Gruppe in Gefecht - The Attack and Basic Rules for the Gruppe in Attack

Translated sections from Kühlwein, F., Die Gruppe in Gefecht, E.S. Mittler & Sohn, Berlin, 1934 by Craig Machell. This article is copyright © 2006. No un-authorised use. The Attack and Basic Rules for the Gruppe in Attack: pp59-70 The attack corresponds with the feeling of superiority. The attacker has the freedom of action, he writes the law for the defender. Superiority in numbers is not always the most crucial factor. Superiority in leadership and direction of troops (better training); surprise; sharp, energetic seizing and use of favourable opportunities lead also to complete success even against a numerically superior foe, as the Great War proved often enough. Deployment/Entfaltung: The attack is generally the unfolding of a deployment. The deployment is the establishment of a broad front by dividing the Marschkolonne into more Kolonne. The troops must spread themselves out, if the consideration of enemy aircraft, balloons or observation demands it and as soon as artillery fire or long-range fire from machineguns is expected. In the deployment, the company leaves the route of advance and divides itself into its three platoons. The platoon spreads itself out as it spreads its 3 Gruppen out to a depth and width; at the same time, the Gruppen remain closed.	This Alte-Kampfer would know that a well-organised Gruppen may mean the difference between life and death. He would rely on the rest of nine-man Gruppe to protect his MG crew.

The Deployment of the Company into Platoons	The Deployment of the Platoon into Gruppen

The Platoon commander is bound to no particular place. Further methods of deployment are possible, as well as further differences in spacing and distance (no set scheme). For the deployment, the platoon commander gives the battleorders of the company and his own platoon and when there is available time, he details the tasks of the heavy infantry weapons and neighbours. He orders the direction of march, the task of the forward scouts, the structure of the platoon, the link and his own place. Example of a Platoon Order for the Development: ' Feind auf den gelben Höhen vor jenem Walde. Das Bataillon geht beiderseits dieser Strasse vor und gewinnt zunächst den dunkeln Höhenrand mit den Büschen. Vorn rechts 1.Komp., unsere Komp. links der Strasse in 400m Breite. Vorn rechts Zug Hermel, links Zug Rofeck. Zug H. entfaltet sich im Vorgehen auf rechte Ecke des hohen Waldes dort. Gefreiter Trops mit 2 Mann der Gruppe A. als Späher voraus! In 1. Linie Gruppe Gronau, hat den Anschluss, Richtung die bezeichnete Waldecke. Es folgen mit etwa 150 Schritt Abstand, 80 Schritt rechts gestaffelt Gruppe Schreiber, etwa 120 Schritt links rückwärts von Gruppe Gronau gestaffelt Gruppe Labenstn. Ich bin hinter Gruppe Gronau!’
'Enemy on the yellow heights before those woods. The Battalion is advancing on both sides of this road and next aims to gain the dark ridge with the bushes. On the right, 1. Company, our Company, left of the road on a 400m front. On the right, Hermel Platoon, left Rofeck Platoon. Hermel Platoon is developing itself to advance on the right corner of the high woods there. Gefreiter Trops with two men from Gruppe A. move out as scouts! In the first line Gruppe Gronau is the link, direction the indicated corner of the woods. Gruppe Schreiber follows with 150 spaces distance, 80 paces echeloned right; echeloned about 120 paces to the left rearwards of Gruppe Gronau, Gruppe Labenstn. I am behind Gruppe Gronau!’ After repeating the instructions to the Gruppenführer, the platoon spreads out upon the order: 'Auseinandeziehen!’. There are no specific formations for the deployment. How the platoon commander divides his Gruppen into breadth and depth, whether 1 or 2 Gruppen are in the forward line, is determined by the situation, the link to left and right and often by the terrain. In broken terrain and with relatively unknown enemy positions, the forward platoon leader will often position only one Gruppe in the forward line, in order to keep open the possibility of later movement of the other groups from depth.	Example of a Platoon Order for the Development
	On the order, 'Auseinanderziehen!’, the platoon spreads itself out to the depth and width ordered. Insofar as the situation and the terrain allows, making exacting use of cover against fire and sight moving forwards in close formation; the LMG-Troop usually in front of the rifle-troop.

