Lieutenant Hunt: “I note that the 1st and 2nd platoons are to attack on a front of about 150 yards. How does a platoon cover such a front?”
The Director: “The normal interval between skirmishers is 5 paces. This should be adhered to rigidly in extended order drill. Men will, under the stress of danger and excitement, do as they have been trained. In spite of the injunction of the Infantry Drill Regulations, I would not change this interval in drill for it may lead to bunching and the consequent loss of lives in action.”
The platoon fights in two waves with a section in each wave. This gives a wave and consequently a platoon a front of 120 yards in action. Where a larger front than 120 yards is assigned to a platoon to cover, the platoon is placed at about the center of the front and held responsible for the interval on each flank to the boundary of the zone of action assigned. The support section forming the second wave, following at a convenient distance, is used by the platoon leader in any required part of the platoon zone of action as the situation develops.
“In rare instances a platoon may be deployed with both sections on one line, covering a front of 240 yards. Such a line is very difficult for the platoon leader to control and is to be avoided.”
Lieutenant Wallace: “I note the designation of a ‘base platoon’ in Captain C.’s orders. What is the significance of that in a converging attack, such as is contemplated?”
The Director: “A Base Platoon is designated only as an aid to the initial formation of the company. During an approach march, in deploying on the line of departure and in advancing to the first firing position, the base platoon forms the guide for the company and helps ensure a coordinated attack. But as soon as enemy opposition is met, each platoon makes its own fight within its own zone of action and all consideration of the ‘base platoon’ is dropped. In action, each platoon must observe the action of adjacent units and be prepared to assist them. But the best possible aid consists in the vast majority of cases, in pushing ahead, ‘where the pushing is good’ and then threatening in the flank or rear enemy resistances holding up adjacent units.
“In this case, the ‘first firing position’ may be very close to, or even coincide with the Line of Departure, so that the base platoon designation is of especial value in the initial deployment.”
Captain Hastings: “Will the Director please discuss the personnel of the headquarters of Company C in action—its positions and formations?”
The Director: “A rifle company headquarters in action consists of:
“1. The Captain.