine to ba fonitioms must therefore aot be more than 2,000 yards erates, (Set rule ii for Indirect Overhead Fire.) ies knowledge of the ground and existing conditions, he choosing n suitable gun pesition at ‘+ A." wrew.vickersmachinegun. —— gS ae8, He now eomsters how close the barrage from this gun posi ‘ean be placed in front of our own troops. By inspection {Plata XI) he soca that the most Sires ie stk own troopa will reach will probably be the orater at 2.33.00; distance of this point from the gun position is 1,700 yards, and Vou 20 metrea sbowo the gun position, The sainty roquired at 1,700 yards is 48 metre reference 12 tbe gray ho finds that the ewrve representing 5° 90" Q.A. passe at 49 mo abore @ point which is 20 metres above the gun and 1,700 yal from it. On tbe graph this trajectory cula the zero line at a] point approximately 600. yarda beyond our own troops, At thie point on the however, the ground is 16 metres above the gue position ; Telling sein it tho graph, he finds that a enjoctory just below the 5° 30° trajectory would atetke ground which is 15, metres above the ition, af o range of 2,180 yards, ‘This locates a point 2.4.74.06, and ho assumes that a line deawa at right angles to the linc of fire through this polnt will givesullicient clearance ene ee aca hea ee aro, nok ao adds om the flanks. He therefore draws a line between tho points 20.09.23 and &b.20.88. 10, The total frontage to be covered is about 800 yards: the machine gun group commander therefore decides to allot this frontage equally between tro platoons (as shown in Plate XI), each of eight guns, sines the eoaditions are similar foreach. This gives about. 400 yords to each platoon, ‘The positions for these platoons (whisk hnvé heen located up to this stage, partly by‘calculation, and partly from bia general kage of he ground, existing peaitions, cons. munloations, &o.) should bo reconnoitred by himself, together the platoon commanders who aro undertaking the barrage, and the positions definitely fixed. Tis assumed im this ease that the positions selected are found suitable, \ged to e XXt to the afety { ropid _ ter the 2s white — fo plue rate at situa. Mages, uta for jake all ander, cessury wrew.vickersmachinegui.org.ukzmsait line than would bo poasible otherwise, owing to the safet of ‘owing to ty ‘I. In considering the rate of fire, ho decides to pat down rapid from zero to kero plus 6 minutes, to cover the ‘Get phase of the assault, and to keop down the onemy fire while eer own troops aro advancing. From aero plus 5 to oro plan Js Kite our troops até in tho crater” ho lcos the rate ah ‘Wi rounds a minnte, quickening to 900 a zinuta if the situa- Mon demaria It; sod from zero. 15 to zero pins 2) minates, st 300 roanda a minute, to cover the withdramal. i § iu 12. The group commantier now prosccds ta fill in the charta for esol platoon, giving enly the following details :— ompesiti rte loon ition \. ‘Location of thn platoon. Location of taaks, oro times, antl rates of fire. He gives those charia ta the platoon commanders, who make sll ‘completa the charts, and rotum them to tho group commander for checking. ‘The chart ant fighting ap far “A ™ Paton are shown on page 925 and Plate XXUL reepcctively, {C.) Action of plaicon commander. 