Based upon the divisional order for the attack, the colonels, battalion commanders, and captains issue their own orders. The difference between the plan of battle and the order for the attack lies in the fact that the latter fixes all the details of execution of the general operations laid down in the former. But also, the order for the attack contemplates the first measures to be taken as soon as the assault is carried out, especially the extension of the liaisons (telephone lines) and communications (boyaux) from the first parallel of departure up to the enemy’s position.
The order for the attack contains precise details of the following points:
Exact hour of the attack; or signal rocket for the same.
Details of the successive objectives; different resistances that will probably be encountered.
Time-table of the moving barrage and the rate of its advance.
Prolongation of the telephone lines; particular wires to be extended.
Prolongation of communications; boyaux to be built at night across “No Man’s Land”; units detailed for this purpose.
Supply of ammunition and water in the captured position; points of distribution.
Departure of the Assault [The hour (H)]. We have now arrived at the most important and critical moment of the battle, the hour (H) of launching of the assault. A few minutes before the hour (H) the men take the places assigned them in the parallels with strict orders to remain there. Bayonets are fixed on the rifles. Useless movements and noise of any kind are prohibited. Each man holds himself in readiness awaiting the signal of his immediate chief. Each chief of unit himself ascertains that his men are in readiness and in good condition for the assault. He sends all wounded back to shelter. The leader must impress his men with the confidence that he knows his duty, that he has foreseen and is prepared to meet all circumstances of the coming battle; The value of troops at this moment depends upon their leaders.
Support Artillery. During the time just preceding the hour (H) all the artillery which does not execute counter-battery fire is employed to protect the assault. A part of this artillery is given to each of the assaulting battalions as support artillery. Liaison and observation detachments are sent by this artillery to the infantry battalions to which they are attached. These detachments have the same composition and rôle as explained in the defense of a position.