the german motorized infantry regiment2 the german motorized infantry regiment 6. the chief task of...

l! - E i

i, . 4 .A.

: '4 PECIAL SERIES, NO. 4

* [rmy Military History tif.

OCTOBER 17, 1942

THE GERMANMOTORIZED INFANTRY

REGIMENTI LIBRARY

:,'.,Im:,: I' I "I... ASSfIFDE rF,, I i, ,, ,.r:) Pi-0 D Di R 5i 2 ) ' ,R(:*cA fly S0UW))

PROTYu Cr ,! FA | IW; fi , ;

_1LI II I ._ I I_.1/_1 11_ I IU I

rr AS

MILITARY INTELLIGENICESERVICE

WAR I)EPARITMENT

Washington, October 17, 1942

SPECIAL SERIESNo. 4

MIS 4011

NOTICEI. Ia'llieation of the Special S'erics is for the puirp'ose of pr(ovidingofficers with reasonally co:nfirmed inforllatio il fronl otflicial aIll otherreliable sources.2. Nolndivisional ullits are being sulpillied wvith copies oti a h:lsis simnilatto the al)I)roved distribution for divisionall comiiandils, as follow.s:

INF DIVDiv It __.. ___ 8Ren Tr .-- __ '_

Sig (2o ____-__._ 2Engr f.n_ ___.. 7Med Bn________ __ 7QM Bn -_______. 7Iql I nf Rhegt, t ea;ch ISIlnf 1n, 7 (each.. (;i3Hq Div Arty SFA B11, 7 each __ 28

151(

('AV DIVl)iv Hq _)rd (Co --

Sig TrItelt Sq . .Ellgr Sqled Sq 1-.

QMI Sq(hIq ('av lBrig, 3 ea(ch

(Cav Itegt, 24) each-.I-lI Div Arty ......F'A lEn, 7 each

8

27777

80t3

21

AIIMI) DIVI)iv lh( _

'Nigrtlie l 1...

Sell) 1Bl __

Iiv Tn Elqr\ n lid Itgt, 25 ('(

FA ]ti, 7 e(ch__Ilnf Rlteg ..

I)istiibttion to air Irnits is being nmI (ld by thli A 2 if Arilly Air Fo (r(es.

3. Each command should circulate available copies among its officers.Iteproductioll within the military service is petrilitted( provided (1) thesource is stated, (2) the ehlssifi(lationl is not cllange(d, aJd (3) the ifliofr-mation is safeguarded. Attention is invited to paragrapIh 11a. Alt 384 5which is quoted in part as follows: '"A do(inent * * * will bec(lassified alnd * * * Inallked rc.'trictcd when inforlltion ('ont:liledtherein is for otficial use (lly, or nwheli its disil)siulr(, shlotld be * * *denied the general puil)lic."4. Suggestions for ftll lre btillet ins atre inivited. Anly coirresl)((idllerelating to Special Ser'ies may be (ldresed(l di re(tly to the Evall uationand Dissemination Iranclh, Miilitary Intelligence Service, War Depart-ment, Washington, D. C.

I48635. °--42---1

LIBRARYU8 ARMY WAR COLLEGECARL18LE BARRACKS, PA

_ 11

1

7

7

''125

150

.dm -dd

FOREWORDThis is a translation of a captured German field

manual on the tactics of the motorized infantry regi-ment and battalion when used as part of the Germanarmored division. In accordance with the principlethat "the chief task of motorized infantry is coopera-tion with tanks," the aim of the German 'omminiandhas been to weld their armored division into a honlo-geneous tnit, and' to mold the tactics of this divisionaround the operation of the tank elements. TheseGerman instructions assume that the motorizedinfantry is equipped with support guns on self-propelled mnouits, this equipmlent being adopted bythe Germans as quickly as it can be designed andmanufactured.

This document supplenments The Germnanr Arm oredDivision,* which contains the Gerilan instructionsfor the arnmored division.

* Inforniatiorl Bulletin No. 18, Military Intelligence Service.

III

GERMAN WAR OFFICE

Provisional Instructions for the Employmentand Tactics of the Motorized Infantry Regi-ment and Battalion

March 1, 1941

Principles which are common both to 4notorizedinfantry regiments and battalions, and to infantryregiments and battalions, are not mentioned in these"Provisional Instructions." A knowledge of H.Dv.* 130/9, "Employment and 'ractics of the Infan-try," is therefore indispensable.

As long as the motorized infantry regiments andbattalions are not (or only partly) equipped witharmored personnel carriers, the instructions are validonly to a limited extent. This applies particularlyto fighting from trucks. All cases in which employ-ment and tactics are affected fundamnentally by thelack of armored personnel carriers are indicated inthe instructions.

*Heeresdienstvorschrift, Germanl (Army) training regulations.

V

CONTENTSPage

SECTION 1. NATURE AND TASKS OF M/rOTORIZED

INFANTRY ------ - I.

II. WEAPONS AND THEIR PERFORMANCES- 3111. INFLUENCE OF GROUND ON MOVEMENT

AND TACTICS ..-------------- 5IV. PRINCIPLES OF FIRE EMPLOYMENT 7

V. PRINCIPLES OF TACTICAL EMPLOYMENT_ 8VI. RECONNAISSANCE AND OBSERVA'SON 12

VII. MOVEMENT ----------- 15VIII. DEPLOYMENT AND DETRUCKING --. 19

IX. ATTACK --- -- -- ------- . - - 24A. General ___- ___ _ . 24B. Attack without Deployment 25C. Prepared Attack .. ...... 28D. Cooperation with Tanks 31

X. PURSUIT - ___________________------ 34XI. DEFENSE______ - ----- --------- _____ 36

Xl1. BREAKING CONTACT_------------. 38

XII1. FIGHTING UNDER SPECIAL CONDITIONS 40

A. Attack against Fixed Defenses 40B. Opposed River Crossing 41C. At Night or in Fog ----------- 42D. Village Fighlting 42E. In Woods and Mountains 44

XIV. REST IERIOD - 46XV. ORGANIC TRANSPORTATION ........ 48

XVI. COMBAT TRAINS .---------------- 50X VI1. SUPPLY-------------------------- .. 52

VII

VIII CONXTENTS

APPENDIXESPage

I & I a. ORGANIZATION OF THE M:JIOTORIZED INFANTRY

REGIMENT .................... 55

2. EXAMPLE OF THE BATTALION ADVANCING IN DE-

PLOYED FORMATION _ ........................... . ____ 57

3. LENGTH OF COLUMNS IN MARCH ORDER_---..---__ 59

4. GUIDE FOR DAILY RATES OF FUEL CONSUMPTION__ 61

Section I. NATURE AND TASKS OFMOTORIZED INFANTRY

1. Motorized infantry units form the offensive in-fantry element in the armored division. Theirstrength lies in their speed and cross-country per-formance, together with the possession of numerousautomatic weapons and protective armor. z

2. The possession of armored personnel carriersenables motorized infantry units to overcome com-paratively weak opposition without dismounting.They can follow up tank attacks on the field of battlewithout dismounting.

3. Motorized infantry is characterized by abilityto alternate rapidly between fighting from carriersand fighting on foot, and also to combine these twomethods of combat.

4. Mobility and the possession of numerous auto-matic weapons enable motorized infantry units todefend even a broad front against comparativelystrong enemy forces.

5. Motorized infantry on wheeled vehicles movesfaster than motorized infantry on armored person-nel carriers, although in difficult country movementson wheeled vehicles are restricted. Owing to lackof sufficient armor, motorized infantry cannot fightfrom their trucks.

486355-42 2 1

2 THE GERMAN MOTORIZED INFANTRY REGIMENT

6. The chief task of motorized infantry is closecooperation with tanks. By following up closelythey can quickly exploit the tanks' success.