13. On receipt of the platoon chart from the mmander, (the platoon seer Pec cols i eek ais Cane ‘to complete it, www. vickersmachinegua.org.ukFor example, the ealeulations for “A” platoon would be ne ffl Mle dice tat his sto line shal oni wil ee eft of the ne, No, 8 gun ia gives 3 ths at as of TO" A hare Sica, SS ogi at for this barrage. Hlotting the gun position ox the map, fe now fats the angle of Ho has already found the bearing from the directing gun to the tt target (= M7 90): that uebween to right gun an te Fight of the target i267, "By ce Meo dence. between these i ber wf gun intervals (2), an angle ee cee, ‘eon: = 3150 yada; Vm + metres, giving & QA. of O° 40 : ‘Dhe braverso fe 1* QF right and 1° 90" lett By inspection, the clearance will be least om the line of fre of No.6 gun, ond Is nacertalned as follows from bbe graph QA. 8° 80°; distance ct own troopa from gun = 1,700 yards ¢ beight of own teoops aboww the gun = 20 metres ; clear- ance of contre shot = 40 metros: minimdm clonrance required m 48 metres, 1d. eens aces ard be sufficient fo swing the cons round on and the remainder of the dotail presents no diftevidon, 16. In tho lower portion of the chart, the angles of deviation from zero for each gan are filled in, Under the heading “‘clovation,”” any difference in Q.A. for the various guns in recorded. Th this ense, guns Noa. 1 to 3 ore given 3 QA. of 6? 2 and guns Nos. 4 and 8 are given a QA, of &* 30° on aecount of the fall of the ground at their.cnd of the barrage line. t No, of Poiata, Dorintion from Q Baro. i t ‘Task | an, ;305 = Poatoon Cran, Voormezeele. 5, Location of Directing Gun: 31.b.67.78. Place: Voormezcele. Date: oe Nomber of Directing Gon: No.$Gun. Rearing of Zero Line: 146° BY. Frontage of platoon: 50 yards. Method of Laying Out Zero Lines ¢ ‘Compass. 1°30 R) 37 Rae 50") OR. | 750" R a 510° ra is”326 Gos Ciaer, No. 4 Gun. ‘Bearing, of Zero Lines : 146° 30’. Gun Commander: L.-cpl. Euston. Task, | Glock Zoro Timo. a » Bateof Fire, ‘Traverte, ‘Remarks, 300 2, to 2. +6 min. 1 Btok +2 120% 4600 % + Ib min. | 1°90 Re 1. | 300m minute if neces. B+ Sto Z +20 min] om aA | Task 2 oR | 720 EK. C., Commit ore mach inegun.327 _ Cua, Forjatoon. ‘Note that amall differences of Q.A. need not generally be re- aan Gun Commander: L.-cpl. Ruston. 1é. Tho plutoon chart kaving boca completed and checked, ‘platoon commander makes out s chart for each gun commande: ‘Trane Rema! ‘those particulars from the su chart tlist are necessary: the laying of ench gun, ‘The ohart for No. 4 guuof A" platoon L Sabown on pags 328, tho 22 for thi, sstect Fir. K. C., Commanding *.A” Platoon, ww. vickersmachinegun.org.ukINDEX. ‘Korr.—No retorenee to drill movements or detall is made ___ fm thi index. Headings of sections dealing with drill will “be found in the Contents. e Pack. Advanced guard, machine guns with .., 257 Advancing under firo, methods of 120 Aeroplanes, sspply of ammunition by 265 trpectte SP dag, vital Importancelin accuracy of Ammunition— ae Hot to be ured for, ee or Lowls gun 101 AMateene, for annual course 100 Bull, tiring of, for individual training, 0 Bolt Gilling contres, ostablishment of 264 Brigade reeerve, formation of... 254, Defensive positions, allotmont of oy ‘Distribution of ... 