the division machine gun officer usa 1920

8/8/2019 The Division Machine Gun Officer USA 1920

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The Division Machine Gun Officer

Organiza tion

The division machine gun officer is a technical

staff officer on the staff of the division commander.

He is not a general staff officer but is the'technical

adviser of the commanding general and of the generalstaff on all matters relating to machine guns.

"The division machine gun officer is charged with .the duty of keeping the division commander informed atall times as to the efficiency of the machine gun units

of the division. He is an adviser of the division com-mander on all matters affecting the efficiency of theseunits, and particularly on their co-ordination in the plansof attack or defense. For combined instruction, or whenthe tactical situation requires it, division commandersmay place the division machine gun officer. in directcommand of all or any part of the machine gun units

'of the division." (Par. 2, G. O. 91, G. H. Q., A. E. P.,

June 10, 1918.)



-4-

will always feel that his chief aim is to be of assist-ance to them in the training of their commands.

These inspections should not interefere with

prescribed work. They should be of such character

as to determine whether the organizations and theircommanders are carrying out prescribed work in-

telligently and energetically. A brief memorandumshowing the conditions encountered and the generalefficiency of the organizations, should be furnishedto the commanding general upon the completion of an

inspection. A record should be kept of all suchmemoranda which will serve as a record of progress

of the organizations and an indication of the ability

of commanders.The division machine gun officer is not an as-

sistant of G3, but most of his work will be doneunder instructions from G3. The chief of staffmay give instructions directly to the division ma-



-5-

from that allotted to the headquarters troop. His

duties will ordinarily require the use of a motor car

or side car.

Duties in Mobilization, Equipment and Training

MOBILIZATION.-\Vhere the units are formed of

untrained men, or of men with previous training,but who have not been previously assigned to units,

the division. machine gun officer .consults with G1as to the selection of men for the machine gun or-

ganizations. The following classes of men shouldbe assigned to machine gun units:

Men having previous training or service in machine

gun units.Men of good physique and of previous mechanical

training.Men of intelligence as high as that of men assigned

to infantry organizations.

EQUIPMENT.-The. division machine gun officerperforms the following duties in connection with the

equipment of the, machine gun units:



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will check up and review the battalion and company

schedules of instruction submitted by brigade and

regimental commanders. These schedules should

specifically cover the work from day to day, making

a definite assignment of work for each hour of the

day.The following is a suggested training program

for a division which has been mobilized without pre-

vious training, and is based on a training period of

four months. The machine guns should be segre-gated for the first six weeks for technical training,

and during the remainder of the four months' period

should join their organizations, or at least be avail-

able for participation in the maneuvers with the in-fantry.

Battalion and company agents should be trained

under the supervision of the Signal Corps for the first

six weeks. Thereafter they should be given a mini-mum of two hours of signal work per day. They



-7-

SUBJECT

. Hovas OF TRAINING ,

PER MONTH

3

2d 3d 4th

-6--4--2--'-

448

3

66'2 12

1211

728'

2

8

12

1st

12

12

122

298102191

33322

Close Order DrillDismounted MG DrillMounted MG Drill: training 'of animals:

packing cartsMilitary Courtesy --------------------;------Instruction in mechanism of MG, includmg

stoppages -----;-----Sighting, position and aiming drills With MG

Target Designation and Fire Orders

Belt l"illingFiring with MG on 1000 inch Range

Packing of BarrelsManual of Pistol: and Sighting, position and

Aiming DrillMechanism of PistolPistol J<'iringAdjustment of Equipment and making of pack8

Pitching Shelter TentsRough Ground Drillarrage Drill

Estimating DistanceMG Firing on Long Range, including Auto-matic Sight Correction and Auxiliary Aim-

ing TargetCombat Drill ExercisesFire Problems with assumed tactical situation

Operation Orders, Siting of Guns, Prepara-tion of Range Cards, Construction and

Equipment of Emplacements

------------------------------------------------

----------------------------

_- --------- -- - ------ ---__

----------

--------------------------------- _ -------------------------

-----------------------------------------------------

------------------------------

--------------------------------------------- _ -----------------------

----------------------------------------------------

__ --------------



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lUovement by Rail and Water

In movement of the division by rail the division

machine gun officer is responsible that proper pro-

visions are made for the following:

(1) For the anti-aircraft defense of the en-

training and detraining points and of all trains. One

section of guns mounted on flat' cars near the center

of the tr'ain, or two sections mounted on flat cars

near the ends of the train, should be employed.

