The companies of all powers, those of Germany, Japan, and Belgium excepted, are divided into four platoons; each two platoons may in addition be combined into a half-company. The German, Japanese, and Belgian companies are divided into three platoons. "The platoon is not an independent subdivision by reason of the mere fact that it consists of a certain number of men, but because the term platoon denotes a force led by a man of superior intelligence. The officer commanding the platoon makes it what it should be. The strength of the platoon is therefore solely dependent upon the number of officers available." (von Scherff).
The obvious advantage of the three-platoon organization of the company is that fewer platoon commanders are required, which fact is well worthy of attention in the mobilization of units of both Line and Reserve, especially in view of the extraordinarily heavy casualties among the troop leaders in the course of a campaign.[1]
It is only necessary to recall the situation of the Guard Corps and of
the IIIrd Army Corps after the battles around Metz, and the condition of
the German troops during the advance to Le Mans. On January 7th, 1871,
there were 36 officers with the 57th Infantry, of which 16 led platoons of
the 36 platoons in the first line, and 8 lieutenants commanded companies.
On mobilizing, 25 lieutenants were assigned as platoon commanders and
six as company commanders in the 57th Infantry.[2]
The eight infantry regiments and the Jäger-Battalion of the Xth Army Corps had, at this time, instead of the required 506 officers, only 286, of which number 174 were for duty. The 22nd Infantry Division had only 108 officers left; companies and even half-battalions were led into action by very young officers of the Reserve, and, on many occasions, even by vice 1st sergeants.
On the morning of August 17th, 1870, the 40th Füsilier Regiment had two field officers and four captains present for duty. Two captains, two first lieutenants and eight second lieutenants (four of these belonging to the Reserve), led companies; only two lieutenants of the Reserve, one cadet, and four vice 1st sergeants remained available for duty as platoon commanders. The regiment participated in the battle of Gravelotte with this
- ↑ See also Taktik, V, pp. 81, 88.
- ↑ Hönig, Gefechtsbilder, I, p. 25. For additional facts in regard to the dwindling of the number of officers consult Die sieben Tage von Le Mans, by V. D. Goltz; also Supplement to Militär-Wochenblatt, 1873, p. 368; also von Kortzfleisch, Feldzug an der Loire, p. 43.
