The composition of the lines of the wave depends upon the duties and functions of the different specialists during the attack.
Let us recapitulate the functions of the specialists in order to show the reasons for their positions in the assaulting wave.
The First Line of the Assaulting Wave. In this line are the grenadiers, whose duty it is to clear the enemy out of the objective trenches. Here also are the A. M. R’s, employed to protect the flanks of the wave. When the wave is halted, the A. M. R’s must be available for instant use against any nest of resistance and must therefore be in the first line. They are also used in the captured trench to withstand an enemy’s counterattack, which may develop within five minutes after its capture.
The Second Line of the First Wave. We have here the rifle grenadiers who help the hand grenadiers break up the enemy’s resistance and clear the trenches of the enemy. This is done by fire of rifle grenades from the second line. Here, also, we have all the riflemen of the platoon, whose function it is to follow up the success of the specialists and drive the surviving hostile men out of the trenches with the bayonet.
Third Line of the First Wave. In this line we have the “trench cleaners” or “moppers-up.” These are hand grenadiers furnished by the reinforcing platoon and their function is to clear the enemy out of the trenches, both laterally and in depth of the position. The assaulting column remains above ground and continues across the position to the objective line of trenches, which is usually the limiting objective of the attack. The “trench cleaners” picket all entrances and exits of dugouts to allow none of the enemy to come out after the waves have passed and fire into the backs of the assaulting troops.
These three lines compose the first wave, and we see that the specialists are placed in the lines in the order of their duties.
Company Drill Regulations Adopted at Fort Sheridan, Illinois, R.O.T.C., in Lieu of No Existing Official Regulations
Company Organization
1. For the purposes of drill and maneuver, the regiment will be organized as follows: