Machine Gun Notes No 1 May 1917

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THE GENERAL SERVICE SCHOOLS
LIBRARY
THE COMMAND AND GENERAL STAFF COLLEGE
LIBRARY
Pi
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Accession
7321
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154 (Rev)
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GGSC Form
GGSC
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5 MHA/.
USA CGSCPB0155
USA
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Jul57
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For Translation
For
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26
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N*<1
MACHINEGUN NOTES
No.l
i
EDITEDAT
ARMYWAR COLLEGE
MAY,1917
WASHINGTON
*!LlA1 flO^
<V/government
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1
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printing office
1917
9
THE COMMAND AND GENERAL STAFF COLLEGE
LIBRARY
Call Number
JL4O4H7 A%7_3
Accession Number
CGSC Form 164 (Rev) 22Oct 62
USA CGSCPB0155 19Jul576M
41927
WAR DEPARTMENT,
Washington, May26, 1917.
The followingreprint of Machine Gun Notes No.1is published

for the information ofall concerned.
[2608038, A.G. o.]
Order op the Secretary op War:
TASKER H.BLISS,
MajorGeneral, ActingChief ofStaff".
Official:
H.P.McCAIN,
The Adjutant General.
War Department,
The Adjutant General's Office,
Washington, June 19, 1917.
Toallofficersofthe Army:
You are advised that this and all subsequent documents of a similar character, which may be furnished to you from this office, are to
be regarded as strictly confidential. They are to be kept at all
times in your personal possession, and are not to be copied, nor are
any parts of their contents to be communicated either directly or
indirectly to the press, nor to any persons not in the militaryor naval
service of the United States. In Europe these documents are not
to be carried into the front line trenches, nor farther to the front
than the usual post of the officers to whom issued.
Strict compliance with this injunction is enjoined upon every
officer into whose hands any of these confidential documents may
come.
order of the Secretary of War:
H.P. McCain,
The Adjutant General.
5
TABLEOF CONTENTS.
GENERAL.
Page.
Notes on the employment of Lewis guns in desert warfare
9
33
Infantry machinegun company training
Notes ontheemployment ofmachine guns, 37mm. guns, and

lightautomatic weapons by Cavalry
Method of instruction in the Lewis gun
Methods of laying machine guns in the direction of invisible
targets bymeans ofmaps, compass, and traversing dial
Some notes on Lewisguns andmachine guns
French notes onmachine guns
Order oftheSixthBavarian divisionregarding machine guns .
7
115
149
180
183
203
206
DETAILEDTABLEOF CONTENTS.
Page.
Notes on the employment of Lewis guns ha. desert warfare

Employment ofMachine Guns inDesert
inEgypt.
11
Warfare
Control
19
Stoppages andactionofsand
Prolonged stoppages
Transport
19
20
Ammunition supply
Combinedsights
Indirectfire
Cooperation between machinegun companies and Lewisgun
detachments
Overhead covering fire
21
21
21
21
Emplacements
Horsemanship
Spare barrels
Sledges
21
21
22
22
22
22
Fire
Command
23
23
HOTCHKISS AND LEWIS GUNCOURSES.
Part I. Instructional
24
25
26
11. Classification practices 10,11, and 13only

111. Field practices
Notes onmethodofconducting the practices:
Part I.Instructional
11. Classification practices
111. Field practices
IV.Advance fieldpractices
26
28
28
30
9
NOTES ON THE EMPLOYMENT

OF
LEWIS GUNS
IN
DESERT WARFARE IN EGYPT

ISSUED BY THE BRITISH GENERAL STAFF
DECEMBER, 1916
11
NOTES ON THEEMPLOYMENT OP LEWIS GUNS

INDESERT WARFARE.
1. The general experience seems tobe that it is never possible
to control more than two guns inaction, and that it is usually
necessary tocontroleach gun separately. Thisbears out thegeneral
experience ofLewisgun officers duringthe war.

2. Very littletrouble seems to have been experienced from
stoppages except from the action ofsand. Thisresult appears to
bedue totherealizationbycommanders"ofLewisgun detachments
ofthe necessity of"Care and cleaning, and also tothe simplicity
and speed with whichthe guns can be stripped for thispurpose.
Itisnecessary tonote thatpartssuch as the gas chamber and barrel
mouthpiece should be very rarely stripped, as the fine threads by
whichthese parts are'connected together easilybecoming damaged.
On the other hand, the gas cylinder and gas regulator must be
frequently stripped, as otherwise it isimpossible to clean them
properly. The latest pattern ofbothgas cylinder and gas regulator
have much stouter threads than earlierpatterns.
As regards prolonged stoppages, the breakage of the cartridge
guide spring appears tohave been the most common, buttohave
been very quicklyremedied. Plenty of "spares" forthepurpose
arekept withthe gun. Instances are mentioned ofguns firingas
manyas 3,000 rounds withouta stoppage. Aninstance occurred of
abulletcarrying away the gas regulator key and at the same time
turningthe gas regulator. Thiswasnotnoticedbythe gun numbers,
and thegun was inconsequence out ofaction forabout 15minutes.
This accident would usuallyhave the effect of turning the gun into
a handoperated magazine firer, since the action of the gases is
destroyed. This fact should be a useful guide to Lewis gun detachments under similar circumstances.
Several separated cases are
reported/ The fact that no clearing plug has tillrecently been
carried made this stoppage verydifficultto deal with,if,as sometimes
happened, the separated portion was not extracted fromthe chamber
by the next round. A clearing plug is now being supplied for each
gun.
Difficulties from the action of sand were experienced in a greater
or less degree by most detachments. The general experience
13
14
MACHINEGUN NOTES NO. 1.
appears to have been that the amount of trouble met with was
proportionate to the amount of care taken. For example, one
detachment commander gives his experience as follows: "On
August 5 the gun was inaction for a short timeonly,as difficulties
were experienced withsand in magazines and inthe gun, making
itimpossible to firebursts of more than three or four shots. On
August 9 wewere in action most ofthe day, as great care was taken
"
to keep the gun and magazine free fromsand.
The followingpoints werefound ofassistance byvarious detachment commanders and should be noted:
(1) Guns when not inuse should be kept in the covers which are
now being issued. Magazines, too, should be kept in the carriers
tillthe last moment.
(2) Too much oilshould not be used to keep the gun clean. Only
a slightlyoiledrag should be used when the gun is not actually firing.
(3) Suction of sand into the mechanism was prevented by laying
a coat or ground sheet under the gun and occasionally by wetting
the ground under the forward part.
(4) A magazine which has been dropped in the sand should not
be used untilithas been unloaded and thoroughly cleaned.
(5) Special precautions must be taken should any windbe blowing.
3. Pack transport appears to have been general and to have been
most satisfactory.
4. Combined sights were only\used cm one or two occasions, owing
to the fact that guns were generally used singly. Itshould be remem-
bered that combined sights are useless for ranging purposes, that
they are only needed at long ranges, and that the Lewis gun is
primarily a short-range weapon. Still, occasions may arise when
combined sights can be employed usefully.
5. Indirect fire was not used and appears not to have been suited
to the particular actions described. Itis on veryrare occasions that
Lewis guns can be used for indirect firebecause:
(I) Indirect fire can not be directed froma bipod, and
(II)Indirect fire is usually sustained fire for searching woods,
approaches, and reverse slopes, and the Lewis gun is unsuited for
sustained fire.
6. Cooperation between the machine-gun companies and the
Lewis gun detachments was sometimes maintained, but was not sufficientlygeneral. One excellent example is given of the Lewis gun
detachment commander not only cooperating with the M.G. section
in his vicinity, but also obtaining ranges for the artillery forward
MACHINEGUNNOTES NO. 1.
15
observing officer by means ofbursts offirefromhis guns. 1 Itcan

notbe toostrongly impressed on allconcerned thatcooperation between the Lewis gun detachments and the machine-gun companies
both before and during action is essential if the best results are to
be obtained.
7. The establishment of one N. C. O. and six men was found adequate for infantry units. In the case of mounted units, an increase
of two men, to act as leaders of pack animals and horse holders,
appears necessary.
8. The usual methods of "Indication and recognition of targets"
appear to have worked satisfactorily.
9. The following points seem worthy of consideration:
(a) A pair of field glasses would be of the greatest assistance to
each N. C. 0. in charge of a detachment.
(6) Regimental arrangements should be made to insure that an
adequate supply of oilis always available with the guns. The provision of ammunition and oilin action is one of the special duties of
the battalion Lewis gun officer.
(c) Company commanders should be taught to appreciate the value
of their Lewis gun detachments. They can only do this if they
have some knowledge of their tactical employment. The firepower
of a well-handled Lewis gun is certainly not less than that of 30 rifles.
(d) Numbers 5 and 6 should be trained regimentally in their
duties of scouts and range takers.
(c) To aid invisibility and facilitate transport, it has been found
.useful to cover the radiator casing of the earlier pattern guns with
puttees, etc. The more recent pattern guns have, however, been
painted service color before issue.
1 The use of Lewis guns for findingranges for the artillerymust be considered very
exceptional, c. g., for ranges of not more than 1,500 yards when artillery range finders
are not available.
NOTES ON THE EMPLOYMENT

OF
MACHINEGUNS
IN
DESERT WARFARE IN EGYPT

ISSUED BY THEBRITISHGENERALSTAFF
DECEMBER, 1916
17
101S62 ol70
17
2
NOTES ON THE EMPLOYMENT OP MACHINEGTJNS IN

DESERT WARFARE.
1. Control. Thegeneral experience has been thatthe controlof
more than twoguna inaction isalmost always impossible. This

bears out thegeneral experience of machine gunners throughout
thewar.
2. Stoppages and action of sandVickers. With the Vickers
guns the only trouble experienced was thatwhen the guns were
mounted inthe "Low position," sand was sucked up intothe
mechanism through the ejection opening on theunderside of the
breech casing. This was remedied insome cases byputting a coat
underthe gun.
Maxim. A careful consideration of allthe reports received
from the differentunits shows that the amount oftrouble experienced
from stoppages was by no means excessive. Inmany cases no
trouble whatever occurred, and where difficultiesdid occur they
couldalmost always betraced totwocauses:
(1) Theactionof sand, and
(2) The condition ofthe locks and thelackofspare parts.

As regards the actionofsand as inthecase oftheLewisguns
itwas obvious that where the trouble from this cause had been
foreseen and specialprecautions had been taken, its illeffects were
largely minimized. The following quotation is of interest as bearing
out this statement: "No special difficulties were encountered
owingto theaction ofsand inthemechanism, as wewere able to
keep theguns practically clear of sand by exercising a reasonable
amount of care. The guns were examined and cleaned on every
possible occasion."
Except when actuallyinaction guns should invariablybe kept
covered whether on the moveorincamp. Bags made from light
canvas or any other suitable material can be improvised forthis
purpose. It should be remembered, however, that guns kept in
this wayforanylength oftimeneed frequent attention; otherwise
they very quickly rust. In emplacements, blinds, where provided,
should be kept down whenever possible. Special precautions
shouldbetaken whenever thewindisblowing.
19
PRUPtirtTX OF U. S. ARn
20
MACHINEGTJN NOTES NO. 1.
The troublecaused bysand can be considered under three headings, viz:

(1) Its action in the lock; (2) its action in the feed block; and
(3) itsaction in the belt.
(1) The lode. Locks should not be kept dry but covered with
a thin filmof oil. A wipe over withan oilyrag isallthat is necessary.

The spare lock should be kept inits wallet until actually required.
Anyloss of timeinchanging locks is amply repaid by the fresh lock
being fitfor use.
(2) The feed block. The above remarks are equally applicable
to feed blocks, special attention being paid,as far as oilis concerned ,
to the action of the slide.
(3) The belts. The greatest care should be taken to keep the
boxes and belts free from sand. This precaution is specially necessary just after a belt has been fired. What usually happens is
that the used portion of the belt is allowed to fallinto the sand on
one side of thegun, whilethe box when empty is thrownaside on the
other, getting half filled with sand in the process. The belt is then
at once refilled and put back into the sandy box. More sand is
worked into the belt in the process of refilling. It is from this
source that sand finds its way into the feed tjlocks causing sluggish
feed and trouble with the upper pawls, and hence stoppage in the
fourth position.
Too much care can not be taken in the correct filling and overhauling of belts. The latter duty should be carried out by Nos. 3
and 4 during action. Itmust be remembered that, however accurately a belt may have been filled before moving off, it is quite
possible for a fewhours on a pack saddle to render it quite incapable
ofbeing fired without stoppages.
Prolonged stoppages. These were generally caused by broken
cotter pins. This stoppage seems to have occurred to an absolutely
inexplicable extent, supposing that the right sized cotter pin was
used. It must be remembered that when washers are taken into
use the correct size cotter pin must be used with them; this precaution is most essential, otherwise breakages are sure to occur. The
length of the connecting rod should be continually tested by the
artificers.
In the event of a No. 3 stoppage occurring and of the cover being
opened to investigate the cause, the horns of the extractor should
always be forced down to remedy this defect. Any attempt to
pullthem up may lead to an explosion of the cartridge and a resulting
accident.
21
Every effortshould bemade by company commanders toinsure

that the sections are as complete as possible in spare parts and
particularlyinspare locks. In the event of failure toobtain the
necessary articles, the company commanders should report the fact
tosuperior authority.
3. Transport. Pack transport was generally used and appears

tohave been satisfactory. The weight ahorse ormule can carry
inheavy sand and thebest method ofpacking toavoidany danger
ofchafing are matters to which company commanders should pay
theclosest attention.
4. Ammunition supply. Pack animals supplemented when
necessary by camels and limbered wagons appear tohave been
generallyused. Careful arrangements seem tohave been made by
allcompany commanders toinsure the continuity oftheirsupply,
and the results appear to have been successful inallcases. Too
much emphasis can not belaid on the necessity forthese arrangements by allM.G. officers.
5. Combined sights. Combined sights with two guns were used

with good results on several occasions. Two instances occur illustrating a right and a wrong method of using this formof fire.
(a) Indirect fire with combined sights was used by one section
to search the reverse slope of a hill. This proceeding is very sound,
and the officer notes inhis report that though observation could not
be obtained "the Turks came out."
(6) Another officer reports that he used combined sights "to
obtain the range." Combined sights are useless for this purpose.
6. Indirect fire. Indirect fire was seldom employed, but opportunities for the use of this method of fire willoccur in future. All
"
sections should be instructed in the "Graticule and "Spirit level
methods which are very simply and quickly employed in action.
between M.G. companies and Lewis gun detach7. Cooperation
ments. Cooperation appears to have been attained in several cases,

but is not yet sufficiently general. M.G.. company and section
officers should give the most careful study to this question both in
attack and defense, for itis only by the complete cooperation of all
arms that success can be attained. This cooperation should nowhere
be closer than between the machine gunners and Lewis gunners,
whose methods, up to a certain point, are similar, and therefore make
mutual understanding easy.
8. Overhead covering fire. Overhead covering fire was used on
many occasions, the "Tangent sight method" being that most
commonly employed. Allranks should be instructed in the use of
"
22
this method, which is of the greatest assistance whenever the control

passes fromtheofficerto theNo.latthe gun. Itshouldberemembered that the "card and string" method, used in conjunction with
it, enables the section officer to insure that his No. l's are preserving
the correct "angle
of safety."
9. Emplacements.
Great care must be taken in deciding whether
overhead cover should be provided or not. It must always be
remembered that although such cover is of the greatest value against
shrapnel and bullets, itis useless against a direct hit from a heavy
shell, and that an emplacement which has been detected, either
from the enemy's position or from aircraft reconnaissance, will
most certainly be subjected to bombardment and probably
destroyed. Several instances of this actually occurred during the
operations of last August. Many officers mention in their reports
that the scrubby "tumps," which are common in some localities,
can easily and quickly be converted into emplacements in which
guns are quiteindistinguishable, and they say that
guns which have
" are
been brought forward to a "position of readiness
far safer when
kept in these than when on the reverse slopes of hills or in valleys,
both of which were always heavily shelled. Light overhead cover
on which pieces of scrub were planted would in these cases be of
great protection against hostile aircraft reconnaissance.
Great care
must be taken in cases where emplacements are furnished with
overhead cover that the latter is high enough for the cover to be
lifted and the lock and feed block removed if necessary. This
should always be tested at once on taking over emplacements from
other troops.
Loopholes should be blinded when the gun is not actually inuse.
Care must be taken that they are of sufficient size not to restrict the
fieldof fire of the guns.
10. Horsemanship. Since rapid reconnaissance is essential in

all machine-gun tactics, officers commanding companies should
insure that alltheir section officers are sufficiently expert horsemen
to enable them to make
fulluse of the chargers at their disposal.
11. Spare barrels. Several extemporized methods of carrying
the spare barrel were observed. It is absolutely necessary that
some dust-proof covering or box should be provided for this article
when pack transport
is employed.
12. Sledges. Frequent attention is drawn in officers' reports to
the long distances which guns had to be carried owing to the lack of
cover for transport animals. It is thought that some light form of
23
sledge might be of use indesert warfare, and experiments inthis

direction might
wellbe worthundertaking.
13. Fire. Anidea appears tohave arisen insome quarters that
the machine gun isbest adapted forenfilade fire, the Lewis gun for
directfire. Thesecond partofthe theoryisentirelyfalse. Machine
guns of whatever description should always attempt to obtain
oblique orwhenpossible enfilade fireforwhich they are peculiarly
adapted. The mistakemayperhaps have arisen fromthe fact that
the arrangement ofguns advocated forthe defense"ofa positionis
thatthemachineguns should formthe "Beltoffire while theLewis
guns cover avenues of approach whichare, fromthe conformation
of the ground, protected from the fireofthe former. This often
leads totheLewisguns havingtobe employed tobringa directfire
to bear downsuch approaches, but this is always a matter of necessity
and not of choice.
14. Command. As some doubts seem stillto existon the matter

the followingdecision as regards the command of machinegun
sections maybeofhelptoM.G.officersand others: "M.G.sections
detached from theircompany and ordered tocooperate withany
bodyoftroops areunder the orders ofthe officercommanding those
troops, and thecompany commander cannotmoveortake awayany
such sections withoutthe permission ofthatofficeror adirectorder
fromthe brigadier. TheM.G.company commander may givehis
advice as tothe use ordisposition ofsuch sections, butthe responsibilityas to whether or not he takes that advice rests with the commander of the troops. Sections held inreserve or detailed for special
duties are under the orders of the M.G. company commander."
24
HOTCHKISS AND LEWIS GUNCOURSES.
Part I. Instructional.
a range <
a
E 25 yards i.
E25
i. Target,
Instructional Mac! line
Target, Instructional
35,Musk jtry Instructions,
plati 35,
Instructions, Part
Partll.]
[o.
Nature of practice. Rounds.