7. Motorized infantry units also prepare theground for the employment of tanks by clearing away through country difficult or impossible for tanks.They will then bear the brunt of the fighting. Inthis their main tasks will be the following:

(a) Attack over tankproof sectors and rivers;(b) Attack on an enemy in or behind tankproof

count ry;(c) Attack on a fixed position;(d) Fighting in villages and woods.8. Their greater speed compared with tanks en-

ables them at an early stage to take possession of im-),'rtant points and sectors, to carry out wide and

deep enveloping movements, or to' pursue the enemyrapidly.

9. Motorized infantry units are organized intobrigades. In the accomplishment of their tasks theyare frequently reinforced by other arms-primarilyantitank guns and artillery. Tank units may beattached to motorized infantry brigades.

Section II. WEAPONS AND THEIRPERFORMANCES

10. A motorized infantry regiment is equippedwith the same kind of light and heavy infantryweapons as an infantry regiment. Some of theseweapons can be fired from the personnhl carrier.These are:

(a) A light machine gun in the antiaircraft pivotmountifig,

(b) A light inachine gun in the armored shield,(c) A machine gull on armored rlmoullting with

telescope,*(d) A heavy mortalr.*11. Firing from the carrier increases the effective-

ness of the weapons. This improvement is due to thegreater mobility, the constant readiness to open fire,the armor (which affords protection against enemyinfantry fire), and the greater accuracy of fire.

12. The 50-mm antitank gun and the heavy in-fantry gun fire from self-propelled mountings.

13. The cross-country performance and armor, ofthis vehicle, together with the possibility of fightingfrom it, make the armored personnel carrier the chieffighting agent of motorized infantry. It can cover

*A projected developmenllt.3


long distances rapidly and at the same time conservethe energies of the men. It can travel on all roadsin any season. Its fording, climbing, and crossingabilities combine to give a high cross-country per-formance. Providing the ground is firm and level,the normal road speed can be maintained off roadsand tracks. Its armor gives protection against small-arms fire, light infantry weapons, and shell splinters.The vehicles can therefore be brought up to the battlearea and moved about under fire from enemyinfantry.

Section III. INFLUENCE OF TERRAINON MOVEMENT AND TACTICS

14. A good network of roads and trails saves wearand tear of vehicles and makes rapid movementpossible.

15. The state of roads and trails may changerapidly and appreciably under the influence ofweather conditions, especially snow and frost, andthrough heavy use. This circumstance must betaken into account in planning and carrying outmovements.

16. Gently rolling country which slopes awayslightly toward the enemy and affords a measure ofcover provides the most favorable conditions for anattack by motorized infantry in vehicle. It offerspositions for fire halts on reverse slopes, and for goodobservation.

Steep inclines slow down an attack in vehicles. Insurmlounting rises the armored personnel carriersshow up clearly on the skyline and afford sharply de-fined targets.

17. Hollows, valleys, and ravines are suitable forthe assembly and forming up of vehicles if the neigh-boring high land is in our hands. They make an at-tack over a wide front more difficult. Valleys and

5


ravines running in the direction of the attack areblocked easily by the enemy.

In deploying and in attack, narrow valleys and ra-vines compel distribution in depth. On emergingfrom them, there is delay in resuming battle order ona broad front.

18. Marshes are practicable for armored personnelcarriers only in winter when the ground is frozen.

19. Woods and mountains often present great diffi-culties for the movement of armored personnel car-riers off the roads and trails. Deployment is possibleonly in thinly wooded districts and in wide and flatvalleys.

20. Villages and woods restrict the movements ofinfantry on motorized vehicles. Barriers and ob-stacles are likely to be encountered sud(denlly and un-expectedly. Villages and woods favor close attacksby the enemy.

Section IV. PRINCIPLES OF FIREEMPLOYMENT

21. Their armor and cross-country mobility allowheavy weapons to be used at close range and from themost effective angle, and also enable fire to be con-centrated quickly on crucial spots.

22. Motorized infantry, by virtue of its ypeed andmaneuverability, can readily adapt its fire to suit anysituation. Fire superiority so gained can be exploitedmore rapidly in vehicles than on foot.

23. The splinter-proof armor of its transport ve-hicles allows motorized infantry to follow closely be-hind the burst of its own artillery fire.

7

Section V. PRINCIPLES OF TACTI-CAL EMPLOYMENT

24. The speed and mobility of motorized infantrycall for speed and agility in the thought and actionsof its commanders, who must be daring and have thefaculty of translating decisions quickly into briefcommands. Personel reconnaissance and quick ap-preciation of the situation are necessary. Preoccu-pation about the flanks, which are often deep, mustnot impair boldness of action.

25. Careful study of maps and the ground mustprecede entry into action. Air. photographs mayfurnish valuable data for the assessment of theground. Early reconnaissance must complete quicklyits estimate of the situation. Before an action sub-ordinate commanders will be informed promptly ofthe plans, so that they can familiarize their units withtheir tasks and can take appropriate action underchanged circumstances.

26. The coordination of force to give uniformand simultaneous action is indispensable. Every dis-persion of units weakens the attack. Rapidity incarrying out movements, and concealment of move-ments, above all against enemy air reconnaissance,are the prerequisites of surprise.

8

PRINCIPLES OF TACTICAL EMPLOYMENT

27. Commanders must always aim to utilize mobil-ity for thrusts against the enemy's flanks and rear.The objectives will be so placed that unity of com-mand is maintained.

28. In attacks against a demoralized enemy on awide front, in opposed river crossings, in pushingforward through wooded and mountainous country,in overtaking the enemy, and in withdrawals, thetemporary formation of small task forces may be anadvantage. Each force must be equipped with thearms it needs for carrying out its task.

The smallest task force is the company/strength-ened by heavy arms, artillery on self-propelledmountings, antitank guns, engineers, and frequentlyalso tanks.

30. The infantry cannon company will be used bythe regimental commander to support the battalionsin battle. By rapidly building up a concentration offire he is able to influence the battle at the decisivepoint. Subordination of individual platoons of thecannon company to the battalions is necessary whenfighting on a wide front, in close country, and whenthe battalions are employed independently.

31. Where only a few companies in the motorizedinfantry units are equipped with armored personnelcarriers, they must be used en masse. Preferablythese companies will be allotted tasks in which thecarriers are utilized fully as fighting vehicles. Suchtasks may be:

(a) Reconnaissance (fighting);486355 °- 4 2

3

9

THE GERMAN MOTORIZED INFANTRY REGIMENT

(b) Taking possession of important areas whilefighting against a weak enemy;

(c) Delaying an enemy approach;(d), Carrying the battle deep into the enemy posi-

tion, after overcoming his antitank defenses;(e) Accompanying a tank attack.32. In order to conserve the valuable fighting

powers of the armored companies they should not beused as covering parties on the march, nor split upinto separate reconnaissance patrols. It is equallyinadvisable to weaken these companies by allottingsingle armored carriers to other units and head-quarters.

33. I'he place of the regimental and battalioncommanders is is well forward. On the march theyand the first echelon of their headquarters will, as arule, be behind the company- farthest forward.During the fighting the com,n ?andelr's place is in thecenter of the battle. Here, by personal participationat the right moment, he will often achieve decisivesuccesses. When the regiment is following a tankattack in its vehicles, the regimental comrrrander willmove in front of his regiment in the vicinity of tlecommrlander of the tank unit.

34. Before the battle, if time permits, it is oftenconvenient to issue orders in writing. A written.order must always be given when this is the only wayof insuring the collaboration of all arms. During thebattle the commander will give shoirt, single orders.

The most convincing and effective order is that

10

PRINCIPLES OF TACTICAL EMPLOYMENT

given orally on the spot. The place from whichorders are to be issued must be reconnoitered andmade known in advance.

