The field artillery must defend itself:
(a) On the march.
(b) In position.
(c) At the echelon (horse-lines).
Defense on the March.
1. Machine Gun.
Machine guns may be used on the march in case of surprise attack or against low-flying aeroplanes. Fire on roads and convoys from low-flying aeroplanes has been developed to such an extent that it is imperative at all times for a column to be prepared to defend itself against such attacks.
1. When a battery is in the advanced zone, one machine gun is mounted on a special mount on the second caisson of the fifth section. This gun is kept ready for fire at all times, the loaded belt if it is a Browning, being kept in the loaded position. About 500 rounds Cal. 30 ammunition are carried on the caisson. The machine gunner in charge of the gun marches with the 5th section.
A mechanic can very easily modify the special mount for the Browning, for use against aircraft, so that it also will be adaptable for use on the caisson.
One gun is attached to the fifth section, so that on subdivision of the battery for action, the other gun will be with the Combat Train or echelon, being carried in the battery wagon or the park wagon.
The second gun may be carried stored in the battery wagon or on escort wagon. In position warfare the firing battery goes into position usually at night. The escort wagon then goes up with tools, officers’ rolls, etc. and the machine gun with its special mount, the regular tripod, and about 2000 rounds of ammunition. If not carried as stated, provision must be made for carrying the gun with the firing battery.
2. Automatic Rifles.