(2) That machine gun units understand the

methods to be employed in loading. '

Combat carts, combat wagons, ration carts, and

baggage wagons should be fully packed, loaded on

flat cars and protected by paulins and wagon covers.

Water carts should be full. All vehicles should be

properly blocked.

Combat carts are loaded twelve on a car.Wagons are loaded three on a rar.



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would determine whether machine gun units should

be segregated, or placed convenient to infantry units.When a division. moves by rail the motorized

machine gun battalion will frequently move by

marching. If marching alone it can average twelve

miles per hour;. with other truck transportation,

eight miles per hour. \

In movements by water the men will usually

be sent on one boat and equipment on another. In

rase of an extended voyage, machine guns shouldgo with troops to permit of training in mechanism

en route.

March of Concentration' to a Bivouac

Before the march of the division, the division

machine gun officer consults with G3 as to placingof troops in the bivouac to best carry out their futuremission. He determines by reconnaissance or from .



- 1 0 - -

The Relief of a Division holding a Defensive Front-The Upkeep of a Sector in a Stabilized Situation

-Defense Plans

Division machine gun officer keeps a roster of

front line duty performed by each machine guncompany. \Vhen the division is ordered to relieve

another division in a defensive sector, he preparesfor G3 a table showing what companies should re-

lieve the different companie~ of the outgoing divi-sion. If possible he should precede the division bytwo or three days and make a detailed reconnaissance

with the division machine gun officer of outgoing

division.In the relief of machine gun units the following

are important considerations:

In. any sub-sector the machine guns and infantry

should not be relieved on the same night.Incoming units should take over the sector just as

occupied by the outgoing units and make changes later.



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The following are essential points in siting ofguns:

All guns are sited for direct fire, but are also pre-

pared for indirect fire.Guns usually are sited in pairs. .

Gun positions should be sited for all around defense.Guns must be concealed.Emplacements and cover trenches must be pro-

vided.In. a stabilized situation; guns in the front line will

be destroyed unless protected by concrete emplacements.Ammunition dumps must. be established. . .Animals should not be placed in areas subject to

heavy shelling.

The division Inachine gun officer sees that in-

structions are issued prescribing a minimum number

of inspections for battalion and company command-ers. For points to be covered on inspections seepages 44-45. For standing prders for gun positions

see pages 43-44.

The division machine gun officer, in conjunction



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The following points are important to outgoing

units:Guides must meet incoming units at designated times

and places.Plans and maps must be turned over to incoming

units. .'All ammunition and equipment, except that per-

taining to the regular equipment of the organization,are turned over to incoming units. Machine guns or tri-pods must not be exchanged. Signal equipment may be

exchanged.The relief should be completed in time for outgoing

units to complete their march, or pass beyond the danger

zone before daylight.Machine gun units usually move by marching. Trucks

will ordinarily be employed only when the units are

without animals or the distance is so great that theycannot be gotten out of the danger zone before day-

light.

Special Training for an Offensive--Replacements

Upon the completion of one operation, training

should always be begun for the next operation. The

division staff may have information as to the future.use of the division. In the absence of information

'



- - 1 4 -

assault battalions. If the division ,is in for manydays, all units may serve with front line battalions.Before an attack, special emphasis should be

laid on safety angles for overhead fire. All noncom-

missioned officers and gunners should be tested.All organizations should be exercised in form-

ations suitable to cross terrain of the kind that will

be encountered.Agents, runners and signalmen should be given

special training.All gunners should be given some target

practic~.Replacements should be distributed uniformly

throughout the company, if necessary transferringold men from one squad to another. It is seldom ad-

visable to transfer men out of their companies.

Preparation for the Attack-The Prepared AttackThe division machine gun officer usually pre-



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parations for the attack, the actual command during theattack to be exercised by the machine gun battalion com-

manders controlled through the usual channels of com-mand. This method will usually be. employed.

