Elko independent. [volume] (Elko, Nev.) 1915-current, 1918-03-20

whenever the allies tanks have been
employed against them. Detailed in
structions have been issued TO the
troops as TO the methods by which
TO meet tank attack. One OF the
most recent orders was captured in
the course Of an incursion by allied
troops into the German lines. II reads
in substance as follows:
Trenches Of a minimum width Of
from Is to l24 feet and a depth OF ten
feet, also thich mud. form very ser
ious obstacles to tanks, which, how.
ever. are easily capable Of crossing
ploughed land or breaking through
oarricades. II is not worth while to
construct obstacles. 1t is preferable
10 attack the tanks.
Tanks approaching the front
should be attacked by the artillery
before they come into action. even
when there is small chance of hitting
them. The essential thing is TO pre-
vent the infantry from following them
and in order to do this the enemy in
tantry must be made to fear the zone
IN the vicinity OF the tanks.
The only practical way of attack
ing the tanks themselves is to place
cannon about the advanced zone of
the battlefield and by direct fire mt
these war machines out OF action. Ey-
cry direct hit on a tank kills several
OF its crew and often sets the tank
itselt on fire. 1t must be pointed out
lhat sections of artillery held in re
serve behind the front often are I'M.
aware OF what is proceeding and thus
arrive on the scene too late TO meet
the tanks. In principle, therefore, the
cannon should be placed well for.
ward so that the enemy may not sur.
price US. The commander of the
troops holding the front should he
responsible for selecting the nosi.
ions OF the anti-tank guns. Cannon
mounted on motorcars are very useful.
Tor this work in districts where the
roads are good.
AS to the infantry, they should
make no breaches in the battle line
except to permit the undamaged tanks
10 pass through. To do this the in.
.antry should take shelter. but not
retreat for the idea is to allow the
tanks to advance so that they may
be put out of action behind our lines
The principal task OF the infantry Is
20 meet and repulse the enemy in.
ahtry' but a number of detached
posts should be established behind
ne lines for the purpose of serving as
defense against the tanks.
The most efficacious infantry
missile against a tank attack is the
irmor'piercing bullet. whose effects
are greatly feared by the tank crews.
rs these bullets not only penetrate
ne armor but afterward produce a
.ierce flame which frequently sets
Ire to gasoline reservoir.
The best method of attacking the
ank is from its rear where the mr..
nor is lightest and where il is not
easy for the crew to fire on the at
ackers. Should fight against the
anks occur in the streets of a village
he infantry is in a favorable position
10 attack, as the men can take shell
Ter in the ruined houses until the
ankS have passed and then open fire
1t pointblank range with rifles and
machine guns.
Hand grcnades are almost inef-
.ectivc against tanks but small trench
nortars when they fire at a low an.
'le sometimes obtain good results.
Practical drill in anti.tank tactics
should be carried out and thus the
anks will lose their terrors for our
ROOFS"