Nature
Holding
Holding
do
3
Grouping
do
To accustom
the fjrer
Single shots.
Single
fjrer to
shots. To
accustom the
to the
gun, and
gun,
obtaining the
and assist
assist in obtaining
the correct
correct set
12
rounds each
Rapid, in two groups
groups of 6 rounds
each on dif
the Hotchkiss
Hotchkiss gas regulator.
ting of the
figures. To
accustom the^firer
ferent figures.
ferent
Toaccustom
the^firer to the
gun, grouping,
gun,
andcorrect
correct tension
of the
grouping, and
tension of
there
spring. (Hotchkiss
(Hotchkiss gas
gas regulator.)
turnspring.
turn
importance of
To teach
To
teach importance
of con
sistency of
sistency
ofaimand
aim and holding.
three spaced
Rapid, fired inthree
Rapid,
spaced groups
groupsof 6 rounds
firedat
at a
group to
each. Each
each.
Each group
tobe
be fired
aseparate
firer, who in the
figure. To
figure.
the firer,
the pre
Toteach
teach the
vious practices
vious
has learned
learned the
practices has
holding and
theholding
peculiarities of
peculiarities
gun, how
group his
ofthe
the gun,
togroup
how to
consistently; and
accuracy of
shots consistently;
shots
and totest
totesthis
his accuracy
holding. A
holding.
Agroup
should not
not exceed
exceed 3inch
group should
ring.
each; the
two groups
6 rounds
Rapid, in
groups of
12 Rapid,
intwo
of6
rounds each;
figurenamed,
firstgroup
first
tobe
be fired
atthe
the figure
group to
firedat
aim;
aim;
regulation
group at
withregulation
thesecond
the
second group
at an
correcting point of aim, ifneces
correcting
other figure,
other
orderto
to bring
the group
sary,in order
bring the
group within the
over the
the figure aimed
at. To
directly over
band directly
band
aimed at.
teach the
teach
the firer
firerhow
how to
to apply
apply correctly
correctly his
given target,
toa
a given
group to
group
target, and
change his
and to
tochange
ofaim
pointof
point
aimquickly.
groups of 3to4 rounds (not
30 Rapid, tobe firedingroups
spaced), and
spaced),
parts of
two parts
of15rounds
15 rounds each;
andin
in two
rounds, and
15 rounds,
and right
toleft15
left 15
right15
rightto
leftto
left
toright
rounds; each
rounds;
each part
becriti
part as itis
itisfired
fired willbe
Toteach the
separately. Toteach
cized separately.
cized
the firerto engage
ensure that
nospaces
target, and
alinear
a
linear target,
and to
that no
toensure
bipodor
lineare
are missed.
missed. The
orbarrel
ofthe
of
the line
The bipod
rest willbe used.
rest
lying. Two^thirds
target
target
30 Position
Position lying.
of the
the
tobe
Two^thirds
burst, evenly
evenly and
crossed in one
crossed
one continuous
continuous burst,
or
smoothly. The radiator
smoothly.
casing
casing
radiator
barrel will
barrel
sandbag or parapet.
rested on a sandbag
be rested
be
Accuracy of
of shooting,
shooting, after
50 Position
Position lying.
lying. Accuracy
Single snots.
Single
snots.
18
Distribution b y
Distribution
groups (along a
groups
Distribution b y
Distribution
swinging.
Rectification
Rectification
stoppages.
conducting and
object of practice.
Method of
ofconducting
andobject
12
Application
of
'argei
rectification, to be
rectification,
becriticized.
criticized.
170;Lewis, 152.
jtalrounds
rounds per
per man: Hotchkiss, 170;
>y Lewis gunners.
actices 1and
actices
1and3
3 willn< tt be fired >y
MACHINE(
MACHINE
Part ll.^Classificatio
Part
X.
praci '.ices
praci
0, 11 and
0,
and IS only.
to
No.
Nature of
Nature
Target.
practice.
Plates,
Plates,
Ranging
iron
falling,
Yds.
400
25
placed so
placed
that they
that
be
knocked
l
cannot
cannot
over.
10
Application
Screen 3' X 10.

Screen
11 Distribution
Distribution of Screen3'X2o'.
groups along
groups
along
aline.
a
line.
400
400
300
12 Distribution
Distribution by Screen3'X3o\
18spaces.
18
swinging.
spaces.
13
13
Snapshooting.
Figure3
Figure
50
50
100
**Lewis
Lewisgun.
Hotehkiss gun.
Hotehkiss
iSee
Musketry Reg
See Musketry
15
6
Sees.
Method of conducting.
Method
The firer willobserve

Thefirerwill
observe his
ownfire,
own
fire, without
withoutout
sideassistance.
side
assistance. Bursts
offrom
of
to10
10 rounds
from5
5to
(unspaced) will be
(unspaced)
fired. When ranging,
fired.
sights should
the sights
the
should be
altered between each
altered
burst, if necessary.
burst,
The firer
The
firer should
should say
"Range" when found,
"Range"
andcease fire.
and
The time
The
time allowed in
cludes loading. Bursts
cludes
of about
of
about 5
5 rounds
should be fired.
should
10rounds
40 10
40
rounds willbe utilized
ranging purposes as
forranging
for
inpractice 6.
in
orstripy
magazines or
Twomagazines
Two
of 25rounds
25rounds each.
each. This
time
timeincludes
includes reloading.
25rounds
The first 25
The
rounds will
be fired
be
fired from
from left
left to
right, the
right,
the second
second 25
right to
rounds from
rounds
from right
(Firedin
left. (Fired
left.
in Dursts
ofabout
about 5rounds.)
magazines
magazines
Two
Two
or strips.
The first
The
first of
of20
20 rounds,
thesecond
the
second of30rounds.
The time
The
time includes
includes re
loading, the
loading,
the firing
firing of
each swing
each
swing must
must be
continuous.
figure will
33 The
The figure
willbe
be ex
posed for
posed
33
3seconds at
for3
a time.
a
time. At
each ex
each
At
posure 3
posure
3 to
to5rounds
5 rounds
willbe firedin
willbe
firedinthe
the case
gunand
ofthe
of
theLewis
Lewisgun
andin
in
the case
the
case of
oftheHotch
the Hotch
gun, 2
2 rounds
Mss gun,
Mss
Hits
(single shots).
(single
signaled as
will be
be signaled
as in
riflepractices.
rifle
llations, Part
Part 11, p ar. 201.
rounds; Lewiis gun,

man: Hotehkiss
gun, 170rounds.
Total rounds
rounds per man:
Hotehkiss gui i, 169 rounds;
CLAS
HFICATION.
practices 10. 11, and 13.

classified on the resi Its of practices
The firer willbe classified
13.
Points willbe allottedas follows:
Practice 10 (application), 20 rounds, 2 points per hit.
26
MACHINEGTTN NOTES NO. 1.
Practice
Practice
11 (distribution), 50 rounds,
rounds, 12:spaces,
spaces, 4
points s per
perspace
space hit.
hit.
hit.
(snapshooting), 33exposures, ,4 points
points per
gure hit.
per fi| gure
Practice 13 (snapshooting),
Practice
gunner, 70
points.
For"firstclass"
For
"firstclass" gunner,
70 points.
points.
45 points.
"qualified"gunner,
gunner, 45
For"qualified"
For
complete course.
Note. Practice
Note.
Practice 12 may be omitted ifti [me is ihsufficie jnt for the complete
inemergency,
"swingingtraverse"
onlybe taught
emergency, e.g.,
taught for use
traverse" should
should only
use iin
e.g., for
rhe "swinging
rhe
for the
attack at short range.
repulse of a frontal attack
repulse
Part lII.J %eld

Part
%eld practice !S.
Prac Nature.
tice.
14
Target.
Range.
Yards.
15faUingiron 600 to 400

Attack 15faUingiron
plates on a
15yard
frontage.
15
5iron falling About600

About 600
plates per
plates
per
ona
a
gun on
gun
5yard
frontage.
frontage.
iS O
NO1 iSO
METHO
Bounds.
Objects.
change of position
Sufficient to i. Quick
Quick change
show effect.
and rapid opening of fire.
ii.Concealment
Concealment by
bythe
the use
of existing cover.
carrying
carrying
iii.Method of
iii.Method
of
the
gun.
iv.Ammunitionsupply
iv.Ammunition
supplyby
by
do
do
No.2.
Replacement of
v. Replacement
v.
ofcasual
ties.
Rapidity
Rapidity
i.
i.
inengaging a
in
target when
target
when on the
march.
ii.Use
ii.
Use of handcart.
iii.Use
iii.
Use of existing cover.
iv.Quick
iv.
Quick and
and correct
correct ap
plicationof fire.
plication
v.Ammunition
v.
Ammunition supply
supplyby
by
carts and dumps.
carts
vi.Speed
vi.
Speed ingetting
gettingout
outof
of
action.
OF C NDUCTINi THE
OF
THE PRACTICES.
Pact I. Instructional.
isprobably the firsttime anew Lewis

1. General. Since Paxt I
or Hotchkiss gunner fires withservice ammunition, careful and
thorough instruction isnecessary throughout these practices. The
best results willbe obtained by criticizing each portion of a practice
after itscompletion.
In these practices thefirershould learn, as he gains experience,
thepeculiarities ofhisgun andits mounting, and afterfull
tions and criticism, should be able to compensate for them by suitable
holding. These points should receive carefulattention and
nation by the instructor, and each group firedmust be aseparate
lesson inviewofthesmallnumber ofrounds available for
tionalpurposes.
27
2. Holding'practices, 1 and 2. (1)Object.These practices teach

anddemonstrate the following:
(i)Thepeculiarities of the bipod;
(ii) Anypeculiarities ofthe mechanism;
(iii)The sighting ofthe gun;
(iv)Correct tension of the return spring, and setting of gas
regulator, which should give a rate of fire of 10 rounds
per second;
(v)Correctholdingand position ofthefirer.
(2) Pointsfor criticism. The instructor watches the firer to see

thathe holds and firesthe gun correctly. Criticisms should take
place,bothatthegunposition and atthe target onthe completion
ofeach group.
3.Grouping practices, 8 and 4. (0 Object. Having acquired a
knowledge of the peculiarities ofhis gun, the firer in these practices
learns how to group shots consistently, and obtains further experience
of correct holding,sighting, and adjustment of mechanism and
mounting.
(2)Points for criticism. Each group should be fullycriticized

as itis fired, both at the gun position and at the target. Inpractice
4theresult ofeach ofthe firsttwogroups shouldbe criticized with
the aidoffield glasses fromthe gun position. The firershould be
taught howtocorrecthiserrors.
4. Application,practice 5. (1) Object. Having been taught how

togroup correctly, the firernow learns howtoapplyagroup
ratelytoagiventarget, tochange thepointofaimquickly,and to
correct any errors ofelevationanddirection. Theintervalbetween
the first and second group willbe onlysufficient for afresh target
to beindicated.
(2)Pointsforcriticism. The instructor should take note of the
rate of loading, laying, and firing. Theprevious practice gives the
fireraguide as tothe elevation. Atthe target errors due to
curacies inlaying andelevation
shouldbecriticized.
5.Distribution,practice 6. Pointsforcriticism. Atthe target the

followingpointsshould bediscussed aftereach part:
(i)Application;
(ii) Length traversed;

(iii)Density ofeach group;
(iv) Elevation;and
(v)Spaces missed.
6. Swinging, practice 7. Points forcriticism. Atthe target the

evenness ofthe distribution ofthe fire, and itseffectiveness, will
28
be discussed. Attention willbe directed toelevation, and spaces
missed.
Pact II. Classification practices.

7. The practices ofPart IIwillnot be fireduntilthe man has
satisfactorily. In theclassification practices 10,11, and
firedPart I
13, the firer willreceive no assistance, and the time limitand methods
of loading must be strictly observed. An officer willalways be
present atthebutts, andthe usualrules formarking, signaling,etc.,
willbe followed. Failure to fire fromwhatever cause, other than
fective mechanism, willcount against the firer. Inthe case of a
breakage ofmechanism, the practice willbe repeated.
8. Battlesights willnotbe used, except inpractice 12, whentheir
employment is left to the discretion of the conducting officer.
9. Practice 9. Afallingplate, or other aimingmark, should be

placed wellto aflankof each application targetand inline with the
bottom of the target. Only the actual number of rounds required to
findthe range should be fired. Rounds thus saved should be used
forPart 111.
10. Practice 10. The target shouldbenamed, butthepointofaim
mustbelefttothefirerand noassistance giventohim;theprevious
practice should have guided him as to elevation, wind, etc.
11. Practice 11. Only 50 rounds are to be fired at the target.
Any surplus ofthe 10rounds allowed forranging willbe allotted to
Part 111. In filling the Btrips for the Hotchkiss gun, the firstfive
spaces willbe missed in the first strip and the last five spaces in the
second strip.
12. Practice 12. This practice willbe fired froma sandbag or
pet without using thebarrel rest^r bipod; any positionsuitable to
theavailable cover
willbeadopted.
13. Practice 13. Thefigure willbe exposed forthree seconds ata
time,and froma differentpartofthe trench ateach exposure.
14. Practice 14 Lewis gun. The gunner lies down 50 yards inrear
Part 111. Fieldpractices.
of the first position which should be about 600 yards from the target;
No.2willliedownabout50 yards to hisleftrear. Onthecommand
"Action No. 1willpick up the gun and double forward to the
tionindicatedand open fire. The gun willbecarriedinthe most
inconspicuous manner, andthemagazine willnot beon thegun. On
fire being opened, No. 2 willdouble forward withtwo magazine
riers having fullmagazines and liedown under cover to the left rear
"
29
of No. 1. Thepractice willbe continued as above, each advance

being about100 yards. Before the finalposition, No. 1 should be
made acasualty, and on the command or signal toadvance, No.2
willpickupthe gun as he doubles forwardand fire it fromthe final
position.
Pointsfor criticism
(i) Thepace ofthe advance, whichshouldbe regulated by
the distance, and physical condition ofthe firer;
(ii)Themethod of carrying the gun, whichBhould combine
freedomofmovement and inconspicuousness;
(iii) Theuse ofcover, and speed inopening fire;and
(iv) The method of supplying ammunition by No. 2, and his
use ofcover.
15. Practice 14 Hotchhiss gun. The team (Nos. 1, 2, and 3) will

beformedup, mounted, in order ofmarch, 300 to400 yards fromthe
firstfiring position.
Onthe command orsignal "Action"theywillgalloptoaconvenient position, affording cover for horses, inrear or to the flank of the
firingposition. No. 1 willdismount and run to the firing position
with the gun and open fire. No. 2 willdismount, take off the ammunition box, and run withit to No. 1, when he willassume his usual
position on the right of the gun. The remainder of the practice will
be carried out as withthe Lewis gun, except that No. 2 should be on
the right of the gun when in action. No. 2 willreplace No. lat the
last range.
When the ground is favorable, on the signal "Out of action,"
No. 3 willbring up the horses at the gallop to No. 2, who willrepack
the gun, mount, and gallop back to the position originally selected
for the led horses.
Points for criticism.

(i) Selection of position for dismounting;
(ii) Quickness inopening fire, and use of cover infireposition;
(iii) Method of advance and use of cover;
(iv) Ammunition supply and use of cover by No. 2; and
(v) Speed ingetting out of action.
16. Practice IS Lewis gun. The detachment, with handcarts,

willbe moving in column of route when they receive word to engage
the enemy on their flank. They willmove as quickly as possible
with the carts to a position which is under cover and is as close to
the fire position as tactical conditions allow. A gun and magazine
carrier willbe taken out ofthe cart by each No. 1, and two magazine
30
carriers by each No. 2. The guns willbemounted ina position

offeringgood cover to the firer. No.2 willtake cover tothe rear
and leftflank ofNo.1.
''
Nos. 3and4 willarrangeforammunitionsupply, forming dumps
wherenecessary between carts and guns.
"Cease fire"willbegiven onobtaining effect, and ammunition
supplywillbepracticed. No.1maybemade acasualty toenable
others to fire. On "Outofaction"being given, carts willbe
packed and marchberesumed.
Pointsforcriticism.
(i)Timetaken tocome into action;
(ii)Undue exposure incomingintoaction;
(iii) Use of cover;
(iv)Method ofammunition supply; and
(v) Speed incoming out ofaction.
17. Practice 15 ffotchkiss gun. Asimilarpractice tothatof the

Lewisgunmay befired, substituting ammunition supply frompack
horses, instead offrom "dumps." Alternatively, if the ground is
favorable, a practice may beframed for a retirement fromposition
to position, two guns working in mutual support. In both cases,
themain object istogivepractice inbringing thegun intoaction
from the horse, opening fire,and remounting thegun again.
Part IV. Advanced fieldpractices.

The more advanced fieldpractices willtake place inclose
operation with a troop ora platoon.
Totalammunition allowed perman.
Hotch
kiss gun.
art I
'art II
and II
tepetitians, Parts I
art 111
'art IV
Total
170
169
31
80
50
Lewis
gun.
IK
17(
4!
INFANTRY MACHINEGUN
COMPANY TRAINING
(PROVISIONAL)
1917
TOBE READ INCONJUNCTION WITHINFANTRY
TRAINING ANDMUSKETRYREGULATIONS
ISSUED BY THEBRITISHGENERAL STAFF
31
DETAILEDTABLE OF CONTENTS FOE INFANTRY

MACHINEGUNCOMPANY TRAINING.
Chapteb
Sec.
1. Organization
2. Definitions
Chapter
I. Organization and Definitions.
Page.
35
35
II.Principles and System ofTraining.
3. General instructions
4.Annual training
5. Elementary training
Chapter
36
36
36
111. Section and Company Drill.

