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\ 154 (Rev) 22 Oct 52
GGSC Form USA CGSC—PB-0155— 19 Jul 57— 5 M HA/.
For Translation See Class 99— G. S. Schs., Fort Leavenworth— B-15-27 25M
N*<1
MACHINE GUN NOTES
MAY,1917
WASHINGTON *!Ll A-1 flO^ <V rO|T*'trXcfi /government 1
CGSC Form 164
JL4O4-H7- A%7_3
(Rev) 22 Oct 62
USA CGSC—PB-0155— 19 Jul 57—6M
The following reprint of Machine Gun Notes No. 1is published for the information of all concerned. [2608038, A.G. o.] Order op the Secretary op War: TASKER H. BLISS, Major General, Acting Chief ofStaff".
To allofficers of the Army: You are advised that this and all subsequent documents of a simi­ lar character, which may be furnished to you from this office, are to be regarded as strictly confidential. They are to be kept at all times in your personal possession, and are not to be copied, nor are any parts of their contents to be communicated either directly or indirectly to the press, nor to any persons not in the militaryor naval service of the United States. In Europe these documents are not to be carried into the front line trenches, nor farther to the front than the usual post of the officers to whom issued. Strict compliance with this injunction is enjoined upon every officer into whose hands any of these confidential documents may
War Department, General's Office, Washington, June 19, 1917.
H.P. McCain, The Adjutant General.
Notes on the employment of Lewis guns in desert warfare
Infantry machine-gun company training
Notes on the employment of machine guns, 37-mm. guns, and
light automatic weapons by Cavalry Method of instruction in the Lewis gun 149
Methods of laying machine guns in the direction of invisible
targets by means of maps, compass, and traversing dial Some notes on Lewis guns and machine guns 183
French notes on machine guns 203
Order of the SixthBavarian divisionregarding machine guns . 206
DETAILEDTABLE OF CONTENTS.
Notes on the employment of Lewis guns ha. desert warfare
Employment of Machine Guns in Desert in Egypt.
Stoppages and action of sand Prolonged stoppages Transport
Emplacements Horsemanship Spare barrels Sledges
Ammunition supply Combined sights Indirect fire Cooperation between machine-gun companies and Lewis-gun
detachments Overhead covering fire
HOTCHKISS AND LEWIS GUN COURSES. Part I. Instructional
11. Classification practices 10, 11, and 13 only 111. Field practices Notes on method of conducting the practices:
Part I.Instructional 11. Classification practices 111. Field practices IV. Advance fieldpractices
NOTES ON THE EMPLOYMENT
DESERT WARFARE IN EGYPT
ISSUED BY THE BRITISH GENERAL STAFF
NOTES ON THE EMPLOYMENT OP LEWIS GUNS
IN DESERT WARFARE.
1. The general experience seems to be that it is never possible to control more than two guns in action, and that it is usually necessary to control each gun separately. This bears out the general
experience of Lewis gun officers during the war. 2. Very little trouble seems to have been experienced from stoppages except from the action of sand. This result appears to be due to the realization by commanders" of Lewis gun detachments of the necessity of "Care and cleaning, and also to the simplicity and speed with which the guns can be stripped for this purpose. Itis necessary to note that parts such as the gas chamber and barrel mouthpiece should be very rarely stripped, as the fine threads by which these parts are' connected together easily becoming damaged. On the other hand, the gas cylinder and gas regulator must be frequently stripped, as otherwise it is impossible to clean them properly. The latest pattern of both gas cylinder and gas regulator have much stouter threads than earlier patterns. As regards prolonged stoppages, the breakage of the cartridge guide spring appears to have been the most common, but to have been very quickly remedied. Plenty of "spares" for the purpose are kept with the gun. Instances are mentioned of guns firing as many as 3,000 rounds without a stoppage. An instance occurred of a bullet carrying away the gas regulator key and at the same time turning the gas regulator. This was not noticed by the gun numbers, and the gun was in consequence out of action for about 15 minutes. This accident would usually have the effect of turning the gun into a hand-operated magazine firer, since the action of the gases is destroyed. This fact should be a useful guide to Lewis gun detach­ ments under similar circumstances. Several separated cases are reported/ The fact that no clearing plug has tillrecently been carried made this stoppage verydifficultto deal with,if, s sometimes a happened, the separated portion was not extracted fromthe chamber by the next round. A clearing plug is now being supplied for each gun. Difficulties from the action of sand were experienced in a greater or less degree by most detachments. The general experience 13
MACHINE GUN NOTES NO. 1.
appears to have been that the amount of trouble met with was proportionate to the amount of care taken. For example, one detachment commander gives his experience as follows: "On August 5 the gun was in action for a short time only, as difficulties were experienced with sand in magazines and in the gun, making it impossible to fire bursts of more than three or four shots. On August 9 we were in action most of the day, as great care was taken " to keep the gun and magazine free from sand. The followingpoints were found of assistance by various detach­ ment commanders and should be noted: (1) Guns when not inuse should be kept in the covers which are now being issued. Magazines, too, should be kept in the carriers tillthe last moment. (2) Too much oilshould not be used to keep the gun clean. Only a slightlyoiledrag should be used when the gun is not actually firing. (3) Suction of sand into the mechanism was prevented by laying a coat or ground sheet under the gun and occasionally by wetting the ground under the forward part. (4) A magazine which has been dropped in the sand should not be used untilithas been unloaded and thoroughly cleaned. (5) Special precautions must be taken should any windbe blowing. 3. Pack transport appears to have been general and to have been
most satisfactory. 4. Combined sights were only\used cm one or two occasions, owing to the fact that guns were generally used singly. Itshould be remem­
bered that combined sights are useless for ranging purposes, that they are only needed at long ranges, and that the Lewis gun is primarily a short-range weapon. Still, occasions may arise when combined sights can be employed usefully. 5. Indirect fire was not used and appears not to have been suited to the particular actions described. Itis on veryrare occasions that Lewis guns can be used for indirect firebecause: (I) Indirect fire can not be directed froma bipod, and (II)Indirect fire is usually sustained fire for searching woods, approaches, and reverse slopes, and the Lewis gun is unsuited for sustained fire. 6. Cooperation between the machine-gun companies and the Lewis gun detachments was sometimes maintained, but was not suf­ ficientlygeneral. One excellent example is given of the Lewis gun detachment commander not only cooperating with the M.G. section in his vicinity, but also obtaining ranges for the artillery forward
observing officer by means of bursts of fire from his guns. 1 Itcan not be too strongly impressed on allconcerned that cooperation be­ tween the Lewis gun detachments and the machine-gun companies both before and during action is essential if the best results are to be obtained. 7. The establishment of one N. C. O. and six men was found ade­ quate for infantry units. In the case of mounted units, an increase of two men, to act as leaders of pack animals and horse holders, appears necessary. 8. The usual methods of "Indication and recognition of targets" appear to have worked satisfactorily. 9. The following points seem worthy of consideration: (a) A pair of field glasses would be of the greatest assistance to each N. C. 0. in charge of a detachment. (6) Regimental arrangements should be made to insure that an adequate supply of oilis always available with the guns. The pro­
vision of ammunition and oilin action is one of the special duties of the battalion Lewis gun officer. (c) Company commanders should be taught to appreciate the value of their Lewis gun detachments. They can only do this if they have some knowledge of their tactical employment. The firepower of a well-handled Lewis gun is certainly not less than that of 30 rifles. (d) Numbers 5 and 6 should be trained regimentally in their duties of scouts and range takers. (c) To aid invisibility and facilitate transport, it has been found .useful to cover the radiator casing of the earlier pattern guns with puttees, etc. The more recent pattern guns have, however, been painted service color before issue.
1 The use of Lewis guns for findingranges for the artillerymust be considered very exceptional, c. g., for ranges of not more than 1,500 yards when artillery range finders are not available.
101S62
o—l70
NOTES ON THE EMPLOYMENT OP MACHINE GTJNS IN
experience has been that the control of more than two guna in action is almost always impossible. This bears out the general experience of machine gunners throughout the war. 2. Stoppages and action of sand-—Vickers. With the Vickers guns the only trouble experienced was that when the guns were mounted in the "Low position," sand was sucked up into the mechanism through the ejection opening on the underside of the breech casing. This was remedied in some cases by putting a coat under the gun. Maxim. A careful consideration of all the reports received from the differentunits shows that the amount oftrouble experienced from stoppages was by no means excessive. In many cases no trouble whatever occurred, and where difficulties did occur they could almost always be traced to two causes: (1) The action of sand, and
— 1. Control. The general
(2) The condition of the locks and the lack of spare parts. As regards the action of sand as in the case of the Lewis guns
it was obvious that where the trouble from this cause had been foreseen and special precautions had been taken, its illffects were e largely minimized. The following quotation is of interest as bearing out this statement: "No special difficulties were encountered owing to the action of sand in the mechanism, as we were able to keep the guns practically clear of sand by exercising a reasonable amount of care. The guns were examined and cleaned on every possible occasion." Except when actually in action guns should invariably be kept covered whether on the move or in camp. Bags made from light canvas or any other suitable material can be improvised for this purpose. It should be remembered, however, that guns kept in this way for any length of time need frequent attention; otherwise they very quickly rust. In emplacements, blinds, where provided, should be kept down whenever possible. Special precautions should be taken whenever the windis blowing.
PRUPtirtTX OF U. S. AR«n
20 MACHINE GTJN NOTES NO. 1.
The trouble caused by sand can be considered under three head­ ings, viz: (1) Its action in the lock; (2) its action in the feed block; and (3) itsaction in the belt. (1) The lode. Locks should not be kept dry but covered with
a thin film oil. A wipe over withan oilyrag isallthat is necessary. of The spare lock should be kept inits wallet until actually required. Anyloss of timeinchanging locks is amply repaid by the fresh lock being fitfor use. (2) The feed block. The above remarks are equally applicable to feed blocks, special attention being paid,as far as oilis concerned , to the action of the slide. (3) The belts. The greatest care should be taken to keep the boxes and belts free from sand. This precaution is specially neces­ sary just after a belt has been fired. What usually happens is that the used portion of the belt is allowed to fallinto the sand on one side of thegun, whilethe box when empty is thrownaside on the other, getting half filled with sand in the process. The belt is then at once refilled and put back into the sandy box. More sand is worked into the belt in the process of refilling. It is from this source that sand finds its way into the feed tjlocks causing sluggish feed and trouble with the upper pawls, and hence stoppage in the fourth position. Too much care can not be taken in the correct filling and over­ hauling of belts. The latter duty should be carried out by Nos. 3 and 4 during action. Itmust be remembered that, however accu­ rately a belt may have been filled before moving off, it is quite possible for a fewhours on a pack saddle to render it quite incapable ofbeing fired without stoppages. Prolonged stoppages. These were generally caused by broken cotter pins. This stoppage seems to have occurred to an absolutely inexplicable extent, supposing that the right sized cotter pin was used. It must be remembered that when washers are taken into use the correct size cotter pin must be used with them; this pre­ caution is most essential, otherwise breakages are sure to occur. The length of the connecting rod should be continually tested by the artificers. In the event of a No. 3 stoppage occurring and of the cover being opened to investigate the cause, the horns of the extractor should always be forced down to remedy this defect. Any attempt to pullthem up may lead to an explosion of the cartridge and a resulting accident.
Every effort should be made by company commanders to insure that the sections are as complete as possible in spare parts and particularly in spare locks. In the event of failure to obtain the necessary articles, the company commanders should report the fact to superior authority.
3. Transport. Pack transport was generally used and appears to have been satisfactory. The weight a horse or mule can carry inheavy sand and the best method of packing to avoid any danger of chafing are matters to which company commanders should pay the closest attention. 4. Ammunition supply. Pack animals supplemented when necessary by camels and limbered wagons appear to have been generally used. Careful arrangements seem to have been made by allcompany commanders to insure the continuity of their supply, and the results appear to have been successful in all cases. Too much emphasis can not be laid on the necessity for these arrange­ ments by allM.G. officers. — 5. Combined sights. Combined sights with two guns were used with good results on several occasions. Two instances occur illus­ trating a right and a wrong method of using this formof fire. (a) Indirect fire with combined sights was used by one section to search the reverse slope of a hill. This proceeding is very sound, and the officer notes inhis report that though observation could not be obtained "the Turks came out." (6) Another officer reports that he used combined sights "to obtain the range." Combined sights are useless for this purpose. — 6. Indirect fire. Indirect fire was seldom employed, but oppor­ tunities for the use of this method of fire will occur in future. All " sections should be instructed in the "Graticule and "Spirit level methods which are very simply and quickly employed in action. 7. Cooperation between M.G. companies and Lewis gun detach­ — ments. Cooperation appears to have been attained in several cases, but is not yet sufficiently general. M.G.. company and section officers should give the most careful study to this question both in attack and defense, for itis only by the complete cooperation of all arms that success can be attained. This cooperation should nowhere be closer than between the machine gunners and Lewis gunners, whose methods, up to a certain point, are similar, and therefore make mutual understanding easy. 8. Overhead covering fire. Overhead covering fire was used on many occasions, the "Tangent sight method" being that most commonly employed. All ranks should be instructed in the use of
this method, which is of the greatest assistance whenever the control passes from the officer to the No. lat the gun. Itshould be remem­ bered that the "card and string" method, used in conjunction with it, enables the section officer to insure that his No. l's are preserving the correct "angle — safety." of 9. Emplacements. Great care must be taken in deciding whether overhead cover should be provided or not. It must always be remembered that although such cover is of the greatest value against shrapnel and bullets, itis useless against a direct hit from a heavy shell, and that an emplacement which has been detected, either from the enemy's position or from aircraft reconnaissance, will most certainly be subjected to bombardment and probably destroyed. Several instances of this actually occurred during the operations of last August. Many officers mention in their reports that the scrubby "tumps," which are common in some localities, can easily and quickly be converted into emplacements in which guns are quiteindistinguishable, and they say that guns which have " are far safer when been brought forward to a "position of readiness kept in these than when on the reverse slopes of hills or in valleys, both of which were always heavily shelled. Light overhead cover on which pieces of scrub were planted would in these cases be of great protection against hostile aircraft reconnaissance. Great care must be taken in cases where emplacements are furnished with overhead cover that the latter is high enough for the cover to be lifted and the lock and feed block removed if necessary. This should always be tested at once on taking over emplacements from other troops. Loopholes should be blinded when the gun is not actually inuse. Care must be taken that they are of sufficient size not to restrict the fieldof fire of the guns. — 10. Horsemanship. Since rapid reconnaissance is essential in all machine-gun tactics, officers commanding companies should insure that alltheir section officers are sufficiently expert horsemen to enable them to make fulluse of the chargers at their disposal. — 11. Spare barrels. Several extemporized methods of carrying the spare barrel were observed. It is absolutely necessary that some dust-proof covering or box should be provided for this article when pack transport is employed. — 12. Sledges. Frequent attention is drawn in officers' reports to the long distances which guns had to be carried owing to the lack of cover for transport animals. It is thought that some light form of
sledge might be of use in desert warfare, and experiments in this direction might wellbe worth undertaking. — 13. Fire. An idea appears to have arisen in some quarters that the machine gun is best adapted for enfilade fire, the Lewis gun for direct fire. The second part ofthe theory is entirely false. Machine guns of whatever description should always attempt to obtain oblique or when possible enfilade fire for which they are peculiarly adapted. The mistake may perhaps have arisen from the fact that the arrangement of guns advocated for the defense of a position is " that the machine guns should formthe "Beltoffire while the Lewis guns cover avenues of approach which are, from the conformation of the ground, protected from the fire of the former. This often leads to the Lewis guns having to be employed to bring a direct fire to bear downsuch approaches, but this is always a matter of necessity and not of choice. — 14. Command. As some doubts seem stillto exist on the matter the following decision as regards the command of machine-gun sections may be of help to M.G. officers and others: "M.G. sections detached from their company and ordered to cooperate with any body of troops are under the orders of the officer commanding those troops, and the company commander can not move or take away any such sections without the permission of that officer or a direct order from the brigadier. The M.G. company commander may give his advice as to the use or disposition of such sections, but the responsi­ bilityas to whether or not he takes that advice rests with the com­ mander of the troops. Sections held inreserve or detailed for special duties are under the orders of the M.G. company commander."
