IN DEFENCE:
The Snipers can be of great value in defence, and should be given a definite “battle station.” If the attack be delivered in daylight, the snipers’ special task should be to pick off the leaders, and members of machine-gun and flamenwerfer detachments. If the enemy succeed in occupying our trenches the snipers must have in readiness alternative posts that command stretches of our trenches; they will thus be in a position to inflict heavy losses upon the new occupants. In this way and by working in conjunction with Bombers, they can do much to prevent the enemy from establishing himself.
The Observers can, in defence, find out much valuable information, and the good observer can usually foretell an enemy attack by carefully watching for the following signs of offensive operation:—
- 1. Construction of new T.M. emplacements.
- 2. Registration of new T.M.’s.
- 3. Increased artillery registration.
- 4. Bridging of trenches.
- 5. Cutting of wire.
- 6. Additional dressing stations instituted.
- 7. Signboards erected.
- 8. Unusual amount of movement in back areas.
- 9. Increased aerial activity.
- 10. Reconnaissance of front by enemy officers.
OPEN WARFARE:
In open and semi-open warfare it is essential that observers push forward from one post to another. They must keep in touch with the attack, with flanking units and with headquarters.
The most important duties of scouts and snipers will be reconnaissance. By pushing forward as an advanced screen to cover the advance, they can collect much valuable information and, if correctly organized, can get such information back quickly to the officers whom it concerns. The following are some of the things upon which they should report:—
- 1. Where the enemy are, and if holding a continuous line or isolated posts.
- 2. Condition of roads, etc.
- 3. Best approaches for Infantry, Machine-guns, Artillery, etc.
- 4. Any obstacles such as rivers, etc., and the best means of negotiating them.
- 5. Places which are exposed to fire.
- 6. Any topographical features from which the enemy can be commanded.
In fact, there is no limit to the amount of useful information that scouts and snipers can obtain. They can also be of extreme value in working round and cutting off isolated posts. They may also form a thin but effective firing-line that can delay considerably a small counter-attack, and thus enable their unit to complete the, of necessity, hasty preparations for holding its gains.