35. Orders must always be given first to those unitsand arms which require the longest time to preparefor action.

36. The regimental motorcycle platoon will be usedfor communication with, and the transmission oforders to, battalions, and also for the reconnaissanceof routes and the regulation of traffic. In battle,communication between regiment and battalions, andbetween battalions and companies, can be m1iaintainedby radio as well as by orderlies on motorcycles andon foot.

37. The concealment of radio traffic is particularlyimportant. In principle, radio messages are to beencoded if the time required to put them into effectallows the enemy to take countermeasures. Radiomessages dealing with measures to be taken inmmed-iately are sufficiently camouflaged by the use of the"thrust line" * and code first laid down by thedivision.

* "Offset method in which a secret line is drawn north and south, orseveral degrees from the north-south line, on a map. Points are desig-nated in inches up from the bottom of the map and right or left fromthe line. Example: A point 10 inches up the map and 3'/2 inches to theright of the line is described as 10 R 3.5." Cf. FM 18-5, Tank DestroyerField Manual, paragraph 231.

11

Section VIL RECONNAISSANCE ANDOBSERVATION

38. Reconnaissance must be carried out as early aspossible to gain the initial advantage over the enemy.

39. Reconnaissance must be rapid. Commandersmust be determined to push forward at all costs.

40. Normally, clear information about the enemyecan be obtained only by fighting. Bold and resoluteaction is necessary. The strength of reconnaissancepatrols and their composition vary with the task, theenemy, and the time at the disposal of the patrol. Asa rule, they will not be less strong than a squad.

41. The more obscure the situation and the closerthe country for reconnaissance, the more patrols mustbe used.

42. As a rule, it is wrong to hold up the advance ofa unit by waiting for the results of reconnaissance.

43. Unit commanders must exchange importantdata obtained from reconnaissance and observation.

44. Units must always endeavor to listen in to re-connaissance reports radioed by the divisional recon-naissance unit and air reconnaissance Staffel.*

45. The regimental commander organizes closereconnaissance during an action in order to obtain

* Squadron, about 9 airplanes.12

RECONNAISSANCE AND OBSERVATION

data on which to base the employment of his regiment.In addition, the battalion commanders keep them-selves continuously informed about the enemy andthe terrain by close reconnaissances.

46. Close reconnaissance must begin at the latestwith deployment. Once contact with the enemy hasbeen established, it must not be lost.

47. Close reconnaissance must also be carried outduring the night. It may provide data for the con-duct of the battle the next day. Moreover, itharasses the enemy. /

48. Until motorized infantry units are equippedwith reconnaissance tanks for combat reconnaissance,they have the following means at their disposal:

(a) Reconnaissance patrol on armored carriers;(b) Motorcycle reconnaissance patrol;(c) Reconnaissance patrol by bicyclists and on

foot.Motorcycle patrols are especially mobile and fast.Their disadvantage lies in their vulnerability and inthe difficulty of maintaining good observation whilein movement.

Armored carriers, because of their armor andcross-country performance, are particularly suitablefor reconnaissance.

49. The object of close reconnaissance, during bat-tle, by motorized infantry is to locate in good time:

(a) Enemy antitank weapons;(b) Obstacles, primarily mine fields, gas-contami-

nated areas, and improved natural obstacles;

13

14 THE GERMAN MOTOR1IZED INFANTRY REGIMENT

(c) Enemy tanks;(d) Natural obstacles.

Furthermore, it is important to locate flanks andgaps in the enemy positions.

Patrols should endeavor to bring in prisoners.Detailed information about the enemly may beobtained from them.

50. Every reconnaissance p a t r o 1 must be ac-quainted with the general situation and intended lineof action. It must know how far it can advance with-out the likelihood of contacting the enemy; where theenemy may be encountered and where he will cer-tainly be encountered.

51. In addition to any other tasks, every recon-naissance patrol will reconnoiter the terrain. Infor-ination about the terrain is always of decisive import-ance. In particular, the state of'roads and tracks,and the carrying capacity of bridges, must be re-ported. Defiles, gradients, natural obstacles, andmarshland must be mapped. Alternative approachesare to be explored and reported without delay.

52. Before going into battle every commander mustendeavor to look over the terrain personally. In therapid course of movements, the commander musttherefore always choose his place well forward toenable the carrying out of timely and repeated per-sonal reconnaissance.

53. When fighting is carried out on foot, the adju-tant will arrange for the field of battle to be undercontinual observation.

Section VII. MOVEMENT

54. Good march discipline is essential for thesmooth and rapid execution of movements. To pre-vent delays on the march, timely reconnaissance ofthe route is especially important. Reconnaissancepatrols will be sent ahead for this purpose.

55. On good roads free from traffic, a regiment ofarmored motorized infantry can cover from 150 to200 kilometers in 24 hours. Motorized infantry onwheeled vehicles can cover from 250 to 350 kilometersin 24 hours.

56. Marches are carried out in accordance with theprinciples laid down in H. Dv. 472 and the instruc-tion 0. K. H. Gen. St. d. H. Ansb. Abt. (I) Nr.2600/40 geh. vorn 12.12.40.

57. Tracked and wheeled vehicles must be keptseparate as far as possible in order to reduce vehiclestrain and to allow the march to proceed smoothly.

With the tracked vehicles go the vehicles of thecommand group, and of signal, repair, and imedicalservices, and also the essential fuel and ration trains.

58. March orders should contain:(a) Information about the enemy;(b) Own mission;(c) Route and destination;(d) Reconnaissance and protection;

15


(e) Line of departure and time;(f) Order of march (including special instructions

for baggage trains and for repair and nmedi-cal services);

(g) Halts and rests;(h) Cornmander 's place, and special instructions

for communication;(i) And, at n i g h t, the degree of illumination

ordered by division.In issuing orders, it should be borne in mind that

in view of the wide area in which troops are usuallyquartered, often more than an hour elapses betweenthe issue of orders and the start of the move. Ac-cordingly, warning orders should be issued wheneverpossible, giving the expected time and direction ofmarch, or time and place of assembly.

The art of commland consists in disposing units sothat they can take up their places in the column with-out lengthy interruption of the move, and withoutinterfering with the movements of other units.

59. It is a good plan to lay down the maximumspeed at which the leading vehicle will travel. Forarmored personnel carriers this will normally be15 miles per hour.

Unarmored motorized infantry units can travel ongood roads at speeds up to 20 miles per hour for theleading vehicle.

The situation may call for higher speeds than isnormal for the vehicles, in which case some severestrain and breakdowns must be allowed for.

MOVEMENT

60. When the motorized infantry regiment formsa march column inside the division, the commanderis responsible for the speed and continuity of move-ment and for leaving the roads free by the timeordered. In accordance with the divisional order, heorders halts and rests, provides protection and cam-ouflage during these periods, and arranges for ve-hicles to refuel.

When a march column has been allotted aseparate route, it may also be required to organizereconnaissance, protection, and route-ylarking.During a halt, units move off the road and remainthere, camouflaged as much as possible, ready to re-sume the march without delay.

Roads and ground may make it difficult or impos-sible to move forward or to deploy rear elements ofthe column. Consequently, the heavy weapons andartillery must be placed behind the advance elementsso that, in the event of contact with the enemy, heavyfire can bebrought quickly to bear. Attached en-gineers are to be placed well forward in the regiment.

61. Communication on the march will be main-tained within the regiment by means of motorcyclemessengers.

62. If antiaircraft machine-gun units are attachedto the regiment, provision must be made for theirtimely use at danger spots such as bridges and defiles.

63. If the formation is equipped with only a fewcompanies on armored carriers, these companies areto be kept behind on account of their slower speed.

4863550 -- 42--4

17


64. When the regiment is marching alone, or as anlladvance guard, it will, as a rule, detach a reinforcedcompany for its protection. To this company, heavyweapons, especially antitank guns, will be attached.