HOTCHKISS AND LEWIS GUN COURSES.
— Part I. Instructional.
a range <
E 25 yards i.	Target, Instructional Mac! line i. plati 35, Musk« jtry Instructions, Part ll.]
'argei
Nature of practice. Rounds.
Holding Holding	12 12 6
Method of conducting and object of practice.
To accustom the fjrer to the gun, and assist in obtaining the correct set­ setting of the Hotchkiss gas regulator. Rapid, in two groups of 6 rounds each on dif­ different figures. To accustom the^firer to the gun, grouping, and correct tension of the re­ return spring. (Hotchkiss gas regulator.)
Distribution b y groups (along a
Rectification • stoppages.
consnots. To teach importance of con­ sistency of aim and holding. Rapid, fired inthree spaced groups of 6 rounds each. Each group to be fired at a separate figure. To teach the firer, who in the pre­ previous practices has learned the holding and peculiarities of the gun, how to group his shots consistently; and totest his accuracy of holding. A group should not exceed 3-inch ring. 12 Rapid, in two groups of 6 rounds each; the first group to be fired at the figure named, withregulation aim; the second group at an­ annecesother figure, correcting point of aim, ifneces­ sary,in order to bring the group within the band directly over the figure aimed at. To teach the firer how to apply correctly his group to a given target, and to change his point of aim quickly. 30 Rapid, tobe firedingroups of 3to4 rounds (not spaced), and in two parts of 15 rounds each; left to right 15 rounds, and right to left 15 rounds; each part as itis fired willbe criti­ criticized separately. Toteach the firerto engage a linear target, and to ensure that no spaces of the line are missed. The bipod or barrel rest willbe used. 30 Position lying. Two^thirds of the target to be crossed in one continuous burst, evenly and smoothly. The radiator casing or barrel will be rested on a sandbag or parapet. 50 Position lying. Accuracy of shooting, after
tobe criticized.
jtalrounds per man: Hotchkiss, 170; Lewis, 152. •actices 1and 3 willn< »t be fired >y Lewis gunners.
Part ll.^Classificatio
No. Nature of
practice. Target.
'.ices 0, 11 and IS only.
Yds. 400 25 Sees.
be knocked l
placed so that they
Screen 3' X 10.
11 Distribution of Screen3'X2o'. groups along a line.
12 Distribution by Screen3'X3o\ 18 spaces. swinging.
Snap-shooting.
»15 »6
side assistance. Bursts of from 5 to 10 rounds (unspaced) will be fired. When ranging, the sights should be altered between each burst, if necessary. The firer should say "Range" when found, and cease fire. The time allowed in­ includes loading. Bursts of about 5 rounds should be fired. 40 10 rounds willbe utilized for ranging purposes as in practice 6. Two magazines or stripy of 25rounds each. This time includes timeincludes reloading. The first 25 rounds will be fired from left to right, the second 25 rounds from right to left. (Fired in Dursts ofabout 5rounds.) Two magazines or strips. The first of 20 rounds, the second of30rounds. The time includes re­ reloading, the firing of each swing must be continuous. 3 The figure will be ex­ exposed for 3 seconds at 3 a time. At each ex­ exposure 3 to 5 rounds willbe firedin the case of the Lewis gun and in the case of the HotchMss gun, 2 rounds Hits (single shots). will be signaled as in rifle practices.
The firer willobserve his own fire, without out-
Musketry *Lewis gun. Reg *Hotehkiss gun.
llations, Part 11, p »ar. 201. Lewiis gun, 170rounds.
Total rounds per man: Hotehkiss
gui i, 169 rounds;
HFICATION.
The firer willbe classified on the resi Its of practices 10. 11, and 13.
13. Points willbe allotted as follows:
Practice 10 (application), 20 rounds, 2 points per hit.
MACHINE GTTN NOTES NO. 1.
hit. Practice 13 (snap-shooting), 3 exposures, ,4 points per fi| gure hit.
11 (distribution), 50 rounds, 12:spaces, 4
points. For "first-class" gunner, 70 points.
points. For "qualified" gunner, 45 points.
Note. Practice 12 may be omitted ifti [me is ihsufficie jnt for the complete course. in rhe "swinging traverse" should only be taught for use i emergency, e.g., for the repulse of a frontal attack at short range.
points s per space hit.
Part lII.— %eld practice !S. J
Prac- Nature. tice.
Target. Range.
Attack 15faUingiron plates on a
600 to 400
Sufficient to i. Quick change of position show effect. and rapid opening of fire. ii.Concealment by the use of existing cover. iii.Method of carrying the gun. iv.Ammunition supply by
5iron falling About 600 plates per gun on a
5-yard frontage.
No.2. v. Replacement of casual­ casualties. i. Rapidity in engaging a target when on the march. ii. Use of hand-cart. iii. Use iii.Use of existing cover. apiv. Quick and correct ap­ plication of fire. v. Ammunition supply by carts and dumps. vi. Speed ingetting out of action.
NO1 iS O
OF C •NDUCTINi THE PRACTICES.
is 1. General. Since Paxt I probably the first time a new Lewis or Hotchkiss gunner fires with service ammunition, careful and thorough instruction is necessary throughout these practices. The best results will e obtained by criticizing each portion of a practice b after its completion. In these practices the firer should learn, as he gains experience, the peculiarities of his gun and its mounting, and after fullexplana­ tions and criticism, should be able to compensate for them by suitable holding. These points should receive careful attention and expla­ nation by the instructor, and each group fired must be a separate lesson in view of the small number of rounds available for instruc­ tionalpurposes.
Pact I. Instructional.
2. Holding 'practices, 1 and 2. (1) Object.— These practices teach and demonstrate the following: (i) The peculiarities of the bipod;
(ii) Any peculiarities of the mechanism;
(iii) The sighting of the gun; (iv) Correct tension of the return spring, and setting of gas regulator, which should give a rate of fire of 10 rounds per second; (v) Correct holding and position of the firer.
(2) Points for criticism. The instructor watches the firer to see that he holds and fires the gun correctly. Criticisms should take place, both at the gun position and at the target on the completion
of each group. 3. Grouping practices, 8 and 4. (-0 Object. Having acquired a knowledge of the peculiarities ofhis gun, the firer in these practices learns how to group shots consistently, and obtains further experience of correct holding, sighting, and adjustment of mechanism and
(2) Points for criticism. Each group should be fully criticized as itis fired, both at the gun position and at the target. Inpractice 4 the result of each of the first two groups should be criticized with the aid of field glasses from the gun position. The firer should be taught how to correct his errors. — 4. Application, practice 5. (1) Object. Having been taught how to group correctly, the firer now learns how to apply a group accu­ rately to a given target, to change the point of aim quickly, and to correct any errors of elevation and direction. The interval between b the first and second group will e only sufficient for a fresh target to be indicated. (2) Points for criticism. The instructor should take note of the rate of loading, laying, and firing. The previous practice gives the firer a guide as to the elevation. At the target errors due to inac­ curacies inlaying and elevation should be criticized. — — 5. Distribution, practice 6. Points for criticism. At the target the followingpoints should be discussed after each part:
(ii) Length traversed;
(iii)Density of each group;
(iv) Elevation; and
(v) Spaces missed. — — 6. Swinging, practice 7. Points for criticism. At the target the evenness of the distribution of the fire, and its effectiveness, will
Attention willbe directed to elevation, and spaces
Pact II. Classification practices.
7. The practices of Part II willnot be fired until the man has satisfactorily. In the classification practices 10, 11, and firedPart I 13, the firer willeceive no assistance, and the time limitand methods r of loading must be strictly observed. An officer willalways be present at the butts, and the usual rules for marking, signaling, etc., will followed. Failure to fire fromwhatever cause, other than de­ be fective mechanism, willcount against the firer. In the case of a b breakage of mechanism, the practice will e repeated. not 8. Battle sights will be used, except inpractice 12, when their employment is left to the discretion of the conducting officer. — 9. Practice 9. A falling plate, or other aiming mark, should be placed wellto a flank of each application target and inline with the bottom of the target. Only the actual number of rounds required to find the range should be fired. Rounds thus saved should be used for Part 111. 10. Practice 10. The target should be named, but the point of aim must be leftto the firerand no assistance given to him; the previous practice should have guided him as to elevation, wind, etc. 11. Practice 11. Only 50 rounds are to be fired at the target. Any surplus of the 10 rounds allowed for ranging willbe allotted to Part 111. In filling the Btrips for the Hotchkiss gun, the first five spaces willbe missed in the first strip and the last five spaces in the
second strip. — 12. Practice 12. This practice will fired froma sandbag or para­ be pet without using the barrel rest^r bipod; any position suitable to the available cover will e adopted. — b 13. Practice 13. The figure willbe exposed for three seconds at a time, and froma different part of the trench at each exposure.
of the first position which should be about 600 yards from the target; No. 2 willliedown about 50 yards to his leftrear. On the command pick up the gun and double forward to the posi­ "Action No. 1will tionindicated and open fire. The gun willbe carried in the most inconspicuous manner, and the magazine will ot be on the gun. On n fire being opened, No. 2 willdouble forward withtwo magazine car­ riers having fullmagazines and liedown under cover to the left rear
— — — 14. Practice 14 Lewis gun. The gunner lies down 50 yards inrear
Part 111. Field practices.
MACHINE GTJN NOTES NO. 1.
of No.- 1. The practice willbe continued as above, each advance being about 100 yards. Before the final position, No. 1 should be made a casualty, and on the command or signal to advance, No. 2 willpick up the gun as he doubles forward and fire it from the final position. — Points for criticism (i) The pace of the advance, which should be regulated by the distance, and physical condition of the firer; (ii)The method of carrying the gun, which Bhould combine freedom of movement and inconspicuousness; (iii) The use of cover, and speed in opening fire; and (iv) The method of supplying ammunition by No. 2, and his use of cover. — 15. Practice 14 Hotchhiss gun. The team (Nos. 1, 2, and 3) will be formed up, mounted, in order of march, 300 to 400 yards from the first firing position. On the command or signal "Action"they willgallop to a conven­ ient position, affording cover for horses, inrear or to the flank of the firingposition. No. 1 willdismount and run to the firing position with the gun and open fire. No. 2 willdismount, take off the ammu­ assume his usual nition box, and run withit to No. 1, when he will position on the right of the gun. The remainder of the practice will be carried out as withthe Lewis gun, except that No. 2 should be on the right of the gun when in action. No. 2 willreplace No. lat the last range. When the ground is favorable, on the signal "Out of action," b r No. 3 will ring up the horses at the gallop to No. 2, who will epack the gun, mount, and gallop back to the position originally selected for the led horses. — Points for criticism. (i) Selection of position for dismounting; (ii) Quickness inopening fire, and use of cover infireposition; (iii) Method of advance and use of cover; (iv) Ammunition supply and use of cover by No. 2; and (v) Speed ingetting out of action. — 16. Practice IS Lewis gun.— The detachment, with handcarts, will e moving in column of route when they receive word to engage b the enemy on their flank. They will ove as quickly as possible m with the carts to a position which is under cover and is as close to the fire position as tactical conditions allow. A gun and magazine b carrier will e taken out ofthe cart by each No. 1, and two magazine
carriers by each No. 2. The guns willbe mounted in a position offering good cover to the firer. No. 2 willtake cover to the rear and leftflank of No. 1. '' Nos. 3 and 4 will rrange forammunition supply, forming dumps a where necessary between carts and guns. b "Cease fire" will e given on obtaining effect, and ammunition supply will e practiced. No. 1may be made a casualty to enable b others to fire. On "Out of action" being given, carts willbe re­ packed and march be resumed. — Points for criticism. (i) Timetaken to come into action; (ii) Undue exposure in coming into action; (iii) Use of cover; (iv) Method of ammunition supply; and (v) Speed in coming out of action. — — 17. Practice 15 ffotchkiss gun. A similar practice to that of the Lewis gun may be fired, substituting ammunition supply from pack horses, instead of from "dumps." Alternatively, if the ground is favorable, a practice may be framed for a retirement from position to position, two guns working in mutual support. In both cases, the main object is to give practice in bringing the gun into action from the horse, opening fire, and remounting the gun again. Part IV. Advanced field practices. The more advanced field practices willtake place in close co­
operation with a troop or a platoon.
Totalammunition allowed per man.
kiss gun. •art I 'art II
17( 4!
•art 111 'art IV
and tepetitians, Parts I II Total
INFANTRY MACHINE-GUN
TO BE READ INCONJUNCTION WITH INFANTRY TRAINING AND MUSKETRY REGULATIONS
DETAILEDTABLE OF CONTENTS FOE INFANTRY
MACHINE-GUN COMPANY TRAINING.
I. Organization and Definitions.
Sec. 1. Organization 2. Definitions
—Principles
and System of Training.
3. General instructions 4. Annual training 5. Elementary training
"Actionexpected 9. A company in line moving to'a flank in column of route, "Actionnot expected" 10. A company in line advancing in column of sections 11. A company in column of sections formingline in the same direction 12. A company in column of route, "Action not expected," forming linefacing a flank 13. A company in column of route, "Action expected," forming line facing a flank 14. A company in column of route, "Action expected," formingline in the same direction 15. A company in column of route, "Action not expected," formingSine incite yrqr dixecjipn. 16. 17.
Chapter W?^Mj4ai]i^;-Gujr®RiLL| 1| I - -Jj. AllocationoTttatJL .JLJ. .&.\..
7. General rules 8. A company inline moving to a flank "
in column of route,
-f~^\ .~t ..\.... <&42 Combinefc^.^r^^D^l..^^^...^..^^^^•HIS drill." .' n . .i £. . *ri . 19. Auxiliary I."" .,
.dxill
.V.-. •
101862^17-^43
.*. >.\.
f \JI *<
..^,33
20. Rough-ground drill 21. Trench, drill 22. Section tactical exercise
V. Fire Direction.
23. General remarks. 24. Traversing fire 25. Searching fire 26. Combined sights 27. Overhead fire 28. Indirect fire 29. Night firing 30. Indirect overhead fire 31. Searching reverse slopes — Chapter VI. Machine Guns
32. Introductory 33. Characteristics of machine guns and Lewis guns com­
34. The employment of Lewis guns 35. The tactical handling of Infantry machine guns 36. Machine guns in the attack 37. Machine guns in the defense 38. Machine guns withan advanced guard 39. Machine guns witha rear guard 40. Village fighting 41. Occupation of various positions 42. Signals
I.Tangent elevation, angles of descent, etc lla. Trajectory table llb.Trajectory table for negative quadrant angles —Target above gun Ma. Quadrant angle — lIIb. Quadrant angle Target below gun IV.Wind allowances V. Allowances for atmospheric influences VI.Timeof flight VII.Searching reverse slopes
Indirect overhead fire sheet Plates
ORGANIZATION AND DEFINITIONS.
L A machine-gun company consists of Headquarters. Sections, each of 4 guns. The guns may be either Vickers or Maxims, but all the guns of the same company will ofthe same pattern. be 2. A machine-gun company is commanded by a major or captain with a captain or lieutenant as second in command. Each section is divided into two subsections, each commanded by a subaltern with a sergeant as second in command. The senior of the two subalterns also commands the section. 3. The machine guns of a section are carried in two limbered G.S. wagons. Each section has also one limbered G.S. wagon for ammunition. 4. Further details as to personnel and vehicles are given in War
Establishments. 2.
The followingdefinitions are added to those given in Infantry
Band offire. When a machine gun is firedso that the cone of fire is directed on a fixed aiming mark, while the gun is so sighted that the first catch is at the muzzle and the cone never rises above the height of a man, a band offireis formed in the space between the first catch and the first graze. (See PL XVII.) For practical purposes on flat ground, the trajectory limits the length of the band to 600 yards. Detachment (in a machine-gun company). The number of men detailed for the service of one gun. Each detachment is num­ bered from 1 to 6, permanent duties being allotted to each number. (See sees. 16 and 17.) Fighting limbers. Those limbers detailed to carry the guns, tri­ pods, and first supply ofammunition. — In action. A machine gun is said to be "inaction" when itis mounted, loaded, and laid, butis not necessarily firing. — Indirect fire. Fire directed at an object or area of ground which is invisible from the gun position.