SECTION DRILL.
6. General Rules
37
COMPANY DRILL.
7. General rules
r
8. Acompany inlinemoving
" toa flank in columnofroute,
"Actionexpected
9.A company in linemovingto'aflankincolumnofroute,
"Actionnotexpected"
10. A company in line advancingin columnof sections
11. A company in columnofsections formingline in thesame
direction
12. Acompany incolumn ofroute, "Action not expected,"
forminglinefacingaflank
13. A company in column of route, "Action expected,"
forminglinefacinga flank
14. A company in column of route, "Action expected,"
formingline inthe same direction
15. Acompany incolumn ofroute, "Action not expected,"
formingSineincite yrqrdixecjipn.
Chapter W?^Mj4ai]i^;GujrRiLL| 1|
I
Jj.
16. AllocationoTttatJL .JLJ..&.\..
37
37
38
38
39
39
39
40
40
f~^\ .~t ..\....<&42

Combinefc^.^r^^D^l..^^^...^..^^^^
drill.". .' n. .i . . *ri H IS
19. Auxiliary
I.""
. ,
17. Elementary .dxill
40
.T.
18.
47
mounting
101862^17^43
'.
.V..
f \JI *<
?,
.*. >.\.
\j
..^,33
34
Sec.
Page.
20. Roughground drill

21. Trench, drill
22. Section tacticalexercise
Chapter
51
51
54
V. Fire Direction.
23.General remarks.
24. Traversing fire
25.Searching fire
26. Combined sights
27.Overhead fire
28. Indirect fire
29. Nightfiring
30. Indirectoverhead fire
31. Searching reverse slopes
Machine Guns inBattle.
Chapter VI.
32. Introductory
33. Characteristics of machine guns and Lewis guns
pared
34. The employment of Lewisguns

35. Thetacticalhandlingof Infantrymachine guns
36. Machine guns in theattack
37. Machine guns in thedefense
38. Machine guns withan advanced guard
39.Machine guns witharear guard
40. Villagefighting
41. Occupation ofvarious positions
42. Signals
56
56
57
58
59
60
67
69
72
73
74
75
75
77
79
80
81
81
82
83
Appendix A.
I.Tangent elevation, angles ofdescent, etc

lla. Trajectory table
llb.Trajectory tablefor
negative quadrant angles
Ma.Quadrant angleTargetabove gun
lIIb. Quadrant angle Target below gun
IV.Windallowances
V.Allowances for atmospheric influences
VI.Timeofflight
VII.Searching reverse slopes
Table
84
84
86
88
90
92
92
93
94
Appendix B.
Indirectoverhead fire sheet

Plates
94
96
Chapter
I.
ORGANIZATIONANDDEFINITIONS.
1. Organization.
LAmachinegun company consists of

Headquarters.
Sections, each of 4 guns.
The guns may be either Vickers orMaxims, butallthe guns of
the same company willbeofthe same pattern.
2. Amachinegun company iscommanded by amajor orcaptain
with acaptain orlieutenant assecond in command.
Each section is divided into two subsections, each commanded by
asubaltern with asergeant as second incommand. Thesenior of
the twosubalterns also commands thesection.
3.The machine guns of a section are carried in twolimbered
G.S. wagons. Each section has also one limbered G.S. wagon for
ammunition.
4.Further details as topersonnel and vehicles are given inWar
Establishments.
2. Definitions.
The followingdefinitions are added to those giveninInfantry

Training:
Bandoffire. When amachine gun isfiredso thatthe cone offire

isdirected onafixedaimingmark, whilethe gun isso sighted that
thefirstcatchis at the muzzle and the cone never rises above the
height of a man, a band offireisformed in thespace between thefirst
catch andthe firstgraze. (See PL XVII.)
For practical purposes on flatground, the trajectory limitsthe
length oftheband to600 yards.
Detachment (ina machinegun company). The number ofmen
detailed for the service of one gun. Each detachment is numbered from 1 to 6, permanent duties being allotted to each number.
(See sees. 16 and 17.)
Fighting limbers. Those limbers detailed to carry the guns, tripods, and first supply ofammunition.
In action. A machine gun is said to be "inaction" when itis

mounted, loaded, and laid, butis not necessarily firing.
Indirect fire. Fire directed at an object or area of ground which

is invisible from the gun position.
35
36
Laying. The process of elevating and traversing a gun until its

axis ismade to point inany given direction. On completion of
gun issaid tobelaid.
thisprocess the
Machine gun. A gun ofthe Vickers or Maxim type. Lewis guns
arenot included in the
termmachine gun.
Position of readiness. A position in which guns and personnel are
assembled preparatory tocomingintoaction.
Ranges, terms applied to. These are the same formachine guns
as forthe rifle.
Screen offire. Ifmachine guns are sited onany given defensive
line so that no portion of the gound in front of thatline is unswept
byat least oneband offire, thatfrontissaid tobe protected bya
screen offire. (See PI. XVIII.)
Chapter
11.
PRINCIPLES ANDSYSTEM OF TRAINING,

3. General instructions.
The principles and system of training laiddown inInfantry

Training, Chapter I,apply to the training of the personnel of
machinegun companies.
4. Annual training.
1. The details
given inInfantry Training, section 8, require
modification to suitthenew organization of machinegun companies.
2. (a)Theestablishment giveninparagraph lofthe abovequoted

sectionhas been superseded.
(6) Paragraph 2. There willbe nobrigade machinegun officer,
butwhen necessary thecommander ofthe machinegun company
attached tothebrigade willact as such.
3. Machinegun companies will,ifavailable, be practiced in field
operations withinfantrybattalions, sections beingalso occasionally
detailed to cooperate withcompanies ofinfantry during their
training.
5. Elementary training.
Thepersonnel ofmachinegun companies are trained as Infantry

soldiers insquad drill,as laiddown inInfantry Training, before
beinginstructed inthe special formations necessary for machine
gun companies whichare given in Chapter 111of thismanual.
MACHINE GT7N NOTES NO. 1.

Chapter
37
111.
SECTION AND COMPANY DRILL.

SECTION DRILL.
6. General rules.
1. Asection willbeexercised in allthemovements of squad drill,
the wordsection beingsubstituted forsquad.
2. The rules laiddown inInfantry Training,Chapter 111, for
section and platoon drill willapply. Itmust beremembered that
amachinegun section corresponds to aplatoon, and asubsection
to anInfantrysection.
3. The normal positions of the units of a machinegun section
formed up on parade for inspection are given in Plate I, but a
tion parading by itself for inspection willfall inwithone pace
intervalbetween subsections.
COMPANYDRILL.
7. General rules.
1. The object of and rules for company drillof amachinegun
company are the same as laiddown inInfantryTraining, Chapter
IV,for an Infantry company, withthe provisos laid down in section
6(2) ofthismanual.
2. The normal positions ofthe units of a machinegun company
inline and in column of route, are given in Plates I,11, and 111.
3. The detailofsome special movements is giveninthefollowing
sections.
8. A company
in line moving to a flank in column of route, "Action

expected.' 11
Moveto the right(or left)incolumnof route. No.

leading.
Section
1. The company commander, company sergeant major, and

nalers willtake post on theflank nearest the directionofmarch.
2. Thesection commanders willgivethecommand No. Section,

FormFours, Right (or Left), Quick March, on which the gun limber
iIn this and the followingsections thetitleofthesection orofthemovement is
shown in italics, and is followed inthe next line by the caution or executive word of
command in boldface type. The bodyofthe section contains thedetail. Cautions
or wordsofcommand referred to inthedetailareinitalics.
38
nearest theflankofmarchwillwheelintocolumnofroute, followed

by itssubsection and insuccession by theremaining gun limbers
and subsections inthatorder.
3. The ammunition limbers willfollowthe rear section in the same

order as theirsections. They willbe followedbythe headquarters'
limber, water cart, cook's cart, and traintransport in rear inthat
order.
9.
Acompany in linemoving toaflank incolumnofroute, "Action

notexpected."
Movetothe Right (oiLeft) in Column of Route, Detachments

ing; Sections, Form Fours, Right (orLeft).
1. Thecompany sergeant major and signalers willtake post at the
head ofthecolumn.
Quick March.
1. The men ofthe detachments willactas insquad drill.
2. When the rear of the detachments are clear the subsection
officerof the leading section willplace himself at the head ofthe gun
limbernearest thedirectionofmarchand give the command, No.
Section, Walk March. Thislimber willbe followedby the other
gunlimber, whiletheNo. 3limberwaitsuntilthe gun limbersof
the remaining sections have passed The remaining subsection
manders willact in a like manner in succession.
3. The ammunition limbers, headquarters' limber, water cart,
cook's cart, andtraintransport willfollowin thatorder inrear,
visedbythesecond incommand andthetransportsergeant, who will
ride inrear ofthecolumn.
4. The corporals and other details, as shown in Plate 11, willact
as brakesmen to the fighting limbers andother vehicles, respectively.
10.
A company inlineadvancing in columnof sections.
Advance inColumn of Sections fromthe Bight (or Left).
1. The company sergeant major and signalers will take post in

frontof thesection commander on the right (or left)of the line,
distances as in Plate I.
2.No.1section commander willgivethe command No.1Section,
by theRight,Quick March. The remaining section commanders in
succession willgive thecommand No. Section, Quick March, on

which they willlead theirsections intotheir places incolumn in
rear ofthe preceding section.
Machine
gtjn notes
no. i.
39
3.The ammunitionlimbers willtakepost in rear ofthelast

tion, the limbernearest theflankof direction leading followedby
theheadquarters' limber,water cart, cook's cart, andtraintransport.
11.
A company in column of sections forming line in the same direction.
Atthe Halt, on the Left (or Bight), Form Line, Remainder Left
(orRight) Incline.
1. Theleadingsection commander willgivethe command No.

Section, Halt. Theremaining sections willinclineas ordered, when
each section is immediately in rear of its position in line it will
receive from itscommander, Left(or Right)Incline, and, when on
alignment,Halt. Thesection commander will,ifnecessary, give the
command Right (or Left) Dress, on whichthe whole will take up
theirdressing bytheflankofdirection.
2.The company sergeant major, signalers, ammunition limbers,
water cart, etc., willmove to their places inlineduringthe
ment.
3. Thismovement willalways be done atthehalt.
12. A company incolumn ofroute, "Actionnot expected," forming
line facing a flank.
Atthe halt, line to the left (or right), company halt, left(orright) turn.
1. Themen ofthe detachments willact asinsquad drill.
2.The subsection officers and the transport sergeant willlead
theirwagons totheir placesin line during themovement, and when
themovement is completed willtake uptheir places inline.
3.The company sergeant major, signalers, servants, cooks, etc.,
willtakeuptheir places inlineduring themovement.
13. Acompany incolumn ofroute, "Action expected," forming line

facingaflank.
At the halt, facing left (or right), form line.
The leading gun limber willwheel inthe named direction and halt,
followedby the remaining gun limbers, which willwheeland halt
insuccession as theyarrive at the correct interval. They willbe
followedby theirrespective subsections, which willbeled totheir
places in line bytheir subsection sergeants, who willgive the
mandHalt, left(orright)turn.
40
2. The company sergeant major, signalers, ammunition limbers,

headquarters' limber, water cart, cook's cart, and train transport
willmove to their places in line during the movement.
14.
Acompany in columnof route, "Action expected," formingline in

the same direction.
At the halt, ontheleft (orright), formline.
The leading gun limber willhalt, the remainder disengaging to

the left(or right)and taking up their places in line. As thegun
limbersarriveat their places, their respective subsections will
engage by the right. On reaching the correct distance infront
ofthegun limbers, each subsection sergeant willgivethe command
Atthe halt,on theleft(orright), formsubsection.
2. The company sergeant major, signalers, ammunition limbers,
headquarters' limber, water cart, etc., willmove totheir places in
lineduring themovement.
15. Acompany
incolumn ofroute, "Actionnot expected," forming

linein the same direction.
At the halt, onthe left (orright),form Company.

1. Themen ofthe detachments willactas in squad drill.
2.The gun limbers willbe led to their places in line by their
respective subsection officers.

3. The company sergeant major, signalers, cooks, servants, etc.,
ammunition limbers, headquarters' limber, water cart, cook's cart,
andtraintransport willmovetotheirplaces inlineduringthe
ment.
Chapter
IV.
MACHINE GUN DRILL.
Note. The followingsections 16 and 17 are substituted for

tions102 and 103, respectively, in InfantryTraining, Chapter VII.
Additional sections, 18 to22, are added formore advanced training.
In order that training may be progressive, the sequence ofthese
sections shouldbe adhered to.
16. Allocation of duties.
1. Theduties ofthesection commander are tocommand the
tion inaccordance with his orders and the tactical situation, to
select gun positions, toobserve and tocontrolfiregenerally, to
MACHINE GUN NOTES NO. 1.
41
late the ammunition supply, and togiveinstructions regarding the
movements oflimbered wagons.

2. The duties ofthe subsection officer are toassist the section
commander and toact as second incommand ofthe section. He
should beready toreplace the section commander should thelatter
become a casualty. Normallyhe will command one subsection in
actionand supervise the transport ofhissection inquarters and on
the lineofmarch.
3. The duty of the sergeant is to supervise guns coming intoaction
as thesection officermaydirect. Hemust beprepared to take command of the section in the event of both the officers becoming casualties. He is responsible for replacing casualties among the gun
numbers when they occur.
4. The corporal is responsible generally for the packing and contents of the gun limber. On the line of march he marches behind
it and works the brake as required. On the order to unpack he will
superintend the unpacking, and take command in the absence of
the section officer or sergeant. He willhave the spare parts box
handy, .supervise the ammunition supply and fillingof belts, direct
the gun limber as required, superintend the fillingof sandbags, and
watch for signals from the section officer. He willbe prepared to
take the place of the sergeant should he become a casualty.
5. The following are the duties of the various numbers:
No. listhe firer. He willpersonally clean and look after his gun
and insure that the mechanism is working smoothly. On going
into action he willcarry the Mark IVtripod and place itin a suitable position and assist No. 2inmounting the gun. He repeats all
orders received, observes his own fire when possible, and makes the
necessary alterations of elevation and direction.
No. 2 assists No. 1at the gun, carries the gun into action when No.
1is carrying the tripod, and mounts itwith the assistance of No. 1.
On going into action he willsecure the tube of the condenser to
the gun and take the first-aid case. Inaction he willattend to the
feeding of the gun, watch for signals from the section or company
officer, and generally assist No. 1.
No. 3 is responsible for keeping the gun supplied with ammunition, seeing that the condenser (half filled with water) reaches the
gun position before there is any chance of the water in barrel casing
boiling, and carrying out minor repairs while the gun is in action.
No. 4 assists No. 3in his duties. He is responsible for keeping
No. 3 supplied withammunition, water, and spare parts from the
spare-parts box as required.
42
Nos. 5 and 6 are spare men. These numbers and the scout and
range taker,ifdetailed tothesection, act according totheordersof
thesection orsubsection officer.
6. Section officers willinsure that each man ofthe section is
thoroughly trained inthe duties ofeach "number." Asystem of
"changing round willbearranged, sothatevery man willperform
the several duties ofthesection in turn.
"
17. Elementary drill.
Note. Elementary drillconsists ofthe following:

(a) Mountingthegun.
(6) Loading.
(c) Sightsetting and laying.
(d) Unloading.
(c) Dismounting the gun.
(/)Comingintoaction.
(g)Comingoutofaction.
(h) Tap traversing and verticalsearching.
(%)Use ofcondenser tubeand bag with water.
(j) Elementary drillwithgun mounted inlowest position.
1. The gunsof asubsection, withtripods and ammunition boxes,
willbeplaced on the ground, muzzles tothe frontand inline,legs
tothe rear, and clamps sufficiently tighttoprevent the legs from
hanging loosewhen thetripodisliftedoffthe ground. The
ingclamp shouldbesufficientlyloose toenable the gun tobe
flected by a sharp tap with the hand on the rear crosspiece; guns on
theright,ammunitionboxes 3paces in rear oftheguns. Theguns
should beaconvenient distance apart, butnotcloser than 8paces.
2. On the command Fallin, the subsection willfall inintwo
ranks, 5 paces infrontoftheintervalbetween the twoguns, the
sergeant on the leftofthe front rank, covered by the corporal in the
rear rank. The frontrank willprovide the rightgun detachment,
the rear rank the left gun detachment.
Onthecommand Number, thesubsection willnumber fromright
toleft.
On the command Take post, detachments turn outward and
double to theirrespective guns (the sergeant andthecorporalonthe
outer flank,where they can superintend). Nos. 1 and 2 fallinon
the left of the tripod and right of the gun, respectively, No. 3 on the
leftoftheammunitionbox. Ifthe ground is suitable, these
bers shouldliedown.
43
Nos. 4, 5,and 6 should take up positions aa directed bythe

structor.
3. Before commencing drill,each "number" willexamine the
gun and equipment as follows:
No. 1 willexamine the tripodand see that
(a)The legs are closelyfoldedand clamped.

(&)The traversing clamp issticky.
(c) The pins arein and turneddown.
(d) Theelevatingscrews are exposed
the same amount.
No.2 willexamine thegun and see that
(a)The lockisin and thelockspring isreleased.
(6)The slidingshutter isclosed (intheVickersgun).
(c) The feed block is inand the front cover catch of the
Vickers gun turned down.
(d)The Tfixingpinisscrewed upandvertical(Vickers gun).
(c) Thecorkplugisin.
(/)Theslide ofthe tangent sight isadjusted to600 yards.
(g) The auxiliarymountingis correctly fixedand inworking
"order.
No.3 willexamine thebeltand see that

(a) The cartridges are correctlyplaced.
(b) The belt ispacked correctly in the box and the lid
fastened.
Nos. 2 and 3 willreport to No. 1 when they are satisfied that allis
correct.
4. Ineach stage ofthedrillthe correct method willfirstbe
strated by the instructor, and will then bepracticed by each
beroftheteam beforeproceeding tothenextstage. During drill,the
spare numbers willbebrought up near the gun towatchandlisten
to thecriticism. No. 1willalways repeat the wordsofcommand
loudlyand clearly.
5. Mounting the gun. A machinegun instructional target or
landscape target willbe placed about 25 yards fromthe guns. The
instructor willpoint out aplace fortheguns tobe mounted, not
more than 5 yards fromwhere they arelying. He willthen give
thecommand Mountgun.
No. 1picks up the tripod, carries itto the spot ordered, and places
it inposition. In adjusting the tripod he must insure* that the
socket isupright and that the legs are clamped tight. He must
learnbyexperience the adjustment thatsuits himbestfor the position
ordered and forthe nature ofthe ground, so thathe willnotbe cramped
when firing and willnot have to alter the tripod after the gun has been
mounted.
44
Assoon aathe tripodisnearly inposition,No.2picksup thegun

(withVickers gunpushes the sliding shutter to therear),andcarriea
it to theright side ofthe tripodholding therearcrosspiece with the
lefthand with the gun muzzle to the rear under theright arm. He
thenkneels on theleft knee, facingthe tripod, and supporting the
gun on the rightknee places iton the tripod,drives inand turns
downthe crosshead jointpin,and removes the cork plug fromthe
steam escape hole. No. 1 fixes the elevating jointpin, and directs
thegun toward the mark. Meanwhile No. 2liesdown and places
the ammunitionbox inposition.
No. 2 should timehis advance so as toreach the tripodat the
moment its adjustment is completed.
WhenNo. 3 sees that the gun is nearly mounted, he carries the
ammunition box forwardand places itwithin reach of No. 2. The
ammunition must be athand directlyNo.2is ready forit. No. 3
then retires to a position not immediatelyinrear ofthe gun (Standard time, 20 seconds.)
6. Loading. On the command Load, No. 1pulls the crank handle

on to the roller. (Maxim: Turns the crank handle on to the buffer
spring.) No. 2 passes the tag of the belt through the feed block.
No. 1 withhis lefthand pulls the belt straight through to the left
front as far as it willgo and releases the crank handle. Relaxing the
strain on the belt, No. 1 pulls the crank handle on to the roller
(Maxim: Turns the crank handle on to the buffer spring), pulls the
belt to the left front and releases the crank handle. Each motion
should be clean and distinct. (Standard time, 5 seconds.)
loaded and ready to fire.
The gun is now
7. Sight setting. For ranges not exceeding 500 yards the fixed
sight willbe ordered, except when firing at a very small target,
when orders willbe given as in the case of ranges over 500 yards.
For ranges over 500 yards, on the command (Range), c. g. "900."
No. 1raises the tangent sight, repeats the order for his own gun, and
adjusts the slide to the elevation required for the distance ordered.
(naming the aiming mark),

