The great importance of alternative positions being arranged for cannot be overestimated. The best way of moving the gun from one position to another without being seen should be studied. If guns are located and shelled, either:—
1. Move guns at once to an alternative position or right away.
2. Let the gunners cease fire and get under cover until the shelling ceases.
The first will be the more useful proceeding, but success has been obtained several times with the second. For example:—
On one occasion, after shelling for some time, the artillery ceased, thinking, no doubt, that they had “knocked out” the machine guns. Massed enemy infantry then advanced, the machine guns opening fire again from their old position with great effect.
The great importance of concealed approach in occupying positions must be impressed on Machine Gun Officers.
GENERAL REMARKS OF INTEREST.
1. Lack of any organised method of using machine guns. Young and inexperienced Officers are left in many cases to do what they think best with their sections, without any previous consultation or plan as to how guns can be most usefully employed.
2. Lack of any attempt at co-operation between the sections of the units working together in any particular action.
3. Lack of initiative and push. This is usually due to want of knowledge. Though the machine gun is a weapon of opportunity, opportunities seldom occur to those who passively await them.