Laying. The process of elevating and traversing a gun until its axis is made to point in any given direction. On completion of gun this process the— is said to be laid. Machine gun. A gun ofthe Vickers or Maxim type. Lewis guns are not included in the term machine gun. — Position of readiness. A position in which guns and personnel are assembled preparatory to coming intoaction. Ranges, terms applied to. These are the same for machine guns as for the rifle. — Screen offire. Ifmachine guns are sited on any given defensive line so that no portion of the gound in front of that line is unswept by at least one band of fire, that front is said to be protected by a screen offire. (See PI. XVIII.)
PRINCIPLES AND SYSTEM OF TRAINING,
3. General instructions.
machine-gun companies.
The principles and system of training laid down in Infantry Training, Chapter I, apply to the training of the personnel of
4. Annual training.
2. (a) The establishment giveninparagraph lofthe above-quoted section has been superseded. (6) Paragraph 2. There willbe no brigade machine-gun officer, but when necessary the commander of the machine-gun company attached to the brigade will ct as such. a i 3. Machine-gun companies will, favailable, be practiced in field operations withinfantry battalions, sections being also occasionally detailed to cooperate with companies of infantry during their training.
5. Elementary training.
1. The details given in Infantry Training, section 8, require to suit the new organization of machine-gun companies.
The personnel of machine-gun companies are trained as Infantry soldiers in squad drill,as laid down in Infantry Training, before being instructed in the special formations necessary for machinegun companies which are given in Chapter 111 of thismanual.
MACHINE GT7N NOTES NO. 1.
SECTION AND COMPANY DRILL.
6. General rules. 1. A section will exercised in allthe movements of squad drill, be the word section being substituted for squad. 2. The rules laid down in Infantry Training, Chapter 111, for apply. Itmust be remembered that section and platoon drill will a machine-gun section corresponds to a platoon, and a subsection to an Infantry section. 3. The normal positions of the units of a machine-gun section formed up on parade for inspection are given in Plate I, but a sec­ tion parading by itself for inspection will fall in with one pace interval between subsections.
7. General rules. 1. The object of and rules for company drillof a machine-gun company are the same as laid down in Infantry Training, Chapter IV,for an Infantry company, withthe provisos laid down in section 6 (2) of this manual. 2. The normal positions of the units of a machine-gun company inline and in column of route, are given in Plates I,11, and 111. 3. The detail of some special movements is given in the following sections. 8.	A company
in line moving to a flank in column of route, "Action
Move to the right (or left) in column of route. leading.
1. The company commander, company sergeant major, and sig­ nalers willtake post on the flank nearest the direction of — march. g 2. The section commanders will ive the command No. Section, Form-Fours, Right (or Left), Quick— March, on which the gun limber
i In this and the followingsections the title of the section or of the movement is shown in italics, and is followed inthe next line by the caution or executive word of command in boldface type. The body of the section contains the detail. Cautions or words of command referred to inthe detail are initalics.
nearest the flank of march willwheel into column of route, followed by its subsection and in succession by the remaining gun limbers and subsections in that order.
3. The ammunition limbers willfollowthe rear section in the same order as their sections. They will e followed by the headquarters' b limber, water cart, cook's cart, and train transport in rear in that order.
9.	A company in line moving to a flank in column of route, "Action
Move to the Right (oiLeft) in Column of Route, Detachments Lead­ ing; Sections, Form Fours, Right (or Left). 1. The company sergeant major and signalers willtake post at the head of the column.
Quick— March. 1. The men of the detachments willact as in squad drill. 2. When the rear of the detachments are clear the subsection officerof the leading section willplace himself at the head ofthe gun limbernearest the direction of march and give the command, No. Section, Walk March. This limber willbe followed by the other gun limber, while the No. 3 limber waits until the gun limbers of the remaining sections have passed The remaining subsection com­ manders willact in a like manner in succession. 3. The ammunition limbers, headquarters' limber, water cart, in cook's cart, and train transport willfollow that order inrear, super­ vised by the second incommand and the transport sergeant, who will ride inrear of the column. 4. The corporals and other details, as shown in Plate 11, willact as brakesmen to the fighting limbers and other vehicles, respectively.
A company inline advancing in column of sections.
Advance in Column of Sections from the Bight (or Left).
1. The company sergeant major and signalers will take post in front of the section commander on the right (or left) of the line, distances as in Plate I. 2. No. 1section commander willgive the command No. 1Section, by the Right, Quick March. The remaining section commanders in — give the command No. Section, Quick— March, on succession will which they willlead their sections into their places in column in rear of the preceding section.
gtjn notes
3. The ammunition limbers willtake post in rear of the last sec­ tion, the limber nearest the flank of direction leading followed by the headquarters' limber, water cart, cook's cart, and train transport.
A company in column of sections forming line in the same direction.
At the Halt, on the Left (or Bight), Form Line, Remainder Left (or Right) Incline.
1. The leading section commander willgive the command No. Section, Halt. The remaining sections willincline as ordered, when each section is immediately in rear of its position in line it will receive from its commander, Left (or Right) Incline, and, when on alignment, Halt. The section commander will, ifnecessary, give the command Right (or Left) Dress, on which the whole will take up
their dressing by the flank of direction. 2. The company sergeant	major, signalers, ammunition limbers, water cart, etc., willmove to their places inline during the move­
ment. 3. This movement willalways be done at the halt.
12.	A company
line facing a flank. Atthe halt, line to the left (or right), company halt, left(orright) turn. 1. The men of the detachments will ct as in squad drill. a 2. The subsection officers and the transport sergeant willlead their wagons to their places in line during the movement, and when the movement is completed willtake up their places inline. 3. The company sergeant major, signalers, servants, cooks, etc., willtake up their places inline during the movement.
of route,
"Action not expected," forming
13.	A company in column
of route, "Action expected," forming line facing a flank.
At the halt, facing left (or right), form line.
The leading gun limber willwheel inthe named direction and halt, followed by the remaining gun limbers, which willwheel and halt in succession as they arrive at the correct interval. They willbe followed by their respective subsections, which willbe led to their places in line by their subsection sergeants, who willgive the com­ mand Halt, left (or right) turn.
MACHINE GUN NOTES NO.
2. The company sergeant major, signalers, ammunition limbers, headquarters' limber, water cart, cook's cart, and train transport will move to their places in line during the movement. 14.	A company in column of route, "Action expected," forming line in the same direction.
At the halt, on the left (orright), formline.
The leading gun limber willhalt, the remainder disengaging to the left (or right) and taking up their places in line. As the gun limbers arrive at their places, their respective subsections will dis­ engage by the right. On reaching the correct distance in front give the command of the gun limbers, each subsection sergeant will At the halt, on the left (or right), form subsection. 2. The company sergeant major, signalers, ammunition limbers, headquarters' limber, water cart, etc., will ove to their places in m line during the movement.
15.	A company
in column of route, "Action not expected," forming
line in the same direction.
At the halt, on the left (or right), form
—Company.
1. The men of the detachments will as in squad drill. act 2. The gun limbers willbe led to their places in line by their
respective subsection officers. 3. The company sergeant major, signalers, cooks, servants, etc., ammunition limbers, headquarters' limber, water cart, cook's cart, and train transport will move to their places inline during the move­ ment.
«.	Chapter
MACHINE GUN DRILL. Note. The followingsections 16 and 17 are substituted for sec­ tions 102 and 103, respectively, in Infantry Training, Chapter VII. Additional sections, 18 to 22, are added for more advanced training. In order that training may be progressive, the sequence of these sections should be adhered to. 16. Allocation of duties. 1. The duties of the section commander are to command the sec­ tion in accordance with his orders and the tactical situation, to select gun positions, to observe and to control fire generally, to regu­
late the ammunition supply, and
to give instructions regarding the movements of limbered wagons. 2. The duties of the subsection officer are to assist the section commander and to act as second in command of the section. He should be ready to replace the section commander should the latter become a casualty. Normally he ¦will command one subsection in action and supervise the transport of his section in quarters and on
the line of march. 3. The duty of the sergeant is to supervise guns coming intoaction as the section officer may direct. He must be prepared to take com­ mand of the section in the event of both the officers becoming casu­ alties. He is responsible for replacing casualties among the gun numbers when they occur. 4. The corporal is responsible generally for the packing and con­ tents of the gun limber. On the line of march he marches behind it and works the brake as required. On the order to unpack he will superintend the unpacking, and take command in the absence of the section officer or sergeant. He willhave the spare parts box handy, .supervise the ammunition supply and fillingof belts, direct the gun limber as required, superintend the fillingof sandbags, and watch for signals from the section officer. He willbe prepared to take the place of the sergeant should he become a casualty. 5. The following are the duties of the various numbers: p No. listhe firer. He will ersonally clean and look after his gun and insure that the mechanism is working smoothly. On going carry the Mark IVtripod and place itin a suit­ into action he will able position and assist No. 2inmounting the gun. He repeats all orders received, observes his own fire when possible, and makes the necessary alterations of elevation and direction. No. 2 assists No. 1at the gun, carries the gun into action when No. 1is carrying the tripod, and mounts itwith the assistance of No. 1. On going into action he will secure the tube of the condenser to the gun and take the first-aid case. Inaction he will attend to the feeding of the gun, watch for signals from the section or company officer, and generally assist No. 1. No. 3 is responsible for keeping the gun supplied with ammuni­ tion, seeing that the condenser (half filled with water) reaches the gun position before there is any chance of the water in barrel casing boiling, and carrying out minor repairs while the gun is in action. No. 4 assists No. 3in his duties. He is responsible for keeping No. 3 supplied withammunition, water, and spare parts from the spare-parts box as required.
Nos. 5 and 6 are spare men. These numbers and the scout and range taker, ifdetailed to the section, act according to the orders of the section or subsection officer. 6. Section officers willinsure that each man of the section is thoroughly trained in the duties of each "number." A system of "changing round will e arranged, so that every man will erform p b the several duties of the section in turn.
Note. Elementary drillconsists of the following: (a) Mounting the gun. (6) Loading. (c) Sight setting and laying. (d) Unloading. (c) Dismounting the gun.
(/) Coming into action.
(g) Coming out of action. (h) Tap traversing and vertical searching. (%) Use of condenser tube and bag with water. (j) Elementary drillwithgun mounted inlowest position. 1. The guns of a subsection, withtripods and ammunition boxes, will e placed on the ground, muzzles to the front and inline, legs b to the rear, and clamps sufficiently tight to prevent the legs from hanging loose when the tripod is liftedoff the ground. The travers­ ing clamp should be sufficiently loose to enable the gun to be de­ flected by a sharp tap with the hand on the rear crosspiece; guns on the right, ammunition boxes 3 paces in rear of the guns. The guns should be a convenient distance apart, but not closer than 8 paces. 2. On the command Fall in, the subsection willfall in in two ranks, 5 paces in front of the interval between the two guns, the sergeant on the leftofthe front rank, covered by the corporal in the rear rank. The front rank willprovide the right gun detachment, the rear rank the left gun detachment. n On the command Number, the subsection will umber from right to left. On the command Take post, detachments turn outward and double to their respective guns (the sergeant and the corporal on the outer flank, where they can superintend). Nos. 1 and 2 fallin on the left of the tripod and right of the gun, respectively, No. 3 on the leftof the ammunition box. Ifthe ground is suitable, these num­ bers should liedown.
17. Elementary drill.
Nos. 4, 5, and 6 should take up positions aa directed by the in­ structor. 3. Before commencing drill, each "number" willexamine the gun and equipment as follows: No. 1 will examine the tripod and see that
(a) The legs are closely folded and clamped.
(&) The traversing clamp is sticky.
(c) The pins are in and turned down. (d) The elevating screws are exposed the same amount. — No. 2 will examine the gun and see that (a) The lock is in and the lock spring is released. (6) The sliding shutter is closed (in the Vickers gun). (c) The feed block is in and the front cover catch of the Vickers gun turned down. (d) The T fixingpinis screwed up and vertical (Vickers gun). (c) The cork plug is in. (/) The slide of the tangent sight is adjusted to 600 yards. (g) The auxiliarymounting is correctly fixedand in working "order. —
No. 3 will examine the belt and see that
(a) The cartridges are correctly placed. (b)	The belt is packed correctly in the box and the lid fastened. r Nos. 2 and 3 will eport to No. 1 when they are satisfied that allis
correct. 4. Ineach stage of the drillthe correct method willfirstbe demon­ strated by the instructor, and will then be practiced by each mem­ ber of the team before proceeding to the next stage. During drill,the b spare numbers will e brought up near the gun to watch and listen to the criticism. No. 1 willalways repeat the words of command loudly and clearly. 5. Mounting the gun. A machine-gun instructional target or landscape target will e placed about 25 yards from the guns. The b instructor willpoint out a place for the guns to be mounted, not more than 5 yards from where they are lying. He will then give
the command Mount gun. No. 1picks up the tripod, carries itto the spot ordered, and places it in position. In adjusting the tripod he must insure* that the socket is upright and that the legs are clamped tight. He must learn by experience the adjustment that suits him best for the position ordered and for the nature of the ground, so that he will ot be cramped n when firing and will ot have to alter the tripod after the gun has been n mounted.
As soon aa the tripod is nearly inposition, No. 2 picks up the gun (withVickers gun pushes the sliding shutter to the rear), and carriea it to the right side of the tripod holding the rear crosspiece with the lefthand with the gun muzzle to the rear under the right arm. He then kneels on the left knee, facing the tripod, and supporting the gun on the right knee places it on the tripod, drives in and turns down the crosshead joint pin, and removes the cork plug from the steam escape hole. No. 1 fixes the elevating jointpin, and directs the gun toward the mark. Meanwhile No. 2 lies down and places the ammunition box inposition. No. 2 should time his advance so as to reach the tripod at the moment its adjustment is completed. When No. 3 sees that the gun is nearly mounted, he carries the ammunition box forward and places it within reach of No. 2. The ammunition must be at hand directly No. 2is ready for it. No. 3 then retires to a position not immediatelyinrear ofthe gun (Stand­ ard time, 20 seconds.) — 6. Loading. On the command Load, No. 1pulls the crank handle on to the roller. (Maxim: Turns the crank handle on to the buffer spring.) No. 2 passes the tag of the belt through the feed block. No. 1 withhis lefthand pulls the belt straight through to the left go front as far as it will and releases the crank handle. Relaxing the strain on the belt, No. 1 pulls the crank handle on to the roller (Maxim: Turns the crank handle on to the buffer spring), pulls the belt to the left front and releases the crank handle. Each motion should be clean and distinct. (Standard time, 5 seconds.) loaded and ready to fire. The gun is now — 7. Sight setting. For ranges not exceeding 500 yards the fixed sight willbe ordered, except when firing at a very small target, when orders will e given as in the case of ranges over 500 yards. b For ranges over 500 yards, on the command (Range), c. g. "900." No. 1raises the tangent sight, repeats the order for his own gun, and adjusts the slide to the elevation required for the distance ordered. — (naming the aiming mark), 8. Laying. On the command At No. 2 adjusts the traversing clamp iftold to do so by No. 1, and No. 1lays the gun, maintaining the same pressure on the handles while layingas he would when firing. When tne gun is laid, No. 1raises the automatic safety catch with the forefinger, and prepares to fire. When No. lis ready, No. 2 holds out his lefthand and arm horizontally. 9. As proficiency increases, the pause between naming the range and the aiming mark should be slight. (Standard time for sight
setting and laying, 12 seconds; taken from the time the range is ordered untilNo. 2 holds out his hand.) 10. On the command or signal Fire, No. 1presses the thumbpiece or double button. 11. On the command or signal Cease fire, No. 1releases the pres­ sure on the thumbpiece or double button, and remains steady. 12. The points for criticismwhen the gun is mounted should follow a definite sequence.