It was not the task of the riflemen to struggle for fire supremacy in long, drawn-out fire fights. In attack, it was only the energetic assault power of the riflemen, which overcame the enemy with sheer force.

Expansion: It was not the task of the riflemen to struggle for fire supremacy in long, drawn-out fire fights. During engagements, it was the energetic assault power of the riflemen, which overcame the enemy with sheer force.

Expansion/Entwicklung:

The expansion is the organisation of the troops for combat through forming into combat formations.

The time for the expansion is again dependent upon the closeness to the enemy, the terrain and the necessity for independent opening of fire. Often the Gruppenführer will have to give the orders independently according to the disadvantages of the terrain they are passing through.

The Gruppenführer receives his battleorders from the platoon leader. Often though, he will have to act independently from the framework of the platoon. Due to this, the Gruppenführer of the single Gruppe now has an LMG-Troop and a rifle-troop under his command, he possesses in his Gruppe both firepower and enough assaulting power to independently solve small combat tasks. To solve specific tasks, heavy infantry weapons, such as an HMG could be temporarily attached to him.

The heavy weapons now lead the firefight in the attack. The engaging of the enemy points of resistance is initially the task of the artillery, mortars and heavy machineguns; at the earliest, at the middle distance (800m), the LMG can also be employed. At the nearer and next distances, the rifle-troops are employed in the fight against the enemy, if the terrain provides no cover for further advance. It is, however, not the task of the riflemen to struggle for fire supremacy in long, drawn-out fire fights. In attack, it is after all only the energetic assault power of the riflemen, which overcomes the enemy with sheer force. To bring this power as undamaged as possible to the enemy is the art of the leadership of the Gruppenführer. The quicker he brings his Gruppe forwards in the framework of the platoon, without sustaining unnecessary losses, the greater his success. Upon the will to attack of every individual man, but especially of the leaders, depends the success of the attack.

Example of a Platoon order for Expansion:

'Zug Stibba Entwicklung Richtung linke Waldecke. Gruppe Gaede vorn rechts, Anschluss! – Gruppe Pesth vorn links. 50 Schritt Gruppenluke!

Gruppe Hackelberg folgt hinter Mitte mit 150 Schritt Abstand. Ich folge hinter Gruppe Gaede! Auseinanderziehen!’

‘Platoon Stibba expansion direction: left corner of wood. Gruppe Gaede forward right, link! - Gruppe Pesth forwards left. 50 paces gap between the Gruppen!

Gruppe Hackelberg follows behind in the middle with 150 paces distance. I follow behind Gruppe Gaede! Move out!’

The formation in which the Gruppe moves out depends upon the terrain, the closeness of the enemy and the effect of enemy fire. The Schützenreihe, in which the Gruppenführer goes forward with the LMG-Troop behind which after a distance, the rifle-troop under the leadership of the vice- Gruppenführer follows, is often the best option in average terrain, advancing along a hollow in cover.

The Gruppe steps forward so far as they are in cover and receive no fire. Under enemy fire, they spring forward either as a whole Gruppe, by troops, or man by man, covering themselves, insofar as the terrain permits, or take up firing.

Attack of the Gruppe:

Once the Gruppe has worked its way forward to the middle distance under the cover of artillery and heavy infantry weapons and through the most careful use of terrain, the Gruppe has the possibility to take up the fight with their own weapons against the enemy. The basic rule remains, however, that they should try and advance as far as possible without firing themselves, insofar that the terrain makes a covered advance possible or the protection of artillery and heavy infantry weapons allows. They first enter the fire fight themselves when the terrain no longer provides sufficient cover or the fire protection is no longer sufficient. At this point, fire is next begun with the LMG against the enemy who are hindering further advance.

Example of an Order to start to open fire:

'Geradeaus auf etwa 450m eine Kartoffelmitte, an der linken Ecke ein M.G. – M.G. Visier 450! – Stellung! – Feuer frei!

Schützentrupp bleibt zunächst dort in Deckung!’

‘Directly in front at about 450m, a potato clamp, on the left corner an MG – MG, range 450! – Position! – Fire at will!

Rifle-troop remains in cover there for the moment!’

If there is no cover available in which the MG can be made ready to fire, the command, 'Stellung’ is given before the description of the target.

