a success by chance (Plevna, St. Privat), but, as a rule, only the assailant reaps a benefit from such situations.
1. THE PASSIVE DEFENSE
seeks to avoid a decision, and must therefore endeavor, by opening fire at an early moment, to prevent the enemy from reaching short ranges. (See p. 147 supra). It is not absolutely necessary to have a clear field of fire or strong reserves, but the latter, kept a considerable distance in rear, must be strong enough to enable the force to disengage itself from the enemy.
Since only a temporary resistance is to be made, it is permissible for the force to cover a greater front. The defender should endeavor to compensate for his numerical inferiority by expending a large amount of ammunition and by employing machine guns. It is an advantage to have obstacles in front of the position and cover in rear of it, because the former retard the enemy's advance and the latter shelters the troops from his fire in case of a retreat.
2. THE DEFENSE SEEKING A DECISION.[1]
Decisive results can only be obtained at short and medium ranges. Long range fire may, indeed, inflict losses on the enemy and delay his advance, but it cannot repulse him. (See p. 148 supra).
It is not sufficient merely to ward off the attack with fire; the offensive must be assumed. When this is not done, the assailant can repair his losses and try another attack. When the defender has repulsed the enemy, he should follow up this success with an attack. However, as he will rarely be able to do this with the force at his disposal, fresh troops
- ↑ During the attack on the large work at Gorni Dubniac, the Finnland Regiment was unable to advance from its last position, only 70-100 paces distant from the enemy, over the foreground swept by grazing fire. Several attempted assaults were repulsed.
