The actual charge will not be made over a greater distance than twenty paces. Within the last ten yards, and before closing with the enemy, the rifle will be brought to the threatening, yet defensive, guard position. Line will, as far as possible, be maintained until actual contact with the enemy is gained.
As soon as the enemy’s position has been carried, and prior to any attack on a further position, or any other operation whatsoever, every precaution must be taken against a counter-attack. In trench warfare, indiscriminate pursuit with the bayonet must never be allowed unless orders to that effect have been given by the leader of the assaulting party. The attacking troops are not so fresh as the enemy, and experience has shown that unorganized pursuit lends itself to ambush and casualties from machine-gun fire. In most cases the work of immediate pursuit is better done by the supporting artillery, the infantry assisting by rapid fire on the retreating enemy.
ASSAULT PRACTICE.
A useful form of Final Assault Practice which can be adapted to a variety of combat exercises is described in following paragraphs. The following materials are assumed:
“A.” Communicating trenches leading to a fire trench with an open space in front.
“B.” An occupied enemy-trench.
“C.” Gallows with dummies, representing the enemy.
(1) retiring from “B” or
(2) coming up in support of “B” or
(3) making a counter-attack on the captured trench “B.”