Co-opera tion of artillery and machine guns.Infantry formations, line of departure and rate of

advance must be communicated to all machine gun units.A machine gun company is usually assigned to

each assault battalion.A machine gun company is not assigned to support

a battalion without there is a special reason for such

assignment.Machine gun sections or platoons are usually as-

signed to connecting groups.Make the maximum use of overhead fire.All guns not assigned to infantry units should parti-

cipate in barrage fire in the beginning of the attack.This includes the division machine gun battalion.

Machine guns employ standing barrages, not roll-

ing barrages.Enfilade and oblique fire will be employed as far as

practicable.Units designated for duty with infantry organizations

should report for instructions 24 hours before the attack.Units designated for barrage fire should reconnoiter

and prepare positions, and prepare indirect fire data thesecond night before the attack. Position-" should be oc-

cupied at least four hours before the attack.Spare barrels must be provided for all organizations.Dumps of ammunitions, oil, and water must be pro-

-



-16-

The Pursuit

Machine guns are placed well forward in the

pursuing columns.

They are used to stop the en-emy by fire, while

the infantry attacks.

All flank columns should have machine guns

with them.

The division machine gun battalion, with in-

fantry in trucks, should attempt to gain and hold

defiles, bridges, or other points of vantage on. the

enemy'~ line of retreat.

When resistance is encountered, action should

be the same as in attack.

A Forward :March and Attack in the Open

In advance guards of a battalion of infantry orless, machine guns will be with the reserve. I~

I



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For samples of field orders issued by brigade

machine gun officers see pages 33-34.The f~llowing a"re the principal tasks of the

machine guns:

(1) To occupy and hold important positions.(2) To cover the deployment of the infantry and its

advance to the first fire position.(3) To support the attack of the infantry.(4) To assist in the pursuit after. capture of the

enemy's position.(5) To assist in consolidation when advance stops.

Commanders of all machine gun organizationsprecede their commands for reconnaissance, when

going forward to take up positions.

A RetreatMachine guns furnish the chief resistance of

rear guards. They form part of all rear guardslarger than a platoon of infantry in the proportion

of not less than one company to each infantry bat-talion .



-18-

TRANSPORTATION

16 3~5 111

12 296 12

1

4

2

11 3

Brig Motorized MotorizedBn Co Bn

!l6

1

54

4

535194

laII I

1

11

2

728

3

AnimaldrawnCo

24Carts. combat, 1 mule ---------.

Carts. medicalCarts. ration. 2 mule

Carts. water. 1 mule -------.Kitchens. rolling -------------.. Wagons. combat. 4 muleWagons. ration and bag-gage. 4 mule

Horses. ridingMules. draft -----------------.Mules. riding ..

Bicycles ---------------------.Cars. motor. specialCars. motor. 5 passengerKitchens. rollin~. trail mobile -.Motorcycles with side cars ---.Motorcycles without side "'ars .

Trucks. , tonTrucks. n ton. combatTrucks. ration and baggage.

1~ tonTrucks. repair. Jigh"l; --------.Trucks. supply. 1 ton

ROAD SPACES

MG Co (animal)

Troops.370

Combat

'frain60

Field

Train50235

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-21-

INDIRECT OVERHEAD FIRE

The following minimum clearance of the center of thecone are required: .

Range to Friendly Troops

600 meters and under --------------

600 meters to 900 meters ---------900 meters to 1400 meters ---------1400 meters to 1800 meters ---------

Over 1800 meters -----------------

Minimum Clearance orSafety Angle

Meters Mila

10

202740

Don't fire

USE OF TRAJECTORY GRAPHS

EXAMPLE-Range to gun 1800 meters.Height of target above gun 80 meters.

. Obstruction 40 meters high at range of 1200

meters.

To find the quadrant elevation:

Follow up the 1800 meter vertical line until it cuts thehorizontal line marked 80 meters. Take the trajectorythrough this point and follow it down until it crosses theline for zero elevation at 2160 meters. Reading the quadrantelevation by following the trajectory to the bottom of thegraph gives the quadrant elevation 116 mils. .