2e Divisional 8.4.4. column, movement of on the march: 253 Dorp, forward brigade, ostablishment of 254 Extra, fata tet csr of 54 ae Esa ‘situation of .., 252 Replenishmont of dumps 254 Leonie division of into two lines 25a ly bey 0 and tanks 25 in daty of MO. in dag of 35 820 Amenitnition— j-modilications for position warfare of om the battlefield bof, to be practised as often na possibig yr regvliflon af, dary’ of ocpunars to platoons whom brigad Angle of sight instrument, testing and os m safety, definition of +» mthiods of applying Annual machine gun coume. See M, Attack, deliberate— Close country, us of indirect overhead fire... Morenient flxod by tiine-table, in initial stages Positions for supporting guns, considerations Gales ian for elo a coring fc for ranitic of covering for Attacks mashine qansin the Consolidation of objective... Giese ir properationa fo Distribution of, “considerations in th ‘Division of foto forward aod ropporting gu Forward guns, action of Hosorve, formation of... Bole Of vee ee Supporting guns, action of Wood or village, ona... lio of wew.vickersmachinegun.org.uk7 330 331 ‘Attack, platoon with its battalion — machine Ammunition sopply, responsibility for sae a repel rospocatbil yo for Control of Finding are, slltinent of Information necessary {or egarannder votoreand. ‘Object of as Organization and division of Teeponnalsennes by commander Fat siecle Bien Soon instructions for to roview the situat Control of Pan of attack, cnaieratons for droning op ‘MPusks, allotment of to supporting june Cavalry in dismounted action, support of Changing raand, aystem to be arranged Characteristics of the machine gan... ar Ser eer es platoon i Cimatio conditions, graph of allowanoce for | zB. variations, allowances for ' Glinometers, testing and adjusting Ballistica, elementary oe ni Bai lo communion a ility for Se candi a ‘Defence scheme, emplaymont af in. ‘Sequence ‘Deseription and object of onthe sit, doi and uso a Effoctivenons, factors depending on Gacrntaitocs= ‘Objects of on the day of attack Battalion, msponsibility for training Organkaaton of, shee fr Brigade machine gunn, See Mf. Ratas of fice, normal, iby foe alning fcheme for, conditions which suet be flfiled in Ficoot,neenly Hreticleny of Stancling, nature and use of to bo given in fort of general instrustions Barrels, machino gua, testing of ‘Beaten zonca, influence of ground on tigado machine gun commander. See ©. ® L by wrew.vickersmachinegun.org.ukPace we nee 35 os 35 ee platoon, ‘Communications, fallre of to be anticipated 08 ” aethods of... . 26h Concealment and cover— Camontage, ue of... ; 267 Depending on tactical situation |. od Fir, enfilade and oblique, to nid... at Homes ond limbored wagons, lnportance at a Ground, use of, for... a4 dation, arcangemonts f . 2k Contzol of fire, impartant considerations 178 ef oeg. » taotioal ... : . MT tunity of, necessity for ... SI Ong asa for barnssing fi 245 ‘Artillery and mortars for re ee poate orn 7 Dofeaee, necessity for clorest, in the 284 General remarks on. 248 Infantry, duty: of mackiine gun officer in a7 acts clone soseease EAE 16 With cavalry... 276 Counie, annual, snacking gun. See Bt. D. Defence, antionirorntt, considerations 4, =, os BAB Delonce, machine guns in tho— Borage fir, omployment of in defenesschese Defence, organization Dispositions of i fagtom Employment, general considerations. 338 ‘Defence, machine guns in the— Par Fire tactica 286 Positions, considerations in t ce MBS Rosurves, astion of the 204 et cog, Rotiromonts, conduct of voy aoe ‘Sohieme for, duties in th 283 Siting of guns, genoral princ! 