(a)	Tripod:
i. Position of legs withreference to the ground,
ii. Clamps of leg tight.
iii.Socket upright.
iv. Traversing clamp sticky. v. Allpins in and turned down. vi. Elevating screws equidistant. vii.Rear leginprolongation of line of sight to the target. (b) Gun:
i. Muzzle toward the target.
ii. Cork plug out.
iii.Shutter back.
iv. Belt box inline with the feed block. v. No. 1 withholding taken and elbows supported on thighs. vi. No. 2 inposition.
vii. Gun fairlylevel.
viii. Tangent sight set to 600 yards.
(c) The following points should also be noted: i. Loading; the cleanness of loading must be insisted on.
ii.Accuracy of sight testing.
iii.Absolute accuracy of aim.
iv. Firing; that on the order or signal being given, to open fire, the double button or thumbpiece is immediately pressed, without disturbing the laying. — 13. Unloading. On the command Unload, No. 1lowers the tan­ gent sight, ifit has been raised, and leaves the sight as last adjusted; he pulls the crank handle twicein succession on to the roller, letting it fly back each time on to the check lever, and finallydepresses the lower pawls (Maxim: He turns the crank handle twice in succession on to the buffer spring, letting it fly back each time on to the check lever) whileNo. 2 withdraws the belt and packs itin the box; this must be done correctly, and the lidclosed and fastened; No. 1re­ leases the lock spring by pressing the double button or thumbpiece.
(Standard time, 5 seconds.)
14. Dismounting the gun. On the command Dismount gun, No. 1 removes the elevating and crosshead jointpins. No. 2 passes the ammunition box to No. 3, replaces the cork plug when the condenser is not inuse, removes the gun as in mounting, and replaces it in its original position in rear. On reaching this position, he closes the sliding shutter (Vickers), and readjusts the tangent sight to 600 if previously altered. No. 1carries back the tripod, replaces the cross-head and elevating joint pins, taking care that they are turned down, and then foldsand clamps the legs. (Standard time, 15 seconds.) 15. Coming into action. As proficiency increases, the gunners should be exercised in performing all the movements required to bring the gun into action. On the command or signal Action (followed by range and aiming mark) the gunners will, rom the positions described inparagraph 2, f combine allthe foregoing details of mounting, loading, and layingthe gun, No. 2 signifying when No. lis "ready" to fire. (Standard
time, 35 seconds.)
16. Coining out of action. On the command or signal Out of Action,the gun will e unloaded without withdrawing the belt from b the feed block. No. 1 will seize the rear leg and rapidly withdraw the gun and tripod under cover or to the original position, with the least possible exposure. No. 2 similarly will ithdraw the ammuni­ w tion box. The gun willthen be dismounted in the usual manner. Ifthe cover is some distance away, Nos. 1 and 2 willcarry the gun, tripod, and belt box in the most convenient "manner to cover. — 17. Tap traversing. Frequent instruction will e given in travers­ b ing fire. The firer must firstinsure that the traversing clamp is just sufficiently loose to enable the gun to be deflected by means of a sharp tap with the hand on the rear crosspiece. Each man must learn' by experience the exact degree of clamping he requires, and before firinghe should insure that the clamp is correctly adjusted to suit himself. Traversing fire is applied by means of a series of groups fired at intervals withincertain limitsindicated by such figures on the ma­ chine gun instructional target as may be ordered by the instructor. The procedure forhorizontal traversing is as follows: The instruc­ tor having described the figures between which fireis tobe directed, willgive the command Traversing followed by the signal to fire. The firer willlay the gun on the flank figure named and press the button, then tap the gun approximately to the center ofthe interval to the next figure, again press the button, then tap, and so on, until
the limitordered has been reached. The firer should be taught to fire groups of about eight rounds by maintaining pressure on the button for about one second at each group. By thismethod he will learn to tap the gun withthe necessary force in order to avoid firing more than one group at the same place, and also to avoid leaving gapß in the line he is traversing. (Standard time, 2 seconds for each completed series, i.c., a group and completed traverse.) As proficiency increases, instruction should be given in diagonal traversing. In this case the target willbe three bands each with b three figures as for horizontal traversing. The bands will e joined so that each of the outer bands is in the same vertical plane as the center band and forms an angle of 120° with it. In this case the firer is taught to combine the use of the elevating wheel with tapping for deflection, the same principles being ap­ plied as in horizontal traversing. Instruction should be afforded in traversing from right to left as wellas from leftto right. During instruction, fire should be stopped at least twice in order to check the laying and also to measure the distance traversed. By comparing the distance traversed with the groups fired, an esti­ mate can be made as to the value of the traversing fired. For example: Traversing fire is ordered from the first to the sixth figure; fireis stopped after the fourth group. Ifthe traverse had been cor­ rectly carried out, the gun should be laid on the interval between the second and third figures. (Standard time, 3 seconds for each completed group and traverse.) 18. Swinging traverse. Against dense targets at close range, the normal method of traversing is too slow, and fire is unnecessarily concentrated. The "swinging traverse willtherefore be employed for this purpose. This consists of rapidly traversing a given line with the traversing clamp loose, the limit and speed of traverse being controlled by the action of the gunner. Elementary instruction in "swinging traverse" willbe given on the machine gun instructional target. The gunner willbe trained to traverse evenly and smoothly the breadth of the target from out­ side figure to outside figure in about 5 seconds. As proficiency is attained, practice will e afforded in traversing b various types of targets which are suitable for this method of fire.
18. Combined drill.
Instruction in machine-gun signals (see Infantry Training, sec. 164) must be given before combined drillis commenced, and these signals should henceforth be used whenever possible.
Combined drillis best carried out with four or more guns. Con­ densers willalways be attached and bags filled. Barrel casings willalso be filled. Competition between detachments should be encouraged with a view to increasing proficiency in elementary drill. The following subjects are taught during combined drill: (a) The execution and delivery of fire orders. (6) The use of combined sights. (c) Indication and recognition of targets. (d) Immediate action. (c) The replacement of breakages.
(/) Casualties.
The instructor should take times, correct mistakes, and carefully note the performance of each detail. When combined drillis car­ ried on out of doors in fine weather, allnumbers should lie down, 3 and 4 forming a short chain, and the remainder representing re­ serves in the rear.
19. Auxiliary mounting drill. 1. The auxiliary (light) mounting is not intended to replace the Mark IVtripod. The gun can be placed on the Mark IV- tripod without removing the light mounting. — It is intended for use in (a) The firing line. (6) Rapid advances, (c) Trench to trench rushes. (d) Fighting in captured trenches when hurried changes of position are essential, etc. (c) Trench fighting, when the gun has to be fired hurriedly from a position other than the battle emplacement, or when the Mark IV tripod has been destroyed. The gun can be carried by either one or two men, as desired. The leather straps, one on the rear crosspiece and one on the front clip band, enable Nos. 1 and 2 to carry the gun between them. They should move in single file, thus concealing the gun from the front. In this way the fact that a machine gun is being brought up willbe more easily concealed from the enemy. When in action in the open with the light mounting, No. 1should lie on his back, with his legs to the left of the tripod, No. 2 being on his right-hand side, supporting the fixer's back and neck with his legs. (See PI. VII.) 2. When itis desired to have the gun carried by one man, Nos. 1 and 2 should move extended to two or three paces, but conform­
ing as far as possible to neighboring infantry extensions, No. 1 carrying the gun and No. 2 two or more boxes of ammunition and
first aid case. 3. The following method will be taught in addition to other methods which may be suitable on special occasions. The gun willbe carried vertically on the right-hand side, muzzle upward, the right hand grasping the rear leather band, back of the hand to the front, and taking all the weight; the lefthand steadying the muzzle end by means of the light mounting clip. The method of carrying the gun on the shoulder leads to ex­ posure, and is unsuitable in trenches or when in close contact with the enemy. The condenser tube willbe attached throughout. 4. (a) For drillpurposes about 3 seconds after No. 1has opened firehe should pull the crank handle on to the roller, thus allowing the short length of belt to be pulled through the feed block and the web belt inserted. (b) The fixed sight is invariably used in light mounting work; consequently the tangent sight willnot be raised. (c) Stoppages should be practiced. (d) When this drillis carried out on rough ground the necessary precautions for concealment willbe observed when bringing the gun into and out of action. 5. Drillwith "two-man load." The gun, with light mounting attached, legs closed and engaged in the clip, will e placed on the b ground 20 yards in the rear of the selected position upon which the gun is to be brought into action. The muzzle of the gun will e placed to the front. b Nos. 1 and 2, each with an ammunition belt box containing a few dummy cartridges at the end of the belt, will assume the prone position, No. 1 behind the rear crosspiece, No. 2 on the right of the gun. No. 2 will have also a short length ofbelt with two dummy cartridges inits leading end, and the first aid case. The condenser bag will be carried. not — — 6. On the caution Prepare to advance. No. 1 will (a) Pull back the sliding shutter. (b) Perform the firsthalf of the loading motion. (c)	Throw the short length of belt over the feed block to the left. (d) Release the lock spring. (c) Turn the gun on its left-hand side.
101862°— 17
50 No. 2
will— (a) Insert the short length of belt in the feed block. (6) See that the front leather strap is to the top. (c) Open the tripod legs after (c). 7. On the command Action, the numbers spring to their feet seizing the appropriate straps, and, each carrying a belt box in the m disengaged hand, will ove rapidly to the position selected. No. 1 has the strap in his right hand; No. 2 inhis left hand. — 8. On arrival at the position, No. 1will out Actionand call (a)	Steady the tripod and lie down, placing the belt box ina convenient position for No. 2. (ft) Throw the short length of belt over to the right and com­ plete the loading motions. (c) Adjust the rear leather strap ifnecessary. (d) Open fire.
No. 2 will—
(a) Turn down the front leather strap. (6) Lie down and support No. 1. (c) Open the belt box and hold a new belt ready. 9. On the caution Prepare to advance, preceded by the command
Ceasefire, No. 1 will unload; No. 2 removes the web belt and inserts
the short length of belt, ifthere has been time to replace it.
10. On the command Out of action, the gun willbe unloaded withoutremoving the belt from the feed — block and will withdrawn be until cover is reached, when No. 1will (a) Depress the pawls and release the lockspring. (6) Close the sliding shutter.
(a) Pack away the belts. (6) Adjust the front strap. retire, carrying the boxes and gun. Both willthen jump up and— 11. Drillwith"single load." As for drillwith the two-man load, except that No. 2 willcarry both belt boxes. 12. On the caution Prepare to advance, the same procedure will e b followed as for the two-man load, except that No. 2 should see that the front strap is at the bottom. 13. On the command Action, as for the two-man load, except that No, 1 carries the gun alone; No. 2 the belt boxes. In moving for­ ward, No. 2 should extend to the right, and close in again on No. 1 on nearing the position. The remainder of the drill follows the same lines as for the twoman load.
MACHINE GUN NOTES NO. 1. 20.
Rough ground drill.
1. The gun willbe mounted throughout on a steep slope, for firingin each of the following directions in turn: (a) Down. (6) Up. (c) Horizontally to the right. (d) Horizontally to the left. Nos. 1, 2, and 3 with the gun, tripod, and ammunition box, and 4 with water bag (full)and another box of ammunition, willbe in a position of readiness not more than 10 yards from the selected posi­
tion. The instructor having marked the position and pointed it out, the gun numbers, on receipt of a target and range, will,on the order Action, mount, load, and lay the gun on the target indicated. The same procedure willbe followed for each of the four positions. 2. The following points are important: (a) Correct setting up of the tripod, the rear leg always downhill. (&) The positions adopted by Nos. 1 and 2 (as regards fire effect, exposure, and comfort). (c) The position of the ammunition box to insure correct feed. (d) The position of No. 3 (minimum exposure with facility for
supply). (c) The position of No. 4. (/) The gun must be properly in action, and alldetails of elemen­ tary training must be observed.
21. Trench drill 1. The object of trench drillis to practice: (a) Posting and relieving sentries and No. 1. (6) Relieving detachments.
All the above should be practiced on the barrack square before drilltakes place in the trenches. — 2. Posting and relief ofsentries and No. 1. The principles involved posting and relief of an infantry sentry are identical with those of on guard or outpost duty. 3. At a gun position in trenches: (a) By day only one number need be on duty at the gun position, and he will e the sentry. b
(d) Preparing to advance and coming into action. (c) Quick change to an alternative position.
Action in'trenches.
(6) By night twomen will always be on duty; one being the sentry, whois keeping a lookout, and the second being the No. 1for the term of duty. The latter is actually at the gun, and may sit down, but must be awake.
. 4. A gun number (ifby night, usually the last number on gun
— duty) willbe posted as a sentry by day with a periscope or at a loophole ifno periscope is available; by night, looking over the para­ b pet. He will e acquainted with the position of all emplacements h allotted to his gun, and will ave a thorough knowledge of the fol­ lowing:
(a) The section of the ground covered by the gun which itis his duty to watch. (6) Points shown on the range card. (c) Special orders forhis gun position during his relief These may include action as regards patrols, wiring parties, etc. (d) Standing orders for the sentry on machine-gun emplacements. He willbe informed of any unusual circumstances noticed by his predecessor. i The relieving No. 1 willnspect the gun and insure that the gun is in firing order, also that allnecessary equipment is inplace. He will e informed of any special fire orders which may have been b
issued for that gun. Allthe foregoing is applicable to internal relief within a gun de­ tachment. For relief of sentries when sections or companies are concerned see paragraphs 5 and 6. — 5. Relief of detachments. The guide with the relieving detach­ ment willead them to the dugout of the detachment to be relieved, l and report to the gun commander of that detachment that the reliev­ ing detachment has arrived. ' — The relieving N. C. 0. orman in charge will positions of the gun, the sentry, alternative (a) Ascertain the emplacements, his officer's headquarters, the nearest telephone, and the latrine. (6) Take over and give a receipt for trench stores. (c) Receive a report fromhis No. 1 when his gun, etc., is present and correct. (d) Ensure that his No. 1understands his orders, range card, etc., for his gun, and show him the alternative emplacements. (c) Order his No. 1 to mount his tripod (and gun, ifrelief is by night), and see that this is done correctly. (J) Detail his first sentry, and instruct him to take over. (g) Report to his officer, "Relief complete," (h) Draw out a duty roster.
6. The relieving sentry willascertain the orders for the sentry as — detailed in paragraph 4, and, in addition, willfind out
(a) Whether the gun has been fired during the previous relief. (6) Ifso, at what target, and from what emplacement. — 7. The officer in charge of the relieving detachment will (c) On arrival in the trench sector to be defended by his guns, report to the officer of the guns to be relieved. (6) Remain with him and receive reports from his gun com­ manders. (c) Receive any instructions or information with regard to the situation, other than those he has learned during his previous recon­ naissance. (d) As soon as the relieved detachment has moved off he willgo round allhis guns and make sure that his gun commanders have carried out their work correctly. At the same time he will that see any special orders he may have issued withregard to work to be done, standing fire orders, etc., are being complied with. (c) Report "Relief complete" to his machine-gun company com­ mander and to the company commander of the trench sector in which he finds himself. (/) See that his arrangements for communication are on a satis­ factory basis. 8. Officers in charge of detachments relieved willnot move off untiltheir detachments are reported closed up and complete.
9. (a) By day. On the command Action, the sentry runs to the dugout, wakes the other members, takes the gun to the emplace­ ment, mounts, loads and lays; No. 2 follows immediately with the ammunition and first-aid case, and the remaining members stand by in the dugout. When the occupants of the trench are qrdered to Stand-to, the above procedure is carried out by the machine-gun detachments, except that the gun is only half loaded. The loophole (ifblinded) wouldhave to be cleared before fire could be opened; the actual moment when this should be done depends on the nature of the situation. — (6) By night. On the command Action, No. 1 willcomplete the loading motions. The sentry willwaken the men in the dugout and return to his post. (c) Practice should be giveninmounting the gun on the auxiliary mounting in alternative positions during drillby day to represent the Mark IVmounting having been destroyed.
ACTION IN TRENCHES.