8. Laying. On the command At
No. 2 adjusts the traversing clamp iftold to do so by No. 1, and No.
1lays the gun, maintaining the same pressure on the handles while
layingas he would when firing.
When tne gun is laid, No. 1raises the automatic safety catch with
the forefinger, and prepares to fire. When No. lis ready, No. 2 holds
out his lefthand and arm horizontally.
9. As proficiency increases, the pause between naming the range
and the aiming mark should be slight. (Standard time for sight
45
setting and laying, 12 seconds; taken fromthe timethe range is

ordered untilNo. 2 holds outhis hand.)
10. Onthe command orsignal Fire, No.1presses thethumbpiece
ordouble button.
11. Onthe command orsignal Cease fire,No. 1releases the
sure onthethumbpiece or double button, and remains steady.
12. The points for criticismwhen the gun is mounted should follow
adefinitesequence.
(a) Tripod:
i. Position of legs withreference to the ground,

ii. Clamps of leg tight.
iii.Socket upright.
iv.Traversing clamp sticky.
v.Allpinsinand turneddown.
vi.Elevatingscrews equidistant.
vii.Rear leginprolongation of lineof sight to the target.
(b)Gun:
i. Muzzle toward the target.
ii. Corkplugout.
iii.Shutter back.
iv. Belt box inline with the feed block.
v. No. 1 withholding taken and elbows supported on thighs.
vi.No.2inposition.
vii. Gun fairlylevel.
viii. Tangent sight set to600 yards.
(c)The followingpoints shouldalsobenoted:
i. Loading; the cleanness ofloading must beinsisted on.
ii.Accuracy ofsight testing.
iii.Absolute accuracy ofaim.
iv.Firing; thatontheorder or signalbeinggiven, to open fire,
the double button or thumbpiece is immediately
pressed, withoutdisturbingthe laying.
13. Unloading. Onthe command Unload, No.1lowers the

gentsight, ifit hasbeen raised, andleaves the sight as lastadjusted;
he pullsthecrankhandle twicein succession on to theroller, letting
it fly back each time on to the check lever, and finallydepresses the
lower pawls (Maxim: He turns the crank handle twice in succession
on to the buffer spring, letting it fly back each time on to the check
lever)whileNo.2 withdraws the beltand packs itinthebox;this
must be done correctly, and the lidclosed and fastened; No. 1
leases thelockspring bypressing the doublebuttonorthumbpiece.
(Standard time, 5seconds.)
46
14. Dismounting thegun. Onthe command Dismount gun, No.1

removes theelevatingand crosshead jointpins.
No.2passes the ammunitionbox toNo.3, replaces the corkplug
whenthe condenser isnot inuse, removes thegunas in mounting,
and replaces itinitsoriginalposition in rear. On reaching this
position,he closes the sliding shutter (Vickers), and readjusts the
tangent sight to600 if previously altered.
No.1carriesback thetripod,replaces thecrosshead and elevating
joint pins,takingcare that they areturned down, and then foldsand
clamps thelegs. (Standard time,15 seconds.)
15. Coming into action. As proficiency increases, the gunners
should be exercised in performing allthe movements required to
bring the guninto action.
Onthe command orsignal Action(followedbyrange and aiming
mark)the gunners will,fromthepositions described inparagraph 2,
combine alltheforegoingdetailsofmounting,loading,andlayingthe
gun, No. 2 signifyingwhen No. lis"ready" tofire. (Standard
time, 35 seconds.)
16. Coining out of action. On the command or signal Out of

Action,the gun willbeunloaded without withdrawingthe beltfrom
the feed block. No. 1 willseize the rear leg and rapidly withdraw
thegun and tripodunder cover ortothe originalposition, withthe
leastpossible exposure. No.2similarlywillwithdrawthe ammunition box. The gun willthen be dismounted in the usual manner.
Ifthe cover is some distance away, Nos. 1 and 2 willcarry the gun,
tripod, and belt box in the most convenient "manner to cover.
17. Tap traversing. Frequent instruction willbe given in traversing fire. The firer must firstinsure that the traversing clamp is just
sufficiently loose to enable the gun to be deflected by means of a
sharp tap with the hand on the rear crosspiece. Each man must
learn' by experience the exact degree of clamping he requires, and
before firinghe should insure that the clamp is correctly adjusted to suit
himself.
Traversing fire is applied by means of a series of groups fired at
intervals withincertain limitsindicated by such figures on the machine gun instructional target as may be ordered by the instructor.
The procedure forhorizontal traversing is as follows: The instructor having described the figures between which fireis tobe directed,
willgive the command Traversing followed by the signal to fire.
The firer willlay the gun on the flank figure named and press the
button, then tap the gun approximately to the center ofthe interval
to the next figure, again press the button, then tap, and so on, until
47
thelimitorderedhas beenreached. Thefirershouldbe taught to

fire groups of about eight rounds by maintaining pressure on the
button for about one second at each group. By thismethod he will
learn to tap the gun withthe necessary force in order to avoid firing
more than one group at thesame place, and also toavoidleaving
gap in the line he is traversing. (Standard time, 2 seconds for each
completed series, i.c., a group and completed traverse.)
Asproficiencyincreases, instruction shouldbe givenindiagonal
traversing. Inthis case the target willbe three bands each with
three figures as forhorizontal traversing. The bands willbejoined
so that each of the outer bands is in the same vertical plane as the
center band and forms anangle of 120 with it.
In this case the firer is taught tocombine the use ofthe elevating
wheel withtapping for deflection, the same principles being applied as in horizontal traversing. Instruction should be afforded in
traversing from right to left as wellas from leftto right.
During instruction, fire should be stopped at least twice in
order to check the laying and also to measure the distance traversed.
By comparing the distance traversed with the groups fired, an estimate can be made as to the value of the traversing fired. For
example: Traversing fire is ordered from the first to the sixth figure;
fireis stopped after the fourth group. Ifthe traverse had been correctly carried out, the gun should be laid on the interval between
the second and third figures. (Standard time, 3 seconds for each
completed group and traverse.)
18. Swinging traverse. Against dense targets at close range, the
normal method of traversing is too slow, and fire is unnecessarily
concentrated. The "swinging traverse willtherefore be employed
for this purpose. This consists of rapidly traversing a given line
with the traversing clamp loose, the limit and speed of traverse
being controlled by the action of the gunner.
Elementary instruction in "swinging traverse" willbe given on
the machine gun instructional target. The gunner willbe trained
to traverse evenly and smoothly the breadth of the target from outside figure to outside figure in about 5 seconds.
As proficiency is attained, practice willbe afforded in traversing
various types of targets which are suitable for this method of fire.
"
18. Combined drill.
Instruction in machine-gun signals (see Infantry Training, sec.

164) must be given before combined drillis commenced, and these
signals should henceforth be used whenever possible.
48
Combined drillisbest carried out withfourormore guns.

densers willalways be attached and bags filled. Barrel casings
willalso be filled. Competition between detachments should be
encouraged witha view to increasing proficiency inelementary
drill. The following subjects are taught during combined drill:
(a) Theexecution and deliveryoffireorders.
(6) Theuse ofcombined sights.
(c)Indicationand recognition of targets.
(d) Immediate action.
(c) Thereplacement ofbreakages.
(/) Casualties.
The instructor should take times, correct mistakes, and carefully
note the performance ofeach detail. When combined drillis
riedon out of doors infine weather, allnumbers should liedown,
3 and 4 formingashort chain, and the remainder representing
serves in therear.
19. Auxiliarymounting drill.
1. The auxiliary(light)mounting is not intended to replace the
Mark IVtripod. The gun can be placed on the Mark IV tripod
without removing thelight
mounting.
It is intended for use in
(a) The firing line.
(6)Rapidadvances,
(c) Trench totrenchrushes.
(d)Fighting incaptured trenches when hurried changes of
positionare essential, etc.
(c) Trench fighting,when the gun has to be fired hurriedly
fromapositionother than the battle emplacement, or
when theMark IV tripodhas been destroyed.
The gun can be carried by either one or twomen, as desired.
The leather straps, oneonthe rear crosspiece and oneonthe front
clipband, enable Nos. 1 and 2 to carry the gun between them.
They should move insingle file,thus concealing the gunfromthe
front. Inthis waythe fact that a machine gun is beingbrought
up willbemore easilyconcealed fromthe enemy.
When in action in theopen with the light mounting, No. 1should
lie on his back, with his legs to the left of the tripod, No. 2 being
onhis righthand side, supporting the fixer'sback and neck with
hislegs. (See PI.VII.)
2. When itis desired tohave the gun carried byone man, Nos.
1 and 2 should move extended totwoor three paces, but
MACHINE GTTN NOTES NO. 1.
49
ingas far as possible to neighboring infantry extensions, No. 1

carrying the gun and No.2 twoormore boxes ofammunition and
first aidcase.
3. The following method will be taught in addition to other
methods whichmay be suitable on special occasions. The gun
willbe carried verticallyon the righthand side, muzzle upward,
the right hand grasping the rear leather band, back of the hand
to the front, and taking all the weight; the lefthand steadying the
muzzleend bymeans ofthelightmounting clip.
The method of carrying the gun on the shoulder leads to
posure, and is unsuitable in trenches or when in close contact with
the enemy.
Thecondenser tube willbe attached throughout.
4. (a) For drillpurposes about 3 seconds afterNo. 1has opened
firehe should pullthe crank handle on to the roller, thus allowing
the short length of belt tobe pulled through the feed blockand
the webbeltinserted.
(b) The fixed sight is invariablyused inlightmounting work;
consequently the tangent sight willnot beraised.
(c) Stoppages should be practiced.
(d) When this drillis carried out onrough ground the necessary
precautions for concealment willbe observed when bringing the
gun intoand out ofaction.
5. Drillwith "twoman load." The gun, withlight mounting
attached, legs closed and engaged in the clip, willbe placed on the
ground 20 yards inthe rear of the selected position upon which
the gun istobe brought intoaction.
Themuzzleofthe gun willbe placed tothe front.
Nos. 1and 2, each withan ammunition beltbox containing a
few dummy cartridges at theend ofthe belt, willassume the prone
position, No. 1behind the rear crosspiece, No. 2 on the right of
the gun. No. 2 willhave also a short length ofbelt with two dummy
cartridges inits leading end, and the first aid case.
The condenser bag willnot becarried.
6. OnthecautionPrepare to advance. No. 1 will

(a) Pullback the slidingshutter.
(b) Performthefirsthalfofthe loading motion.
(c) Throwthe short length ofbeltover the feed block to the
left.
(d)Release thelockspring.
(c) Turnthe gun on its lefthandside.
101862 17
50
No.2 will
(a) Insert the short length of belt in the feed block.

(6) See thatthefrontleather strap is tothe top.
(c) Open the tripodlegs after(c).
7. On the command Action, the numbers spring to their feet
seizing the appropriate straps, and, each carrying abeltboxinthe
disengaged hand, willmoverapidlytothepositionselected. No.1
has the strap in his right hand; No. 2 inhis left hand.
8. Onarrivalatthe position,No. 1willcallout Actionand

(a) Steady the tripod and lie down, placing the belt box ina
convenient positionfor No.2.
(ft)Throwthe short lengthofbeltoverto the rightand
plete theloading motions.
(c) Adjust therear leather strap ifnecessary.
(d) Open fire.
No. 2will
(a) Turndownthefrontleather strap.
(6)Liedown and support No.1.
(c) Open the beltboxandholdanewbeltready.
9. On the cautionPrepare toadvance, preceded by the command
Ceasefire, No. 1 willunload; No. 2 removes the web belt and inserts
theshort length of belt, iftherehas been time to replace it.
10. On the command Out of action, the gun willbe unloaded
withoutremoving the belt from the feed
block and willbe withdrawn
until cover isreached, whenNo.1will
(a) Depress the pawls andrelease thelockspring.
(6) Close the sliding shutter.
No.2 will
(a) Pack away thebelts.
(6) Adjust thefrontstrap.
retire,carrying theboxes and gun.
Bothwillthen jumpup and
11. Drillwith"single load." As fordrillwiththe twoman load,
except thatNo.2 willcarrybothbeltboxes.
12. Onthe cautionPrepare toadvance, the same procedure willbe
followedas for the twoman load, except thatNo.2 should see that
the frontstrap is atthe bottom.
13. Onthe command Action,as forthe twoman load, except that
No, 1 carries the gun alone; No.2 the beltboxes. In moving
ward,No.2 shouldextend to the right, and close inagainonNo.1
onnearing the position.
The remainder of the drillfollowsthe same lines as forthe two
man load.
51
20. Rough ground drill.

1. The gun willbe mounted throughout on a steep slope, for
firingin each ofthe following directions in turn:
(a) Down.
(6) Up.
(c) Horizontally tothe right.
(d)Horizontally tothe left.
Nos. 1, 2, and 3 with the gun, tripod, and ammunition box, and 4
with water bag (full)and another boxof ammunition, willbe ina
positionofreadiness not morethan 10 yards fromthe selected posi-
tion. The instructor having marked the position and pointed it out,
the gun numbers, on receipt of a target and range, will,on the order
Action, mount, load, and lay the gun on the target indicated. The
same procedure willbe followed for each of the four positions.
2. The following points are important:
(a) Correct setting up of the tripod, the rear leg always downhill.
(&) The positions adopted by Nos. 1 and 2 (as regards fire effect,
exposure, and comfort).
(c) The position of the ammunition box to insure correct feed.
(d) The position of No. 3 (minimum exposure with facility for
supply).
(c) The position of No. 4.
(/) The gun must be properly in action, and alldetails of elementary training must be observed.
21. Trench drill
1. The object of trench drillis to practice:
(a) Posting and relieving sentries and No. 1.
(6) Relieving detachments.
(c)
Action in'trenches.
(d) Preparing to advance and coming into action.

(c) Quick change to an alternative position.
All the above should be practiced on the barrack square before

drilltakes place in the trenches.
2. Posting and relief ofsentries and No. 1. The principles involved

posting
and relief of an infantry sentry
are identical with those of
on guard or outpost duty.
3. At a gun position in trenches:
(a) By day only one number need be on duty at the gun position,
and he willbe the sentry.
52
(6)Bynight twomen willalways beonduty; onebeing the sentry,

whoiskeepingalookout,andthesecond being theNo. 1for theterm
ofduty. Thelatteris actuallyat thegun, and may sitdown, but
must beawake.
. 4. Agun number (ifbynight,usually
the last number on gun
duty) willbeposted as a sentry by day with aperiscope or at a

loophole ifno periscope is available; by night, looking over the
pet. He willbe acquainted with the position of all emplacements
allotted tohisgun, and willhave a thorough knowledge ofthe
lowing:
(a)The section ofthe ground covered by the gun whichitishis

duty towatch.
(6)Points shown onthe range card.
(c)Specialordersforhis gunposition during his relief These may
includeactionasregards patrols, wiring parties, etc.
(d) Standing orders forthesentry onmachinegun emplacements.
He willbeinformed ofany unusual circumstances noticedbyhis
predecessor.
The relieving No. 1 willinspect the gun andinsure thatthe gun
is in firing order, also that allnecessary equipment is inplace. He
willbeinformedof any special fireorders whichmay have been
issued forthatgun.
Allthe foregoingis applicable tointernalreliefwithinagun
tachment. For reliefof sentries when sections or companies are
concerned see paragraphs 5
and 6.
5.Relief of detachments. The guide withthe relieving
ment willlead them to the dugout of the detachment to be relieved,
and report to the gun commander of that detachment that the
ing
detachment has arrived.
'
Therelieving N.C. 0. orman in charge will

positions
of the gun, the sentry, alternative
(a) Ascertain the
emplacements, his officer's headquarters, the nearest telephone,
andthe latrine.
(6) Take overand giveareceipt fortrench stores.
(c) Receive a report fromhis No. 1 when his gun, etc., is present
and correct.
(d)Ensure thathisNo.1understands his orders, range card, etc.,
forhisgun, andshowhimthealternative emplacements.
(c) Orderhis No. 1 tomount his tripod (and gun, ifreliefisby
night),and see thatthisisdone correctly.
(J) Detail his first sentry, and instruct him to take over.
(g) Report to hisofficer, "Reliefcomplete,"
(h) Drawout adutyroster.
MACHINE GTJN NOTES NO. 1.
53
6. Therelieving sentry willascertain theorders for the

sentry as
detailed in paragraph 4, and, in addition, willfind out
(a) Whether thegunhas been firedduringtheprevious relief.

(6)Ifso, atwhattarget, and fromwhatemplacement.
7. The officer in charge of the relieving detachment will
(c) On arrivalinthe trench sector tobe defended byhisguns,
report totheofficerofthe guns toberelieved.
(6)Remain withhim and receive reports fromhis gun commanders.
(c) Receive any instructions or information with regard to the
situation, other than those he has learned during his previous reconnaissance.
(d) As soon as the relieved detachment has moved off he willgo
round allhis guns and make sure that his gun commanders have
carried out their work correctly. At the same time he willsee that
any special orders he may have issued withregard to work to be
done, standing fire orders, etc., are being complied with.
(c) Report "Relief complete" to his machine-gun company commander and to the company commander of the trench sector in
which he finds himself.
(/) See that his arrangements for communication are on a satisfactory basis.
8. Officers in charge of detachments relieved willnot move off
untiltheir detachments are reported closed up and complete.
ACTION IN TRENCHES.
9. (a) By day. On the command Action, the sentry runs to the

dugout, wakes the other members, takes the gun to the emplacement, mounts, loads and lays; No. 2 follows immediately with the
ammunition and first-aid case, and the remaining members stand
by in the dugout. When the occupants of the trench are qrdered
to Stand-to, the above procedure is carried out by the machine-gun
detachments, except that the gun is only half loaded.
The loophole (ifblinded) wouldhave to be cleared before fire could
be opened; the actual moment when this should be done depends on
the nature of the
situation.
(6) By night. On the command Action, No. 1 willcomplete the
loading motions. The sentry willwaken the men in the dugout and
return to his post.
(c) Practice should be giveninmounting the gun on the auxiliary
mounting in alternative positions during drillby day to represent
the Mark IVmounting having been destroyed.
54
MACHINE dtflTNOTES ITO. 1.
Practice willalso be given with,the pivotand ammunition boi

mountings.
PREPARE TO ADVANCE.
10. (a)Byday. The sentry willruntothedugout and warnthe

other numbers. Nos. 1and 2 willcarry out their duties as laid down
for the caution Prepare toadvance in"AuxiliaryMountingDrill."
(Sec. 19 (6).) After this is completed they willcarry the gun from
the dugout to the correct place in the trench. No. 3 willcome up
and dismount the
tripod.
(b) By night. Nos. 1and 2 willbe in their proper positions (see
par.3), spare parts, short lengthofbelt,and twobeltboxes inthe
emplacement, spare numbers in thedugout. Onthecommand Prepare to advance, No. 1willunload, withdraw the web belt, insert the
short length, perform half the loading motions, throw the short
length over the feed block and release the lock spring; whileNo. 2
warns the spare numbers in the dugout. The latter then returns to
the gun, helps No. 1to dismount, opens the auxiliarylegs, and both
adjust the leather straps. The gun is then brought to the easiest
place from which to climb over the parapet, two belt boxes, spare
parts, etc. ,being brought withit. No. 3 dismounts the tripod when
the emplacement is clear, and awaits further orders.
(c) On the command One-man load, Action, or Two-man load,
Action, either by day or night, Nos. 1 and 2 willact as laiddown in
section 19, (7) and (8). No. 3 willassist Nos. 1 and 2 with their
equipment over the parapet.
(d) At this stage the instructor may either

(i) Give the command Out of action, on which the gun numbers willretire with the gun to their original position, or
(ii) Order No. 3 to advance with Mark IV tripod and mount
itnear Nos. 1 and 2, taking care that there is no crowding of men.
22. Section tactical exercises.
1. Section tactical exercises willinclude all details of training

that a section of machine guns should receive from the section officer. Ifthese exercises are carefully prepared and executed, the
section officer on service willbe relieved from the necessity of
supervising the detailed execution ofhis orders, and willbe leftfree
to devote his attention to the general situation, whilemaintaining
control of the movements and actions of his guns.
MACHINE GUNNOTES NO. 1.
55
2.Exercises with one gun. The position of readiness will be not

closer to the gun position than about 50 yards. Instead ofindicating the exact position on which the tripod willbe set up the instructor willmark two points about 30 yards apart, between which
the gun willcome into action. The ground selected should afford
practice in firing in the positions described in rough ground drill
(sec. 20). Whenever possible there should be only one small portionof the prescribed frontage from which the objective can be seen
when the gun is in action. By this means the detachment willbe
practiced in selecting suitable gun positions to meet the particular
requirements of the situation, and thus develop an eye for ground.
In these exercises attention willbe paid to the followingpoints:
(a) The use of ground to obtain the greatest possible concealment
inapproaching the gun position from the position ofreadiness. This
should be kept inmind by the instructor in selecting positions.
(6) The method of approach to the gun position as regards carrying
the gun, tripod and ammunition box. Concealment is of greater importance than rapidity within reasonable limits.
(c) Proficiency in the lessons taught in rough ground drill. Observers willbe sent out to note visibilityin the approach, inmounting, and when the gun and detachment are in action.
3. Exercises with two guns. The entire subsection willbe exercised with two guns on the same progressive lines as those laiddown
in paragraph 2. The actual position of each gun willbe marked by
the instructor in order to bring out the handling of the section with
reference to the ground and the requirements of the situation. The
tactical situation should be described in greater detail than is necessary for elementary drillpurposes in order to employ scouts and range
takers in a realistic manner. A simple tactical situation should be
given and ranges actually taken. The position of the gun limber, of
which the corporal willbe in charge, willbe represented by a handcart or indicated by a flag. The supply of ammunition willbe actually carried out, empty boxes being returned. The men willbe
changed around at intervals so that each may be exercised inthe duties of the various numbers.
4. The points to be attended to inrough ground drill(sec. 20) and
in tactical exercises with one gun (par. 2) should be carefully observed and the performance criticized.
5. Further instruction should be given by carrying out a certain
number of elementary tactical exercises, involving all duties of
machine-gun section or subsection establishments, with a view to
56
MACHINE GTTN NOTES NO. 1.
developing cooperation between the gun numbers and initiative.