Only in especial reasons such as the loss of the LMG at a critical moment, or especially important targets and so on, can the rifle-troop be made ready to engage temporarily in the fire fight at middle attack ranges. Strictly directed and aggressively given detachment fire increases the effectiveness.

The Gruppe Attacks: Under the cover of artillery and heavy infantry weapons the Gruppe had the possibility to take up the fight with their own weapons against the enemy dependant on terrain that allowed a covered advance.

Once at close ranges, the protection by heavy infantry weapons and artillery is no longer greatly effective, and the firepower of the LMG alone is no longer sufficient to maintain a brash assault, the rifle-troop should also take up firing – usually through individual fire for a limited time.

Final Assault:Using a whislte or loud call, the Gruppenführer would signal the final assault which would be carried out with relentless momentum. Under cries of 'hurrah!' and with the intimidating appearance of glistening weapons the Gruppen would attempt a breakthrough.

Final Assault/Einbruch:

The final assault often arises from the individual decision of the Gruppenführer. A whistle or a loud call announces the assault. In general, a signal to increase the range of the fire of the heavy weapons has been arranged. Once the assault has been ordered, the entire Gruppe must be lead to the enemy with relentless momentum. Under cries of ‘Hurrah’ with glistening weapons, they break through.

The assault and breakthrough of the rifle-troop is supported by the LMG. The LMG pins down the enemy fire and prevents the intervention of enemy power against the point of assault.

Where the LMG is unable to support the assault from its final position, so be it - it is possible to fire on the move – moving at the same time as the assault.

Once the assault is successful, the Gruppe immediately occupies the seized position, pursuing the fleeing enemy with lively firing and reconnoitres again with scouts or prepares itself to counter enemy counter-attacks. Whether the Gruppenführer storms further forward with his rifle-troop under the support of his LMG in the ordered direction, or whether he lets his Gruppe prepare itself in the won position to repel enemy counter-attacks, depends entirely on the situation with the enemy. The moment of weakness immediately after the assault demands especial prudence and drive from the Gruppenführer. He reorganises his Gruppe, disrupted by the assault and regains control. He re-establishes contact with the platoon commander and the neighbouring Gruppen, and begins to decide how he wants to continue the battle. The Gruppe must immediately make itself ready to repel an enemy counter-attack after the assault.

Generally, the assault is followed by the continuation of the attack, the breakthrough into the deeper zones of the enemy. From nest to nest, the Gruppenführer continues the attack in unison with neighbouring Gruppen, supported by the fire of the heavy infantry weapons.

Once the enemy deep zone has been broken through, so commences an unstoppable pursuit. It depends completely upon the forward Gruppen that the contact with the retreating enemy is not lost. The example of the Gruppenführer cheers on the riflemen to advance with exceptional power.

If the Gruppe arrives at their objective or if the assault comes to a halt, the riflemen should dig in securely on the won ground. The riflemen use existing holes or rifle pits or dig themselves in. The Gruppenführer unites with neighbouring MGs to provide mutually supporting fire. Captured land should not be paid for again.

Short Summary of the Basic Rules for the Gruppenführer:

1. Advance as far as possible without the Gruppe itself firing, from cover to cover with use of dead ground and protection of heavy weapons.

2. It is not narrow-minded to keep to known routes in the advance. Temporarily swerving side-ways, if through this use of cover against sight and shot losses can be reduced. A mass of riflemen on the same position as well as reducing the field of fire of the LMG should, however, be avoided.

3. The spade is always to be made free before the first advance on the battlefield.

4. The Gruppenführer is bound to no specific place. His place is always where or with the part of his Gruppe that the most responsibility lies, initially with the LMG, to direct its fire, so long as the rifle-troop advances under cover; later, he must be with the attacking rifle-troop, in order to bring them to the enemy through his own example. So long as the Gruppe remains out of the fire fight, he always rushes at the head of his Gruppe and personally ascertains which route and in which formation and manner he can bring his Gruppe forward under as much cover as possible.

When the Gruppenführer himself is searching higher laying points to reconnoitre the enemy and terrain, he leaves them in cover and directs them through calls and signals.

5. The vice-Gruppenführer follows as the last member of the Gruppe and ensures that all of the riflemen follow when the Gruppenführer leads.