65. The heavy infantry cannon company willmarch, usually, with the foremost battalion.

66. For protection against enemy armored vehiclesthe antitank weapons must be distributed through-out the entire length of the column.

67. Protection and march intervals vary with thesituation, visibility, and probable enemy tactics.They are laid down in minutes.

A general guide is:FIrom the leading company to the foremost battallion ____________. ) l5 in.

Between battalion ___----------_--.--------__----_..- 5 mill.

68. When a motorized infantry battalion is dte-tailed as an advance guard, the principles given inparagraphs 64-67 apply.

69. If reconnaissance shows that a detour can bemade around an obstacle without much loss of time,the advance guards will bypass the obstacle, leavingits removal to those behind.

70. Security against enemy air attacks duringmoves by day demands the utilization of brokenground, and considerable dispersion of the formation.

Section VIII. DEPLOYMENT ANDDETRUCKING

71. Attack is preceded as a rule by deployment.Deployment increases readiness for action and en-able units to adopt formations best adapted for thecoming operation. The order to deploy is given usu-ally by a higher commander. It can also be givenby the regimental or battalion commander when hecommaUds an advance guard or an independentcolumn.

If a formation of motorized infantry is surprisedby the enemy, or forced off the road by enemy aircraftor artillery, it will deploy on the order of its com-mander or of the local commanders. The deploymentwill usually be carried out on the move.

72. In deploying the units, roads and trails mustbe utilized as far as possible, in order to advancequickly and to save wear and tear on the vehicles.The cross-country performance of all vehicles in theregiment, however, allows movement to be continuedoff the roads and tracks without any great reductionin speed, unless the terrain offers considerableobstacles.

When the tactical situation allows it, commanders(luring deployment will move in front of their units

19


until the latter have taken off the positions allottedto them, after which they will join the forward com-panies.

Advanced headquarters follows the commanders;rear headquarters follows behind the unit.

73. When time is short, deployment will be carriedout on signals; otherwise, on orders.

74. In deploying a regiment, battalions may beplaced side by side, one behind the other, or echeloned.

In deploying a battalion, company commanderswill lead their companies as far as possible in closeorder until allotted positions are reached, and thenonly will they deploy their units.

75. The formations adopted when advancing de-ployed depend upon the mission, the ground, and theanticipated enemy resistance. When the situationis obscure, the troops will, as a rule, be moved up ina narrow, deep formation. If information about theenemy and the mission give clear indication regard-ing the conduct of the battle, battalions or companiescan be moved up side by side in deployed order.

The choice of formation to be adopted by units willbe left to their commanders. Companies will remainas long as possible in narrow, deep formations inorder to reduce the difficulties of moving across coun-try and to escape observation.

76. The formations adopted by motorized infantryon wheeled vehicles are to a great extent dependenton the terrain. They will make considerable use ofthe roads,

DEPLOYMENT AND DETRUCKING

77. A battalion mounted on vehicles can be sig-nalled to adopt either of two formations:

(a) Battalion arrowhead formation;(b) Battalion inverted arrowhead formation.(For an example of battalion deployment, see Ap-

pendix 2.)Other formations can be ordered when required by

the terrain and situation.78. In battalion arrowhead formation, one com-

pany occupies the front line, and two companies thesecond line.

In battalion inverted arro'whead formjation, twocompanies are in the front line and one company inthe second line.

79. Appendix 3 contains a guide for the distancesand intervals to be maintained between units. Atnight, and in wooded country, there must be closecontact.

80. The m a c h i n e - g u n company and the heavyweapons company follow behind the motorized in-fantry companies. Their commanders hurry for-ward immediately after deployment to the battalion

ornmmander, who will issue orders regarding the posi-tions companies are to occupy, or regarding piro-tection.

81. Antitank guns allotted or attached on themarch will remain with companies during deploy-ment, unless the situation demands the concentrationof antitank defense.

21


82. The order to deploy will, in general, contain:(a) Enemy and own situation.(b) Decision,(c) Reconnaissance,(d) Orders for

(1) the forward battalions or companies-ifnecessary, orders to occupy importanttopographical features;

(2) the units with support weapons, regardingprotection of the advance in deployedorder;

(3) the battalions or companies which are tofollow in rear-if necessary, instruc-tions for reconnaissance and protectionof the flanks.

(e) The disposal of forward transport.(f) The position of the commander.(g) Communications.83. Battle reconnaissance must be initiated at

latest with the commencement of deployment. Whendeploying on signals, each company sends out a patrolto the front and to an open flank. The patrols re-main within sight. These patrols must be supple-mented as early as possible by a full-scalereconnaissance.

84. If the units ordered for the deployment arelost, they will be regained during the advance.

If after deployment a force is compelled to passthrough a defile there must be no bunching either infront of or on the far side of the defile. To prevent

DEPLOYMENT AND DETRUCK1NG

this from happening, the force will be dispersed indepth in good time. On coming out of the defile, theoriginal formation must be resumed.

85. When advancing deployed, the motorized in-fantry units remain on their vehicles as long as enemyfire and the ground permit. If single enemy anti-tank weapons are encountered, they must be quicklyneutralized by heavy weapons on self-propelledmounts and antitank guns. If battle reconnaissancereveals that obstacles occupied by the enemy cannotbe avoided by a detour, detachments will dismountand attack on foot, while the remaining foxces keepunder cover in their vehicles.

86. Observed enemy artillery fire and extensivenatural obstacles usually compel the whole forma-tion to dismount and to advance deployed.

87. The decision to dismount is, as a rule, left tothe company commander.

88. The commanders of formations order dis-mounting only if their knowledge of the generalsituation leads them to suppose that fighting on ve-hicles holds no prospect of success and they havedecided to launch a general attack on foot.

89. Armored motorized infantry companies gen-erally undertake their own protection when dismount-ing. Unarmored m otorized infantry must beprotected during dismounting by heavy weapons,especially antitank guns.

23

Section IX. ATTACK

A. GENERAL90. The main aim of the commander must always

be to utilize armor and speed to deliver surpriseblows against the enemy flanks and rear, and to pene-trate known weak points in the enemy line.

91. The commander must be able to meet a changedsituation quickly by throwing in a mobile reserve.Such a reserve can quickly restore mobility to dis-mounted troops held up by strong enemy resistance.The armored carriers approach as close as possibleand transport the troops to another point.

92. The heavy weapons on self-propelled mountsmust be handled with the same flexibility so thatconcentrated fire can be built up rapidly and trans-ferred.

93. The mobility and cross-country performance ofunits allow the regimental commander to use the bat-talions for an attack delivered from the column ofmarch, little time being lost in waiting for the rearbattalions to move up.

94. When motorized infantry attack in collabora-tion with tank units, their tasks, the objectives, thenature of the cooperation, and, above all, the degreeof mutual support will be laid down by a higher com-

24

ATTACK

mander. He decides whether the motorized infantrywill clear a way for the tanks, support them bysimultaneous attack, or follow them to exploit theirsuccess.

B. ATTACK WITHOUT DEPLOYMENT95. The object of attacking without previous de-

ployment is to seize quickly and by surprise terrainfeatures of decisive importance for the attack. Asarmored personnel carriers are particularly suitedfor this work, this is essentially a task for the motor-ized infantry of the armored division. Rapid anddetermined onslaught is the basis of success.

96. Unless otherwise ordered, the attack will becarried out on vehicles. Dismounting takes placewhen no further advance is possible. The decisionto fight on vehicles or on foot is as a rule left to thecompany commander. When it appears impracticableto continue fighting on vehicles, a resourceful com-mander will always look around for the possibility ofcontinuing the attack on vehicles at another point.

97. In attacking on vehicles, the heavy weapons onself-propelled mounts must follow close behind sothat they can quickly support the attack.