. To find the clearance: .Follow the 2160 meter trajectory back to the 1200 meter



-22-

The angle of impact, 50 mils, is then read off along the

diagonal line. The angle of impact being within the search-ing limits, the target can be engaged with success.

Graph for searching reverse slopes.

RANGE IN I1CTCRS

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fw"be/ow.

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-23-

To FIND THE BEST POSITION FROM WHICH

TO SEARCH A REVERSE SLOPEEXAMPLE:- To search a reverse slope of 5 on 100.

The graph shows 1460 meters to be most suitable rangefrom which to search the slope, providing the gun and crest

are at the same level.Assume that measuring back 1460 meters on the map

the crest of the slope is found to be 20 meters below the gun:Move down the curve to a vertical interval of 20 meters, andthe final range at which the gun should be placed is foundto be 1380 meters. If the contour reading at 1380 is materiallydifferent from that at 1460, this would cause a slight change

of location.

Machine Gun Plan

(ATTACK)

ANNEX No.--

To Field Orders No-- Div (Brig)--. 1920.(Place)

(Date and hour)

Map: (Reference map used.)

1. Information of the enemy and of our own troops. (In-

cludes zones of action, formation, line of departure, timeand rate of advance.)



X

Chief of Staff.

4. (a)

(b)

(c)

5. (a)(b)(c)

-24-

Designation of officer to command barrage guns.

Time at which units designated for barrage firecome under command of barrage commander.Hour of the completion of the barrage mission.

Placing of barrage guns in reserve or return to their

commanders.Announcement of station for slightly wounded. .

Establishment of ammunition dumps for barrage fire.Instructions for combat wagons and carts.(Amounts and kinds of ammunition to be carried.Detail of ammunition carriers in unusual cases.)

Instructions for field train.(Separate administrative order seldom necessary.)

Plan of Signal Communications.Axes of Signal Communications.Command Posts.

By comrrand of Maj Gen A:

Official:M, Lieut-Col, DMGO.

Distribution.

Sample Machine Gun Plan of Division for

Prepared Attack



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Positions will be occupied at 8:00 PM, D minus

1 day. The 1st MG Bn will march to itsposition by the CHEPPy-VARRENES-L'Es-PERANCE-CHAUDRON FME ROAD. The 2dand 3d MG Bns may use any roads withintheir brigade sectors except the main VAR-

RENES-FLEVILLE ROAD.

4. Forward movements of guns will be by company.Times of movements will be designated by bat-talion commanders. Movements to the second

and final barrage positions as follows:1st MG Bn to HILL 224. Route to be selected

by battalion CO.2d MG Bn to RIDGEwest of HILL 224, by un-improved roads -between MONTREBEAUandthe L'ESPERANCE-FLEVILLE ROAD.

3d MG Bn to HILL 185 and high ground to theea~t to right boundary of Division, by the

ECLISEFONTAINE-ExERMONT ROAD.

(x) 1. Machine gun organizations assigned to infantryunits will come under the command of infantry

unit commanders at 7 :00 AM, D minus 1 day.2. The D M G 0 will co-ordinate the work of the three

battalions. All guns designated as barrageguns will come under the command of the ma-chine gun battalion commanders at 7 :00 AM, D

minus 2 days but will not move from their pres-ent positions before 7 :00 P~I" D minus 1 day.

'



-27-

by brigade

BChief of Staff.

Command Posts.1st MG Bn-CHAUDRON FME.

2d and 3d MG Bns to be designatedcommanders.By Command of Major General A:

(c)

Official:

Lieut-Col, DMGO.

Sample Paragraph of Division Order on which

Preceding Machine Gun Plan was Based

3. (d) Machine Guns.

Assignment of machine guns to infantry units.Regimental machine guns will be assignedto the assault battalions of the respective regi-

ments.One company of 2d MG Bn will be assigned to

the 16th Inf for use with patrols in the AIREVALLEY. Platoons from 2d and 3d MG Bnswill be assigned to connecting groups.

These units will come under the command ofinfantry battalion and patrol commanders at7 :00 AM, D minus 1 day.