6. The LMG-Troop is generally at the head of the Gruppe, so that it can cover the Gruppe immediately when necessary, such as when the Gruppe suddenly comes under fire.

7. In broken terrain, when one must reckon on a sudden appearance of the enemy, the rifle-troop should go before the LMG-Troop (better protection for the MG against surprise).

The demanding nature of a Gruppenführers responsibility meant that a close-knit Gruppe of Kameraden with a high level of understanding could make all the difference during enemy engagements.

8. The Gruppe may come under surprising artillery fire, so they should throw themselves down immediately and cover against the shrapnel. Then they jump up in unified leaps forward into the next cover against shot or sight, if necessary diagonally forwards. Running forwards is the best way to reduce the effectiveness of enemy artillery fire. The Gruppe must never be allowed to go backwards.

Areas of land, which lay under heavy fire, are moved around by correctly timed swerves sideways; when this is impossible, they should be crossed quickly by one long leap.

9. Every forward movement under enemy view should be covered by one’s own rearwards lying or by neighbouring weapons, otherwise one will sustain heavy losses. Within the Gruppe, the MG- and rifle-troops give one another cover.

10. The type and length of leaps. Whether the Gruppe leaps forward together, by troops or man by man, depends upon the distance from the enemy, the effect of enemy fire and the terrain (the next cover). At long ranges, the Gruppe can often be lead together in a long leap. The nearer the range to the enemy becomes, the shorter the leaps must become. The general rule: The leap should only be so long that an aimed shot at the leaping rifleman arrives too late, so the shot does not occur during the leap: at 700-800m about 40 paces; at 400 to 500m about 15-20 paces. The more surprising the leap, the lower the losses will be. Where the opposite-lying enemy has been pinned by heavy weapons, longer leaps can be used under this fire support.

11. In general, the opening of fire by the Gruppe begins with the MG once a covered advance is no longer possible. The rifle-troop works its way further forward under this cover and later gives the MG-Troop’s own advance its cover.

Every opening of fire, in particular that of the MG, should result in surprise. For this, it is necessary to make the MG ready under cover and camouflage it well, while the Gruppenführer reconnoitres the target and determines the range. If the MG is not successful in achieving a surprising opening of fire, then it can often be shot to pieces at close range before it can open fire itself.

'Einzelfeuer’ by the rifle-troop is ordered by the Gruppen- or Schützentruppführer mostly at close range only against such targets which are spread over a wide area or are difficult to see and are often only visible for an instant. Reason: in these specific instances, the Gruppenführer is unable to direct all of his riflemen individually.

Should the Gruppen- or Schützentruppführer want to retain control over firing in other instances, so that all of the fire of his riflemen is concentrated, he orders: 'Schützenfeuer’. The riflemen are then bound to the ordered distance and target.

12. Choice of target. In the first line, the target to engage is that which is most troublesome. Every opportunity to take under fire large, dense and clearly visible targets should be used by the Gruppenführer.

Staying Calm: This suave Unteroffizier enjoys a cigarette before the next engagement. It would not be long until he was expected to perform under intense pressure once again.

The Target: The choice of target in the first instance was that which, was the most troublesome. Large, dense and clearly visible targets were to be made a priority for attack.

13. Every opportunity to gain ground forwards is to be always immediately made use of by all riflemen, for example, when the opposite-lying enemy lies under heavy fire or their own fire has reduced. Again, the Gruppen - or Truppführer should always maintain tight control in doing this.

14. The MG-Troop is often able to remain in one decent fire position for a long time, during which the rifle-troop works itself further forward. The decisive factor here is the principle that the rifle-troop is provided with good cover and that contact is maintained. If the degree of separation becomes too great or the MG-fire is obstructed by the forward-advancing riflemen, then the MG-Troop must take up position somewhere higher than the rifle-troop under the cover of the riflemen (a signal should be arranged!).

15. A side-ways position change of the LMG to open terrain and in enemy targeted fire is futile, it would be shot to pieces during the change of position. When there is no cover nearby, it can be temporarily withdrawn, it must bear the enemy fire and defend itself as best it can.

16. Lastly, for the final assault, the Gruppenführer must take over command of the rifle-troop himself, because it is in this high-point of battle that his example is required in order to drive his riflemen into the attack.

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