385 201 et.sog. 206 296 207 235 1 38 4 tea in conjunction sith indizect Gre 1ST et Description points, selection and uso of, oe Destruction of machine guns e. 201 Direct fire— Introduction 183 Method, the normal 153, 184 Normal unit for i ‘Direct overhead. Introduction for stats Bie UB es f methods of applying Discipline noihod of tacking ‘Drift, couse and effoct of oe Limber. See L. Machine gun. See a. Pack saddlery. See P. Periods, length of = Drivers, necessity for efficiency as Duties, allocation of — ... fava cvickeca uct lagean org.uk335 ah Fin— es ‘Flanking, preesutions necessnry . lations toms af Harassing, conduct Elevation, explanation of 7 Employment of machine guns, considerations Indirect, ann a Object of tha... Eniilado fre, advantages of Escort, provision a for direct Boprit de corps, fostering of. pete tee aes Fire direction— a Combed nights, definition and we of Control, example of is ‘Ficld-firing area, allotment and use of, ” ‘the socret of ‘Field operations, training in— ribution, methods of on Advancing under fire, methods of ‘Errom of direction, ee tee ‘application of knowledge durit 1 Ground, uee of, ion dus i mgr nding pests an rita le Instructions, ponoral. Reales Neem seer ‘March, discipline of transport, rules Introduction a Night work, subject for ‘Oblique tmverss, use of Object of | w ‘Observation of fre, the practical side of ‘Reconnaissance, ‘QGicers and 8.0.05. to poms a sound kaomiego of Rac aed Wacoraient uh foraustordint amends definition and use of ishling mep : a railar pasado beeen oe or gee Applation of ecto for enadeaion sos 1 ‘Barrage. Control of, by platoon commander ... ‘Control of, the scoret of good! fire direstion ‘Distribution of, methods Eliot in relation to spe of grea Enjilade, advantages of * ww. vickersmachinegun.org.ukG. Gamea, organization and necessity for so dates in caso ofalarsi and atlas... Giaph, allowances cdimnt tions oy i Val. Grownd, infisence of oa beaten zones » Use of, practical instruction in a a» to sid concealment and cover ae organization chart. advanced, rle of machine guns with Fear, rile of ioe Es Gun chart ... Ss os » commander, cutis Ny » detachment, duties of ea in » positions, reconnaissance report on inners, standard of physique for Guna, testing of, for wear of mountings and barrels a Hand-angles, importance in knowledge of Er Harassing fre, objeta af ‘244, 270 Headquarters, situation of 251 I Infantry, co-operation with... we ne ange Indirest fire— Assurncy and mpldty of, domends oficlney on part of 185 ee eae siinliay,sletion of 8 natural hese 183 ‘Clonring the obstruction 195. a7 Tndirect fre— Conduct of, by guns, actions or platoons Definition, ceed in conjunetion with Distribution of fire Employment of, reasond for 1. Finiion ( {not overhead) precautions acceasiry ‘Guns necesary for volume of fre... Tntrodection wie ts Laying, maintenance of tion of fire, value of accurate, + to increase value of Parallel lines of fre Pintnons or sections, general remarks Safety angle, method of applying... Siting guns for, considera : Zero lines. ms methods of inying out parallel Indirect overkeed fire— ‘Clone country fighting, use o! Organization and contrel of .. Precautions necosary -.. Riales applicable to Ely ceaeen ioe te soleolate 3 for min T.O.G. method ... Individual training— Bi coxinndics Night work, subjects for Object of Officers, machine gua -.. Syllabus of, for other ranks Initiative development of, of vi exercise of rspomibilty for wrew.vickersmachinegun.org.uk308 Nnsbruotion— Page “Aiming, importance of aseurate e106 » _ ules for and method of BT ef eg. oo at 8 firing (luminous) amp 231 Squonee of 16 ‘Training, general 2 Instromonts, rapge- finding, training in Bee 2 ia: ‘Tudging distance, importance of 20 Gamp, causes and adjastmont for MT a su ve 112 Lisbon, eptesty for the losuat responsibility for ws ‘ith infantey during ‘battle, Limber drill— Action from limbers Tretreetions, general Packing... Limbered