MACHINE dtflT NOTES ITO. 1. Practice willalso be given
with, the
pivot and ammunition boi
10. (a) By day. The sentry willrun to the dugout and warn the other numbers. Nos. 1and 2 willcarry out their duties as laid down for the caution Prepare to advance in "AuxiliaryMounting Drill." (Sec. 19 (6).) After this is completed they willcarry the gun from the dugout to the correct place in the trench. No. 3 will come up and dismount the tripod. —Nos. 1and 2 willbe in their proper positions (see (b) By night. par. 3), spare parts, short length of belt, and two beltboxes in the emplacement, spare numbers in the dugout. On the command Pre­ u pare to advance, No. 1will nload, withdraw the web belt, insert the short length, perform half the loading motions, throw the short length over the feed block and release the lock spring; whileNo. 2 warns the spare numbers in the dugout. The latter then returns to the gun, helps No. 1to dismount, opens the auxiliarylegs, and both adjust the leather straps. The gun is then brought to the easiest place from which to climb over the parapet, two belt boxes, spare parts, etc. ,being brought withit. No. 3 dismounts the tripod when the emplacement is clear, and awaits further orders. (c) On the command One-man load, Action, or Two-man load, act Action, either by day or night, Nos. 1 and 2 will as laiddown in section 19, (7) and (8). No. 3 willassist Nos. 1 and 2 with their equipment over the parapet. — (d) At this stage the instructor may either (i) Give the command Out of action, on which the gun num­ r bers willetire with the gun to their original position, or (ii) Order No. 3 to advance with Mark IV tripod and mount itnear Nos. 1 and 2, taking care that there is no crowd­ ing of men.
22. Section tactical exercises.
PREPARE TO ADVANCE.
1. Section tactical exercises willinclude all details of training that a section of machine guns should receive from the section offi­ cer. Ifthese exercises are carefully prepared and executed, the section officer on service willbe relieved from the necessity of supervising the detailed execution ofhis orders, and will e leftfree b to devote his attention to the general situation, whilemaintaining control of the movements and actions of his guns.
2. Exercises with one gun.— The position of readiness will be not closer to the gun position than about 50 yards. Instead of indi­ cating the exact position on which the tripod willbe set up the in­ structor will ark two points about 30 yards apart, between which m the gun willcome into action. The ground selected should afford practice in firing in the positions described in rough ground drill (sec. 20). Whenever possible there should be only one small por­ tionof the prescribed frontage from which the objective can be seen when the gun is in action. By this means the detachment will e b practiced in selecting suitable gun positions to meet the particular requirements of the situation, and thus develop an eye for ground. b In these exercises attention will e paid to the followingpoints: (a) The use of ground to obtain the greatest possible concealment inapproaching the gun position from the position ofreadiness. This should be kept inmind by the instructor in selecting positions. (6) The method of approach to the gun position as regards carrying the gun, tripod and ammunition box. Concealment is of greater im­ portance than rapidity within reasonable limits. (c) Proficiency in the lessons taught in rough ground drill. Ob­ servers will e sent out to note visibility the approach, inmount­ b in ing, and when the gun and detachment are in action. —The entire subsection willbe exer­ 3. Exercises with two guns. cised with two guns on the same progressive lines as those laiddown in paragraph 2. The actual position of each gun will e marked by b the instructor in order to bring out the handling of the section with reference to the ground and the requirements of the situation. The tactical situation should be described in greater detail than is neces­ sary for elementary drill urposes in order to employ scouts and range p takers in a realistic manner. A simple tactical situation should be given and ranges actually taken. The position of the gun limber, of b b which the corporal will e in charge, will e represented by a hand­ cart or indicated by a flag. The supply of ammunition will e ac­ b tually carried out, empty boxes being returned. The men willbe changed around at intervals so that each may be exercised inthe du­ ties of the various numbers. ( 4. The points to be attended to inrough ground drillsec. 20) and in tactical exercises with one gun (par. 2) should be carefully ob­ served and the performance criticized. 5. Further instruction should be given by carrying out a certain number of elementary tactical exercises, involving all duties of machine-gun section or subsection establishments, with a view to
developing cooperation between the gun numbers and initiative. These exercises should comprise movements of various kinds over a wider stretch of country than hitherto attempted. Complete exer­ cises should be prepared in detail, with maps, instructions, and points for criticism. When possible, trained men should be used to demonstrate the methods employed. 6. Schemes should also be framed for the purpose of training machine-gun officers in the tactical principles laiddown inInfantry Training and Field Service Regulations, as wellas those giveninthis manual, and inNotes forInfantryOfficers on Trench Warfare. These exercises should involve the rapid appreciation of a situation, the issue oforders tomeet the situation, and the controlofmachine guns. The actual presence of guns on such tactical schemes is of value, in order to test to some extent the feasibility of the execution of the orders given. The presence, however, is not essential for the con­ duct of the exercise.
23. General remarks. 1. The theory of rifle fire and its practical application discussed in Chapter 111 of the Musketry Regulations is equally applicable to the fire of machine guns, due regard being had to the greater concen­ tration, or closer grouping of shots produced by the fire of a machine gun than by the fire of an equivalent number of rifles. 2. The principal methods of machine-gun fire are dealt with in Infantry Training, section 163. Some further methods are given in this chapter. 3. Itmust be remembered that these methods are not suitable for Lewis guns, but only for machine guns fired from a fixed platform, such as the Mark IV tripod. 4. Various tables for use in these methods of fire are given in Appendix A. 24. Traversing
1. The principles of traversing are taught during elementary gun drill and during the annual and general machine-gun courses. (See also Infantry Training, sec. 163 (1) (iii).)
2. This method of engaging a linear target possesses certain, dis­ Itis a slow method and requires careful training, and the regularity of the groups may possibly detract from the effect produced on the target. The former can. be remedied to a great extent by seeking opportunities for oblique fire, thus reducing trav­ ersing to a minimum. Fire effect from this very systematic form of traversing may be lost owing to the enemy anticipating where the next series of groups will fall. This can be overcome if the gunner is trained to apply series of groups at different parts of the linear target in turn. 3. An alternative method is the "swinging traverse," the travers­ ing clamp being kept fairly loose, and the gun swung evenly and smoothly from side to side. This method may sometimes be found necessary against dense targets at close range, when the normal method wouldbe too slow. Using this method, a gun can distribute fire over approximately 30 yards of front in five seconds at close ranges.
25. Searching 1. The
principles of searching are demonstrated in Part I the of Annual and General Course for Vickers, Maximand Colt Guns. It is used when only one or two guns are available or combined sights requires much skillon the part will overcome ranging errors. It not of the firer to aVoid gaps. The size of the groups fired willdepend on the nature of the target engaged. " 2. When one gun is being employed in"searching the sights are adjusted so that the first group willnclude the lowest limitof range i to be searched, which is dependent on the probable error to be ex­ pected inestimating the range. The gun is then laid on the aiming mark, and the sights adjusted withoutrelaying, so that the last group willinclude the highest limitof range. The line of sight will ow n strike the ground short of the aiming mark. (See PI. XXII.) A group willnow be fired, after which the elevating wheel will e so b turned as to cause the next group to strike sufficiently far beyond the first to insure an overlap. This is continued until the line of sight is again brought on to the aiming mark. 3. When using two guns the left gun will as described above; act the sights of the right gun willbe adjusted in the firstinstance to the highest limit, and will work down to the lowest limit. (See PI.
4. Searching will be discontinued if observation of results is obtained.
58	MACHINE GUN NOTES NO. 1.
5. The effect of ground rising withrespect to the line of sight must be considered when combined sights or searching is employed. (See Musketry Regulations, sec. 187.) 6. Combined sights, searching, or a combination of both can also be used for engaging targets of great depth, such as roads, bridges, etc.
26. Combined sights.
Combined sights is a method of increasing the beaten zone by ordering two or more guns to engage the same target with different elevations. It can be used to engage targets of great depth, or it may be employed to insure that the target shall fall within the ieaten zone, when the range to the target is uncertain. (See PI.
CXI.)
The table below shows the m imber of guns required, and the mimber iifferences for 5 per cent, 10 pei r cent, and 15 per cent errors in anging. The table is not extenc led to include a larger number of tins than four, as on service a se< ction would most probably be the argest unit under the control of a single fire commander.
Combined sm ihts table. 75 per cent sffective saten z< me. DifferLeast Differ-	num- ences beber of guns. tween guns. guns.	90 per cent c: fective saten z< me.
in ranging.
Least Differnum- ences bebe­ ber of tween guns. guns.
2 2 3 3 4 2 3 2 3 2 4
ct. Per ct.	800 15 700 and 800	10 900 and 1,000... \ \	15 10 1,100 15 5 1,200 10
2 2 3 3 4 2 4 2 3
100 1,000 and 1,100.. 100 100	1,200 and 1,300.. 100 100 1,400 100 50 1,500 50
50 1,600 50 50 1,700 to 2,000, 50 inclusive. .50 2,100 and above.
15 10 15 10 15 5 10 5 10 5 10 5
1,400, 1,500, and 1,600 1,600	1,700 to 2,100....
The number of variab >les in th le table above makes it d liflScult to lay di own any accurate rule for the empl loyment iofcombined sights. Fors iverage service cc mditions ofcombined the following willbo fouiad to givic good results. Rule. Always use a is many guns as possible: With 100 yai rds diffei •ences, if error in ranging is probs ibly cons aderable; 50 yards difterei aces if c srror inn inging is probably small.
MACHINE GUN NOTES HO. 1.
27. Overhead fire.
1. Overhead fire withmachine guns may be employed under cer­ tain conditions. The followingfactors, allof which tend to increase the difficultyand risk, necessitate the working out of a reasonable margin of safety : (a) The state of the barrel. (6) The condition of the tripod and the nature of the ground on whichmounted. (c) The degree of visibilityof the target. (d) Errors due to ranging and climatic conditions. (c) Accuracy of laying and holding by the firer. 2. The flat trajectory of modern ammunition necessarily restricts overhead fire at the closer ranges, ifthe gun position, friendly.troops, and the enemy are approximately in the same horizontal plane; while at long ranges the dispersion of the cone of fire and difficulty inranging make it necessary to insist on ample precautions being taken to insure safety. 3. Overhead fire, therefore, may normally only be employed under the following conditions: (a) When the distance to the target has been obtained accu­ rately; that is, by a highly trained range taker, who is able to guar­ antee the distance within5 per cent of error. (b) When the No. 1at the gun is an expert firer. (c) When an angle of not less than 30 minutes is formed by the intersection of imaginary lines drawn from the target and friendly troops to the gun, the distance to the target being 1,000 yards or under. Ifthe distance to the target is over 1,000 yards, the angle thus formed should be not less than 60 minutes, ifover 1,500 yards not less than 100 minutes, provided always that fire must cease whenever the friendly troops reach a distance of 2,000 yards from the gun, since the position of the lowest shot over this range is uncertain. The above angles give a sufficient margin of safety at 1,000, 1,500, and 2,000 yards, respectively. At distances within 1,000 yards, between 1,000 and 1,500 yards, and between 1,500 and 2,000 yards, the margin of safety continually increases. In order to obtain these safety angles, it willoften be necessary to seek commanding positions forthe guns, i.c., rising ground, upper stories of houses, etc. 4. The foregoing instructions may be modified provided accurate and reliable observation is insured. This, however, is a matter for the exercise of judgment and common sense on the part of the machine-gun commander. Too much reliance must not be placed
MACHINE. GTJN NOTES NO. 1.
on the ability of an observer to pick up the cone of fire during an attack. The fire of the attacking troops, the supporting troops and the artillery willprobably be such that the machine-gun cone of fire can not be observed correctly. 5. The safety angles may be obtained as follows: (a) From prismatic field glasses, graticuled for Mark VIIammu­ nition. In this case the distance between the zero line and the 600 yards graticule gives the required angle for 1,000 yards and under; the distance between the zero line and the 1,000 yards graticule will give tke angle for distances between 1,000 and 1,500 yards, and the distance between the zero line and the 1,300 yards graticule will give the angle for distances between 1,500 and 2,000 yards. (6) With the aid of the graticule card as follows: Hold the card vertically and at the fulllength of the cord from the eye; the space between the safety lines marked willthen give the required angles. (See PI. XXIV.) (c) Bymeans of the tangent sight:
Lay the gun on the target with the correct elevation; then move
the slide up 300 yards for allranges up to 2,000 yards without altering the elevation of the gun; and adopt the auxiliary aiming mark thus found. (See PI. XXV.) With the tangent sight method, the firer must note carefully the auxiliaryaiming mark obtained after raising the slide, and re-lay on this mark. If he is traversing, he must find a second auxiliary aiming mark at the other end of the line to be traversed, and must traverse along an imaginary line joining the two auxiliary aiming marks and parallel to the enemy's position. The tangent sight method and either graticuled glasses or a grati­ cule card should be used simultaneously, in conjunction .with and as a check on each other. When the heads of the friendly troops become visible to the firer over the sights, he should not cease fire, but should elevate his gun, taking the enemy position as his auxiliaryaiming mark. This will cause the cone of fire to search ground inrear of the enemy's position, which may be occupied by his supports and reserves.
28. lIndirect fire. 1. On occasions indirect fire may be used. This form of fireis rendered possible by the Mark IV tripod of the machine gun. Guns not fired froma fixed platform must never be used forindirect fire.
This section does not deal with overhead indirect fire or with searching for.which see pars. 30 and 31, respectively.
2. Indirect fire may be of great value in annoying the enemy and affecting his morale, but, except under unusually favorable condi­ tions, can not be expected to inflictserious loss.
The main disadvantages of indirect fire are that it requires, in
most cases, a great deal of preparation and accuracy in calculation.
Unless officers possess experience, it may sometimes be employed under conditions where direct fireis not onlypossible but necessary. Under certain conditions itmay be positively dangerous to our own
3.	As the target is invisible, the problems to be solved are » How to lay the gun, both to obtain and to put on elevation and direction; and How to maintain the laying. The methods of solving these problems are given in skeleton form in the following table. The actual c us oi Le met are given in the subsequent paragrapl i. Indirect fire U >U.
Map,protractor, andreferenceobject Put on gun by-
by Posts, direct	direct Map and compass
par. par.	See
Posts and compass Reference object and direction dial Maintained by Auxiliary aiming mark Direction dial
Graticules Contoured map 11 Elevation dial.