2. Barrage Fire.All guns not assigned to infantry units will

be employed for barrage fire.The D M G 0 will co-ordinate the work of the



-28-

Sample :Machine Gun Plan of Brigade for a

Prepared Attack

(MACHINE GUN PLAN)

Hq 2d Brig,ARTERSMILL,

20 Oct 19, 2:00 PM.ANNEXNo 1,

To Field Order No 40, 2d Brig.

Map: Gettysburg 3" Map.

1. Enemy situation unchanged.Our Corps attacks at D day, H hour, with 3d Division

on the right, 1st Division in the center, 2d Division onthe left. . .1st Division attacks with brigades abreast, 2d Brigade

on the left.'Boundaries of 2d Brigade:Right (east): CREEK east of HILLS 621 and 709

(center branch)- CREEK west of HILL 744-ROAD CROSSING557 (west of GEORGETOW1'l)-HILL 664-POINT 361.65-740.15, POINT 361.7-

740.7, all inclusive.'Left (west): 496-698 ROAD-POINT 361.6-736.8-

POINT360.9_738.3-567-557-526-527-RoAD,

all inclusive.Center (between regiments): CREEKwest of HILL621, 679-704-669-602-.628 ROAD, POINT



'.

-29-

Occupation of initial positions.

The machine gun units designated for barrage fire

will have initial positions as follows:Co A, 3d MG Bn in the vicinity of 365.45-731.7.Co B, 3d MG Bn in the vicinity of 364.1-731.25.MG Co, 4th Inf (less.1 Plat) in the vicinity of.

364.55-731.2.Company and platoon commanders and 4 men per

platoon will reach the vicinity of their positions at6 :00 PM, D minus 2 days for reconnaissance of posi-

tions, preparation of fire data, and construction ofemplacements. Exca.vations will be made after duskand work carefully camouflaged. Companies willoccupy their positions at 8:00 PM, D mmus 1 day •

. MG Co, 4th Inf (less 1 Plat) will march to its posi-tion by the 530-GREEN VALLEY S. H. ROAD. Cos Aand B, 3d 1\1GBn will proceed to their positions as

directed by their respective captains.For forward movement of machine guns see Table

No 2 (Appendix No 2).(x) 1. Machine gun organizations assigned to infantry

. units will come under the command of the in-. fan try unit commanders at 7 :00 AM, D minus

1 day. '.2. Major M, Brigade Machine Gun Officer, is designated

as commander of barrage guns. Barrage gunswill come under the command of Major 1\1, at

7 :00 AM, D minus 2 days but will not movefrom their present positions until 7 :00 PM,



5. (a)

(b)

-30-

The 4th Infantry will detail 32 men to act

as ammunition carriers for MG Co, 4th In-fantry.

(c) Field Trains will not advance north of SILVER

RUN.

Plan of Signal Communications:Communication by visual, rockets and runners as

provided in General Plan of Division.Barrage Companies will connect their initial po-sitions by telephone with initial command post ofbarrage guns, and their second position with second

command post.Command Posts:

2d Brigade: FARM HOUSE at 365.0-730.7.Barrage guns: .From H to H plus 60, FARM HOUSE at 365.0-

730.7.After If plus 60 in woods north of CROSSROADS

718.By Command of Brigadier General A:

B, Major,Brigade Adjutant.

Official:M, Major, Brig MGO.



-31-

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-33-

Sample Paragraph of Brigade Order Pertaining

to :Machine Guns Upon which PrecedingPlan was Based

3. (d) Machine Guns.

1. Assignment of machine guns to infantry units.The MG Co, 3d Inf will be assigned to the as-

sault battalion of the 3d Inf.Two MG Cos of the 3d MG Bn will be as-

signed to the assault battalions of the 4th Inf.One Plat of MG Co, 4th Inf will be assigned

to the connecting group, maintaining contact

between 1st Div and 2d Div. .

Above machine gun organizations will comeunder the command of the infantry unit com-

manders at 7:00 AM, D minus 1 day.

2. Barrage fire. ..The following units are designated for bar_

rage fire:

3d MG Bn (less 2 Cos).MG Co, 4th Inf (less 1 Plat).'

