ACTION OF THE RESERVES.
We are now nearly in open ground; we must still definitely clear away the last resistance to which the hostile reinforcements now coming up in haste would cling and soon convert into an insuperable barrier if we give them a few hours’ respite.
It is for this purpose that we employ the reserves.
Informed by officers of liaison, who are not afraid to traverse the battlefield to find out how things are going on and who do not abandon the troops to their own resources until tardy reports come in, the superior commander directs his reserves to the precise points where they are most needed.
Thus the last resistances, which the second attacking line, occupied with marching straight ahead, was not able to encircle, are definitely shattered by the reserves.
Exploitation of the Success.
Finally, we have arrived in the zone of open country, the gigantic assault of 5 or 6 kilometres is ended. Now it will be the surprise, the rapidity of movements, the skill of maneuver which will gradually produce panic.
The enemy, pushed back, overthrown, broken through in the intervals between the points of support where he tries to hold on, will soon no longer find a position where he dare make a stand; he will be irresistibly drawn into the rout as the menacing cry “the French!” re-echoes in an infinitely increasing volume.
But it will then no longer be a question of breaking through, we must rest after the assault.
DISPOSITIONS OF THE ATTACKING TROOPS ON THE FRONT OF A DIVISION.
Pl. I
EXAMPLE OF A GERMAN DEFENSIVE ORGANIZATION.
Pl. II
ACTION OF THE FIRST LINE OF ATTACK.
Pl. III
ACTION OF THE SECOND LINE OF ATTACK.
Pl. IV
ACTION OF RESERVE BATTALIONS. Zone Definitely Cleared.
Pl. V
[1]. Etude sur l’attaque dans la période actuelle de la guerre—Impressions et réflexions d’un commandant de compagnie; Paris, Librairie Blon, 1916. Communicated to the French Army by the Commander-in-Chief. Translated for the Infantry Journal by an officer of infantry.
[2]. The great French offensive on Neuville-Saint-Vaast north of Arras.—Translator.
[3]. See Plate II at end of this article.
[4]. Communicating trenches.
[5]. The assault commenced at 10 o’clock.—Translator.
[6]. See Plate I at end of this article.
[7]. See Plate III at end of this article.
[8]. The French company has four sections, but no platoons except for administration.—Translator.
[9]. The word reinforcement (renforts) is defective for designating the second line, but it is the current and popular word that is used among the troops to designate whatever comes after the first line of attack.—See Plate IV at end of this article.
[10]. The author’s language may not be clear, but the point he wishes to bring out is that the first line of attack, consisting of several waves, will be entirely occupied in taking the first zone of defense; then and not until this is almost accomplished will the second line, complete in itself, like the first line assault over the same ground, each unit as in the first line having a pre-arranged objective; this second line not to be used by the superior commander for any but the preconceived program. Behind this second line are held as reserve other bodies of troops under the direct orders of the superior commander for employment against any resistance that the first and second lines have failed to take. Behind all this are the general reserves, several hours in rear, ready to march through the breach to the pursuit and to new battlefields beyond.—Translator.
[11]. When an attack is planned, numerous saps are run out to the front from the main firing trenches. The night before the attack, a parallel is broken out connecting the sap heads, and this parallel is amply provided with short ladders. Just before the artillery preparation is to cease, this parallel is filled with the companies detailed for the assault, and as the artillery ceases, the waves rush in succession up the ladders and to the front. Thus the name parallel of departure. Of course, to provide for the successive waves, not only the parallel, but the saps and the main trenches are filled with men who move up into the parallel as fast as room is made.—Translator.
[12]. Thirty inches, 140 per minute.—Translator.
[13]. See Plates at end of this article.