98. For protection against enemy tanks, the anti-tank guns in the battalions will generally be attachedto the forward companies. Attached antitank unitswill usually be held behind the flanks, in order toexploit fully their speed and mobility in surprisethrusts against enemy tanks.

4R6355--42--5

25


99. When battalions attack an objective from dif-ferent directions, or attack separate objectives, theweapons (heavy infantry cannon, antitank guns,engineers) that they require for their separate oper-ations will be placed at their disposal. The sameprinciple applies to companies attacking separately.

100. In close country, motorized infantry compa-nies will have attached to them heavy mortars andantitank guns. The two machine-gun platoons of themachine-gun company, and the gun platoon of theheavy weapons company, will cover the attack of theadvancing infantry companies. It is convenient toput the machine-gun company commander in chargeof the heavy weapons unless these are attached to thecompanies. The engineer platoon follows the attack-ing motorized-infantry companies on vehicles. Whenobstacles are likely to be encountered, engineers willbe attached to the forward companies.

101. The regimental or battalion commander mustissue orders sufficiently in advance, in order to insurecooperation with supporting arms. Responsibilityfor command must be clearly stated.

102. Commanders of weapons attached or in sup-port (artillery, engineers, antitank units) will movewell forward during the attack in armored personnelcarriers-unless they have their own armored car-riers-so that they will always be near the com-mander. The same applies to forward observers ifthey have no armored observation cars at theirdisposal.

ATTACK

103. The most important task of battle reconnais-sance is the timely location of enemy antitank weap-ons and obstacles, especially mines.

104. A regiment or battalion is organized for amounted attack according to the principles laid downfor deployment. The battalion commander travelssufficiently well forward to have a good view of thebattlefield and to retain an influence on the use ofthe heavy weapons. Any other organization is per-missible if it increases the battalion fire power.

105. The frontage adopted by a dismounted motor-ized infantry battalion in the attack is frequentlyidentical with that adopted in deployment.

106. Motorized infantry attacking in vehicles musttake every advantage of cover afforded by the terrainand of fire positions on reverse slopes.

107. In attacks which are not preceded by deploy-ment, fragmnentlary orders are the rule. These shouldcontain:

(a) Enemy situation;(b) Own decision;(c) Objective;(d) Task of formation or unit;(e) Organization for attack.108. In mounted attacks, it will often be necessary

shortly before the enemy is engaged to regain thebattle formation that has been lost in moving overdifficult ground. This will be carried out behind thelast available cover. Speed must be temporarilyreduced, or a short halt made.

27


109. After a breakthrough, rapid and extensivebattle reconnaissance is important, especially on theopen flanks.

110. An attack on foot must be carried out accord-ing to the principles of H. Dv.130/9 "Infantry Tac-tics." When to dismount and what units are to dis-mount must be decided according to the principlesgiven in paragraphs 85-89.

C. PREPARED ATTACK111. If the enemy has time to make preparations

for action and the ground is such as to preclude amounted attack, the motorized infantry will be as-sembled for attack. The assembly order is usuallygiven by a higher commander.

112. As far as possible the nmotorized infantry unitsshould be moved up in vehicles to the assembly posi-tion. Their armor and cross-country performancemake it possible to assemble close to the enemy. Ifthe ground, or enemy fire, does not allow this, orif surprise is aimed at, a line can be laid down be-yond which the vehicles may not go.

113. The armored personnel carriers remain, as arule, in the assembly positions. If the troops aredismounted beforehand, the vehicles usually remainwhere the troops dismount.

Often the regimental commander must allot motorparks for the vehicles in order to prevent concentra-tion of vehicles and interference with the movementsof other units, especially tank units.

ATTACK

The tasks of the motor officer, and the procedurefor organic transportation, are laid down in SectionXV.

114. Surprise can be achieved by moving into theassembly positions at dusk or in darkness.

115. Commanders will send out, sufficiently in ad-vance, parties under command of an officer toreconnoiter the ground and enable the troops to as-semble in their allotted positions in the minimumtime.

116. The order to the reconnaissance patrol mustcontain:

(a) Enemy situation;(b) Intended line of action;(c) Intended assembly positions and approaches;(d) Definition of the line which must not be crossed

by vehicles;(e) Moment at which troops will move into the

assembly position.117. Unless protection is taken over by other forces,

assembly positions must be protected against enemyreconnaissance and surprise attack by means of out-posts. Above all, provision must be made for defense.

118. All the preparations required for the conductof the attack will be made in the assembly position.These are:

(a) Detailed reconnaissance of the ground overwhich the attack is to be made;

(b) Removal of artificial and natural obstacles inand immediately in front of the assembly positions;

29


(c) Acquisition, by means of battle reconnaissance,of all data required for the conduct of the attack;

(d) Establishment of contact with the commlandersof the supporting and accompanying weapons;

(e) Establishment of contact with any commandersof units who are already in contact with the enemy inthe zone of attack.

Information gained from reconnaissance by allarms concerning terrain, enemy centers of resistance,and especially the position of antitank weapons andartillery, must be fully utilized.

119. Company commanders and as many subordi-nate commanders as possible should be personallyshown over the ground, providing this does not betraythe plan.

120. To prevent the enemy from getting a warningof an impending attack from radio traffic, radiosilence will be observed within the regiment in theassembly position.

121. As a rule, a mobile reserve will be kept. Thecommanders of this reserve will reconnoiter ap-proaches, and will hold their forces in readiness sothat they can be quickly utilized. The location of thereserve depends upon the ground, the enemy's fire,and the intended tactics.

122. The launching of an attack on foot, the pene-tration of the enemy position, and the subsequentfighting are carried out in accordance with the prin-ciples given in H. Dv. 130/9.

123. As soon as the enemy antitank defense has

ATTACK

been crushed, the battalion commander orders vehiclesto move up. The attack is continued until the ve-hicles arrive. Unarmored motorized infantry willbring up their vehicles only when the enemy fireallows.

124. When motorized infantry follow tank units,they usually assemble behind the tanks, mounted ontheir vehicles. The motorized infantry should moveout of their assembly position in the formation inwhich they are to follow the tank attack. If theground does not allow this, a short halt must be madeafter they have left the assembly position.

D. COOPERATION WITH TANKS125. When motorized infantry units have to clear

a way for tanks through obstructed country, they at-tack on foot in advance of the tanks. Their object is,by constant concentration of their forces, to force abreach rapidly in the enemy main line of resistanceand make lanes for the tanks. Engineers will beplaced under command of the forward attackingcompanies.

The first objective is the far side of the tankproofground. When this is reached, the motorized in-fantry must push on to keep the exits open for thefollowing tanks.

126. If motorized infantry and tanks have to at-tack simultaneously, the task of the infantry is toproduce the maximum fire power of all weapons at thedecisive moment by adopting a -broad attackingformation. The main concentration of fire will be on

31


the antitank weapons, to allow the tanks to gainground quickly. Before the enemy position is as-saulted, natural and artificial obstacles to the frontwill be cleared. The assistance of engineers willusually be necessary for this task.

The attack is carried out on foot. After the enemyhas been disabled by the fire of the tanks, the motor-ized infantry will assault the enemy position. Mobilereserves on vehicles will be held ready to follow upand exploit rapidly a successful tank attack.

If the motorized infantry units have orders to fol-low the tanks on foot and to break through the enemyposition immediately behind the tanks, they musttake advantage of the disablement of the enemy,caused by the fire from the tanks, to make a deter-mined assault. The same applies when tanks aresent through motorized infantry to help in their ad-vance. Infantry units utilize the time before thetank attack to prepare themselves for the commonbattle.

The fire of all weapons must support the tanks byconcentrating on the enemy antitank weapons.

While the tanks engage the enemy's attention, com-manders of all ranks must spur their men forwardfor the assault. Some of the heavy weapons (espec-ially those on self-propelled mountings) and armoredcarriers, join the tanks and move forward rapidly toalternative positions.

