In time of peace the assaulting distance is to be about 150 m. During the Franco-German war, the assault against Elsaszhausen (battle of Wörth) was launched at about 300 m.[1] and that against St. Hubert at 100-200 m. from the enemy.[2] The 107th Infantry, after charging over a distance of more than 500 paces, captured a hedge which was held by the French north of St. Privat, and, in the assault against the northern outskirts of the village, a distance of 300 paces had to be covered.[3] In the attack on Le Bourget, on October 30th, 1870, the center column halted when 600 m. from the village; "then began a wild, headlong assault against its outskirts."[4] The Japanese frequently had occasion to cross similar stretches at a run, but there were also instances where their assaulting troops had only to cover a few meters (1st Division at Kinchau, 20 m.).
If the attacker succeeds in carrying the position, he will be at a disadvantage for the moment; his troops will be in confusion and exhausted, and a large number of officers will be gone. If the defender, reinforced by fresh reserves, takes advantage of this moment, he may be able to turn the tide of the battle. The inclination of the men to pursue the enemy with the bayonet, instead of halting and making the most of the fire power of their rifles, is noticeable in all battles. The attacker will have to take steps to restrain his victorious infantry, and, as soon as opportunity offers, to pursue the enemy with fire. Under cover of this fire fresh troops or quickly assembled detachments should advance on the flanks in pursuit of the enemy. There is a wide difference between a wild, headlong rush after the enemy and a systematic pursuit. Infantry that rushes headlong to the front after penetrating a position must be brought back at any cost, unless it can enter a second position simultaneously with the enemy.[5]
- ↑ Gen. St. W., I, p. 267.
- ↑ Hönig, Vierundzwanzig Stunden Moltkescher Strategie, p. 127.
- ↑ Gen. St. W., II, p. 804.
- ↑ Kunz, Le Bourget, p. 21.
- ↑ The conduct of the 47th Infantry Brigade after the capture of Ste. Marie aux Chênes. Der 18. August, p. 184. The second line of the position at Düppel was carried by the pursuing victors at the first rush. Gen. St. W., 1864, II, p. 539.
