The officer commanding will draw attention to any positions or peculiarities of ground he intends to turn to account during the advance, indicate the arrangements to be made for a covering fire, and prescribe, when necessary, which portion of the force is to direct. He will point out any ground which might favour counter-attack.
2. Verbal explanations should, if possible, be given when the enemy’s position first comes within view, and the commanders of all ranks given an opportunity of being shown their objectives, of scrutinising the ground, and explaining the situation to their subordinates.
3. When the objectives cannot be seen from the spot where the troops receive their orders, or where, from the character of the intervening country the objectives cannot be clearly seen through the advance, or when detours to avoid impassable ground have to be made, the direction of the attack should be distinctly stated by reference to a map when possible, and the compass bearing of it given. Staff officers, or others acquainted with the ground may also be employed to guide the columns.
4. For further instructions on this subject see “Combined Training,” S. 115.
5. It is important that a complete system of signalling between all parts of an attacking force, in addition to other methods of communication, should be arranged, S. 124 (6).
132. Duties of the several bodies.
1. Scouts, Firing Line and Supports.—The duties of the scouts are detailed in S. 87.
When scouts can advance no farther they will lie still until absorbed by the advancing firing line.
The duties of the firing line are to gain ground to the front, and, if checked by a superior fire, to hold on until reinforced.
The supports reinforce the firing line as soon as the latter can make no further progress.