Captain Scott: “I would take a look at the positions of the right assault company, the machine gun company, and the terrain, to determine whether it would be possible to support the assaulting company by overhead machine gun fire. I see that there is an excellent position for the machine guns and howitzer platoon. The commanding officers of these organizations are with me, so I at once give them the following verbal orders:
“Company —— has encountered heavy fire from (t). It will attack at (u) by building up a firing line at (v), and having a platoon attack in the direction of (w). A red rocket from this platoon will indicate the beginning of the attack.
“The Stokes mortar will lay down a barrage in front of the platoon, advancing in the direction of (w). The one-pounder will be in readiness to engage any hostile machine guns that open fire.
“The machine guns will open fire from this hill at (u), covering the enemy’s position at (t).
“Battalion ammunition point 500 yards east of this point in edge of woods.
“I shall remain here.”
The Director: “That is an excellent order. It shows that you understand that Major X should first attempt to give assistance by the use of his machine guns and auxiliary weapons and not by the use of his reserve. The reserve company should not be employed as long as the assaulting companies can overcome the resistance with the assistance of the machine guns and auxiliary weapons. Fire power should be made to take the place of man-power to the greatest extent that is practicable. You have also given an excellent example of the proper coordination of the machine guns and Stokes mortar. The ground in the direction of (w) is such that the machine guns could not effectively support the platoon advancing in that direction. The Stokes mortar, however, can search this ground and provide covering fire for the platoon. Your ordering a red rocket to be fired by the platoon advancing in the direction of (w) shows that you understand the necessity for synchronizing the launching of the attack and the opening of fire by the machine guns and auxiliary weapons. However, the steps that you have taken are not adequate to secure this. You have failed to notify the commanding officer of the right assault company of the time that the machine guns will open fire and have not directed him to have his platoon fire a red rocket at the beginning of its attack.
“Captain Howe, tell us how you would notify the commanding officer of the assault companies of your plans.”
Captain Howe: “I would send a written message by a runner as follows:
“Begin your attack at (u). The machine guns will open fire from (s) at (u). The Stokes mortar will open fire in the direction of (w) at (u) and will lift their fire 100 yards in two minutes for six minutes. The one-pounders will fire on hostile machine guns.