When, in collaboration with the tanks, the enemyantitank weapons have been accounted for, mobile re-

ATTACK

serves of motorized infantry advance, keeping inclose contact with the tanks. The vehicles of the dis-mounted troops are moved up. Every unit entruckson the battlefield and follows the tanks independently.

127. If tanks are put under command of motor-ized infantry to prevent an enemy recovery or todestroy particularly troublesome pockets of resist-ance, they must only be employed en masse; their of-fensive power must not be split up. They will clearthe way for the infantry by short advances withlimited objectives and in close cooperation with theinfantry.

128. If the ground favors an attack by tanks andif no tank obstacles have been detected inside theenemy main line of resistance, the task of the motor-ized infantry units will usually be to follow the tankattack. They will remain on vehicles behind thetanks so that they can quickly exploit the success ofthe tanks. Narrow and deep formations, will bethe rule, in order to avoid as far as possible the ef-fects of enemy artillery fire and to retain a mobilereserve in rear of the foremost units.

Pockets of resistance and defense areas which thetanks have not reduced will be dealt with as en-countered. For this, dismounting may be necessary.The remaining infantry will continue to follow upthe tank attack in their vehicles. Contact with thetanks must never be lost.

Antitank troops will, as a rule, be used for theprotection of an open flank.

33

Section X. PURSUIT

129. The speed and mobility of motorized infail-try can be used with particular advantage in pursuit,to prevent the enemy from building or occupying anew defense line, to overtake him, or to forestall himlby occupying certain areas.

130. If the enemy gives ground, he is to be pur-sued relentlessly even through the night until he iscompletely destroyed. The commanders will spuron their men to greater efforts by personal example.

131. Units in pursuit will be given strategical ob-jectives, accessible as far possible by road.

132. An enemy resisting weakly will be engagedfrom the armored personnel carriers. If the enenyoffers strong resistance, a detour will be made and thesucceeding troops left to deal with it, unless thiscourse is impossible because of the ground or becauseit involves too serious a danger.

133. In order to.carry out pursuit on a broad frontor to be able to dispatch a force to overtake the enl-emy, task forces are frequently formed. Principlesgoverning their composition and use are laid downin pamphlet D 66 "Handling of the Armored Divi-sion. ' *

* See the translation published by the Military Intelligence Service as"The German Armored Division," Information Bulletin No. 18, June 15,1942.

34

PURSUIT 35

134. If in its pursuit the unit has pushed deep intothe enemy lines, march bivouacs will be formed atnight or when resting to give strong all-around fire.

Tank-proof localities and areas affording coverand good observation are especially suitable forbivouacs. To avoid heavy losses from bombing andshelling, vehicles must be dispersed. Covering pa-trols on foot will be sent out. Defensive fire will beput down from armored carriers on a signal front apatrol.

Section XI. DEFENSE

135. Motorized infantry can be used for defenseon a broad front. When used in this role, they willas far as possible hold "topographical sectors. " Thewidth of the sector may necessitate the division ofthe force into groups.

136. Mobile reserves will be held in readiness tolaunch a rapid counterattack at crucial points.

Detailed reconnaissance and preparation are indis-pensable. Roads and trails will be reconnoitered andmarked quickly, so that, especially at night, mobilereserves can be thrown in rapidly.

137. Outposts will be strengthened by heavy weap-ons, in particular antitank weapons, and by artilleryand engineers.

138. The mobile employment of elements of themotorized infantry, especially the heavy weapons,deceives the enemy as to the strength of the forcesfacing him and makes it difficult for him to locate andengage these weapons. This also applies to delayingforces.

139. Even single heavy weapons on armored per-sonnel carriers can, on suitable ground, keep up amobile fire.

140. The frontage of a motorized infantry battalionin defense may be twice that of an infantry bat-

36

DEFENSE 37

talion-from 1,600 to 4,000 meters and even more,depending on the situation and the terrain.

141. The vehicles of units engaged in the defensewill be placed sufficiently far back to be out of rangeof fire from the enemy main line of resistance.

Alternate positions and routes will be allotted tomotor columns to enable them to withdraw fromenemy fire.

Section XIL BREAKING CONTACT*

1142. If motorized infantry have to break contact,their armored carriers enable them rapidly to out-distance any nonmotorized, unarmored pursuit.

Counterattacks with limited objectives are mosteffective in assisting disengagement. The mobilityand speed of infantry on vehicles must always beexploited to deliver the counterattack from an un-expected quarter.

143. Disengagement from enemy tanks is madeeasier if time is available to build up strong defensivefire in a position in the rear which has good naturalantitank defense.

144. Vigilant reconnaissance on the flanks andwell-timed use of flank protection-preferably at-tached antitank troops and engineers-are necessaryto prevent envelopment by highly mobile enemyforces.

145. The colnmmanding officer lays down the orderof withdrawal, the supporting tasks for heavy weap-ons, and the time for breaking contact.

146. As a rule, the armored personnel carriers goforward and bring in the infantry as they disengage.If this is impossible owing to the tactical situation or

* (f. FM 17-20, Armored Force Field Manual, Employment of ArmoredUnits. Recollnnaissance Plat(oon ald Comlpalny, Dar. 51.

38

BREAKING CONTACT

the ground, the infantry falls back on to its vehicleson a broad front, making full use of terrain cover.The vehicles of unarmored motorized infantry canmove forward only as far as the last cover.

147. In order to impose the maximum delay uponthe enemy, the withdrawal of heavy weapons onarmored personnel carriers or self-propelled mountscan be left to the last.

Even after disengagement of the heavy weapons,fighting patrols will remain in contact with the enemy.

148. The use of smoke assists disengagement. Itconceals the time and direction of the withdrawal.

149. The rear guard will have attached heavyweapons units on self-propelled mounts, antitanktroops, and engineers. The engineer platoons willsupport the withdrawal of the rear guard by erectingobstacles and blowing up bridges. The order to laymines will be given by division.

150. The commander will insure by planning andthe timely issue of orders that units withdrawing ona broad front are concentrated quickly into marchcolunmns. Traffic congestion will be avoided by care-ful traffic control.

39

Section XIII. FIGHTING UNDERSPECIAL CONDITIONS

A. ATTACK AGAINST FIXED DEFENSES151. An attack against a fortified position is car-

ried out according to the principles laid down in "In-fantry Training" and in the pamphlet "Attackagainst a fortified front."

152. Mobile elements consisting of assault detach-ments in armored carriers should be kept in reserveto press on quickly through gaps or lanes, and to at-tack the emplacements from behind.

153. Reconnaissance of artificial and natural ob-stacles well inside the enemy's lines is of particularimportance in safeguarding against the prematureuse of infantry in vehicles.

154. Frequently single tanks and heavy antitankweapons are attached to motorized infantry, chieflyfor use against concrete emplacements.

155. Cooperation with the supporting arms, artil-lery, and aircraft, must be insured by consultationwith the commanders of these arms. On the basis ofthis consultation, the battalion commander allotstasks and informs the other arms of his requirements:the use of smoke and neutralizing fire against em-

40

FIGHTING UNDER SPECIAL CONDITIONS

placements on the flank or further in rear, and thedestruction of the enemy holding intermediate posi-tions and of particularly troublesome pockets of re-sistance.

B. OPPOSED RIVER CROSSING*156. Attacks across rivers can often be avoided by

forcing a crossing by a sudden and unexpected move-ment or by seizing a bridge. A sudden and unex-pected movement relies upon surprise for its success.

157. Bold and resourceful action must be taken togain possession of several crossings at the same time.Success is frequently achieved more quickly at lessimportant crossings than at the main crossings, whichare usually more strongly defended.