wagona— Clone county operations, rexsbted se Costrel of when brigaded vy when operating with battalion Growing oxposed ground, movement of Eset eeiea ene Passage over rough Position ee eee ‘use in Ber 251 252 339 a Pane Machine gun compared with Lowis or Hotchkiss guns. 240) Machine gun course, sonval— Ammunition, allotmont af... vd 109 Butt duty, duties of officer on ~ OT ef acq. Conduct of Parts 1, 1, TIT and LY 101 et seg. ‘Detail of Parts T and IT “Tests of clementary training in Asc in he wee er ivance of, genoral sles governing “Attaak on wood or village Diopeion i fides of outpost Eseoct, provision of... wrew.vickersmachinegun.org.uk340. ‘ual at aera hy, to-othor units .., f positions for covering fire Nisha Patten clsyilk a soar gum »» With an advanced guard of when employed with outpost troops... ‘Support of sarky in atemounted a ae Hight a vps, tse of for Jinding March discipline, rotocta exprit de corps for transport Mortars, co-operation with Mountain warfare, transport in Musketry, Cae nN. N.C.O. in charge of the limbors, dution of W.C.O& to pososs & sound knowledge of fire Night fring— * Conditions beforehand. Equipment, nates.on .. Flash, eoreening of ip, description of Broootare uecooary, posting of aetitries oO, ‘Observation of fre— Qunmenition, ball, for individun!trafning i Control of fire depending on. Definition of wr a Exureises to be unrriod out on fold firing range eld glasscs, value of for Gunners to observe fire of a one gun upto B00 yar Indirect lire, importance of, in ui Observation of fire— ‘Paoz Limitations to, at ranges boyond 800 yards rs instructions for ‘Training neceseary before instruction in... greSrpon anes Sonal tine ea lon aie Ee cal canon cl weocarae B. Paok animals, limber teams as... . Paok naddlery drill— ‘Action from pack sudiilos Equipment carried entirely on packs rariation in Tnstructions, general... pack saddles from Limbers ‘Machine gun t2oops (cavalry) Pack transport, necessity for employment af | Platoon— Brigaded im the attack fi delence Cas... res bea Fath sis inthe defence Platoon commander— Ammunition su r) Tosponsibility for See a Guardian of his ant a Points for in training his plataon Programmes for training, proparation of wew.vickersmachinegun.org.ukPlatoon commander— ‘when operating with battalion Sup of work ger Poction commanders ining, responsibil Aim i: eS 1p n, to secure efficiency Backward men to hold wp ee Conduct of nae sas 20,81 Finld ‘peoial course of eure on completion af... ei Points for npecinl attention in. ee BO) in the attack ae ” ” in the defence: nse yi eel m» —-brigading of, advan 241 ‘training, nature 0 8 provision of ass 200 _ Loon!, ogainat low-flying aircraft. 25 ibility of commander for 360 Scouts, use of on the battlefield... 200 R. ae cands, ae ite of a7 Sone definition of ‘% i methods of 25 probable and pecmisaitil eq. Rango-table = 238 se sa cond vases tita ie clam 150 ‘Employment of when tactical slwation allows we 18 Fire, corrections by means of the elevating wheel... ©... 20. on of fire unobtainable, procedure instructions fur a use of during ie of machine guns wrew.vickersmachinegun.org.ukud Pace Sighting of guns, methods of... a8 1 vy Staal! arma, normal conditions far... 150, 152 tor movement and fro... 5 ab = ion commander, duties of 35 Ssrpport onto to other wait 268 in dismounted action. 