These exercises should comprise movements of various kinds overa
wider stretch of country than hithertoattempted. Complete exercises should be prepared in detail, with maps, instructions, and
points for criticism.
When possible, trained men should be used to demonstrate the
methods employed.
6. Schemes should also be framed for the purpose of training
machine-gun officers in the tactical principles laiddown inInfantry
Training and Field Service Regulations, as wellas those giveninthis
manual, and inNotes forInfantryOfficers on Trench Warfare. These
exercises should involve the rapid appreciation of a situation, the
issue oforders tomeet the situation, and the controlofmachine guns.
The actual presence of guns on such tactical schemes is of value,
in order to test to some extent the feasibility of the execution of the
orders given. The presence, however, is not essential for the conduct of the exercise.
Chapter
V.
FIRE DIRECTION.
23. General remarks.
1. The theory of rifle fire and its practical application discussed in
Chapter 111 of the Musketry Regulations is equally applicable to
the fire of machine guns, due regard being had to the greater concentration, or closer grouping of shots produced by the fire of a machine
gun than by the fire of an equivalent number of rifles.
2. The principal methods of machine-gun fire are dealt with in
Infantry Training, section 163. Some further methods are given in
this chapter.
3. Itmust be remembered that these methods are not suitable for
Lewis guns, but only for machine guns fired from a fixed platform,
such as the Mark IV tripod.
4. Various tables for use in these methods of fire are given in
Appendix A.
24. Traversing
fire.
1. The principles of traversing are taught during elementary gun

drill and during the annual and general machine-gun courses.
(See also Infantry Training, sec. 163 (1) (iii).)
57
2. Thismethod of engaging a linear target possesses certain, disItis a slow method and requires careful training, and
the regularity of the groups may possibly detract from the effect
produced on the target. The former can. be remedied to a great
extent by seeking opportunities for oblique fire, thus reducing traversing to a minimum. Fire effect from this very systematic form of
traversing may be lost owing to the enemy anticipating where the
next series of groups willfall. This can be overcome if the gunner
is trained to apply series of groups at different parts of the linear
target in turn.
3. An alternative method is the "swinging traverse," the traversing clamp being kept fairly loose, and the gun swung evenly and
smoothly from side to side. This method may sometimes be found
necessary against dense targets at close range, when the normal
method wouldbe too slow.
Using this method, a gun can distribute fire over approximately 30
yards of front in five seconds at close ranges.
advantages.
25. Searching
fire.
principles of searching are demonstrated in Part I

of the
Annual and General Course for Vickers, Maximand Colt Guns. It
is used when only one or two guns are available or combined sights
willnot overcome ranging errors. Itrequires much skillon the part
of the firer to aVoid gaps. The size of the groups fired willdepend
on the nature of the target engaged.
"
2. When one gun is being employed in"searching the sights are
adjusted so that the first group willinclude the lowest limitof range
to be searched, which is dependent on the probable error to be expected inestimating the range. The gun is then laid on the aiming
mark, and the sights adjusted withoutrelaying, so that the last group
willinclude the highest limitof range. The line of sight willnow
strike the ground short of the aiming mark. (See PI. XXII.) A
group willnow be fired, after which the elevating wheel willbe so
turned as to cause the next group to strike sufficiently far beyond the
first to insure an overlap. This is continued until the line of sight
is again brought on to the aiming mark.
3. When using two guns the left gun willact as described above;
the sights of the right gun willbe adjusted in the firstinstance to the
highest limit, and will work down to the lowest limit. (See PI.
1. The
XXIII.)
4. Searching will be discontinued if observation of results is

obtained.
58
5. Theeffectofground risingwithrespect tothelineofsightmust

be considered when combined sights or searching is employed.
(See Musketry Regulations, sec. 187.)
6. Combined sights, searching, oracombination ofbothcan also
beusedforengaging targets ofgreatdepth, such asroads, bridges, etc.
26. Combined sights.
Combined sights is amethod of increasing thebeaten zone by

ordering twoormore guns toengage the same target with different
elevations. Itcan be used toengage targets of great depth, orit
maybe employed toinsure that the target shall fallwithin the
zone, when
ieaten zone,
ieaten
when the
therange
the target
isuncertain.
uncertain. (See
range to the
target is
(See PI.
CXI.)
The table
The
table below
below shows
the mimber
required, and
shows the
m imber of
ofguns
and the
guns required,
iifferences for
iifferences
10 pei rr cent,
15 per
cent errors
per cent,
cent, 10
cent, and
for 55 per
and 15
errors in
per cent
not extenc led
toinclude
larger number
anging. The
anging.
The table
tableis
is not
led to
include aa larger
number of
most probably
four, as
probablybe
tins than
tins
than four,
as on
onservice
service aa se< ction
ction would most
be the
under the
the control
control of
ofa single
argest unit
argest
single fire commander.
unitunder
i
Combined sm ihts
Combined
ihts table.
per cent sffective
75per
75
Estimated
range.
Error
in
rang
ing.
ct.
Per ct.
Per
800
15
700and
700
and 800
10
900and 1,000...
900
\ 15
\
10
1,100
15
5
1,200
10
1,300
1,400,1,500,
1,400,
1,500, and
1,600
1,600
1,700 to 2,100....
1,700
((
5
5
per cent
90 per
cent c: fective
saten z< me.

saten
Differ
Least Differ
num ences
be
ber of
berof
guns. tween
guns.
guns.
2
2
3
3
4
2
4
2
33
4
4
Estimated
range.
Error
in
rang
ing.
1,000 and 1,100..

100 1,000
100 1,200
100
1,200 and 1,300..
100
100 1,400
100
50 1,500
50
50 1,600
1,600
50
50 1,700
to 2,000,
1,700 to
50
inclusive.
.50 2,100 and
andabove.
above.
.....
.....
Per a.
Per
15
10
15
10
15
5
10
5
10
5
10
5
saten z< me.

saten
Least Differ
num ences
be
ber of tween
ber
guns.
guns.
2
2
3
3
4
2
3
2
3
2
4
2
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
The number of variab >les in th le table above

above makes it d liflScult to lay di own any
iverage service
loyment iof
accurate rule
accurate
rule for
forthe
the empl loyment
ofcombined
combined sights. Fors iverage
service cc mditions
good
results.
the following willbo
the
willbo fouiad
ad to givicc
guns
guns
use a isis many
as possible:
as
100 yai
Always use
possible: With 100
ences, if
yairds
Rule. Always
Rule.
rds diffei ences,
aderable; 50 yards
yards difterei aces if c srror inn inging is
ranging is probs ibly cons aderable;
error in ranging
probably small.
probably
MACHINE GUNNOTES HO. 1.
59
27. Overhead fire.

1. Overhead fire withmachine guns maybe employed under certain conditions. The followingfactors, allof which tend to increase
the difficultyand risk, necessitate the working out of a reasonable
margin of safety :
(a) The state of the barrel.
(6) The condition of the tripod and the nature of the ground on
whichmounted.
(c) The degree of visibilityof the target.
(d) Errors due to ranging and climatic conditions.
(c) Accuracy of laying and holding by the firer.
2. The flat trajectory of modern ammunition necessarily restricts
overhead fire at the closer ranges, ifthe gun position, friendly.troops,
and the enemy are approximately in the same horizontal plane;
while at long ranges the dispersion of the cone of fire and difficulty
inranging make it necessary to insist on ample precautions being
taken to insure safety.
3. Overhead fire, therefore, may normally only be employed
under the following conditions:
(a) When the distance to the target has been obtained accurately; that is, by a highly trained range taker, who is able to guarantee the distance within5 per cent of error.
(b) When the No. 1at the gun is an expert firer.
(c) When an angle of not less than 30 minutes is formed by the
intersection of imaginary lines drawn from the target and friendly
troops to the gun, the distance to the target being 1,000 yards or
under. Ifthe distance to the target is over 1,000 yards, the angle
thus formed should be not less than 60 minutes, ifover 1,500 yards
not less than 100 minutes, provided always that fire must cease
whenever the friendly troops reach a distance of 2,000 yards from
the gun, since the position of the lowest shot over this range is
uncertain.
The above angles give a sufficient margin of safety at 1,000, 1,500,
and 2,000 yards, respectively. At distances within 1,000 yards,
between 1,000 and 1,500 yards, and between 1,500 and 2,000 yards,
the margin of safety continually increases. In order to obtain
these safety angles, it willoften be necessary to seek commanding
positions forthe guns, i.c., rising ground, upper stories of houses, etc.
4. The foregoing instructions may be modified provided accurate
and reliable observation is insured. This, however, is a matter for
the exercise of judgment and common sense on the part of the
machine-gun commander. Too much reliance must not be placed
MACHINE. GTJN NOTES NO. 1.
60
on the ability of an observer to pick up the cone of fire during an

attack. Thefireof the attacking troops, the supporting troops and
the artillerywillprobablybe such that the machinegun cone of
firecan not be observed correctly.
5. The safety angles may beobtained as follows:
(a) From prismatic fieldglasses, graticuled for Mark VII
nition. In thiscase the distance between the zerolineandthe 600
yards graticulegives the required angle for1,000 yards and under;
thedistance between the zerolineandthe 1,000 yards graticule will
givetke angle for distances between 1,000 and 1,500 yards, and the
distance between the zero lineand the 1,300 yards graticule will
givethe angle fordistances between 1,500 and 2,000 yards.
(6) Withthe aidofthe graticule card as follows:
Holdthecard verticallyand at the fulllength of the cord from
the eye; the space between the safety lines marked willthen give
therequiredangles. (See PI.XXIV.)
(c) Bymeans ofthe tangent sight:
Laythe gun on the target with the correct elevation; thenmove
the slide up300 yards for allranges upto 2,000 yards without altering
theelevationofthe gun; and adopt the auxiliaryaimingmarkthus
found. (See PI. XXV.)
Withthe tangent sight method, the firermust note carefully the
auxiliaryaimingmarkobtained afterraising the slide,and relayon
this mark. If he istraversing, he must find asecond auxiliary
aiming markat the otherend ofthe line tobe traversed, and must
traverse along an imaginary line joiningthe twoauxiliary aiming
marksand parallelto the enemy's position.
The tangent sight method andeither graticuled glasses ora
cule card should beused simultaneously, inconjunction .withand
as acheck on each other.
When the heads ofthe friendlytroops become visible tothe firer
over the sights, he should notcease fire, butshouldelevate hisgun,
takingthe enemy position as his auxiliaryaiming mark. This will
cause the coneoffiretosearch groundinrearofthe enemy's position,
whichmaybe occupied by hissupports andreserves.
28. lIndirectfire.
1. Onoccasions indirect firemay beused. Thisformof fireis
rendered possiblebytheMark IV tripodofthemachine gun. Guns
not fired froma fixed platform must never be used forindirect fire.
iNote.
This section does not deal withoverhead indirect fireor withsearching
reverse slopes, for.which see pars. 30and31,respectively.
61
2. Indirectfire may beof great value in annoying the enemy and

affecting his morale, but, except under unusually favorable
tions, can notbe expected toinflictserious loss.
The main disadvantages ofindirect fire are that itrequires, in

most cases, agreat dealofpreparation and accuracy incalculation.
Unless officerspossess experience, it may sometimes be employed

under conditions where direct fireis not onlypossible but necessary.
Under certain conditions itmay be positively dangerous to our own
troops.
3. Asthe target is invisible, the problems tobesolved are

How tolay the gun, both toobtain and toput onelevation
and direction; and
How to maintainthe laying.
The methods of solving these problems are given in skeleton form
in the
table. The
The actual
actual c
us oi
us
the following table.
Le met
Le
subsequent paragrapl i.
givenin the
are given
are
thesubsequent
Indirectfire U >U.
Indirect
See
Direction.
par.
par.
Obtained by
Obtained
Posts, direct
Posts,
direct
Mapand compass
Map
Map,protractor, andreferenceobject
Map,protractor,
andreferenceobject
Puton gun by
Put
...
Posts and compass

Posts
objectand
Reference object
Reference
anddirectiondial
direction dial
Maintained by
Maintained
Auxiliary aiming mark
Directiondial
Direction
Elevation.
8
9
10
Graticules
Contouredmap
Contoured
11 Elevation
Elevation dial.
12
Tangent sight
Tangent
15 Auxiliary aiming mark

16 Elevation
Elevation dial
See
par.
4
5
6
7
13
13
14
14
bymeans
4. To
4.
Toobtainelevation
obtain elevation by
means < ofgn alicules.
)ss th lg
lg focal
cut aero
Bymeans
By
graticules cut
plane of
pairof
means of
of graticules
aero)ss
focalplane
of a
apair
ofpris
glasses, or by graticul les pirinted on a card with a string
matic field glasses,
base, indirect
applied as
ordinary direct
tor a
tor
abase,
indirectfire
fire can
can be
be as quid klyapplied
as ordinary
graticules are
ar tc
BLre. These
BLre.
are eimiliar
tc>> an
an inverted
These graticules
inverted backsight and
represent the angles ofelevation forthegun. The topmost graticule

represents zero, and the lines below represent every 100 yards
upwards, from200 yards.
Theprocedure is as follows:
(i)Obtainthe range to the target.
(ii) Select an auxiliaryaiming mark visible to the firer and
directly above the target.
(iii)Movetoa position whence the target and the auxiliary
ing mark already chosen can be observed; look at the target in such
away that the graticule, representing the range to the target, falls
62
across the target; then see which graticule falls across this aiming
mark. (See PI.XXVI.)
Therange corresponding to thisgraticule isthe tangent elevation
at whichtoopen fire, using the aimingmark already chosen tolay
on. By this means accuracy maybe obtained froma gun which is
invisible to the enemy. Itis important to get an aimingmark
vertically above the target, making any necessary allowance for
wind. This method becomes inaccurate when the eye of the
observer using the graticuled glasses ismuch below or above the
gun.
Ifitisfound necessary toincrease ordecrease the elevationafter

fire has been opened, the followingmethod must be employed
since the position of the slidedoes not indicate the range to the
target. The range on the sights is the range forthe aiming mark
and nottheactual range tothe target, c. g.,the sights mayshow 500
yards whenthe target is1,200 yards away. Ifin this case thecone
offireisobserved to fall 100 yards short ofthe target, the necessary
correction willnot be obtained bymoving the slideof the tangent
sight upto600 yards. It willbenecessary to move theslideup for
the same distance as from 1,200 yards to1,300 yards. In moving
theslideupforallranges below1,500 yards, as many clickscan be
heard on the ratchet of the tangent sight as there are hundreds of
yards inthe range, c. g., between 1,000 and 1,100 yards there are
10 clicks, between 1,100 and 1,200 yards 11 clicks, and soon. In
the present example, therefore, it willbe necessary to move the
slideupfor12clicks. Ifthe cone offirewerefalling50 yards short,
it wouldbenecessary to move theslide upfor 6 clicks.
Thismethod ofindirectfire must not beemployed when firing
overthe heads of ourown troops.
5. Toobtainelevation bymeans ofacontoured map.
Havingnoted on themap the exact positions ofgun and target,
measure the distance between them. From Table I,Appendix
A,obtainthe corresponding angle of tangent elevation.
Fromthemap note the contours on whichthegun and target lie
and by subtraction obtain the difference in height between them.
By means of the angle of sight formula, 1 knowing the range and the
"
1 Note. The "angle of sight can becalculated by means ofthe followingapproximate formula:
s=^x34o =angle=
s ^x3400=angle of sight inminutes.
Where VIand HE are inthe same denomination.

To convert yards to meters deduct one-tenth.
To convert meters to yards add one-tenth.
From tables in Appendix Athe quadrant angle can be obtained directly without
workingout the angle of sight.
63
difference in height between gun and target, workout the angle of
eight. Ifthe angle of sight is found to be positive, add it to the

angle oftangent elevation toobtainthe angle of quadrant elevation
necessary to put on the gun; if, on the other hand, the angle of sight
isfound tobenegative, subtract it.
6. To puton elevation bymeans ofthe elevationdial.
Toplace the requiredquadrant elevationon thegun
(a) Level the gun by the spirit level No. 1 taking the holding
pressure.
(6) Slipthe dialround tillzeroisunder the pointer withoutdisturbing the bubble.

