I. Plan of Attack. II. Order for the Attack. III. Preliminary Order for a Relief. IV. March Order for Relief. V. Plan of Advance. VI. A Raid.
I. Plan of Attack
(Issued several days before attack)
1. Rôle of Battalion, i. e., general description of offensive and whether battalion is in first line or reserve.
2. Zone of Attack. Accurate description of boundaries of hostile position to be attacked.
3. Objectives. Number of trenches to be assaulted and trench at which offensive will halt.
4. Disposition for the Attack. Companies in assaulting line—companies in support—apportionment of objectives to companies—distance between assaulting and supporting companies—disposition of M. G. Co. and 37 mm. gun—location of battalion C. O. during assault.
5. Disposition of Units in Parallels of Departure. Describe accurately trenches each unit will start from: e. g. Assaulting Cos.—first line and cover trenches. Supporting Cos.—intermediate trenches or places d’armes nearby starting points of battalion C. O., M. G. Co. and 37 mm. gun.
6. Direction of the Attack. Landmark to guide on, also compass direction.
7. Tactical Relation with Neighboring Units. Troops on flanks of battalion and responsibility for liaison therewith. Patrolling to establish connection if necessary.
8. Artillery Support during Attack. Barrage to start at hour H. Where and how long it will halt beyond the last objective.