The barrage guns will be under 'the command

of the Brigade Machine Gun Officer. They willcome under his command at 7:00 AM, D minus2 days, but will not move from their present

positions before 7 :00 AM, D minus 1 day.Standing barrages will be placed on the fol-



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"The 1st Infantry attacks on the right with two bat-

talion in front line, and the 2d Infantry on the left withone battalion in the front line. The first fire position ofthe infantry will be just west of the Toll Gate-Fairfield

Road.

"Co. D will r~port to the 1st Infantry at once forassignment to an assault battalion. The regimental com-

panies will support the other assault battalions."The 1st and 2d MG Bns will cover the deployment

of the infantry and its advance to the first fire position,and will support the attack against the enemy's position.

"Firing positions.

1st MG Bn The ridge of the woods west of Zora.

2d MG Bn Ridge 500 yards northwest of Hill815 until infantry reaches first fire position,

then to Hill 771 to support the attack. Orderof companies from right to left, A, E, C.

"Targets.

1st MG Bn 460-570 Roaod to Hill 789, both in-clusive.

2d MG Bn Hill 789, exclusive to' Hill 722 in-clusive. The subdivision of the target willbe made at the firing position.During the advance of the infantry to the

first fire position, support will be given to

the infantry as it is needed. At 11:28 A.M.all guns will open fire- at their maximum

'



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(x) Instructions pertaining to whole command.

1. Co-operation with the infantry. .2. Maps or reports of exact locations called for.3. Any general instructions as to S 0 S barrage.4. Placing of machine gun companies under the com-

mand of the commanders of sectors, sub-sectors,centers of resistance, outpost zone, and Div or

Brig M G O.5. Instructions for anti-aircraft defense.6. Instructions for anti-tank defense.7. Construction of emplacements, cover trenches, dug-

. outs, etc.8. Action in case of attack.9. Instructions for withdrawal.

10. Preparation of barrages for counter-attack.4. (a) Announcement of station for slightly wounded. and

aid station.(b) Establishment vf ammunition dumps.

Instructions for combat wagons and carts.(c) Instructions for field train.

(Separate administrative order seldom necessalY.)5. (a) Plan of Signal COr.J.munications.

(b) Axes of Signal Communications.(Only in exceptional cases will machine guns havean axis of communication, but will use infantry bri-gade axes.)

(c) Command Posts.



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-HILL 483-HILL 524-RIDGE one-half mile west of.

MOUNTZIONCHURCH.Our division organized and defends the TANEYTOWN

Sector.Northern boundary of division sector: MARKER'S

MILLS-B. M. 494-LONGVILLE-ALLOWAY CREEK,all in-

clusive. .

Southern boundary of division sector: SHADESSCHOOL_TREVANNION-CRABSTER-498-489-STULL, all inclu-

sive.Boundary between Brigade Sectors: PLEASANTVAL-

LEy-BEAR MOUNT SCHOOIr-MAYBERRy-STUMPTOWN-HILL 561-TANEYTOWN-FARM at point 352.5-729.5-POINT349.4-730.6, all included in North Brigade Sector.North Brigade Sector: 1st Brig Organizes two Centers

of Resistance.South Brigade Sector: 2d' Brig Organizes two Centers

of Resistance.

POSITIONS.

Outpost. Position.Line' of Resistance: POINT 351.8-733.0-POINT

351.4-732.4-MoUNTAIN VIEW FARM-HILL 503-HILL 483-ROAD JUNCTION, 433-HILL 427-HILL at POINT 347.8-727.5.

Battle Position.Main Line of Resistance: LONGVILLE(incl.)-

HILL 526-HILL 532-HILL 524-POINT. 350.5-



(b)

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Commander of the right C. R. of North Brigade

Sector will so place his guns as to enfilade the riverin the sector of the 2d Corps for 700 yards north ofPINE HILL MILL. The 2d Corps enfilades the riverfor 800 yards south of PINE HILL MILL. The com-mander of the left C. R. of South Brigade Sectorwill enfilade the. river in the sector of the 2d Divi-sion for 1000 yards south of STULL. .