158. An opposed river crossing will be carried outby motorized infantry in accordance with the prin-ciples contained in "Infantry Training."

159. Immediately behind the first wave the heavyweapons, especially antitank guns, will be movedacross.

160. Heavy weapons on self-propelled mounts andon armored personnel carriers, and also any singleattached tanks, will support the attack by mobile firefrom the near bank.

161. Crossing places will be kept clear of vehicles.Motor columns will cross when a bridge has beencompleted. A dispersion line will be laid down bythe higher command, who will also appoint a regulat-

* See FM 17-20, par. 54.

41


ing officer to control the order in which troops are tocross. The regulating officer must be given his in-structions sufficiently in advance.

162. Small streams are bridged by track bridgeequipment carried in the units.

C. FIGHTING AT NIGHT OR IN FOG163. The difficulty of keeping units together in

darkness and in fog compels organization in depthand the closing up of intervals. Messengers willmaintain communication between units.

Heavy weapons, particularly antitank units, willbe placed well forward to guard against sudden conl-tact with enemy antitank defense.

164. At night and in fog, the enemy will be at-tacked from one direction only, in order to preventfighting between one's own troops.

165. As a rule, the attack will be conducted dis-mounted and along roads, water courses, and ridgeswhich may be used as landmarks. Mounted detach-ments may be used in the attack to give support fromtheir vehicles.

166. The advance in deployed order and the attackwill be carried out in bounds.

D. VILLAGE FIGHTING167. The motorized infantry units are mainly re-

sponsible for clearing villages which lie in the pathof an attack by the armored division. Engineersarmed with explosives and flame throwers can give

FIGHTING UNDER SPECIAL CONDITIONS

valuable support. Heavy weapons, single cannon,and attached tanks facilitate the task of the infantry.

168. While the enemy is held by a frontal attackfrom a weak force, or is pinned down by fire, detach-ments, mounted if possible, outflank the village inorder to break the enemy resistance by an attackfrom the flank or from the rear.

169. A village may be attacked frontally only ifthe tactical situation or the terrain makes outflank-ing impossible.

170. Cooperation between the heavy weapons an(dartillery and the forces attacking frontally or fromthe flanks will be insured by the conllandler of theunit. Fire will be directed against the outskirtsof the village, and the enemy will be blinded frontallyand on the flanks by smoke and subjected to annihilat-ing fire at the point chosen for attack. The use ofincendiary ammunition against buildings frequentlyproduces decisive results.

171. Attack from an unexpected direction, carriedout with speed and supported by concentrated firefrom all weapons against the point of attack, leavesthe enemy no time to reorganize his defense. Bythese tactics enemy resistance in villages can bebroken quickly.

172. When an attack is made against a town, theinfantry must be organized for street fighting. As arule, a massed company with attached heavy weaponswill be employed to deal with a row of houses. Forfighting in built-up areas, the battalion must be or-

43


ganized in depth. It may be necessary to use a bat-talion with attached troops along a single street.

173. Attached engineers and the engineer platoonswill be used for removing obstacles and makingbreaches. They will be attached to the leading com-panies. Attached flame-thrower sections are espe-cially suited for mopping up houses and hiding placesand for setting fire to villages.

174. Enemy counterattacks from side streets willbe held by fire until they can be broken up by freshforces.

175. The battalion commander will enter the townwith his leading company and will use the companiesfollowing in rear as the situation requires. Afterforcing their way through the town the troops willbe reformed and the houses cleared of the enemyunless this task is taken over by the following forces.

176. After removing obstacles the dismounted in-fantry will return to their armored transport vehiclesso that they may regain quickly their mobility. IIIthe case of infantry with unarmored vehicles, thismust not be done until there is no further dangerfrom enemy fire.

E. FIGHTING IN WOODS AND MOUNTAINS177. Woods and mountains restrict movement.

The advance will therefore be made in depth alongroads and tracks. The practicability and width offorest tracks must be reconnoitered in advance.Study of maps alone is not enough as forest trackschange frequently.

FIGHTING UNDER SPECIAL CONDITIONS 45

Attacks through woods and mountains will alsobe carried out along the roads on narrow fronts andin depth. Mutual support by attacking groups isusually not possible. The commander must allowfor this by attaching heavy weapons to units.

178. Engineers and heavy weapons will be placedwell forward and will be attached early to the leadingcompanies.

179. The motorized infantry units usually dis-mount for attack. Single machine guns- and heavyweapons support the attack from the armored trans-port vehicles.

Section XIV. REST PERIOD

180. The mobility of motorized infantry allowsthem to place their protective posts at a considerabledistance from rest areas in order to make use of nat-ural defenses. This often economizes manpower andguards the troops from surprise attack by armoredforces. Obstacles should be constructed. Motorcyclemessengers must be allotted to insure rapid commu-nication between the advance guard and the mainbody.

181. Reconnaissance by fighting patrols gives thebest protection against surprise. For the immediateprotection of resting troops, local covering partieswill usually be sufficient.

182. Concealment of the large number of vehiclescan be achieved only by wide dispersions.

The division and disposition of troops according tothe positions they occupy in march columns facilitatethe issue of orders, and accelerate resumption ofmovement.

183. Vehicles must be so disposed that they areconcealed from air observation.

184. The routes to and from the rest area mustallow free movement of traffic. This avoids un-necessary delays, and gives the troops more rest.

46

REST PERIOD 47

185. Every opportunity must be seized to attend tothe maintenance of vehicles. Local workshops, ga-rages, and machine shops must be found and allottedto the repair services. In the absence of local work-shops, the repair services must be allotted places bothsuitable for their work and easy of access.

Section XV. ORGANIC TRANSPOR-TATION

186. The company commander is responsible forthe movement of the organic transportation. Shouldthe situation require the organic transportation to beplaced under unified command, it will be concentratedwithin the battalion under command of an energeticofficer. The latter will have motorcycle messengersand, where necessary, radio at his disposal for pur-poses of communication. Good communication isessential to smooth working.

187. Unless there are express orders to the con-trary, the transport vehicles will remain close behindthe fighting troops. They must be out of sight of theenemy. Ground situated behind a natural tank de-fense is an ideal position. It may be necessary toprovide a force for protection.

188. To reduce the effects of enemy artillery fireand air attacks, the transport vehicles will be dis-persed over a wide area, the transportation com-mander allotting individual sectors and positions.If, in spite of these measures, vehicles are still indanger, the commander must move them to alternatepositions previously reconnoitered.

48

ORGANIC TRANSPORTATION' 49

189. If the commander of the motorized infantrydecides to have his troops entruck, the armored car-riers must be able to reach them in the shortest pos-sible time.

190. When the vehicles have to be moved up to thetroops, the commander of the organic transportationorders the time of departure, the order of march, andthe route. He is also responsible for the regulationof traffic during the forward movement. If theground allows, he moves forward off the roads tomake use of terrain cover and to leave the roads freefor the movement of other troops.

Section XVL COMBAT TRAINS

191. The combat train is divided into Gefecht-stross I and Gefechtstross II. Gefechtstross I willbe kept as small as possible and its compositionadapted to the requirements of the particular opera-tion. It may include:

(a) Fuel trucks;(b) Ammunition trucks;(c) Field kitchens.192. On the march Gefechtstross I will normally

remain with units. When deployment begins, it willfollow in a position from which it can quickly bemoved up to the battalion.

193. Gefechtstross II comprises all other parts ofthe combat train. When the battalion is moving in-dependently, Gefechtstross 1 follows in close orderbehind the battalion. When the battalion is part ofa higher formation, Gefechtstross II is placed undercommand of the regiment or division.

194. On the march and in battle, the light repairdetachments are part of the fighting troops. If thelatter attack dismounted, the light repair detachmentwill, as a rule, remain with the transport vehicles.