15 Auxiliary aiming mark 16 Elevation dial
4 5 6 7 13 13
represent the angles of elevation for the gun. The topmost graticule represents zero, and the lines below represent every 100 yards upwards, from 200 yards. The procedure is as follows: (i) Obtain the range to the target. (ii) Select an auxiliary aiming mark visible to the firer and directly above the target. (iii)Move to a position whence the target and the auxiliary aim­ ing mark already chosen can be observed; look at the target in such a way that the graticule, representing the range to the target, falls
4. 4.	To obtain elevation by means < ofgn alicules. By means of graticules cut aero )ss th lg focal plane of a pair of pris­ prismatic field glasses, or by graticul les pirinted on a card with a string tor a base, indirect fire can be as quid klyapplied as ordinary direct ar BLre. These graticules are eimiliar tc > an inverted backsight and
across the target; then see which graticule falls across this aiming mark. (See PI. XXVI.) The range corresponding to this graticule is the tangent elevation at which to open fire, using the aiming mark already chosen to lay on. By this means accuracy may be obtained from a gun which is invisible to the enemy. It is important to get an aiming mark vertically above the target, making any necessary allowance for wind. This method becomes inaccurate when the eye of the observer using the graticuled glasses is much below or above the
Ifitis found necessary to increase or decrease the elevation after fire has been opened, the following method must be employed since the position of the slide does not indicate the range to the target. The range on the sights is- the range for the aiming mark and not the actual range to the target, c. g., the sights may show 500 yards when the target is 1,200 yards away. Ifin this case the cone of fire is observed to fall 100 yards short of the target, the necessary correction willnot be obtained by moving the slide of the tangent sight up to 600 yards. It willbe necessary to move the slide up for the same distance as from 1,200 yards to 1,300 yards. In moving the slide up for allranges below 1,500 yards, as many clicks can be heard on the ratchet of the tangent sight as there are hundreds of yards in the range, c. g., between 1,000 and 1,100 yards there are 10 clicks, between 1,100 and 1,200 yards 11 clicks, and so on. In the present example, therefore, it willbe necessary to move the slide up for 12 clicks. Ifthe cone of fire were falling 50 yards short, it wouldbe necessary to move the slide up for 6 clicks. This method of indirect fire must not be employed when firing over the heads of our own troops. 5. To obtain elevation by means of a contoured map. Having noted on the map the exact positions of gun and target, measure the distance between them. From Table I, Appendix A, obtain the corresponding angle of tangent elevation. From the map note the contours on which the gun and target lie and by subtraction obtain the difference in height between them. By means of the angle of sight formula, 1 knowing the range and the
1 Note. The "angle of sight can becalculated by means ofthe followingapprox­ imate formula: s=^x34o =angle=^x3400=angle of sight inminutes. s
Where VI HE are inthe same denomination. and To convert yards to meters deduct one-tenth. yards add one-tenth. To convert meters to From tables in Appendix Athe quadrant angle can be obtained directly without workingout the angle of sight.
gun and target, work out the angle of eight. Ifthe angle of sight is found to be positive, add it to the angle of tangent elevation to obtain the angle of quadrant elevation necessary to put on the gun; if, on the other hand, the angle of sight is found to be negative, subtract it. 6. To put on elevation by means of the elevation dial. — To place the required quadrant elevation on the gun (a) Level the gun by the spirit level No. 1 taking the holding
difference in height between
(6) Slip the dial round tillzero is under the pointer without dis­
turbing the bubble. (c) Clamp the dial to, but without disturbing the elevating wheel. the (d) Turn the elevating wheel till required angle is obtained. One revolution of the elevating wheel produces 4° of elevation or depression on the gun. To obtain an angle of elevation of 8° the elevating wheel would have to be revolved twice. The elevation dial is accordingly graduated to 4°, showing subdivisions of five minutes, which are easily capable of subdivision by eye. (c) If an obstruction exists between gun and target, make sure clear it. (See par. 17.) before firing that the shots will 7. To put on elevation by means of the tangent sight. This method entails the use of an auxiliary aiming mark which must be at least 100 yards distant from the gun. To put elevation on the gun by means of the tangent sight, con­ vert the angle of quadrant elevation (see par. 5 above) into a range by reference to Table I, Appendix A. Then level the gun by the spirit level, No. 1 taking the holding pressure. Any of the four followingcases may occur: (a) Quadrant elevation is positive and a suitable natural auxiliary aiming mark can be seen or an artificial one put out. (6) Quadrant elevation is negative and a.suitable natural auxiliary aiming mark can be seen or an artificialone put out. auxiliary aiming mark, nor can an artificialone be placed inposition. (d) Quadrant elevation is negative, but there is no suitable natural
(c) Quadrant elevation is positive, but there is no suitable natural
auxiliaryaiming mark, nor can an artificialone be placed inposition. Cases (c) and (d) may occur when the ground slopes down steeply in front of the gun. Case (a). With sights at zero, look along the sights and select a natural aiming mark or place one out and lay on it. Run the tan­ gent sight up to the range found above and relay on the auxiliary aiming mark.
Case the tangent sight up to the range found above (disregarding the sign), maintaining the holding. Select a suitable natural aiming mark or place one out and lay on it. Run the sights down to zero and relay on the auxiliary aiming mark. — Case (c). Run the tangent sight up till some suitable natural or artificial auxiliary aiming mark is visible and lay on it. Note the range on the tangent sight and convert into an angle by means of the table given inAppendix A. Add to this angle the angle of quadrant elevation found as in (par. 5). Convert the answer into a range by means of the table given inAppendix A. Run the sighta up to this range and relay. — Case (d). Run the tangent sight up tillsome suitable natural or artificial auxiliary aiming mark is visible and lay on it. Note the range on the tangent sight and convert into an angle by means of the table given in Appendix A. Subtract from this angle the angle of quadrant elevation found as in par. 5. Convert the answer into
— (b). Run
7V\
a range by means of the table givenin Appendix A. Run the sights down to this range and relay. 8. To obtain direction by posts, direct. By day, an observer selects the gun position and also the target he wishes to engage. He places a stick (L)(see fig.1) in the ground in rough alignment between the target and;gun position. He then crawls back and, ifnecessary, places a second stick (L2) in exact alignment with his first stick (L) and the target, continuing the process until his last stick is visible from the gun position (G). If itis probable that more than one target is to be engaged, other sticks 1 2 (I 1 ) can be placed between the stick (G) and the different targets (T^T1). To do this an assistant is required to place the sticks in position while the observer dresses them from G. It is necessary to place the sticks verticallyin the ground, and the stick (G) should not be more than 6 inches above the ground to avoid being knocked over by th"c crosslieM of the tripod when it is placed over it.
Should it be found impossible to place the stick (L) in position owing to the proximity of the enemy, the stick (G) should firstbe placed inposition, and a second stick (M)placed inrear of it and in alignment with(G) and the target. Under cover of darkness the position of (L) can be easily ascer­ tained by an observer at (M) directing an assistant to place a stick in alignment with (M) and (G). 9. To obtain direction by map and compass. To direct fire onto a target invisible to the guns, a map having a sealeof not less than 1/20, 000 must be used The exact position of the guns nust be marked also. This can be done by resection. (See Chapter XIV, anual of Map Reading and Field Sketching.) M The magnetic bearing of the target from the gun position must be worked out on the map. Ifthe target to be engaged is a linear one,
igig­
7Sw >ef
Gun \
/P.C?
the magnetic bearing* of its limits must be worked out in the same 10. To obtain direction by map, protractor and reference object. The exact position of the gun must be marked on the map as directed in paragraph 9 above. If possible, a reference object should be selected, which is marked on the map and visible from the gun position. Ifthe only suitable reference object visible from the gun position is not marked on the map, its magnetic bearing should be taken from the gun position, and a line showing its direc­ tion drawn through the gun position on the map. On the map by means of a protractor measure the angle included between lines joining the target, and the gun, and the reference object and the gun. (See fig. 2.) Ifthe target to be engaged is a linear one, measure the angles included between lines joining its limits to the gun and the target to the gun,
101862°— 17 5
11. To layfor direction by means of a post and compass. To layout an aiming post, drive ina stick (not more than 6 inches high) at the gun position, and place a compass on top. Rotate the the compass till dialindicates the required magnetic bearing found as directed inparagraph 9. Dress a post on this bearing, using the hair line on the compass glass. Replace the gun and tripod on the first'stick and lay on the post put out. 12. To layfor direction by means ofreference object and direction dial. The gun is laid on any convenient part of the reference object with the sights set for any convenient range; itneed not be leveled. The elevation required to hit the target should not be placed on the gun tillthe latter is directed on the target. The direction dial should now be set to read zero (or the reading noted ifthe dial can not be rotated). The gun is then swung right or left through the angle found as directed in paragraph 10, according as the reference
ooject is to the left or right of the target. The gun can be directed to either end of a linear target simply by swinging through the angles found as directed inparagraph 10. (See fig. 3.) 13. To maintain elevation by means of an auxiliary aiming mark and the tangent sight. Once the gun has been laidthe sights only may be adjusted so as to bring a line of sight onto any suitable natural or artificialauxiliary
aiming mark, c. g., a night firing-box, white or luminous stone, chimney, post, etc. The range shown on, the tangent sight after such adjustment willhave no connection with the quadrant eleva­ tionon the gun, unless the elevation has been put on by the method given in paragraph 7, and the same auxiliary aiming mark is used to maintain it. The distance between the gun and the auxiliary aiming mark is immaterial when maintaining elevation, and in this respect differs from the TniiriTrmnn distance laid down inparagraph 7 when putting on elevation.
14. To maintain elevation by the elevation dial. Between bursts of fire the firer should make sure that the pointer continues to show the same quadrant elevation on the dial as was originally put on the gun. Ifthis method is to be reliable, it is essential that the legs of the tripod should not sink unevenly into the ground; the tripod must, therefore, be placed on a firm foun­ dation. It is desirable, where possible, to use an auxiliary aiming mark in addition, but if this is not possible the spirit level should be placed on the gun at frequent intervals, and the procedure laid down in paragraph 6 for putting on elevation repeated. Itshould be noted that unless the socket is absolutely upright the quadrant elevation may vary considerably if the gun is traversed through a wide arc, though the reading of the elevation dial willnot alter. 15. To maintain direction by means of an auxiliary aiming mark.
(See par. 13 above.)
16. To maintain direction by means of the direction dial. The gun having been laidfor direction, the reading of the direc­ tion dial is noted. Direction can be maintained during firing by insuring that the pointer is set accurately to this reading. 17. In all cases where the target is invisible, owing to the presence of an obstacle, steps must be taken before firing to insure that the shots willclear the obstacle. The procedure is as follows: (a) After the gun has been given the quadrant elevation neces­ sary to hit the target, the tangent sight will e adjusted for the range b to the top of the obstacle. Ifon looking along the sights the obstacle is not visible, the shots willclear. If, however, the obstacle is visible, the shots willnot clear, and the gun must be moved farther back. (6) Ifthe range to the obstacle is under 100 yards, the method given above willnot apply, and the No. 1must look through the barrel, either directly or by using the mirrorreflector. (c) Should the obstacle be invisiblefromthe gun position, recourse must be had to the formula given in section 30, paragraph 4 (I). The clearance required willbe one-half of the height of the 90 per cent cone at the range of the obstacle. In using the formula given in section 30, paragraph 4(1), for "our own troops" read "the obsta­ cle" throughout.
29. Night firing.
1. If the gun position is not exposSd to the enemy's fire or to direct observation, the gun can be mounted and laid by day and leftuntil night.
Some kind of auxiliaryaiming mark must be in position in front of the gun for the purpose of maintaining elevation and direction
after nightfall. (See sec. 28.)
This auxiliary aiming mark can be a transparent screen secured to the open side of a box containing some form of illuminant. (See fig. 1.) The screen is marked withlines to permit of searching and traversing within definite limits. The horizontal lines are 1 inch apart, which willgive a difference in angle of 10 minutes from the center line ifthe screen is placed 10 yards from the gun. The amount that 10 minutes represents in range can be readily ascertained from the tables showing the angles of elevation for the gun. (Appendix A, Table 1.) The vertical lines are 2\ inches apart, which willgive a deflection of about 2 feet per 100 yards of range when the screen is placed 10 yards from the gun.
A, B, C, D, F are \ inch
2. When the gun position is exposed, or the gun is required else­
where during the day, it willsometimes be possible for arrange­
ments to be made by day co that the gun and tripod can be brought up under cover of darkness and placed inposition to open fire when required. (See sec, 28.)
The direction and elevation dials should be employed; and a
luminous reference object should be laid out in any convenient
position, where itis invisible to the enemy, for obtaining the direc­ tion to any target, correct elevation being put on by the elevation dial. As the rear leg of the tripod may sink during firing, elevation can not; be maintained by means of the elevation dial, which is a component part of the mounting. One or more luminous auxiliary
aiming marks should therefore be laid out by the method given in section 28, paragraph 8.
30. Indirect overhead fire,
1. In trench warfare, where the positions of our own and the enemy's units are clearly marked, indirect fire over the heads of our own troops may often be safely employed. 2. The best results willbe secured when observation of the strike ofthe bullets can be obtained. The element of chance, due to errors in ranging, climatic conditions, errors as to the exact position of the gun, etc., will thus be removed. 3. Fire may be directed on the hostile support or reserve lines, communication trenches, cooking places, ration parties, reverse slopes of hills, roads, etc. When observation is not possible, the most that can be done is to sweep an area of ground, in which is included the target it is desired to engage. (See sec. 31.) 4. To insure the safety of our own troops the following rules must at all times be strictly adhered to: (a) The guns must never be more than 2,000 yards distant from bodies of our own troops, over whom they are firing. (6) When the guns are 1,000 yards or under from our own troops, the range at which they are fired must be such as to insure the center of the cone of fire passing at least 20 yards over their heads. (See trajectory table, Appendix A.) When the guns are between 1,000 yards and 1,500 yards from our own troops this height must be at least 40 yards; between 1,500 and 2,000 yards it must be at least 80 yards, (c) When, the gun, friendly troops, and target are allon the same plane (not necessarily the same horizontal plane), rules (a) and (6) "jive the following results: (i) No target may be engaged at a range of less than 1,500 yards.
(ii) Eange to target (in yards) :
1,500 > 1,600 1,700 1,800. 1,900 2,000 2,100 2,200 2,300 2,400 and over
safety zone for friendly troops (in yards). 700 to 1,000 from gun. 500 to 1,000 from gun. 500 to 1,000 from gun. 400 to 1,200 from gun. 400 to 1,500 from gun. 300 to 1,500 from gun. 300 to 1,500 from gun. 300 to 1,500 from gun. 200 to 1,800 from gun. 200 to 2,000 from gun.
(<£) Climatic conditions must be carefully studied (see Musketry Regulations, sec. 29). (c) The laying must be checked frequently, both for direction and elevation, upon the auxiliary aiming mark. (/) The necessity for good holdingmust be impressed on the firer, (g) As a slight sinking of the tripod during firing may seriously affect the safety of our own troops, owing to the altered angle of ele­ vation, every precaution must be taken to prevent this happening. The legs of the tripod should be firmlyimbedded in the ground, and provision made to prevent them moving from their original position, but the use of an auxiliary aiming mark largely minimizes the effect of slight movements of the tripod. (h) When "traversing" or "searching" is used, provision must be made by means of wooden battens, etc., to fix safe limits beyond which the gun can not be moved. (i) A worn barrel should not be used, and the barrel should be cleaned after every 1,000 rounds continuous fire. (j) Allcalculations must be carefully checked by an ojfiicer before fireis opened. (Jb) Troops over whom fire is to be opened must be cautioned,, and a certificate to this effect signed by the machine gun company com­ mander. (Z) Inorder to find the clearance, i.e., the height from the ground to the center of the cone at any point in the line of fire, the following is the simplest and most accurate method, which should be used: =A yards. (i) Let gun contour Let own troops contour =B yards. Let center of cone above or below horizontal plane through gun position when passing over
own troops' heads =C yards.
Then clearance (yards) =A—BorC.
0 must be added or subtracted according as the trajectory to our own troops position is above or below the horizontal plane through the gun position. (ii) From the sketch the clearance is XZ. Then A—B=ZY and XV is the height of trajectory either above or below the horizontal plane through the gun position.
Obviously clearance =XZ=ZYor XY=A-Bor C.
(iii)Inorder to find C, either Table 2a or Table 2b must be used according as to whether the quadrant angle on the gun is positive
or negative. On these tables, the words "positive" and "negative" are printed. Ifthe trajectory height found is positive, 0 must be added to A—B; ifnegative, it must be subtracted from A—B. (iv) Ifthe quadrant angle on the gun is positive, the range cor­ responding must be found from Table 1in order to use Table 2(a). Ifthe quadrant angle is negative it willbe used directly in Table 2(b) without conversion. (v) The following three examples illustrate the method and deal withthree typical cases. (See sketch above.) Case I. —Quadrant angle is positive and sufficiently large to throw the center of cone above the horizontal plane when passing over own troops' heads.
Gun contour (A)=7o yards. Own troops contour (B)=20 yards. Q.E.=+B6 minutes. Range corresponding=l,2oo yards. Assumed range to own troops 900 yards. From Table 2(a) trajectory height for 1, 200 yards at 900 yards =9 yards (positive) =C.
Example. required =2o yards. It is safe to fire. Clearance — Case II. Quadrant angle is positive but small so that the center of cone is below the horizontal plane when passing over own troops'
Clearance=A-B+C. =70-20+9=59
Example. A and Bas above. Q.E. =+35 minutes. Range corresponding=7oo yards.
Assumed range to own troops 900 yards.
From Table 2 (a) trajetory height for 700 yards at 900
yards=4.s yards (negative) =C. — — Clearance =A B C =70-20-5 (say) =4s yards. Clearance required =2o yards. Itis safe to* fire.
angle is negative.
Case 111. Example. A and Bas above.
Q. E.= —75 minutes.
From Table 2b trajectory height for— 7s minutes at 900
yards yards=33.2 — — (negative)=C. Clearance= A B C. =70-20-33 (say)=l7 yards. Clearance required=2o yards. ''It is not safe to fire, (vi) InAppendixB is given a copy of the indirect overhead fire sheet which should be used on service. Certain specimen examples have been filled in on it, for the purpose of bringing out various points. 5. Elevation and direction may be obtained, put on the gun, and maintained by any of the methods described in section 28. The dials are particularly suitable for this type of fire.