Commanders of Centers of Resistance will assignmachine gun sections to connecting groups as fol-lows:

Right C. R. of N Brig Sector to connectinggroup, maintaining contact to the 2d Corps.

Left C. R. of N Brig f:ector to connecting groupto 2d Brig. ,

. Right C. R. of S Brig Sector to connecting groupto 1st Brig ..

Left C. R. of S Brig Sector to connecting groupto 2d Div.

All guns not employed in the Outpost Positiol1 orwith connecting groups will be used for flanking theMain Line of Resistance.

Brigade commanders will employ the following organi-zations in defense of the Battle Position, the gunsbeing echeloned in depth from the Main Line of Re-

sistance to the Battalion Reserve Line:2d MG Bn (less Cos A and B).



-39-

(x) 1. Brigade MG Officers and CO, 1st MG Bn will pre-

scribe details of positions and missions. Afterpositions have been selected and missions as-signed, maps showing dispositions and missionswill be forwarded to the D M G 0 without delay.Thereafter all changes will be reported at once.

2. All guns on, or in advance of the Battalion Reserve

Line, in addition to their battle missions, will begiven a S 0 S mission in front of the Line ofObservation. The maximum amount of enfiladefire will be directed on the MONOCACYRIVERandon its right bank. All bridges over the MONO-CACYwill be covered by direct fire.

3. Guns on the Regimental Line will be prepared toplace a barrage between the Line of Resistanceof the Outpost Zone and the Main Line of Resist-ance. This barrage will be put down only on

the orders of brigade commanders.

4. The machine gun companies will be under the com-

mand of the following superior officers:Companies assigned to Centers of Resistance-

CO Centers of Resistance.Companies assigned to defense of the Battle

Position, including the Regimental Reserve Line-Brig MG Officers.

Companies in Reserve-D M G O.



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Other units to be designated by brigade commanders.

By Command of Major General' A:X,

Chief of Staff.Official: , •

M, Lieut-Col, DMGO.

Distribution:Same as F 0 No 7, 1st Div and following additional:

All MG Bns.All MG Coso

Sample Paragraph of Division Order pertaining to,

:Machine Guns upon which 'preceding plan

was based

3. (b) In the Outpost Position, each Sub-sector commanderwill employ in each center of resistance, not to ex-

ceed two machine gun platoons. These guns willbe prepared to concentrate their fire on river cross-,ings. The bulk of the machine guns will be placedso as to put down an effective barrage in front ofthe firing line of the Battle Position.The division machine gun officer, by arrangement

with the division on the north will assure the cover-ing by machine gun fire of the river salient opposite



-42-

1. For details of positions and missions of guns seeTable 1. Commanders of sub-sectors will beconsulted as to exact positions and lines of fire.

2. The machine gun companies will be under thecommand of the following superior officers:MG Co 1st Inf-CO South Sub-sector.MG Co 2d Inf-CO North Sub-sector.Cos A and B 2d MG Bn-Brigade MG Officer.

Co C 2d MG Bn-North Sub-sector.Co D 2d MG Bn-Brigade Reserve Commander.

3. One gun in each section in the Battle Position. and Brigade Reserve will be designated for Anti-Aircraft Defense.

4. Emplacements will be constructed in all positions~

including the Brigade Reserve, and will be care-fully camouflaged. .,

5. Cover trenches for gun squads will be constructedafter the completion of the emplacements.

6. In case of attack positions in the outpost positionwill be held until the receipt of orders to with-

draw; in the battle position they will be held atall costs.7. Routes for the withdrawal from the outpost posi-

tion will be reconnoitered. .

8. Barrages will be prepared for the assistance oflocal counter-attacks.

St~tion for Slightly Wounded: CROSSROADS01 (Umiles northeast of BONNEAUVILLE).

(x)

4. (a)



-44-

12. That there is sufficient quantity of water at hand forcooling the gun, and no.t less than a pint of oil.

13. That there is a spare barrel and spare parts case inthe emplacement.

14. That there are 1 pick, 1 shovel and 12 sand bags inthe emplacement.

15. That traversing stops are used to limit the movementof the gun.

16. That aiming stakes are placed to indicate to the gun-ner his normal direction of fire. Night firing boxesor luminous discs to be used at night.

