To commence, it is well to remember that these men, in addition to being fully-trained soldiers, have received specialist training in such subjects as map-reading, obtaining and reporting information, scouting, accurate shooting, etc., therefore their value to the Company Commander, whether in Attack or Defence, in trench warfare or in open warfare, has been enhanced, and he should keep this in mind when making his dispositions.
Prior to attack on any given objective, the Scouts and Observers can obtain much valuable information; in fact, the actual plans for local attack will often depend upon the information so obtained.
The following are some of the points that should be ascertained either by direct observation or patrolling or both:
- 1. Location of enemy M.G.’s and strong points.
- 2. Whether the enemy is holding his line continuously or by isolated posts; if the latter, the location of each post should, if possible, be ascertained.
- 3. If our wire-cutting operations have been successful, and the location and width of the gaps.
Vigorous patrolling should take place for some time prior to attack, to ensure that the enemy is driven out of “No Man’s Land,” thus enabling us to “jump off” from a point as near as possible to the enemy line.
The Snipers can, by making each enemy periscope and loophole a target, render the enemy to a great extent blind in Front Line Observation. Before the actual assault has commenced, our snipers can be established in shell holes in “No Man’s Land” from which they can command any known machine-gun emplacements. They should always carry a few rounds of armour-piercing S.A.A., and should look upon the breech casing of the gun as their target rather than the gunners. (Your good sniper will appreciate the fact that one hit on the breech-casing of a machine-gun with armour-piercing S.A.A. will definitely put the gun out of action, as it ruins the vital portion, i.e., “the recoiling portion” of the gun.)
After the objective has been gained, the snipers should push forward beyond our new line and establish themselves in shell holes or in old trenches. From these positions their fire will be of great value in conjunction with the Lewis gunners in keeping down the enemy during consolidation.
The Scouts should be able to fill in the dispositions of the troops and maintain touch with flanking units; they should form part of exploiting patrols, locate the enemy’s new positions and ascertain their attitude, i.e., whether they are demoralized and retiring in disorder or whether they are under control and likely to counter-attack.
The Observers must be in a position from which they can watch the whole of the attack, and must be provided with a means of communication whereby they can constantly report upon the situation. After the objective has been gained they can push forward and locate enemy machine-guns and battery positions; this will be comparatively easy as, if the enemy is putting up a fight, machine-guns, etc., will be advertising themselves.
The Brigade and Divisional Observers will also be in positions from which they can follow the whole of the attack, and will constantly report its progress. They should particularly watch for any massing of enemy troops in the back areas for counter-attack.