Page:Machine-gun tactics (IA machineguntactic00appl).pdf/84

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repulse the training movement, or take their attackers in flank, will afford the machine guns an opportunity for decisive fire action. Should the machine guns or one of them succeed in stalking the led horses of the enemy, their action will probably be decisive, as nothing affords a machine gun such an easy and effective target as the horses of a dismounted squadron, while the effect of fire on them is to render the squadron immobile and to place them out of action as cavalry altogether.

The method of attack will probably be as follows. Scouts (dismounted) having been sent forward to reconnoitre and draw fire to disclose the extent of the position, two troops dismounted and widely extended will advance to the attack and open a heavy fire and push the attack as hotly as possible; at the same moment one troop (mounted) will move slowly round the flank which it is not intended to attack, keeping wide of the position and closed up, and in signalling communication with the squadron leader. This will probably draw attention to this flank, and the troop should report by signal any movement made by the enemy to check them. Rapid fire should now be ordered all along the line, and the troop on the flank should wheel and open out towards the enemy, but not approach within range if it can be avoided. Under cover of this demonstration, the machine guns with the remaining troop will work round the flank selected for attack, the guns being concealed on the