31. Searching reverse slopes. 1. It may sometimes be desired to search the reverse slope of a hilloccupied by the enemy, where he is under shelter from shortrange fire. 2. Reverse slopes are often chosen by the enemy as suitable areas where troops may be disposed preparatory to attack, or may maneuver free from observation. Itis therefore necessary to know how such ground may be brought, most effectively, under machinegun fire. Table 7 enables the machine-gun officer to search the reverse slope of a hill, nd is constructed on the followingbasis: a 3. Ifa gun is placed at such a distance from the crest that the cone, just passing over it,willfall at a steeper angle than the slope of the ground on the other side of the hill,then fire effect will e brought b to bear on the reverse slope. No endeavor has been made to fit the trajectory exactly to the reverse slope, as the difficulties and variables inthe problem are so many, that small errors would upset the results. Traversing and searching should be employed, for the same reasons as govern allforms ofindirect fire. — 4. Table 7. This table is so constructed that when the gun is placed as required by its use, and fire suitably directed at the reverse slope, the bullets willfall on itat an angle of somewhere between 100 and 200 minutes to the slope itself. The table is divided into two parts, "Gun above crest" and "Gunbelow crest." The table is used as follows:
(a) On the map, draw a line from the crest, which probable line of fire.
willbe the
(6) From the map, determine the drop in yards in 100 yards, measured from the crest down the slope. (c) Making use of the two top horizontal columns, note the distance to measure back, which will vary according as the spot thus found is above or below the crest. (See center column.) (d) From map note the difference in height between this spot and the crest, above or below as the case may be. Run down the center column till this height is found. (c) Then look along horizontally, when the final range from the crest will e found in the vertical column under the drop in yards b found in (b). (/)Place thegun at this point, and layon the crest by any suitable
Note.—lfit is found that the gun position is on the same level b as the crest two answers will e given, i.c., one in portion of "Gun " above crest, one in portion "Gun below crest, both opposite the aero mark. Select the most suitable.
MACHINEGUNS INBATTLE. 32. Introductory.
in battalions. But the new organization and the increase in the number of machine guns with infantry units have rendered neces­ sary certain modifications in detail which are discussed in the present chapter. A certain amount of repetition and rearrangement of matter that is already dealt with in Infantry Training has been found necessary in order to avoid too frequent reference to para­ graphs or sentences in that manual. 2. The special characteristics of Lewis guns and the manner in whichthese characteristics affect their employment must be studied by machine-gun officers, as they have to cooperate closely with Lewis guns. These characteristics, therefore, are discussed in
by the introduction of the machine-gun company organization and the substitution of Lewisgun detachments for machine-gun sections
1. The general principles laid down inInfantry Training, Chapter XV,for the employment of machine guns inbattle remain unaltered
sections 33 and 34. 1 Detailed instructions for Lewis guns are given in Lewis Gun Training. 2 3. The special principles which govern the employment of machine guns in the phase of operations known as trench warfare are dealt within Notes for Infantry Officers oxi Trench Warfare. 4. Itmust be remembered that in Infantry Training a machine­ gun section means two guns, whereas under the present organization itmeans two subsections each of two guns, or four in all.
33. Characteristics
and Lewis guns compared.
for a very considerable period. On the other hand, the Lewis gun, though capable of extremely rapid fire, is incapable of sustaining this fire for long. This necessi­ tates, therefore, the use of short bursts offire as the normal practice. Its inability to sustain fire is primarily due to the fact that a water jacket is not provided (in order to economize weight) and the gun consequently becomes hot very quickly. Further, owing to their lightness, the working parts willnot stand constant vibration to the same extent as those of the machine gun. 2. A further difference between the two weapons is in the type of mounting used. The machine gun is provided with a heavy tripod which enables the gun Ito be used for overhead and indirect fire. This mounting also allowsof the gun being laid on a fixed point, and fired at any time, by day or night, without further preparation. By this means itis possible to form"bands of fire"through which any enemy attempting to pass must suffer heavy loss. The Lewis gun is fired from the shoulder, a lightbipod providing a support for the barrel; there is no traversing or elevating gear; and aim is taken and altered as when using a rifle, the conditions are, therefore, not suitable for overhead or indirect fire, nor for creating "bands of fire." 3. The machine gun, owing to its weight, and that ofits mounting, is less mobile than the Lewis gun. The latter being specially pro­ vided with a lightbipod to increase its mobility, can be carried like a rifle, and fired with very littlepreliminary preparation, so that
1Infantry battalions are provided with Lewis guns organized inLewis gun detach­ ments of 1 noncommissioned officer and 12 men each, with2 Lewis guns.
1. The principal characteristic of the machine gun is its ability to produce rapid and sustained fire. Provided water and ammunition are available, a machine gun is capable of keeping up a rapid fire
*To beissued shortly.
after movement its fire can be brought to bear on any object much more rapidly than that of a machine gun.
34. The employment
of Lewis guns.
1. Owing to its greater mobility a much greater liberty of action be allowed to this weapon than to the machine gun. It must, however, be clearly understood that the Lewis gun can not take the place ofthe machine gun. Itis a supplement to and not a substitute
for the latter type of weapon. 2. Itis adapted for even closer cooperation withinfantry than the machine gun, as the Lewis gunner can move and appear to the enemy as an ordinary rifleman. Its distribution as a battalion and company weapon provides a mobile reserve of fire available for the smallest unit commander wherever an infantry soldier can go. 3. It is specially adapted for a concentrated enfilade fire on a definite line such as a hedge or wall, or to cover a road ordefile where it is not possible to deploy a number of rifles, and for places where it is difficultor impossible to bring up a machine gun unobserved. When wider fronts have to be swept with fire or heavier fire is re­ quired at longer ranges machine guns can be more usefully employed. 4. Although the expenditure of ammunition is not so great as with machine guns, the difficulty of getting ammunition up to the more exposed positions to which Lewis guns can go will e much greater. b It important, therefore, to withhold fire as long as possible and to is use the power of the gun to develop unexpected bursts of fire against favorable targets.
35. The tactical handling
of infantry machine
1. The tactical principles laid down in Infantry Training, sec­ tions 160, 161, and 162, apply generally, but the organization and distribution ofthe machine guns with a brigade there discussed need modification to suitthe new organization and distribution of machine
introduction of the machine-gun company organization, while facilitating the collective employment of machine guns, does not mean that they should always be so employed. It may some­ times be advisable to detach machine guns under the orders of battalion commanders and this should be done ifthe tactical situ­ ation requires it. (See sec. 36 (2) (3).). In this case the battalion commander concerned should clearly understand the reasons why the guns are attached to him. Definite instructions should be given
guns. 2. The
by the battalion commander to the machine-gun officer as to what is required of him, but the latter should be allowed as much freedom as possible in the execution— ofhis task. 3. Command and control. The various tasks which the machinegun company has to carry out demand the most careful preparation and organization on the part of the company commander. He must insure that allsection commanders fullyunderstand the part they have to play, and he must be always on the watch to regain control, at the earliest possible moment, of any guns temporarily detached, in order to provide a reserve for his brigade commander. During action the machine-gun company commander willkeep in the closest possible touch with the brigade commander, and itis important that section officers should keep in close touch with the commanders of units to which they may be attached and under whose command they come. Machine-gun officers must carefully observe this principle in order to avoid dual control and consequent
misunderstanding. It is unsafe to rely on telephones, especially in open fighting. Steps must, therefore, be taken to maintain communication by visual signaling and by orderlies. 4. Cooperation. Cooperation is an essential feature in machine-
gun tactics, both between the machine guns and other arms and between the guns themselves. Grouping machine guns into companies by centralizing control facilitates the execution of a comprehensive scheme of machine-gun cooperation in accordance with the needs of the tactical situation. When this is to be effected the machine-gun company commander must be thoroughly conversant with the situation. He should take every Btep to insure cooperation, not only between the guns of his company, but between his company and machine guns on the flanks. 5. Concealment.— (a) During movement. To insure concealment when on the move machine gunners should try to disguise their identity as such by adopting the formation of the neighboring troops. This, and any other means of escaping detection, should be constantly practised. When machine guns are moving, they should watch and avoid areas that are being swept by shell fire. (b) When inposition: usually (i)As few men as possible should be near the gun. Itwill be found that two men are quite sufficient. (ii) When time, implements, etc., are available, guns should be dug in,but, unless itis possible to construct a reallysatisfactory em­
placement, it is better to seek cover from view. A hastily made m emplacement will erely serve to draw the attention of the enemy. o Masks and gloves will ften facilitate concealment, especially (iii) when facing strong sunlight. Every effortmust be made to prevent machine guns being located by artillery. If, however, machine guns are shelled, their action willlargely depend on the tactical situation. They may make a change in position of about 50 yards or they may temporarily cease fire, the guns and detachment getting under cover; the latter will often deceive the enemy into thinking that they have been destroyed and enable the guns to obtain a good target later. A careful distri­ bution of the gun numbers will inimize casualties. m
36. Machine guns
1. Inorder to obtain the best results, the machine-gun company commander must be thoroughly acquainted with the plan of opera­ tions and must make a careful reconnaissance of the ground. By use of maps and study ofthe ground through a telescope from positions inrear or on the flanks, he should endeavor to make him­ self familiar with the nature of the ground, the correct use of which may prove of decisive value. (See Infantry Training, sec. 161.) Having made his reconnaissance, and having received instructions from the brigade commander (Infantry Training, sec. 160 (13)), the machine-gun company commander willgive definite orders to his section officers. 2. Distribution of machine guns in the attack. The machine-gun company commander may divide the guns under his command into groups, some to go forward with the Infantry, some to cover their advance, others as a reserve. 3. The machine guns that go forward with the attacking Infantry willbe placed under the control of the Infantry commander to whom they are attached. (See Infantry Training, sec. 160 (13).) The role of these guns will e to b (a) Assist the Infantry inobtaining superiority of fire. (b) Make good the positions won. (c) Pursue the enemy with fire. (d) Cover reorganization of the Infantry (c) Repel counterattack. (/) Cover retirement in the event of the attack proving unsuccessful. The number of guns to be sent with the Infantry will e governed b by two factors, viz, the length of front and the nature of the ground.
The time of their advance will e determined by the nature of the b ground and progress of the Infantry. The progress of the Infantry must be carefully watched so that the guns may be brought forward at the earliest possible moment. They should very rarely advance with the leading line of Infantry. This is the duty of the Lewis guns, the fire of which should suffice to hold the position wonuntil itcan finally be consolidated by the machine guns. 4. The guns detailed to cover the advance of the Infantry will normally be under the control of the machine-gun company com­ mander, who acts under the instructions of the brigade commander. The r6le of these guns will e toprovide covering fire for the Infantry b up to the last possible moment in the following ways: (a) By fire from the flanks or through gaps in the line. (6) By overhead fire. (c) By indirect fire. Great care must be exercised in (6) and (c) in order to avoid endangering our own troops. Orders to the machine guns detailed for this task may, ifnecessary, include general instructions to govern their action, after the task has been completed, pending receipt offurther orders fromthe machinegun company commander. Itmust, however, be remembered that it is usually dangerous to prescribe to a subordinate at a distance anything that he should be better able to decide on the spot, with a fuller knowledge of local conditions, for any attempt to do so may cramp his initiative indealing withunforeseen developments. (See F.8.5., Part I, sec. 12, par. 2.) 5. Guns kept as areserve will e under the control of the machineb gun company commander, acting under the instructions of the brigade commander. Owing to their characteristics, machine. guns are valuable as a reserve of fire power, and when kept inreserve in the hands of the brigade commander may prove of the utmost value at the critical moment. It must be remembered, however, that a great development of fire power is most useful in the opening stages of an attack, to cover the advance ofthe infantry, and itis a mistake to keep guns in reserve if they can be usefully employed in sup­ porting, the advance. These guns may be used for long range searching fire on ground behind the enemy's line, which is likelyto hold supports or reserves, but must be available to move forward at once, when required. 6. The great fire power of machine guns relative to the space they occupy, the rapidity with which they may be brought into or out of action and the ease with which they can change the direction
of their fire render them especially suitable for the protection of threatened flanks and for fillinggaps which may appear laterally or in depth. Any ofthe guns mentioned in the previous paragraphs may at times be employed in this manner. 7. During an attack it may be advisable to continue to hold cer­ tain tactical points, which have been captured, until the attacking troops have made good their next objective. The characteristics of machine guns fitthem for 'this duty; their use willavoid dimin­ ishing the strength and dash of the attacking infantry. — B..Limbers and ammunition reserve. Gun limbers willgenerally remain under the orders of section or subsection officers, but ammu­ nitionlimbers would, as a rule, be placed under the officer incharge of the brigade ammunition reserve (Infantry Training, sec. 166 (2)), or under a machine-gun officer, who should keep thoroughly in touch with the progress of the machine guns so that he may be able to keep the wagons as close up as possible. When machine guns are attached to battalions, a proportion of ammunition limbers will accompany them ifrequired. It must be remembered that ammunition limbers are far less mobile than gun limbers.
37. Machine guns
in the defense.
1. When ithas been decided to consolidate a position for defense a reconnaissance should be carried out, the machine guns being generally allotted on the followingprinciples. 2. Some guns should be posted as soon as possible in accordance with the nature of the ground to form a complete belt of flanking machine-gun fire along the front of the position. Important con­ cealed approaches and folds in the ground should also be covered by machine guns. Cooperation must be arranged with the Lewis guns of battalions, which can cover the less important approaches or small depressions or hollows which the machine guns can not sweep. 3. A proportion of machine guns should be kept in reserve. When the ground is suitable, these may be used for indirect over­ head fireifthe results are likelyto justifythe expenditure of ammu­ nition, and the readiness of the guns to take up other tasks is not impaired. Itwill often be found advisable to prepare machine-gun emplacements at important tactical points inrear of the front line and to detail guns for their occupation, if necessary. Preparation in this respect willfacilitate a rapid readjustment of the line at any point.
4. Secondary positions and lines of retirement must be recon­ noitered, and steps must be taken to insure that the detachments are familiar with them. Incase of a withdrawal becoming necessary, machine guns in supporting positions willcover the retirement of the Infantry and guns in the front line. When the latter have occupied their secondary positions, they, in their turn, will cover the movement of the guns originallyin support. 5. Arrangements for firing at night should be made. The day and night gun positions willprobably be different; the change from the one to the other should be made just aftor dark and just before
dawn. 6. Communication -must xarefully be arranged throughout machine-gun sections. Machine-gun officers must keep in touch with battalion commanders and the machine-gun company com­ mander. (See sec. 35, par. 3.) 7. The followingpoints should also be noted: (a) The position of the ammunitionlimber should be determined and the arrangements for ammunition supply made known to all concerned. (6) Range cards should be made for each gun. 8. The variations that arise during the protracted defense of a position are dealt with in Notes for Infantry Officers on Trench Warfare. 38. Machine guns with an advanced guard.
1. The functions of an advanced guard make it necessary that great fire power should be available when required. A large pro­ portion of machine guns should therefore be allotted to advanced
These machine guns should move well forward in the column, so that they may be able to get quickly into action. 2. The principal duties of machine guns with the advanced guard are to (a) Assist in driving back enemy forces by rapid production of great firepower at any required point; (b) Assist in holding any position gained until the arrival of the
(c) Cover the deployment of the main body by holding the enemy on a widefront. , 3. The characteristics of machine guns render them as a rule more suitable for employment with the main guard than with the van­
guard, but the size of the vanguard may necessitate machine guns being attached to it.