The commander of the light repair detachment-the battalion maintenance officer--decides how re-

50

COMBAT TRAINS 51

pairs are to be carried( out and which vehicles are tobe sent to the division workshops.

195. The ration echelon comprises the head-quarters and company ration trucks. They comeunder comrnmand of the battalion rations officer.

196. Baggage transport is under battalion corn-inand, and moves with the second group) of Gefecht-stross I vehicles, unless concentrated under cormlnandof the regiment or division.

Section XVIL SUPPLY

197. The regimental commander is responsiblefor the care of his troops and for seeing that theyare always ready for action. At headquarters a spe-cial officer must be appointed to deal with questionsof supplies. He must have warning of the com-mander's plans.

198. The battalion commander is responsible forarranging supplies for his battalion.

199. The supply of fuel to the battalion is a mat-ter of decisive implortance. It must be organized indetail. Fuel tanks will be refilled at every halt.Units will render returns to battalion showing thefuel they hold in terms of daily consumption units.

200. When fuel is drawn for the columns, unitfuel trucks will be assembled under the command ofthe battalion storekeeper and dispatched to deliveryp)oints. After fuel has been drawn from the supplycolumn, all unit vehicles and fuel trucks must befully loaded.

201. The medical services are controlled by thebattalion medical officer. Prompt medical aid, par-ticularly in battle, will be provided for by a medicalofficer who accompanies the attack in an armoredambulance. The second medical officer is responsible

52

SUPPLY 53

for setting up the regimental aid post, and for theconveyance of wounded to the main dressing station.

202. Every care must be taken to insure that thebattalion is fully supplied, particularly with fueland ammunition, before going into action. Gefecht-stross I transport will be moved up as required.

203. After the battle, or during intervals in thefighting, fresh supplies must be issued. Rations,ammunition, and fuel must be brought up, woundedcared for and evacuated, and a recovery service or-ganized to deal with immobilized armored personnelcarriers. Units must be made ready for actionagain in shortest possible time.

,54 THE GERMAN MOTO'RIZED INFANTRY REGILMENT

· |· Machine Gun

1. Machine-Gun Company

(Il Gun

N ARegiment

Battalion

= Armored

II Infantry Gun

r Infantry Gun Company

ij Antitank Gun

I<I Antiaircraft Gun

/-7 Infantry Mortar

---- Motorized Unit

#+0 Gun (Mtz.)

Partially MotorizedEl ATelephone Company

C Antitank BattalionX

I~"'~ Antitank

TD Signal

¶ Engineer

-t - Medical

The symbols may begrouped as shown toindicate BattalionHeadquarters with itsSignal Section andMachine-Gun Companywith 3 rifle companies

Motorcycle MessengerPlatoon

Company Headquarters

O__x_ Self-Propelled Mounts

APPENDIX I

ORGANIZATION OF THE MOTORIZED IN-FANTRY REGIMENT *

o ]

r II& is is

Il. *I *-a I i

9 0 a

s 4 ! .

18 18 18a

6T

2.-4

*The German niotolized infantry regiment is shoxwn here in cli,'t form i:s itappeared in the capturedl do(clmenlt. The opposite page contains a key for theinterpretation of the German conventional signs used in this chart.

+ Cj[z) r-fQ I II .1

11.1I


1. Organization*:

Strength: 71Fire power:

Officers, 2,579 EM.

Light machine guns_--___-- __----____ .___.--_._---_______________ 125Heavy machine guns--.----___------- .- _.- -__--. 28Antitank rifles __.------.--. .-------.--- ---.-.. ---- _--- ISX50-rnm. (2-in.) mortars____ .-- ....- - _ ------- ___ _ _ _ __ 1881-mm. (3.16-in.) mortars_ ._.._ ..._._. _ 1237-min. (1.45-in.) antitank gulls_____..- ._--.-----._------------- - 675-mm. (2.95-in.) infantry guns -.... ----------- ----.---------. -- S150-mim. (5.91-in.) infantry guns --..- .---- _-------- ---------------_ 2

*This chart reveals up-to-date information on the organization of the Germanmotorized infantry regiment. U. S. conventional signs and symbols are employedhere.

2.3.

APPENDIX 2

EXAMPLE SHOWING BATTALION ADVANC-ING IN DEPLOYED (ARROWHEAD) FOR-MATION

Patrolspushed outahead. Nor-

Li---- rmally with-in view ofthe main

FirstLine

Company \ 300 m.arrowhead

formation with/ 1 Antitank Gun

/ 2 Heay Mortars \________.1300 m. 0 n300 m. -0

/\Second

300 m.Company Companyinin arrowhead in ar

formation formation

300 m. / \

300 m. I -- 300 m. ---100 m.

Third-H- N 2 150 mm. Line

A;1 2 Support Guns

Machine-Gun Company Heavy Weapons Companyin march order ] in march order 500 m.

+Heavy Mortars _____

Distances and intervals are given only as a guide. One antitank gun and twoheavy mortars are attached to the leading company. Two antitank guns movebehind the battalion commander, the remainder of the machine-gun companyand the heavy weapons company behind the rifle companies.

57

APPENDIX 3

MARCH TABLES

Regimental HIq .--Hq Co..Heavy MG Co------Hq 1st BnNo. 1 Co .No. 2 Co .No. 3 CoNo. 4 TMNG CoNo. 5 Heavy VWpn Co

Total for 1st Bn

2nd Bn: as for 1st

I Halted (In 1]5 kin. per ,2 kill. iclose order) i htlur hour

a c a h c .

250 i(, 120i 2 I '1 2 1800 700 100[ 6l ; , 5 I G . 144501 4(00 50' :3 3 -41 12 312 3400( 200 20(1 3Y4 1 /4i 112 3 11Y2

- 400[)) 300 1001 314 213 34 3 2143)(0 300 100 3%4 212 41 3 214

1,, 3:00 100 3%M 2i2 3% 3 V244,5( 350 100l 33 13 %4 3V2 23%

2450 1750 i 700 20 1441 5/418V2 1314

Total for Regt 4. 16400 4730 1670 52%4 3914 13 4812 35% il

)er 25 kil. perhoulr

30 kI. jperhour

c 1 P c 1a I P c

1 2 i1 1 2 343%4 614 532 3"4 1 ''3', 512 3!,1 3 1 !2 :314l 23/4

l'3 2341 I/2 14 213 1124

141 2%4 2 I ,, 212 214 24 2 14 21i 234 4 2/4 2 1/4 2132 2~[214 2 i 3 22!, 2

34 1 31; 24 5 % :31 4 21/2

514 17,1.:;12.4; 5 153%4 1134

L23%4401 4 1214 4212.32

a. Including Gelechtstross II comllbat train.b. Excluding Gefechtstross II combat train.C. Gefechtstross II combat train alone.

59

114

14

12

34

4

I0 1(12

APPENDIX 4

GUIDE FOR DAILY FUEL CONSUMPTIONRATES

Gasoline andDiesel fuel

t: in litersRegimental headquarters ----------.-- ------- 600Headquarters company____.. ..... ____________-- 1800Heavy infantry cannon company __- _ ______________ 1700

Hq. 1st Bn __._.____-. ____. ________. -__ ____________ 1600No. 1 Co_____ ____. _ ____... __.____._ __ ______ 1500No. 2 Co____ ________------------------__---- - -----. 1560No. 3 Co_ __________ ----------------------- - ---- 1560No. 4 MG Co __----_ . __.- ------- __---_._.______-____ 1660No. 5 Heavy Weapons Co... .-----------_--- ------------ 1800

Total for 1st Bn ... ...... __96802nd Bn as for 1st Bn-__ .. _ -------_--------____________ 9680

Total for motorized infantry regiment---_____________ 23520

61

U.S. GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE: 194

Uli

the german motorized infantry regiment2 the german motorized infantry regiment 6. the chief task of...

Documents