Captain Smith: “The platoon sergeant takes command of the platoon when the lieutenant goes forward, and obtains ranges after the selection of the firing position.
“The communication corporal, with the agents (normally two), maintains communication between the platoon and the rifle company which it is supporting, and sends or signals to the platoon the information necessary to it.
“The transport corporal moves guns and ammunition carts forward in accordance with the movements of the platoon. Improvises packs when necessary. Provides for replenishment of ammunition and replacements for killed or disabled mules.
“There are seven privates in the headquarters detail. One of these is a bicyclist, two are agents to the rifle company, four runners maintain communication with machine gun company headquarters, with the sections and the platoon ammunition point.”
The Director: “Captain Burt, what would Lieutenant Y do after receiving the order from Captain M?”
Captain Burt: “He would proceed to the position assigned to his platoon. He would decide upon the positions to be assigned to his sections, and observe the enemy’s position to determine upon an allotment of targets. As the platoon approached he would halt it well under the cover of the hill and signal the platoon sergeant and the section leaders forward. When they arrived he would issue his fire order.”
The Director: “Captain Jones, give the fire order issued by Lieutenant Y.”
Captain Jones: “Lieutenant Y gives the following verbal order:
“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 fired by that platoon will indicate the beginning of the attack.
“The Stokes mortars will lay down a barrage in front of the platoon advancing in the direction of (w). The one-pounder will engage hostile machine guns.