39. Machine guns
with a rear guard.
u 1. As rear guards will sually be required to hold positions with the minimum of men, a large proportion of machine guns should be
2. Experience has shown that well-placed machine guns, sup­ ported by a few Infantry only, willfrequently hold up an advance for long periods. 3. In occupying a rear guard position with machine guns the ordinary principles of defense apply, but the followingpoints should be specially noted: (a) As wide a fieldof fire as possible should be selected. (6) Guns must be concealed in the least obvious places, (c) Covered lines of retirement must be reconnoitered. (d) Gun limbers should be close up to facilitate a hasty retire­
(c) Positions in rear must be chosen before the machine guns retire from their forward positions. (/) A proportion of the machine guns should occupy the positions inrear before allthe machine guns retire from the forward position. Thus the retirement of the last gun can be covered. (g) Pack transport is very useful.
40. Village fighting. 1. As soon as the infantry have made good one edge of a village, machine guns should be brought up in close support. They should then- search windows, doorways, roofs, etc., likely to be held by the
2. Machine guns should be used to command cross streets, etc., so as to guard against attack on the flanks orrear of the infantry. They should also be posted on the edges of the villages to prevent flank attacks, and when possible should be pushed forward well on the flanks, so as to command the exits from the village. 3. During villagefighting use may be made of windows, doors, etc., as machine-gun positions. Ifa good fieldof fire can not be obtained from existing doors and windows, and time is available, smallholes can be made in the outside walls of the upper stories of buildings, enabling a good field of fire to be obtained.
101862°— 17 6
of various positions.
1. Machine guns may be hidden in almost any position, but itis advisable to avoid places which are either obvious or easy to recog­ nize, such as cross roads or single objects, or places which can easily be located on the map. Itis important that guns should merge into the surroundings, and straight edges or distinct shadows should not be made.
2. Banks ofrivers, canals, and railways, ditches, folds inthe ground, hedges, palings or walls, also mounds of earth, may be used either to afford a covered line of approach and supply to a gun position or else a gun position itself. When firing over the top of the cover, greater protection is given ifhollows are scooped out for the front tripod legs. (Pis. XIIto XIV.) 3. Houses may be employed in the following ways: The gun may be placed in rear, firing through windows or doors in line or past the sides of the house. When firingfrom a window, door, or hole in the roof, the gun should be placed wellback for concealment. (PI. XVI.) Adamp piece of cloth hung in front of the gun helps to conceal the flash. When firing from a cellar, care should be taken not to cause a cloud of dust to rise and give away the position. A means of retirement and alternative emplacements should be arranged. Overhead fire and observation may often be obtained from high buildings. 4. Woods and crops provide cover from view, facilities for com­ munication, and good lines of approach or supply. Inneither case should guns be placed too near to the front edge. In woods itwill often be possible to construct hasty overhead cover. 5. If a barricade has been constructed across a road, machine guns should not be put on the barricade itself but, if possible, in a concealed position to a flank from which they can sweep the road. 6. Haystacks do not aa a rule afford a very satisfactory position, but guns may be placed in a hollow in front, or behind, firingpast the side, or else in a hollow on top, firing through the front face of the stack. A machine gun concealed in a field which is covered with cornstalks, manure heaps, or mounds of roots is very hard to locate. (PI. XV.) 7. Wood stacks, planks, logs of trees, and farm implements may be used to conceal guns; cover from fire can often be obtained by the additionof bricks or sandbags. (PI. XV.) 8. Trees generally provide better observation posts than machinegun positions.
42. Signals.
b Inmany cases observation will e impossible from the gun posi­ tion, and it will e necessary for observers to signal results from a b flank. The following semaphore code is used in signaling the results of observation of fire: O =Fire observed over.
S =Fire observed short.
R =Fire observed to right of target.
L =Fire observed to left of target.
K=Fire observed correct (target or range).
W=Fire unobserved or "Washout."
lUJ.XIO XIV. X.
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Table 2 (A).
—Trajectory
table, .303 Vickers gun, Mark Vll ammunition.
lintdistant from gun in yards.
Range yards.
300 1.0 .7 .4 O .5 .9 1.4 2.0 2.7 3.5 4.3 5.4 6.5 7.8 9.2 10.7 12.7 14.3 16.7 19.0 21.3 24.3 27.3 30.7 34.0 38.0 47.7 52.7
400 1.9 1.5 1.1 .6 O .6 1.3 2.1 3.1 4.1 5.3
500 3.2 2.8 2.2 1.6 .9 .9 1.9 3.1 4.4 5.8 7.5 9.3 11.5 13.8 16.3 19.3 22.7 26.0 30.0 34.0 38.7 43.7 49.3 55.3 62.0 69.3 77.7 86.3 1.7
600 4.9 4.4 3.7 3.0 2.1 1.1 O 1.2 2.6 4.2 5.9 7.9 10.2 12.7 15.5 18.7 22.0 26.0 30.3 35.0 39.7 45.3 51.3 58.3 65.3 73.3 82.3 92.0 102 2.0
800 10.0 9.3 8.4 7.5 6.3
900 13.6 12.8 11.8 10.7 9.5 7.9 6.3 4.5 2.4 2.6 5.6
jj 1,100
30.0 28.9 27.6 38.2 37.0 35.5 47.6 46.4 44.8 58.9 57.0 55.9 72.1 70.7 68.9 -Ft0 59.0 55.8 52.0 48.0 43.2 38.2 32.1 25.1 17.7 9.3 O
O 100 200 300 400 500 ?00 800 900 1,000 1,100
1,200 1,300 1,400 1,500 1,600 1,700 1,800 1,900 2,000 2,100 2,200 2,300 2,400 2,500 2,600 2,700
0.4 .2 O .3 .5
7.1 6.5 5.7 4.9 3.9
18.0 17.2 16.0 14.8 13.3 11.6 9.8 7.9 5.5 2.9 O 3.3 7.1 11.3 16.0 21.9 27.0 33.3 40.3 48.3 56.7
23.4 22.4 21.1 19.8 18.3 16.3 14.4 12.2 9.6 6.7 3.5 O 4.2 8.6 13.9 19.7 26.0 33.0 40.7 49.3 58.3 '80. 92J 105 120 136 153 173 4.0
87.5 86.0 84.0
20.2 17.8 15.0 11.9 8.7
L 6V.4
27.6 25.0 21.9 18.5 14.7
E81.6
79.6 76.6 73.6 70.1 66.1 61.7 56.9 51.4
105 104 102 99.5 96.8 93.6 90.6 87.0 82.7 78.0 72.8 67.0 60.1 52.3 43.9 34.6 24.1 12.6 O 14.0 29.0 45.7 63.3
125 124 121 119 117
149 147 145 142 140 136 133 128 124 119 113
1.2 1.6 2.1 2.6 3.2 3.9 4.6 5.5 6.4 7.3 8.7 10.0 11.3 13.0 14.3 16.3 18.3 20.7 23.0 25.7 32.3 35.3
1.4 O 1.6 3.5 5.5 7.8 10.3 13.4 16.7 20.3 24.3 29.0 33.8 39.1 45.0
3.5 1.9 O 2.0 4.4 7.1 10.1 13.5 17.2 21.3 26.0 31.3 36. 7 43.0 49.7
36.1 33.3 30.0 26.4 22.4 17.9 12.6 6.5 O 7.3 15.3
46.6 43.6 40.1 36.2 31.8 27.0 21.4 14.8 7.9 O 8.7 18.3 28.7 40.3 53.0 66.7 81.7 98.3 116 136 158 182 209
110 106 102 96.6 91.1 85.0 78.0 69.5 60.7 50.8 39.7 27.6 14.3 O 16.0 33-7 52.3 73.7 96.0 121 149 180
8.1 9.5 11.7 13.7 16.0 18.7 21.3 24.7 27.7 31.7 35.7 40.0 45.0 50.0 56.3 62.7 69.7 1.3
9.0 12.8 17.0 21.7 27.0 32.7 39. 0 46. 0 53.3
O 5.1 10.6 17.0 24.0 31.7 40.0 49.3 59.3 70.7 82.7 96.0 110 126 144 163 184 4.7 I
5.7 O 6.0 12.7 20.4 28.7 37.7 48.0 58.7 70.7 83.7 98.0 114 131 150 171 191
45.0 37.5 29.6 20.7 10.9 O 12.0 25.0 39.3 54.7 71.7 90.7 111 134 158 186 215 8.0
98.9 90.0 30.8 70.4 58.6 45.9 32.0 16.8 O 18.7 38.3 60.7 84.3 111 140 172 207 10.0
51.1 58.1 66.1
74.7 84.0 94.3 106 118 2.3
SZJ) »>s.Y) '.»_ 7(17'
'7^7 8613
99.0 112 127 143 161
34.3 45.0 56.7 69.8 83.7 99.0 116 135 155 178 202
21.3 33.7 47.3 62.0 77.7 95.7 115 136 159 185 213 .__ .__ 7.3
O 20.7 44.0 69.0 97.0 127 161 197 13.3
24.0 50.7 79.7 111 147 185 16.7
27.3 58.0 91.0 128 168 20.0 66.3 105 146 25.0
83.3 94. 3 106 119 133 2.7
91.7 104 117 132 147 3.0 i
105 129 155 184 215
O " 35.3 0" ........
........ 75.7 41.7 O 119 86.0 46.3 30.0 35.0 41.7
1below The table is divided into two parts, one 1below the zero line and the other above. That part below the zero lineis She ordinary trajectory table; that part abovi c and the words "positive" and "negative" are for use when determining Slearance in indirect overhead fire. (See se< c. 30, par. 4 (I).)
Example. At a range of 1,800 ) yards tl le lowest sight.
shot at 900 yard; s from the gun is39
— 3 =36 yards above tl
le line of
PAET ABOVE ZERO L JNE. LJNE.
PART BELOW ZERO LINE.
1. This table gives at any distance from tlhe gun the height in yards of the center of the cone above the line of sight. tl he Example. At a range of 1,900 yards and a it a distance of 1,000 yards from the gun the center of the cone is 48.3 yards ibove the line of sight. 2. To findthe height of the lowest shot a ibove the line of sight subtract the figure inthe linemarked L.S. from the leight of the trajectory. 101862°— 17. (To face page 84.)
1. Triistable gives at any dist tance froi tn the gun the height in yairds of the center of the cone below a horizom tal t)lane passing through the gun position, When using this table the range c is not the range to the target, but is the q [uadrant angle onthe gun converted toa ramge by 1 Cable 1, column 2. Example.—At a range of 800 ; yards, ai ndat a distance of 1,200 y r rds from the gun the center of the cone is 15 yards a below the horizontal plane throu lgh the g ;un position. tlhe 2. To find the height of the lo west sho »t below the horizontal pis ane passing through the gun position add tl he figure in the line L.S. to the height of th le traject ;ory. = horiExample.— At a range of 800 ys ards, the : lowest shot at 1,400 yards 3 from the gun is 30plus 6 36 yards below the hori­ zontal plane through the gun pos sition.
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MACHINE Gtfrf NOTES NO. 1.
Wind allowances.
The followingis the usual table for rough guidance:
Lateral allowances.
Yards. Mild. Yards.
[,000 1,500 !,000
Yards. Minutes. 10 1J
15 20 45 60
Noi 'ES.
winds; hi ilye the allowances for oblique winds. (i) The table (ii) The minutes of angle should be usei 1 inconjunction witha card and string?in an auxiliary aiming mark on which to order the gunner to lay. order to obtain (iii) When no clearly denned auxiliary mark is obtainable the lateral angular allowance may be put on by the direction dial,ifthe angle isreasonably large. If not, the followingrough rule may prove of value. (iv) Assume the followingfactors: Mild, 2; fresh, 3; strong, 4; then multiply the range by the appropriate factor, and the first figure of the answer gives the taps required. Thus fresh wind at 1,500 yards; 1,500X3=4,500; 4 taps are necessary. (v) The deflection due to drift is negligible below 1,000 yards. At 1,500 yards it is about 2 yards. Above 1,500 yards itis unknown but is certainly several yards at extreme ranges. N.B.—Drift is to the left.
is for right-angle
Table 5. Allowances for atmospheric influences.
More elevation. Less elevation.
(80° F. or more). Strong rear wind. Rain. Over 3,000 feet above sea.
Cold (40° F. or less). Strong head wind. Extreme dryness.
in Yards of
1factor.
2 factors. 50 100 150
1,000 yards 1,500 yards 2,000 yards
T. BLB 6.
11U1JJS
\me of flight.
seconds). yards).
Total time Distance Total time Distance flight(to flight(to offlight (to covered (to of flight (to covered (in
600 1,000 1,300 1,550 1,775 1,950 2,100 2,225
2,3502,350­ 2,450 2,550 2,625 2,700 2,775 2,840
(i) Due to the effect of lighton the human eye, more elevation must be given in a very bright light and less elevation ina very poor light. , (ii) Factors affecting elevation in opposite directions will naturally cancel out;
the result ofcombined factors only must be used inthe allowance table. (iii)Less elevation is required when firing or down hill. This may be neglected up when the angle of sight to the target does not exceed 10 s
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[No. 51. M.G. Coy. No. 3 Section.
Officer i/c firing, 2/Lt. D.Hay.] Direction. smarks.
fi c sheet.
Date. 11.2.19.
Map used, 36c NT. W. 3. 1/10,000.
El« svation.
Clearani :e over om
Gun No.
target (in yards).
(in yards).
Gun. A.
V.I. minutes. Table 3 (A) or
Range Contour Clearance tory for Q. E. of own Range height (in obtained Clearyards). (in troops to own by note ance re- Compass bearing troops yards). (in Table (1)below quired or D.D.reading. (in (in (in table 1, yards). yards). 2 (A) or yards). yards). 2(B). col. 2. B. C.
NumNum­ ber of Time of firing. rounds Checked byfired.
Dump, TT.28.b.5.4
118 100 111 132
1,850 |
80° magnetic
19.56 10. 00, 12. 24 21.15
D.H. D.H.
Traversed and searched slightly. En­ Enemy retaliated on front line with 77 mm. shells. Own troops not between gun and tar­ tar0.0. reports en­ get. Artillery F. enemy casualties on both occasions.
dummy emplacement.
Brickworks, U.29.C.0.9
D.D.62°(leftof R.0.).
8.17.d.5.1
D. D. 72°-74° (right of R.0.).
stampedD.H. Firing line reports noises of stamped­ ing transport. Enemy retaliated on
Battalion headquarters, B.18.a.8.4. 5-16
Barrage on near edge of Crow
1,700 2,300
103 27 48
D.H. Insufficient clearance over own troops. Did not fire.
2,400 | I
Parallel lines of On call from infantry. magfire 101" mag­ netic. Gun laidby day. 19.08
D.H. S. O. S. signal at 18.20, 19.30-19.56, and L.T.N. 21.10. No enemy attacks developed. K.O.A. D.H. Traversed slightly, No information as Noinformation to results.
Shafskopf redoubt
99,97 900,1,500
1 Positive.
Negative. :
3 Lowt (St.
«B ith positive.
1. Clearance in yards=A— B plus or minus C according as trajectory tables give positive or negative values of C. 2. Immediately before firing Q. E. must be corrected, ifnecessary, for atmospheric influences, see Table 5. 3. For lateral windallowance see Table 4. 4. If obstruction exists between gun and target and its highest point can not be seen, ascertain ifshots willclear by substituting Note. Minimum clearance required is one-half height of cone at range to obstruction. 101862°— 17. (To face page 94.)
for Own troops'' inclearance columns above and find clearance by rule.
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MACHINE QTJX NOTES NO.
KEY TO PLATES.
Company commander. Second in command. Section officer. Subsection officer. Company sergeant major. s Company quartermaster sergeant. Sergeant. Corporal.
Range taker.
fa ..~
jjjj {g j2 j23
Scout. Gun number, lance corporal, or private Artificer. Batman. Saddler.
Shoeingsmith.
© J2 OSD £B
Cook Storeman. Driver. Signaler.
Pilterer.
MACHINE-GUN COMPANY DKAWN UP INLINE.
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MACHINE-GUN COMPANY IN COLUMN OF ROUTE. ACTION NOT EXPECTED.
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Total length of column = 311 yds.
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MACHINE-GUN COMPANY IN COLUMN OF KOUTE EXPECTED.
E3 IB GD Corpt.
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Followed in succession by 2, 3 and 4 sections in above order. The subsection officer of No. 4 section followed by No. 3 (ammunitioE) limbers and remainder of transport in same order as shown when action is not expected. Length of column=-326 yards.
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