276 Surptiae, pescaileg ss ta yongurts wie x Et) Ti: Tuatical— Control... ‘Baorvises, elementary, conduct of Proatice, brigade commander at... ums, ‘Tactics, fire, in the attack » yin tho defence foundation for successful ft sight, wen of daring rangin, Rie perenne eh of, methods of sscartsining ion of . ‘Territorial Force, annual course for ‘Trainer, requirements neccesary in a ‘Traini ‘Trajectory BY Toop commute, dati ot Platoon. Sea P. Platoons brignded, iit sos bles rvanaity tor eee salir ct” Reconnaissance, importance of work of N.C.Os, and men Responail Schemes, di of all commanders for ‘wintes, for officers .. ote one tion and peeled ut, the ee 6 platoon oF troop: rt, pack, cen for capleymiat of (e M711jgequi.org.ukMILITARY. BOOKS, pabisiea by Axctecitpocatin ed. (As to prices in brackets, eee top of page 2.) wines and Care of War er, Sis mcatents yetsned te dy Geter up tate a fh ine dea Ma insta, Obworfatlane on, Uy Malton! Meera ot the Army and Maprine tom Aus Thotorraph od) ee eee Ab, een ee ie cin geen Seater Fons = ie." dam Pest, J ea et on et icra Sita eA ee WE pote, with Amendment yp Ge tpt. 3 Andere, Bee 18 Bie Anette om. "of Wesisal atl SuryieaWoqulpan Be fees ie. tat ee De, Amentatents, daly teat, ods (44) wonton tere site Frese nat ie Rete ot ee ne, feat as Moat of Armios. Weuthockel, Pet 1. Prusex, Seats ett Ooetee: ATs, Bat te Gumtree Be (es, Vert LY. Renta, a (Bi); Part Vy Heauy. eo wid. Past Wh, ‘Tain Mivaceacant ax Bicato. IH $=! ba) Mokomater Handbook. 101. i (st) ‘Mesopotamia. Impresionvol. By Sie 2. Mewett, O.0S04 560.8, 1800, Do, Kerwton. Ry Sirs, Appa G01 KCB. (re dt Weis, ese a a ‘Military and other Terms, Sexo ‘Military Lande Acts, wets lo, peters, anmtiiene sb arcs ‘Mine Rescue Work Gu the Western Prout. be. (i. 12) ‘Mounted Troops (Divisional Tratning. Junel#t4. Provbbonal. 14. (i,) 1) MILITANY BOOKS, peblishad by Auiberity—somtinnnd, (As to prices in brackets, aeg top of paws 2.) TRendmetan fate auehe df ti. sree She one a mites a herent st Sh ¢ Aincnimcoate Gag. Vo 2 fem a iMate “Gums for Mare Fil Ki spurt Workers Battin iSeries Maconine ius Grorvant Tantsta: ee ‘imatey ro tei 43 a rs bene yo otra dutette na eeeetegea Sn ade eee ees sc cel umn aes eee eeris Se Sate Se ere te be rps stare eb ores ae seas ar Pen aa 2018 Cente with Aniendapents to Are1 208 28 mee Id, (tay : ee i ee ei a Greate ;MILITARY BOOKS, patsahed by duitorityenotioun, (Aa to prices in brackets, ass top of page 2.) bh eee eae “Army Medical Corps Territor! stare Susu (ROkay Ay Atle, eee error een fidorttt ioe 07. Wh tents Appointed ingen oe Te aT iisiiiseres Pade ee eee With Amenatnent, 1920), ‘Soe BMearren and Nusemam, Troops. sei Menor: Se ae Baa. te. fhe Femral unde tay Iau Mollet servo, Weterinury Carpe. Army. Séanding Owlers. 1900, @. (e4 Wetetinary Manual (Wark fis. 1 (16) fees, Army, Megsiatious, ok Reprinted, with “Aeeautsat Voluntary Ande. ceirualioauat, Poses, Voluntéer Pa8io0 I As Be ded ‘War Graver Commission. Magee Seca tense ae en eae roe vig Benin Bry Drea the RE War of 1916-ig—- Trespatc sera nt a Opecntlone In 18 Wag th, Litt of Hoonure sh 4 fase eel eS ete 20, Avvards 2 WE duly ee . inte Pest Fak iret 8 at es ont int MILITARY BOOKS, Pilih by (As to prices in Mrackets, see top of War of 1916-18, veel roe Vit. Deo. tots ta Juiy wets W Wey Mee of ‘Vistertn Crema, ls fhe wnt duig fit dn ete. a Matin nf Oller Tier Cr, i Wilh ewes. of Omicer met a een, aA tree ye, With oes of Ome Adoni Uaeriom seats Eis Me a I Eingoni. Peformalion athcully a) 4 ‘aimnary Hepeeanealive, tea) Works Manual (War. 1 Proviso ‘Woaatin ot War, Grewal Polit eo a dd Sayr913. att es Tay TRareaive of ine Field Operations TAT), oe GtSisto abe tee Messy faa ‘ :