Have all cease firing except the best shots; firing unnerves and distracts the noncommissioned officers and soldiers. On the contrary, silence is at once a mark of order; it impresses the men who collect themselves and make the appeal for a supreme resolution to their inner selves.
2. Gaining Superiority of Fire.
It can be obtained in the two following ways:
The execution of an intense fire by the whole line;
The execution of a slow, deadly, and precise fire by the best shots, well concealed.
The men are under cover, consequently it is possible to avoid the first plan, which is noisy and not particularly effective but which circumstances beyond our control sometimes make necessary.
The best shots are designated by the chiefs of section. They construct masks in front of themselves, behind which they fire obliquely, that is to say, under excellent conditions of security and calm. They locate an adversary, keep aiming at him and firing each time that he appears, and they go successively from right to left. This method is very effective; the enemy does not dare to fire any more, and it soon seems as if his trench were empty.
In addition if possible, get a small group to the front or on the flank, who will protect a forward movement by their fire.
3. Execution of the Assault.
“The first and second sections will move out under command of Lieutenant X and will make a rush of 80 metres. Open fire after the rush.”