(c) Clamp the dial to, but without disturbing the elevating wheel.
(d) Turn the elevating wheel tillthe required angle is obtained.
One revolution of the elevating wheel produces 4 of elevation or
depression on the gun. To obtain an angle of elevation of 8 the
elevating wheel would have to be revolved twice. The elevation
dial is accordingly graduated to 4, showing subdivisions of five
minutes, which are easily capable of subdivision by eye.
(c) If an obstruction exists between gun and target, make sure
before firing that the shots willclear it. (See par. 17.)
7. To put on elevation by means of the tangent sight.
This method entails the use of an auxiliary aiming mark which
must be at least 100 yards distant from the gun.
To put elevation on the gun by means of the tangent sight, convert the angle of quadrant elevation (see par. 5 above) into a range
by reference to Table I, Appendix A. Then level the gun by the
spirit level, No. 1 taking the holding pressure.
Any of the four followingcases may occur:
(a) Quadrant elevation is positive and a suitable natural auxiliary
aiming mark can be seen or an artificial one put out.
(6) Quadrant elevation is negative and a.suitable natural auxiliary
aiming mark can be seen or an artificialone put out.
(c) Quadrant elevation is positive, but there is no suitable natural
auxiliary aiming mark, nor can an artificialone be placed inposition.

(d) Quadrant elevation is negative, but there is no suitable natural
auxiliaryaiming mark, nor can an artificialone be placed inposition.

Cases (c) and (d) may occur when the ground slopes down steeply
in front of the gun.
Case (a). With sights at zero, look along the sights and select a
natural aiming mark or place one out and lay on it. Run the tangent sight up to the range found above and relay on the auxiliary
aiming mark.
64
Case (b). Run the tangent sight up to the range found above
(disregarding the sign), maintaining theholding. Select asuitable
naturalaimingmark or place one outand layon it. Runthe sights
down tozero
and relay onthe auxiliaryaimingmark.
Case (c). Run the tangent sight up till some suitable natural
or artificial auxiliary aiming mark is visible and lay on it. Note
the range onthe tangent sight and convert intoan angle bymeans
of the table given inAppendix A. Add to this angle the angle of
quadrant elevation found as in (par.5). Convert the answer intoa
range bymeans ofthe tablegiveninAppendix A. Run the sighta
uptothisrange and relay.
Case (d). Run the tangent sight up tillsome suitable natural or

artificial auxiliary aiming mark is visible and lay on it. Note the
range on the tangent sight and convert intoan angle bymeans of
the tablegiveninAppendix A. Subtract fromthisangle the angle
of quadrant elevation foundas inpar. 5. Convert the answer into
Fig.1.
7V\
/7
\
/lz
\
\
\
\V
arange bymeans ofthe tablegiveninAppendixA. Run the sights

downtothisrange and relay.
8. Toobtaindirectionbyposts, direct.
By day, anobserver selects the gun position and also the target
he wishes toengage. He places a stick(L)(see fig.1) in theground
in rough alignment between the target and;gun position. He then
crawls back and, ifnecessary, places asecond stick(L2) inexact
alignment with his firststick (L)and the target, continuing the
process until his laststickisvisible from thegun position (G). If
itisprobable thatmore than one target isto beengaged, othersticks
(I1 12) can be placed between the stick (G) and the different targets
(T^T1). To dothis an assistant isrequired toplace the sticks in
position whilethe observer dresses them fromG. It is necessary
to place the sticks verticallyin the ground, and the stick (G) should
notbemore than6inches above theground toavoidbeingknocked
overbyth"c crosslieM of the tripod whenit isplaced overit.
65
Should it be found impossible toplace the stick (L) in position

owingtothe proximity of the enemy, the stick (G)should firstbe
placed inposition,and a second stick (M)placed inrear of it and in
alignment with(G) andthe target.
Under cover ofdarkness the position of (L)can be easily ascertained by an observer at (M) directing an assistant to place a stick
in alignment with (M) and (G).
9. To obtain direction by map and compass.
To direct fire onto a target invisible to the guns, a map having a
sealeof not less than 1/20, 000 must be used The exact position of the
guns nust be marked also. This can be done by resection. (See
Chapter XIV,Manual of Map Reading and Field Sketching.)
The magnetic bearing of the target from the gun position must be
worked out on the map. Ifthe target to be engaged is a linear one,
ig-
7Sw >ef
\
\
Gun \
>
/P.C?
the magnetic bearing* of its limits must be worked out in the same
way.
10. To obtain direction by map, protractor and reference object.

The exact position of the gun must be marked on the map as
directed in paragraph 9 above. If possible, a reference object
should be selected, which is marked on the map and visible from
the gun position. Ifthe only suitable reference object visible from
the gun position is not marked on the map, its magnetic bearing
should be taken from the gun position, and a line showing its direction drawn through the gun position on the map.
On the map by means of a protractor measure the angle included
between lines joining the target, and the gun, and the reference
object and the gun. (See fig. 2.) Ifthe target to be engaged is a
linear one, measure the angles included between lines joining its
limits to the gun and the target to the gun,
101862 17
66
11. Tolayfordirectionby means ofa post and compass.

To layout an aiming post, drive ina stick (not more than 6 inches
high) atthe gun position, and place a compass ontop. Rotate the
compass tillthe dialindicates therequiredmagnetic bearing found
as directed inparagraph 9. Dress a post onthis bearing, using the
hairlineon the compass glass. Replace the gun and tripodonthe
first'stickand layonthe postput out.
12. To layfor direction by means ofreference object and direction dial.
The gun is laidonany convenient part of the reference object
with the sights set for any convenient range; itneed not be leveled.
Theelevation required tohitthe target should notbe placed on the
gun tillthe latter is directed on the target. The direction dial
should nowbe set to read zero (or the reading noted ifthe dialcan
not be rotated). The gun isthen swung right orleftthrough the
angle found as directed in paragraph 10, according as the reference
ooject istothe leftor rightofthe target. Thegun can bedirected

to eitherend of a linear target simply by swinging through the angles
foundas directed inparagraph 10. (See fig. 3.)
13. Tomaintain elevation by means ofan auxiliary aiming mark
andthe tangent sight.
Once the gun has been laidthe sights only may be adjusted soas
to bring a line of sight onto any suitablenatural or artificialauxiliary
aimingmark, c. g., anight firingbox, white orluminous stone,

chimney, post, etc. The range shown on,the tangent sight after
such adjustment willhave no connection with the quadrant elevationon the gun, unless the elevation has been put on by the method
given in paragraph 7, and the same auxiliary aiming mark is used
to maintain it.
The distance between the gun and the auxiliary aiming mark is
immaterial when maintaining elevation, and in this respect differs
from the TniiriTrmnn distance laid down inparagraph 7 when putting
on elevation.
67
14. Tomaintainelevation by the elevationdial.

Between bursts offirethe firershould make sure thatthepointer
continues toshow the same quadrant elevation on the dialas was
originally put on the gun. Ifthis method is to be reliable, it is
essential thatthe legs ofthe tripodshould not sink unevenly into
the ground; the tripodmust, therefore, be placed on a firmfoundation.
It is desirable, where possible, to use an auxiliary aiming mark
in addition, but if this is not possible the spirit level should be
placed on the gun at frequent intervals, and the procedure laid
down in paragraph 6 for putting on elevation repeated. Itshould
be noted that unless the socket is absolutely upright the quadrant
elevation may vary considerably if the gun is traversed through a
wide arc, though the reading of the elevation dial willnot alter.
15. To maintain direction by means of an auxiliary aiming mark.
(See par. 13 above.)
16. To maintain direction by means of the direction dial.

The gun having been laidfor direction, the reading of the direction dial is noted. Direction can be maintained during firing by
insuring that the pointer is set accurately to this reading.
17. In all cases where the target is invisible, owing to the presence
of an obstacle, steps must be taken before firing to insure that the
shots willclear the obstacle. The procedure is as follows:
(a) After the gun has been given the quadrant elevation necessary to hit the target, the tangent sight willbe adjusted for the range
to the top of the obstacle. Ifon looking along the sights the obstacle
is not visible, the shots willclear. If, however, the obstacle is
visible, the shots willnot clear, and the gun must be moved farther
back.
(6) Ifthe range to the obstacle is under 100 yards, the method
given above willnot apply, and the No. 1must look through the
barrel, either directly or by using the mirrorreflector.
(c) Should the obstacle be invisiblefromthe gun position, recourse
must be had to the formula given in section 30, paragraph 4 (I).
The clearance required willbe one-half of the height of the 90 per
cent cone at the range of the obstacle. In using the formula given
in section 30, paragraph 4(1), for "our own troops" read "the obstacle" throughout.
29. Night firing.
1. If the gun position is not exposSd to the enemy's fire or to

direct observation, the gun can be mounted and laid by day and
leftuntil night.
68
Some kindof auxiliaryaimingmark must be in positioninfront

ofthe gun forthe purpose of maintaining elevation and direction
after nightfall. (See sec. 28.)
This auxiliaryaimingmark can be a transparent screen secured

tothe openside ofa box containing some form ofilluminant. (See
fig.1.) The screen ismarked withlines topermit ofsearching and
traversing within definite limits. The horizontallines are 1 inch
apart, which willgivea difference inangle of10 minutes fromthe
center line ifthe screen is placed 10 yards from the gun. The amount
that10 minutes represents in range can bereadilyascertained from
the tables showing the angles ofelevation for the gun. (Appendix
A, Table 1.) Thevertical linesare 2\inches apart, which willgive
adeflection ofabout 2 feet per100 yards ofrange when the screen
isplaced 10 yards fromthe gun.
Fig.1
Bands
A, B, C, D, F
are \inch
wide.
2. When thegun position isexposed, orthegunisrequired else-
where during the day, it willsometimes be possible for arrangements to be made by day co that the gun and tripod can be brought
up under cover of darkness and placed inposition to open fire when
required. (See sec, 28.)
The direction and elevation dials should be employed; and a
luminous reference object should be laid out in any convenient
position, where itis invisible to the enemy, for obtaining the direction to any target, correct elevation being put on by the elevation
dial.
As the rear leg of the tripod may sink during firing, elevation
can not; be maintained by means of the elevation dial, which is a
component part of the mounting. One or more luminous auxiliary
69
aimingmarks should therefore belaid out by the method given in

section 28, paragraph 8.
30. Indirectoverheadfire,
1. Intrench warfare, where the positions of our own and the

enemy's units are clearly marked, indirect fire over the heads of
ourowntroops mayoften be safely employed.
2. Thebest results willbe secured whenobservation ofthe strike
ofthe bullets can be obtained. The element of chance, due to errors
in ranging, climatic conditions, errors as to the exact position of
the gun, etc., will thus beremoved.
3. Firemay be directed on the hostile support orreserve lines,
communication trenches, cooking places, ration parties, reverse
slopes of hills,roads, etc. When observation is not possible, the
most that can be done is tosweep anarea of ground, inwhichis
included the target it is desired toengage. (See sec. 31.)
4. To insure the safety of our own troops the following rules must
atalltimesbe strictly adhered to:
(a) The guns must never bemore than 2,000 yards distant from
bodies ofourowntroops, over whom they are firing.
(6)When the guns are 1,000 yards orunder fromourowntroops,
the range at which they are fired must be such as to insure the center
ofthe cone offirepassing atleast 20 yards over theirheads. (See
trajectory table, Appendix A.) When the guns are between 1,000
yards and 1,500 yards from our own troops this height must be at least
40 yards; between 1,500 and 2,000 yards it must beatleast 80 yards,
(c) When, the gun, friendlytroops, and target are allon the same
plane (not necessarily the same horizontal plane), rules (a) and (6)
"jive the following results:
(i) Notarget may beengaged atarange ofless than1,500 yards.
(ii)Eange to target (inyards) :
1,500
>
1,600
1,700
1,800.
1,900
2,000
2,100
2,200
2,300
2,400 and over
safety zone for

friendly troops (in yards).
700 to1,000 fromgun.
500 to 1,000 fromgun.
Limits of
70
(<) Climatic conditions must be carefully studied (see Musketry

Regulations, sec. 29).
(c) The laying must be checked frequently, both for direction and
elevation, upon the auxiliary aimingmark.
(/)Thenecessity forgoodholdingmust beimpressed on the firer,
(g) As a slight sinking of the tripod duringfiringmay seriously
affect the safety ofourowntroops, owingtothe altered angle of
vation, everyprecaution must be taken toprevent thishappening.
Thelegs ofthe tripod shouldbe firmlyimbedded in the ground, and
provision made to prevent them moving from their original position,
buttheuse ofanauxiliaryaimingmarklargely minimizesthe effect
of slightmovements ofthe tripod.
(h) When "traversing" or "searching" isused, provisionmustbe
made by means ofwooden battens, etc., to fixsafe limitsbeyond
whichthe gun can not bemoved.
(i)A wornbarrel should not be used, and the barrelshould be
cleaned after every 1,000 rounds continuous fire.
(j)Allcalculations mustbe carefully checked by anojfiicerbefore
fireisopened.
(Jb) Troops over whom fire is to be opened must becautioned,, and
a certificate tothis effect signed bythe machine gun company
mander.
(Z) Inorder tofindthe clearance, i.e.,theheight fromthe ground
tothe center ofthe cone atany point inthelineoffire, the following
isthe simplest and most accurate method, whichshouldbeused:
=Ayards.
(i) Letgun contour
Letown troops contour
=Byards.
Let center of cone above or below horizontal
planethrough gunposition when passing over
owntroops' heads
=Cyards.
Thenclearance (yards) =ABorC.

0must be added orsubtracted according as the trajectory toour
own troops position isabove or belowthe horizontal planethrough
the gunposition.
(ii) Fromthe sketch the clearance is XZ.
Then AB=ZYand XVisthe height of trajectory either above
orbelowthe horizontal plane through the gun position.
Obviously clearance =XZ=ZYor XY=ABorC.
(iii)Inorder tofind C, eitherTable 2a or Table 2b must beused

according as to whether the quadrant angle on the gun ispositive
71
or negative. Onthese tables, the words "positive" and "negative"

are printed. Ifthe trajectory height foundispositive, 0must be
added toAB; ifnegative, it must be subtracted from AB.
(iv) Ifthe quadrant angle on the gun is positive, the range
responding must be found fromTable 1inorder touse Table2(a).
Ifthe quadrant angle isnegative itwillbeused directlyin Table
2(b) withoutconversion.
(v)The followingthree examples illustrate themethodand deal
withthree typicalcases. (See sketch above.)
Case I.Quadrant angle is positive and sufficiently large to
throwthe center of cone above the horizontal plane when passing
over own troops' heads.
Example. Gun contour (A)=7oyards.

Own troops contour (B)=20 yards.
Q.E.=+B6 minutes. Range corresponding=l,2oo yards.
Assumed range toowntroops 900 yards.
From Table 2(a) trajectory height for1,200 yards at 900 yards
=9yards (positive)=C.
Clearance=AB+C.
=7020+9=59
yards.
required =2o yards. It issafe to fire.

Clearance
Case II.Quadrant angle ispositive butsmall so thatthe center
ofcone is belowthe horizontalplane whenpassing over own troops'
heads.
Example. Aand Bas above.

Q.E. =+35minutes. Range corresponding=7oo yards.
FromTable 2 (a) trajetory height for700 yards at 900
yards=4.s yards
(negative) =C.
Clearance =A B C
=70205 (say) =4s yards.
Clearance required=2o yards. Itissafe to* fire.
72
Quadrant
angleisnegative.
Case 111.
Example. AandBasabove.
Q. E.= 75 minutes.
FromTable 2b trajectory height for 7s minutes at900
yards=33.2 yards
(negative)=C.
Clearance= A B C.
=702033 (say)=l7 yards.
Clearance required=2o yards.''
It is not safe to fire,
(vi) InAppendixB is given a copy of the indirect overhead fire
sheetwhichshould beused onservice. Certain specimen examples
have been filled in on it, for the purpose of bringing out various
points.
5.Elevationanddirectionmay be obtained, puton thegun, and
maintained byany ofthe methods described insection 28. The
dials are particularly suitablefor this typeof fire.
31. Searching reverse slopes.
1. It may sometimes be desired to search the reverse slope ofa
hilloccupied by theenemy, where he isunder shelter fromshort
range fire.
2. Reverse slopes are often chosen by the enemy as suitable
areas where troops may bedisposed preparatory toattack, or may
maneuver free from observation. Itistherefore necessary to know
howsuch ground may be brought, most effectively,under machine
gun fire. Table 7 enables the machinegun officer to search the
reverse slopeof a hill,andisconstructed onthefollowingbasis:
3. Ifa gun is placed at such a distance from the crest that the cone,
justpassing over it,willfall atasteeper angle thanthe slope ofthe
ground on the other side ofthe hill,then fire effect willbebrought
to bear on the reverse slope. No endeavor has been made to fit the
trajectory exactly to thereverse slope, as the difficulties andvariables
intheproblemareso many, thatsmallerrors would upset theresults.
Traversing and searching shouldbeemployed, forthe same reasons
asgovern allforms
ofindirectfire.
4. Table 7. This table is so constructed that when the gun is
placed as required by its use, and fire suitably directed at the reverse
slope, thebullets willfallonitat anangle ofsomewhere between
100and 200 minutes to the slope itself.
The table is divided intotwo parts, "Gun above crest" and
"Gunbelowcrest."
The tableisused as follows:
73
(a) On the map, draw a linefromthe crest, which willbe the

probablelineoffire.
(6)From the map, determine the drop inyards in100 yards,

measured fromthe crest downthe slope.
(c) Making use of the two top horizontal columns, note the distance
to measure back, which willvary according as the spot thus found is
above orbelowthe crest. (See center column.)
(d)From map note the difference inheight between this spot
and the crest, above or belowas thecase maybe. Rundown the
center column tillthisheight isfound.
(c) Then look alonghorizontally, when the finalrange fromthe
crest willbe found inthe verticalcolumn under thedropinyards
foundin (b).
(/)Place thegun atthispoint, and layonthecrestbyanysuitable
means'.
Note.lfit isfound that the gun position is on the same level

as the crest two
" answers willbegiven,i.c.,onein portionof"Gun
above crest, one in portion "Gunbelow crest, bothopposite the
aero mark. Selectthemost suitable.
"
Chapter
VI.
MACHINEGUNS INBATTLE.
32. Introductory.
1. The general principles laid down inInfantry Training, Chapter

XV,forthe employment ofmachine gunsinbattleremainunaltered
bythe introduction ofthe machinegun company organization and

the substitution of Lewisgun detachments for machinegun sections
inbattalions. But the new organization and theincrease inthe

number ofmachine guns withinfantry units have rendered necessary certain modifications in detail which are discussed in the
present chapter. A certain amount of repetition and rearrangement
of matter that is already dealt with in Infantry Training has been
found necessary in order to avoid too frequent reference to paragraphs or sentences in that manual.
2. The special characteristics of Lewis guns and the manner in
whichthese characteristics affect their employment must be studied
by machine-gun officers, as they have to cooperate closely with
Lewis guns. These characteristics, therefore, are discussed in
74
sections 33 and 34. 1 Detailed instructions for Lewis guns are given
in LewisGun Training.2
3. The special principles which govern the employment of
machine guns inthe phase of operations known as trench warfare
are dealt within Notes forInfantryOfficers oxi Trench Warfare.
4. Itmust be remembered that in Infantry Training a machinegun section means two guns, whereas under the present organization
itmeans two subsections each of two guns, or four in all.
33. Characteristics
of machine
guns
and Lewis guns compared.
1. The principal characteristic of the machine gun is its ability

to produce rapid and sustained fire. Provided water and ammunition
are available, a machine gun is capable of keeping up a rapid fire
for a very considerable period.

