Tensas gazette., 1917-10-05

Up to the point of encOuntering the
enemy's fire, company advances INTO
an engagement in close order. whether
for attack or defense. The usual for
nation, because of its mobility, is the
column of squads. Tile column of
squads has the double advantage of af-
fording Il convenient front for pro-
crossing along roads and through com
parativply narrow spaces. such as ra-
vines. drcliNitirS, or breaks in the trees,
and of being at ali times convertible
into any other formation desired. The
company is dcployed upon reaching
the zone OF hostile fire for the protec-
ton of the men. hut it may then con-
tinUe TO advance without returning the
fire, depending upon the immediate cir
cumstances.
The use of "a succession of thin
lines" is frequent matter of facili-
tating the advance. This reduces the
losses which would otherwise be in
Cured if the company were deployed
by greatly diminishing the man-front
offered TO the enemy and proportion
individuals. Thus, if the enemy knew
that a unit was advancing, and had
reason to believe from the apparent
extent of its front that it was deplOyed,
he would probably spread his fire ac-
cordingly.
At all events, If the unit were ap-
preaching under cover, or partial cover,
he would be compelled to assume that
it is deplOyed if he had indications of
| the width of the front, in order TO cover
the whole area with his fire. Mean
while, the company might be advanc-
| ing in columns of single or double file,
with intervals between equal to the
intervals between the centers of squads
or platOons in deployment.
| This succession of thin lines, known
as platoon or squad columns" may
otherwise facilitate the advance by al
lowing for the passage of the com
pany through rough or bushy territory
it also affords better opportunity tC
take advantage of cover. The two lat
ter factors are perhaps more impor
tant than the first with the squad, al
least if the advance is against ma
chine guns. for machine gun. if it haC
comparatively unobstructed range
could render the units entire front un
tenable, whether it were in squad col
umns. or were advancing in line Of
skirnishers. Platoon columns, how
ever, moving as they do outside th'
area of d burst of single shrapne
(about 20 yards) may greatly reduce
the losses when under artillery fire, o.
even under machine guns.
The choice of the method of advance
is made by the captain. or by the ma
jor if the company is with a battalion
and will depend upon the conditions a
hand. If it develops that the deplOy
ment itself is premature, it is general.
found best to assemble the cOmpan.
and proceed in close order.
Advancing in the fire attack, as w
have already seen, may be accom-
plished by sending forward deplOye'
squads or platOOns in a series o
Ishes. If this is by squads. at com
mand, the first squad (on the right
follows its corporal, running at to
speed to the point indicated by tn
captain, where 1t halts and finds cover
usually fiat on the ground.
When the first fraction of the con
pany has thus established itself o
the line, following the command, "B
platoon (two platoOns, squad or fou
men) from the right OefO, rush." tn
next fraction is sent, forward by il
platoon leader without further con
I mand from the captain until the Who'll
| company is on the line established b
| L. fret