17. That the gun is inspected for all the points covered inparagraphs 146 and 148, Machine Gun Drill. Regula-

tions.

18. That the camouflage is kept in good condition, and thatthere is no movement to disclose the position to theenemy.

19. That in addition to the flash arrestor, wet sand bagsare used to hide the flash of the gun when firing atnight.

20. That during the day the gun is kept covered unle"lsit is very close to the enemy. That at night it is al-ways loaded. That all members of the squad knowthe location of, and routes to, any alternative em-placements assigned to the squad.

21. That sentries know their orders thoroughly and arerelieved at regular intervals.

THE SENTRY AT THE GUN WILL KNOW:



~45-

1. That all orders prescribed for the commander of gun

squad and for the sentry at the gun are carried out.2. That there is an officer on duty with each platoon.3. That the 4 guns of the platoon are close enough to-

gether to be inspected readily and controlled by theplatoon commander, if the tactical situation per-mits. .

4. That platoon and company headquarters are centrally. located with reference to the guns of the platoon and

company.5. That communication by telephone, rockets, visual, sig-

nals, and runner is provided for.6. The following points should be noted with reference

to emplacements:Siting.Field of fire.Type.Cover.State of camouflage.Are there tracks leading to emplacements which

will give away position?7. Is there a deep trench, shrapnel-proof or dugout for

the members of the gun squad? If so-Distance from gun?Type?Capacity?

Are there gas curtains and anti-gas apparatus?8. Disposition of reserve guns. Possible disposition,

o



ORGANIZATION

MG Co. 1st Inf

One J.llatoon

One Ilcct ion

One section

One J. llu toon

MG Co. 2d In!

One section

One section

One section

One section

One platoon

Co A. 2d l\IG Dn

Two platoons

One section

One section

POSIT ION. V ICIN ITY OF

Drick Kiln

C. R. 631

Or'chard at W.Montfort

Connecting jt roups

North edge woods onHill 676Fairview S. II.

C. R. 676

Cruhey

Crossroads at point354.8-753.8

WootL'I west of J. Warmer

Orchard on HiJJ li67

Ort.hard southeast of

C. R. 686

DATTL~: MISSION

Protect left flank. Crossfirewith C. R. 631.

Crossfire w ith Brick Kilncover 631-488 and 631-543

Road!!.Flank woods to no rthwestand southweti t

: \Iaintuin connection betweensec tors and sull- sec tors

Flank J. Ran .; and FairviewS. H .

Flank woodi to northwetitand southwest and C. R. 576

Protect ri:J;ht flank. Cover576-562 Road.

Flank C. It. 576. Cover r idl{'Ito e as t.

Protect ril{ht flank.

F'lank Drick Kiln. Hill 667W. ~fontfort. Hill 618.Cover C. It. 627 and R. R.

Flank Hill 566. wood westof J. Warmer

Flank Hill 618 and woodswest J. Warmer. Cover lit/G-

557 Road

S 0 S OR NORMAL MISSION

Same as battle mission.

Same a9 battle mission.

Same Illi bat tle mission.

Same IlS bat tle mission.

Same 119battl e mill sion.

Sume as battle m il'lsion .

Sume as battle millsion.

Flank C. R. li76

Same as battle mission.

Carlis le Road.

Carl isle Road.

Carl is!e Road.

Co n. 2d MG En

One platoon

One platoon

One sec tion

One section

Co C. 2d l\IG Dn

Co D. 2d MG Dn

To face page 42

Hill 618 Flank J. \Varmer. Hill 676. !i31-Fi43 Road from C. R. 543 toHill 612 .Fino yds lIouth.Hill 612 Flank Hill 618. m:1 679 !i31-543 Road from C. R. 643 to

M. Eckert Flank HiJJ 618. HiJJ 612Fino yds south .

None.

Hill 627 Flunk Hill 612. Hill 679 None.

Hill 679 Rnd woods IProtect r il l:ht f lank Sumt> n~ battle mis sion.to e88t

I Hill 667 IDrhmde Rellerve Protect rill:ht flank.

the division machine gun officer usa 1920

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