Page:Machine-gun tactics (IA machineguntactic00appl).pdf/281

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The 14 sections are attached to the infantry brigades.

Pack transport has been adopted.


Switzerland

There are 4 companies, each having 8 guns, which are subdivided into sections of 2 guns each.

The detachments are mounted and the guns are allotted to the cavalry.

The Maxim is the gun adopted by the Swiss Army, and in the Regulations three kinds of machine-gun fire are recognised, viz.:

(1) Salvoes, for range-finding.—The 2 guns of a section fire short salvoes of 20 to 25 rounds alternately to get the right range.

(2) Quick fire.—This is the normal method, and consists in firing about 100 rounds at a time.

(3) Rapid fire by individual guns.—Each gun fires as rapidly as possible; used only as a last resort, or against a specially favourable target.

The section (2 guns) is regarded as the unit, and the spirit of the Regulations is that the machine guns are particularly for use with cavalry, and must possess to the full the mobility and dash of that arm.

Dismounted action for the cavalry is not favourably regarded, and the machine guns are expected to relieve the cavalry of this