On the other hand, the Lewis gun, though capable of extremely
rapid fire, is incapable of sustaining this fire for long. This necessitates, therefore, the use of short bursts offire as the normal practice.
Its inability to sustain fire is primarily due to the fact that a water
jacket is not provided (in order to economize weight) and the gun
consequently becomes hot very quickly. Further, owing to their
lightness, the working parts willnot stand constant vibration to
the same extent as those of the machine gun.
2. A further difference between the two weapons is in the type of
mounting used. The machine gun is provided with a heavy tripod
which enables the gun Ito be used for overhead and indirect fire.
This mounting also allowsof the gun being laid on a fixed point, and
fired at any time, by day or night, without further preparation. By
this means itis possible to form"bands of fire"through which any
enemy attempting to pass must suffer heavy loss.
The Lewis gun is fired from the shoulder, a lightbipod providing
a support for the barrel; there is no traversing or elevating gear; and
aim is taken and altered as when using a rifle, the conditions are,
therefore, not suitable for overhead or indirect fire, nor for creating
"bands of fire."
3. The machine gun, owing to its weight, and that ofits mounting,
is less mobile than the Lewis gun. The latter being specially provided with a lightbipod to increase its mobility, can be carried like
a rifle, and fired with very littlepreliminary preparation, so that
1Infantry battalions are provided with Lewis guns organized inLewis gun detachments of 1noncommissioned officer and 12 men each, with2 Lewis guns.
*To beissued shortly.
75
aftermovement itsfirecan be brought tobear on any object much

morerapidlythanthatofamachine gun.
34. The employment
1. Owing to its greater
of Lewis guns.
mobility a much greater liberty of action
can beallowed to this weapon than to the machine gun. It must,

however, beclearly understood thatthe Lewis guncannottake the
place ofthe machine gun. Itis a supplement to and not a substitute

forthelattertypeofweapon.
2. Itisadapted foreven closer cooperation withinfantrythanthe
machine gun, as theLewis gunner can move and appear to the
enemy as anordinaryrifleman. Itsdistributionas a battalionand
company weapon provides a mobilereserve offireavailableforthe
smallest unit commander wherever an infantry soldier can go.
3. Itisspecially adapted for a concentrated enfilade fire on a
definite line such as a hedge or wall, or to cover a road ordefile where
it isnot possible todeploy anumber ofrifles, andforplaces where
it isdifficultorimpossible tobringup a machine gun unobserved.
When widerfronts have tobe swept withfireorheavier fireisrequired at longer ranges machine guns can be more usefully employed.
4. Although the expenditure of ammunition is not so great as with
machine guns, the difficulty of getting ammunition up to the more
exposed positions to which Lewis guns can go willbe much greater.
Itis important, therefore, to withhold fire as long as possible and to
use the power of the gun to develop unexpected bursts of fire against
favorable targets.
35. The tactical handling
of infantry machine
guns.
1. The tactical principles laid down in Infantry Training, sections 160, 161, and 162, apply generally, but the organization and
distribution ofthe machine guns with a brigade there discussed need
modification to suitthe new organization and distribution of machine
guns.
2. The
introduction of the machine-gun company organization,

while facilitating the collective employment of machine guns, does
not mean that they should always be so employed. It may sometimes be advisable to detach machine guns under the orders of
battalion commanders and this should be done ifthe tactical situation requires it. (See sec. 36 (2) (3).). In this case the battalion
commander concerned should clearly understand the reasons why
the guns are attached to him. Definite instructions should be given
76
by the battalion commander to the machinegun officer as to what is

required ofhim,butthelattershould be allowedas much freedom
as possiblein theexecution
ofhistask.
3. Command andcontrol. Thevarious tasks which the machine
guncompanyhas tocarryoutdemand themost careful preparation
and organization on the partofthe company commander.
Hemust insure thatallsection commanders fullyunderstand the
part they have to play, and he must be always on the watch to regain
control, at the earliest possible moment, of any guns temporarily
detached, in order to provide areserve forhis brigade commander.
During action the machinegun company commander willkeep
in the closest possible touch with thebrigade commander, and itis
important that section officers should keep in close touch with the
commanders of units to which they maybe attached and under
whose command they come. Machinegun officers must carefully
observe this principle in order to avoid dual control and consequent
misunderstanding.
Itisunsafe to rely on telephones, especially inopen fighting.
Steps must, therefore, be taken to maintain communication by visual
signaling and by orderlies.
4. Cooperation. Cooperation isan essential feature inmachine
gun tactics, bothbetween the machine guns and other arms and
between theguns themselves.
Grouping machine guns intocompanies by centralizing control
facilitatestheexecution ofa comprehensive scheme ofmachinegun
cooperation inaccordance with theneeds ofthe tacticalsituation.
When thisistobe effected the machinegun company commander
must be thoroughly conversant with thesituation. Heshould take
every Btep toinsure cooperation, not only between the guns ofhis
company, but between his company and machine guns on the flanks.
5. Concealment.
(a)Duringmovement. To insure concealment whenon themove
machine gunners should trytodisguise their identityas such by
adopting the formationofthe neighboring troops. This, and any
other means of escaping detection, should be constantly practised.
When machine guns are moving, they should watchand avoid
areas thatarebeingswept byshellfire.
(b) When inposition:
(i)As few men as possible should be near the gun. Itwillusually
befound thattwomenare quite sufficient.
(ii) When time,implements, etc., areavailable, guns should be
dugin,but,unless itispossible toconstruct areallysatisfactory em-
77
placement, it isbetter toseek cover from view. A hastily made

emplacement willmerelyserve todrawtheattentionoftheenemy.
(iii)Masks and gloves willoftenfacilitate concealment, especially
when facingstrong sunlight.
Every effortmust bemade toprevent machine guns beinglocated
byartillery. If, however, machine guns are shelled, theiraction
willlargely depend on the tacticalsituation. They maymake a
change in positionofabout 50 yards ortheymay temporarilycease
fire, the guns and detachment getting under cover; the latter will
oftendeceivethe enemy into thinking thatthey havebeen destroyed
and enable theguns toobtaina goodtarget later. Acareful
butionofthe gun numbers willminimizecasualties.
36. Machine guns intheattack.
1. Inorder toobtainthebest results, themachinegun company
commander must be thoroughly acquainted with theplanof
tionsand must make a carefulreconnaissance ofthe ground.
By use of maps and study ofthe ground through atelescope from
positions inrear orontheflanks, he should endeavor tomake
self familiar with the nature of the ground, the correct use of which
may prove of decisive value. (See Infantry Training,sec. 161.)
Havingmade hisreconnaissance, and having receivedinstructions
fromthebrigade commander (InfantryTraining,sec. 160 (13)), the
machinegun company commander willgive definiteorders tohis
section officers.
2. Distribution ofmachine guns inthe attack. The machinegun
company commander may dividetheguns under hiscommand into
groups, some togoforward withthe Infantry, some tocover their
advance, others as areserve.
3. Themachine gunsthatgoforward with theattacking Infantry
willbe placed under the controlof theInfantry commander to
whomthey are attached. (See Infantry Training,sec. 160 (13).)
Theroleofthese guns willbe to
(a) Assist the Infantry inobtainingsuperiority offire.
(b) Make good thepositions won.
(c) Pursue theenemy with fire.
(d)Cover reorganization oftheInfantry
(c) Repelcounterattack.
(/)Cover retirement in the event of the attack proving
unsuccessful.
Thenumber ofguns tobe sent withtheInfantry willbe governed
by two factors, viz, the length of front and the nature ofthe ground.
78
Thetimeoftheiradvance willbe determined bythe nature ofthe

ground andprogress oftheInfantry. The progress of the Infantry
mustbe carefully watched so thatthe guns may be brought forward
atthe earliest possible moment. They should veryrarely advance
with the leading lineofInfantry. Thisis the duty ofthe Lewis
guns, thefireofwhichshould suffice to holdthe positionwonuntil
itcan finally beconsolidated by the machine guns.
4. The guns detailed tocover the advance of the Infantry will
normally be under the control ofthe machinegun company commander, who acts under the instructions of the brigade commander.
The r6le of these guns willbe toprovide covering fire for the Infantry
up to the last possible moment in the following ways:
(a) By fire from the flanks or through gaps in the line.
(6) By overhead fire.
(c) By indirect fire.
Great care must be exercised in (6) and (c) in order to avoid
endangering our own troops.
Orders to the machine guns detailed for this task may, ifnecessary,
include general instructions to govern their action, after the task has
been completed, pending receipt offurther orders fromthe machinegun company commander. Itmust, however, be remembered that
it is usually dangerous to prescribe to a subordinate at a distance
anything that he should be better able to decide on the spot, with a
fuller knowledge of local conditions, for any attempt to do so may
cramp his initiative indealing withunforeseen developments. (See
F.8.5., Part I, sec. 12, par. 2.)
5. Guns kept as areserve willbe under the control of the machinegun company commander, acting under the instructions of the
brigade commander. Owing to their characteristics, machine. guns
are valuable as a reserve of fire power, and when kept inreserve in
the hands of the brigade commander may prove of the utmost value
at the critical moment. It must be remembered, however, that a
great development of fire power is most useful in the opening stages
of an attack, to cover the advance ofthe infantry, and itis a mistake
to keep guns in reserve if they can be usefully employed in supporting, the advance. These guns may be used for long range
searching fire on ground behind the enemy's line, which is likelyto
hold supports or reserves, but must be available to move forward at
once, when required.
6. The great fire power of machine guns relative to the space
they occupy, the rapidity with which they may be brought into or
out of action and the ease with which they can change the direction
79
oftheir firerender them especially suitable for the protection of

threatened flanks and forfillinggaps whichmayappear laterally
or in depth. Any ofthe guns mentioned in the previousparagraphs
may attimesbe employed inthismanner.
7. During an attack it may be advisable tocontinue toholdcertain tactical points, which have been captured, until the attacking
troops have made good their next objective. The characteristics
of machine guns fitthem for 'this duty; their use willavoid diminishing the strength and dash of the attacking infantry.
B..Limbers and ammunition reserve. Gun limbers willgenerally

remain under the orders of section or subsection officers, but ammunitionlimbers would, as a rule, be placed under the officer incharge
of the brigade ammunition reserve (Infantry Training, sec. 166 (2)),
or under a machine-gun officer, who should keep thoroughly in
touch with the progress of the machine guns so that he may be able
to keep the wagons as close up as possible.
When machine guns are attached to battalions, a proportion of
ammunition limbers willaccompany them ifrequired.
It must be remembered that ammunition limbers are far less
mobile than gun limbers.
37. Machine guns
in the defense.
1. When ithas been decided to consolidate a position for defense

a reconnaissance should be carried out, the machine guns being
generally allotted on the followingprinciples.
2. Some guns should be posted as soon as possible in accordance
with the nature of the ground to form a complete belt of flanking
machine-gun fire along the front of the position. Important concealed approaches and folds in the ground should also be covered
by machine guns.
Cooperation must be arranged with the Lewis guns of battalions,
which can cover the less important approaches or small depressions
or hollows which the machine guns can not sweep.
3. A proportion of machine guns should be kept in reserve.
When the ground is suitable, these may be used for indirect overhead fireifthe results are likelyto justifythe expenditure of ammunition, and the readiness of the guns to take up other tasks is not
impaired. Itwilloften be found advisable to prepare machine-gun
emplacements at important tactical points inrear of the front line
and to detail guns for their occupation, if necessary. Preparation
in this respect willfacilitate a rapid readjustment of the line at any
point.
MACHINEGTTNNOTES NO. 1.
80
4. Secondary positions and lines of retirement must be reconnoitered, and steps must be taken to insure that the detachments
are familiar with them. Incase of a withdrawal becoming necessary,
machine guns in supporting positions willcover the retirement of
the Infantry and guns in the front line. When the latter have
occupied their secondary positions, they, in their turn, willcover
the movement of the guns originallyin support.
5. Arrangements for firing at night should be made. The day
and night gun positions willprobably be different; the change from
the one to the other should be made just aftor dark and just before
dawn.
6. Communication -must xarefully be arranged throughout
machine-gun sections. Machine-gun officers must keep in touch
with battalion commanders and the machine-gun company commander. (See sec. 35, par. 3.)
7. The followingpoints should also be noted:
(a) The position of the ammunitionlimber should be determined
and the arrangements for ammunition supply made known to all
concerned.
(6) Range cards should be made for each gun.
8. The variations that arise during the protracted defense of a
position are dealt with in Notes for Infantry Officers on Trench
Warfare.
38. Machine guns with an advanced guard.
1. The functions of an advanced guard make it necessary that

great fire power should be available when required. A large proportion of machine guns should therefore be allotted to advanced
guards.
These machine guns should move well forward in the column, so

that they may be able to get quickly into action.
2. The principal duties of machine guns with the advanced guard
are to
(a) Assist in driving back enemy forces by rapid production of
great firepower at any required point;
(b) Assist in holding any position gained until the arrival of the
Infantry;
(c) Cover the deployment of the main body by holding the enemy
on a widefront. ,
3. The characteristics of machine guns render them as a rule more
suitable for employment with the main guard than with the van-
81
guard, butthe sizeofthe vanguard maynecessitate machine guns

being attached toit.
39. Machine guns with a rearguard.
1. Asrear guards willusually berequired toholdpositions with

theminimumofmen, a large proportionofmachine guns shouldbe
allotted tothem.
2. Experience has shown that wellplaced machine guns, supported by a few Infantry only, willfrequently hold up an advance
for long periods.
3. In occupying a rear guard position with machine guns the
ordinary principles of defense apply, but the followingpoints should
be specially noted:
(a) As wide a fieldof fire as possible should be selected.
(6) Guns must be concealed in the least obvious places,
(c) Covered lines of retirement must be reconnoitered.
(d) Gun limbers should be close up to facilitate a hasty retirement.
(c) Positions in rear must be chosen before the machine guns

retire from their forward positions.
(/) A proportion of the machine guns should occupy the positions
inrear before allthe machine guns retire from the forward position.
Thus the retirement of the last gun can be covered.
(g) Pack transport is very useful.
40. Village fighting.
1. As soon as the infantry have made good one edge of a village,
machine guns should be brought up in close support. They should
then- search windows, doorways, roofs, etc., likely to be held by the
enemy.
2. Machine guns should be used to command cross streets, etc., so

as to guard against attack on the flanks orrear of the infantry. They
should also be posted on the edges of the villages to prevent flank
attacks, and when possible should be pushed forward well on the
flanks, so as to command the exits from the village.
3. During villagefighting use may be made of windows, doors, etc.,
as machine-gun positions. Ifa good fieldof fire can not be obtained
from existing doors and windows, and time is available, smallholes
can be made in the outside walls of the upper stories of buildings,
enabling a good field of fire to be obtained.
101862 17
82

41. Occupation ofvarious positions.
1. Machine guns maybehidden inalmostany position,but itis

advisable toavoidplaces whichare eitherobvious oreasy torecognize, such as cross roads or single objects, or places which can easily
be located on the map. Itis important that guns should merge into
the surroundings, and straight edges or distinct shadows should not
be made.
2. Banks ofrivers, canals, and railways, ditches, folds inthe ground,

hedges, palings or walls, also mounds of earth, may be used either to
afford a covered line of approach and supply to a gun position or
else a gun position itself. When firing over the top of the cover,
greater protection is given ifhollows are scooped out for the front
tripod legs. (Pis. XIIto XIV.)
3. Houses may be employed in the following ways:
The gun may be placed in rear, firing through windows or doors
in line or past the sides of the house. When firingfrom a window,
door, or hole in the roof, the gun should be placed wellback for
concealment. (PI. XVI.) Adamp piece of cloth hung in front of
the gun helps to conceal the flash. When firing from a cellar, care
should be taken not to cause a cloud of dust to rise and give away
the position. A means of retirement and alternative emplacements
should be arranged. Overhead fire and observation may often be
obtained from high buildings.
4. Woods and crops provide cover from view, facilities for communication, and good lines of approach or supply. Inneither case
should guns be placed too near to the front edge. In woods itwill
often be possible to construct hasty overhead cover.
5. If a barricade has been constructed across a road, machine
guns should not be put on the barricade itself but, if possible, in a
concealed position to a flank from which they can sweep the road.
6. Haystacks do not aa a rule afford a very satisfactory position,
but guns may be placed in a hollow in front, or behind, firingpast
the side, or else in a hollow on top, firing through the front face of
the stack. A machine gun concealed in a field which is covered
with cornstalks, manure heaps, or mounds of roots is very hard to
locate. (PI. XV.)
7. Wood stacks, planks, logs of trees, and farm implements may
be used to conceal guns; cover from fire can often be obtained by
the additionof bricks or sandbags. (PI. XV.)
8. Trees generally provide better observation posts than machinegun positions.
83
42. Signals.
Inmany cases observation willbeimpossible fromthegun
tion, and it willbenecessary for observers to signal results from a
flank. The following semaphore code isused insignaling the
results ofobservation offire:

O=Fireobserved over.
S =Fire observed short.
R =Fireobserved torightoftarget.
L =Fire observed to leftoftarget.
K=Fireobserved correct (target orrange).
W=Fireunobserved or"Washout."
MAC
..
I.
lUJ.XIO XIV. X.
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Table 2 (A). Trajectory table, .303 Vickers gun, Mark
Vllammunition.
gunin
lintdistant from gun
lintdistant
inyards.
Range
yards.
200
300
400
500
600
700
800
900
1,000
1,000
O
100
200
300
400
500
0.4
.2
O
.3
.3
.5
.9
1.0
.7
.4
O
.5
.5
.9
1.9
1.5
1.1
.6
O
.6
.6
?00
800
900
1,000
1,100
1.2
1.6
2.1
2.6
3.2
3.9
1.4
2.0
2.7
3.5
4.3
5.4
1,200
1,300
1,400
1,500
1,600
1,700
4.6
5.5
6.4
7.3
8.7
10.0
1,800
1,900
2,000
2,100
2,200
2,300
11.3
13.0
14.3
16.3
18.3
20.7
700
2,400
2,500
2,600
2,700
2,800
10.0
9.3
8.4
7.5
6.3
13.6
12.8
11.8
10.7
9.5
7.9
18.0
17.2
16.0
14.8
13.3
11.6
23.4
22.4
21.1
19.8
18.3
16.3
30.0
28.9
27.6
1.3
2.1
3.1
4.1
5.3
O
1.2
2.6
4.2
5.9
7.9
1.4
O
1.6
3.5
5.5
7.8
3.5
1.9
O
2.0
4.4
7.1
6.3
4.5
2.4
2.6
5.6
9.8
7.9
5.5
2.9
O
3.3
14.4
12.2
9.6
6.7
3.5
O
20.2
17.8
15.0
11.9
8.7
6.6
.9
1.9
3.1
4.4
5.8
7.5
6.5
7.8
9.2
10.7
12.7
14.3
8.1
9.5
11.7
13.7
16.0
18.7
9.3
11.5
13.8
16.3
19.3
22.7
10.2
12.7
15.5
18.7
22.0
26.0
10.3
13.4
16.7
20.3
24.3
29.0
10.1
13.5
17.2
21.3
26.0
31.3
9.0
12.8
17.0
21.7
27.0
32.7
7.1
11.3
16.0
21.9
27.0
33.3
4.2
8.6
13.9
19.7
26.0
33.0
O
5.1
10.6
17.0
24.0
31.7
5.7
O
6.0
12.7
20.4
28.7
16.7
19.0
21.3
24.3
27.3
30.7
21.3
24.7
27.7
31.7
35.7
40.0
26.0
30.0
34.0
38.7
43.7
49.3
30.3
35.0
39.7
45.3
51.3
58.3
33.8
39.1
45.0
36. 7
36.7
43.0
43.0
49.7
49.7
39. 0
39.0
46.0
46.
53.3
40.3
48.3
56.7
40.7
49.3
58.3
'7^7
8613
'80.
'80.
92J
92J
40.0
49.3
59.3
70.7
82.7
96.0
37.7
48.0
58.7
70.7
83.7
98.0
99.0
112
127
143
161
105
105
120
120
136
136
153
153
173
173
47.7
52.7
42.7
1.0
45.0
50.0
56.3
62.7
69.7
1.3
55.3
62.0
69.3
77.7
86.3
65.3
73.3
82.3
92.0
102
1.7
2.0
2.0
2.6
51.1
58.1
66.1
74.7
84.0
94.3
106
118
2.3
2.3
1,400
4.9
SZJ)
>s.Y) '._
>s.Y)
'._ 7(17'
83.3
83.3
94. 3
94.3
106
106
119
119
133
133
6^.0
91.7
104
117
132
147
2.7
2.7
3.0 iii 3.3

l
4.0
4.0
47.6
46.4
44.8
38.2
37.0
35.5
58.9
57.0
55.9
1,700
1,800
1,900
2,100
2,000
4.5
110
126
144
163
184
I
4.7 I
27.6
25.0
21.9
18.5
14.7
10.6
114
131
150
171
191
5.3
E81.6
59.0
55.8
52.0
48.0
43.2
38.2
73.6
70.1
66.1
61.7
56.9
51.4
90.6
87.0
82.7
78.0
72.8
67.0
110
106
102
96.6
91.1
85.0
12.6
6.5
O
7.3
15.3
24.3
21.4
14.8
7.9
O
8.7
18.3
32.1
25.1
17.7
9.3
O
10.0
45.0
37.5
29.6
20.7
10.9
O
60.1
52.3
43.9
34.6
24.1
12.6
78.0
69.5
60.7
50.8
39.7
27.6
98.9
98.9
90.0
30.8
70.4
58.6
45.9
34.3
45.0
56.7
69.8
83.7
99.0
28.7
40.3
53.0
66.7
81.7
98.3
21.3
33.7
47.3
62.0
77.7
95.7
12.0
25.0
39.3
54.7
71.7
90.7
O
14.0
29.0
45.7
63.3
14.3
O
16.0
337
52.3
73.7
32.0
16.8
O
18.7
38.3
60.7
O
20.7
44.0
24.0
96.0
121
149
180
84.3
111
140
172
207
69.0
97.0
127
161
197
50.7
79.7
111
147
185
27.3
58.0
91.0
128
168
66.3
105
146
10.0
13.3
16.7
20.0
25.0
25.0
116
135
155
178
202
116
136
158
182
209
II
6.0 I
6.0
PART BELOW
PART
BELOW ZERO
ZERO LINE.
distance from tl
1. This table gives at any distance
tlhe
he gun the height in yards of the center of the cone above the line of sight.
distance of 1,000 yards from the gun the center of the cone is 48.3 yards
Example. At a range of 1,900 yards and a it a distance
Example.
sight.
ibove the line of sight.
height
2. To findthe
of the lowest shot
shot a ibove the line of sight subtract
subtract the figure inthe linemarked L.S. from the
leightof
leight
trajectory.
of the
the trajectory.
10186217. (To face page 84.)
115
136
159
185
213
.__ .__
.__
6.7 I
7.3
79.6
76.6
111
134
158
186
215
8.0
113
83.3
105
129
155
184
215
212
9.3
9.3
8.7
149
147
145
142
140
136
2,400
2,500
2,500
2,600
2,600
2,700
2,800
LL 6V.4
22.F
87.5
86.0
84.0
125
124
121
119
117
2,300
46.6
43.6
40.1
36.2
31.8
27.0
rr
72.1
70.7
68.9
Ft0
2,200
36.1
33.3
30.0
26.4
22.4
17.9
26S
one 1below
1below the zero line and the other above.
zero lineis
The table is divided into two parts, one
above. That part below thedetermining
table;that
ordinary trajectory
"positive"and
"negative" are
and the
words "positive"
are for
foruse
use when
partabovi ccand
She ordinary
She
that part
the words
and"negative"
when
trajectory table;
(See se< c. 30, par.
par. 4 (I).)
Slearance in indirect overhead
overhead fire.
fire. (See
1,600
105
104
102
99.5
96.8
93.6
Notes.
'
1,500
7.1
6.5
5.7
4.9
3.9
32.3
35.3
.7
1,300
4.9
4.4
3.7
3.0
2.1
1.1
34.0
38.0
JUS
1,200
I
3.2
2.8
2.2
1.6
.9
23.0
25.7
28.7
jjj1,100
I
133
128
124
119
113
ii
ii
ii
I
I
i!
!
106
range of 1,800 ) yards tl le lowest

Example. At a range
Example.
lowest
sight.
!ii
|II
III
iI
i
I
!iII
I
|
|
!
!
!
6"
O
31.7
O "
35.3
0" ........
........
75.7
41.7
41.7
O
119
86.0
86.0
46.3
30.0
35.0
' "
'
41.7
yards above tl le line of

39 3 =36 yards
shot at 900 yard; s from the gun is39
PAET ABOVE
PAET
ABOVE ZERO
ZERO LJNE.
L JNE.
..
talt)lane
1. Triistable gives at any dist tance froi tn the gun the height in yairds of the center of the cone below a horizom tal
1.
passing through the gun position, When using this table the range c is not the range to the target, but is the
passing
the q [uadrant
mge
mge
1,
1,
angle onthe
angle
by
the gun converted
1 Cable
Cable column
column2.
2.
converted toaara
Example.At a range
yards, ai ndat a distance
distance of 1,200 y rards
rds from the gun the center of the cone is 15 yards
range of 800 ;yards,
below the horizontal plane throu lgh the g ;un position.
tl he figure
passing through the gun position add tlhe
west sho t below
below the horizontal
horizontal pis ane passing
2. To find the height of the lo west
in the line L.S. to the height of th le traject ;ory.
ards, the :lowest shot at 1,400 yards 3 from the gun is 30plus 6 = 36 yards below the hori
Example. At a range of 800 ys ards,
planethrough
through the
zontal plane
zontal
the gun pos sition.
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91
MACHINE Gtfrf NOTES NO. 1.
92
Table 4. Windallowances.
The followingisthe usual table for rough guidance:
Lateral allowances.
Lateral
Yards.
Fresh.
Mild.
Yards.
Yards.
1
3
66
12
12
[,000
1,500
!,000
Minutes.
5
10
15
20
Strong.
Yards. Minutes.
Yards.
10
1J
1J
6
6
12
24
24
Yards.
Yards.
2
2
99
18
18
20
30
40
36
36
Minutes.
15
20
45
60
Noi 'ES.
winds; hi ilye the allowances
oblique winds.
allowances for oblique
(i) The table
angleshould
conjunction witha
card and
(ii) The
Theminutes
minutes of angle
should be
beusei 1 inconjunction
acard
andstring?in
an
mark
auxiliaryaiming
order toobtain
on whichtoorder the gunner to lay.
(iii) When no clearly denned auxiliary mark is obtainable the lateral angular
allowance may be put on by the direction dial,ifthe angle isreasonably large. Ifnot,
the followingroughrule may prove of value.
(iv) Assume the followingfactors: Mild, 2; fresh, 3; strong, 4; then multiply the
range by the appropriate factor, and the first figureofthe answer gives the taps
required. Thus fresh wind at1,500 yards; 1,500X3=4,500; 4 taps arenecessary.
(v) The deflection due to drift is negligible below 1,000 yards. At 1,500 yards it
is about 2 yards. Above 1,500 yards itis unknown but is certainly several yards at
extreme ranges.
N.B.Drift istotheleft.
is for rightangle
rightangle
Table 5. Allowances foratmospheric influences.

More elevation.
Moreelevation.
Cold (40 F. or less).

Stronghead wind.
Strong
Extreme dryness.
Extreme
Allowances
Allowances
Range.
1,000 yards
1,000
1,500 yards
1,500
2,000 yards
2,000
.""
Less elevation.
Less
Heat (80 F. or more).

Heat
Strongrear wind.
Strong
Rain.
3,000 feet
Over 3,000
Over
feet above
above sea.
inYards
in
of Range.
Yards of
1factor.
50"
100
22factors.
50
100
150
T. BLB
BLB 6.
11U1JJS
11U1JJS
UVi
,X.
\meof flight.
\me
Total time Distance

Total
Totaltime Distance
Total
flight (to covered
flight (to covered
covered (to of flight(to
covered (in
offlight(to
seconds).
1
2
3
4
5
6
yards).
600
1,000
1,300
1,550
1,775
1,950
2,100
2,225
seconds).
yards).
2,3502,450
2,550
2,625
2,700
2,775
2,840
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
Notes.
(i) Due to the effect of lighton the human eye, more elevation must be given in a
very bright light and less elevation ina very poor light.
, (ii) Factors affecting elevation in opposite directions will naturally cancel out;
the result ofcombined factors only must be used inthe allowance table.
(iii)Less elevation is required when firingup or down hill. This may be neglected
when the angle of sight to the target does not exceed 10 s
94
:::::::::::::::::::
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11
iH
Appendix
Indirect overhead
Indirect
[No. 51. M.G. Coy.
Coy. No. 3 Section.
Section.
11.2.19.
Date. 11.2.19.
Date.
Conti
Gun
No.
Target.
Q.E.
V.I. minutes.
Table
3 (A) or
(in
yards).
Gun.
A.
Target.
118
93
2,000
Officer i/c firing, 2/Lt. D.Hay.]
troops.
Direction.
smarks.
Trajec
in
to
target
(in
yards).
Dump, TT.28.b.5.4
)urs
ya rds.
Range
fi ccsheet.
used, 36c NT. W. 3.

1/10,000.
Map used,
3. 1/10,000.
Clearani :e:e over om
El svation.
B.
3(B).
25
213
Range Contour Range

Clearance
tory
height (in obtained Clear
height
forQ. E. of
for
of own
to own yards).
ancere
re Compass bearing
(in
troops to
by note ance
troops
yards).
(in
Table (1)below quired
or D.D.reading.
(in
(in
(A)
(in
table 1, yards). yards).
2
or
yards). yards).
2(B).
col. 2.
B.
C.
1,850 |
104
400
i23
80 magnetic
37
Number of Checked
Time of firing. rounds
by-
19.56
D.H.
Traversed and searched slightly. Enemy retaliated on front line with 77

mm. shells.
Own troops not between gun and target. Artillery F.0.0. reports enemy casualties on both occasions.
5-16
Brickworks, U.29.C.0.9
1,900
100
Crossroads,
1,500
111
Battalion headquarters, B.18.a.8.4.
1,700
Barrage on near edge of Crow
2,300
Shafskopf redoubt
2,200
8.17.d.5.1
2,150
D.D.62(leftof
R.0.).
10. 00, 12. 24
750
D.H.
21
D. D. 72-74
(right of
R.0.).
21.15
355
D.H. Firing line reports noises of stampeding transport. Enemy retaliated on
550
29
71
1,100
UO5
121
40
53,53
73,75
20,40
40
300
47
28
88
700
132
29
103
-31
114
111
138
27
399
2,400 |
I
95
119
71
48
258
2,000
Wood.
140
1 Positive.
99,97 900,1,500
:Negative.
1. Clearance in yards=A B plus or minus C according as trajectory tables give positive or negative values of C.
2. Immediately before firing Q. E. must be corrected, ifnecessary, for atmospheric influences, see Table 5.
3. For lateral windallowance see Table 4.
4. Ifobstruction exists between gun and target and its highest point can not be seen, ascertain ifshots willclear by substituting
Note. Minimum clearance required is one-half height of cone at range to obstruction.
101862 17. (To face page 94.)
General.
fired.
D.H. Insufficient clearance over own troops.

Did not fire.
Parallel lines of On call from

infantry.
fire 101" magnetic.
Gun laidby day.
19.08
41,500
710
D.H. S. O. S. signal at 18.20, 19.30-19.56, and

L.T.N.
21.10. No enemy attacks developed.
K.O.A.
D.H.
Traversed slightly, No
Noinformation
information as
to results.
B ith positive.
3 Lowt (St.
"Obstruction"
dummy emplacement.
magnetic
"
for Own troops'' inclearance columns above and find clearance by rule.

Itfis |ii
o
<d
35 9 b
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5 3
+3
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J2
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5 .S
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;
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pill!II
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Ifi? Ii11
1 irsitilli
a
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lllW l 111
Mgr<a
58IS
SP
|wig!!! I'S^ ."s

1
ig|!|:î pivi
lllli^lills||
liPli!
95
MACHINEQTJX NOTES NO. 1.
96
KEYTOPLATES.
gj
Company commander.
Second incommand.
Section officer.
Subsection officer.
Company sergeant major.
Company quartermaster ss ergeant.
Sergeant.
Corporal.
jjjj
Range taker.
{g
Eil
Scout.
Gunnumber, lance corporal, orprivate
Artificer.
Batman.
Saddler.
gij
Shoeingsmith.
gS
Cook
Storeman.
Driver.
Signaler.
<J
q
fa ..~
j
j2
j23
jgj
J2
OSD
B
fi
Pilterer.
Horse ormule.
97
PLATE I.
MACHINEGUNCOMPANYDKAWN UPINLINE.
if
oo loo oo !oo oo | oo oo
if hjo <$)
o|o
i
#
'i
ijc'lOW
IJ_
;pO OJO OfQ
OfiO
...1...CD
IQ
C3!Q
I O
El
E)
i
i
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i|i
1: 1{'
j
j
m
a
B^"|F
00*s
!I
j t.
if
V^
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r%'
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EI"
'1
OPO
jfjis*
C3E3
333
ti
cio
J
4
4
ia
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Sy.lS,</rc
Sy.lS,</rc
IQlB2l77
'OHO
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r f 6
IC
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orStcrio*
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J3....
El
I. i*iii"i"i
98
PLATE 11.
MACHINEGUN COMPANY INCOLUMN OF ROUTE. ACTION NOT
EXPECTED.
;;
"
;~
|
I
fr
"*&
"&
mmc/
mm
II
j^'
"""*|J**
......... "I}
t:
?i
l
I
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jp
6#*&3cl,
..
f
1.,!
?<
J.
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...*
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co
fl**"
Sf
..jSa rmymtjp.
Detailofsection
infours.
itiflivMZ
00
en
CDQ3CZJCD
mmnim
*
*
>|.
100
wo
S3
W
"g
/w
/&*.
;tt*.
w^.
Hc.:v"".T".::::s__!^lZ^
mm m
mmcom
m mmczj
mmmm
mm m
Totallength of
column=311yds.
99
PLATE 111.
MACHINEGUN COMPANY INCOLUMN OF KOUTE ACTION
EXPECTED.
E3
4"
3'
f
4*
~
IB GD Corpt.
*
*
o o
eOIO
A/9/GunUmtxt
/2
i
|
_..J_ IN*lSection.
Oefdckmmf
9*
RijAtSubSection
?'
"b"0 0
0010
N?2 Gun Umber
/2
i
f
IN?lSect,on
3
OcfacAmenf
9'
LeftSuiSecton
E3
+ S*t,Sec.qffr*.'/*?;Sect*
.O
j.
0.C./V2 Sect/on
Followed in succession by 2, 3 and 4 sections inabove order. The subsection

officerofNo.4section followed by No.3 (ammunitioE) limbers and remainder of
transport insame order as shown whenaction is notexpected.
Length of column=326 yards.

Machine Gun Notes No 1 May 1917

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I V

THE GENERAL SERVICE SCHOOLS

99 G. S. Schs., Fort Leavenworth B1527 25M

The followingreprint of Machine Gun Notes No.1is published

order of the Secretary of War:

Notes on the employment of Lewis guns in desert warfare

Infantry machinegun company training

Notes ontheemployment ofmachine guns, 37mm. guns, and

Notes on the employment of Lewis guns ha. desert warfare

11. Classification practices 10,11, and 13only

NOTES ON THE EMPLOYMENT

DESERT WARFARE IN EGYPT

NOTES ON THEEMPLOYMENT OP LEWIS GUNS

experience ofLewisgun officers duringthe war.

MACHINEGUN NOTES NO. 1.

observing officer by means ofbursts offirefromhis guns. 1 Itcan

NOTES ON THE EMPLOYMENT

DESERT WARFARE IN EGYPT

NOTES ON THE EMPLOYMENT OP MACHINEGTJNS IN

1. Control. Thegeneral experience has been thatthe controlof

more than twoguna inaction isalmost always impossible. This

(2) The condition ofthe locks and thelackofspare parts.

MACHINEGTJN NOTES NO. 1.

The troublecaused bysand can be considered under three headings, viz:

a thin filmof oil. A wipe over withan oilyrag isallthat is necessary.

MACHINEGUN NOTES NO. 1.

Every effortshould bemade by company commanders toinsure

3. Transport. Pack transport was generally used and appears

5. Combined sights. Combined sights with two guns were used

ments. Cooperation appears to have been attained in several cases,

MACHINEGUN NOTES NO. 1.

this method, which is of the greatest assistance whenever the control

10. Horsemanship. Since rapid reconnaissance is essential in

MACHINEGUN NOTES NO. 1.

sledge might be of use indesert warfare, and experiments inthis

14. Command. As some doubts seem stillto existon the matter

HOTCHKISS AND LEWIS GUNCOURSES.

Nature of practice. Rounds.

Screen 3' X 10.

The firer willobserve

rounds; Lewiis gun,

practices 10. 11, and 13.

MACHINEGTTN NOTES NO. 1.

Part lII.J %eld

15faUingiron 600 to 400

5iron falling About600

isprobably the firsttime anew Lewis

MACHINEGTTN NOTES NO. 1.

2. Holding'practices, 1 and 2. (1)Object.These practices teach

(2) Pointsfor criticism. The instructor watches the firer to see

(2)Points for criticism. Each group should be fullycriticized

4. Application,practice 5. (1) Object. Having been taught how

5.Distribution,practice 6. Pointsforcriticism. Atthe target the

(ii) Length traversed;

6. Swinging, practice 7. Points forcriticism. Atthe target the

MACHINEGUN NOTES NO. 1.

be discussed. Attention willbe directed toelevation, and spaces

Pact II. Classification practices.

9. Practice 9. Afallingplate, or other aimingmark, should be

MACHINEGTJN NOTES NO. 1.

of No. 1. Thepractice willbe continued as above, each advance

15. Practice 14 Hotchhiss gun. The team (Nos. 1, 2, and 3) will

Points for criticism.