Eastern Front Sniper by Roland Kaltenegger

Author:Roland Kaltenegger
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Greenhill Books
Published: 2017-03-17T16:00:00+00:00

Pages 60–75: Numerous illustrations of snipers’ camouflage and means of deceiving the enemy appear in the Introduction of a 15 May 1943 manual for the training and deployment of snipers. They are reproduced here with their original annotations translated.

3. Instruction

Practical instruction in shooting is to be prepared for by instruction about the weapon, the telescopic sight, shooting instruction and sandbox practice. Instruction must be limited to the essentials in a simple, short and clear manner …

7. Estimating Distance

The basis for shooting accuracy is precise estimation of the range. Exercises must be carried out in various kinds of terrain, in all kinds of weather and at all times of day. Distances are to be calculated from all body positions. The sniper must be able to estimate very precisely distances up to 500 metres [550 yards] … Distances tend to be underestimated when the target is clearly visible – in sunshine – with the sun at the sniper’s back – and especially over water, snow and plains – when it is impossible to see into individual stretches of terrain – with a bright ground or background …

10. Camouflage and Deception

Besides technical shooting ability the sniper in the field requires masterly camouflage and to play a waiting game based on deception. Some suggestions for camouflage, stalking and creating an illusion are provided in the following pages. In many cases the illustrations are incomplete. Reference has not been made to the actual use of camouflage suits, parkas and camouflage nets. Camouflage face-nets and long camouflage gloves are the best disguise for face and hands! The suggestions can be further developed and completed using one’s own ideas and suggestions. In the periods set aside for make and mend the sniper must learn how to prepare the necessary materials by improvisation.

In 1944 the ‘Ten Commandments for German Snipers’ were:

1. Fight fanatically!

2. Shoot calmly and deliberately: what matters most is not how fast you can fire but getting a hit.

3. Your most deadly opponent is the enemy sniper! Be smarter than him.

4. Never fire more than once from your position, otherwise they will spot you.

5. The entrenching tool lengthens your life.

6. Constantly practise distance estimation.

7. Be a master of camouflage and in the use of terrain.

8. Maintain your shooting skill through constant practice, even behind the front and when at home.

9. Never let your sniper’s rifle out of your hand. The well-maintained weapon is your strength …

10. The important rule for survival is camouflage-up ten times, and shoot once.

Absolutely essential qualities of the sniper are always:

1. Assessment of the terrain.

2. The line of retreat.

3. The best possible camouflage.

4. Good nerves and concentration even when under enemy fire.

5. A precisely calibrated telescopic-sight rifle.

6. Correct estimation of distance, temperature and the influence of high ground.

7. Cunning deception of the enemy.

8. Correct manner of dealing with moving targets.

Army Regulation HDV 298/20 for snipers states:

The sniper must be trained to be a hunter who stalks enemy prey with loose, easy, supple movements, skilfully using all advantages of ground cover and terrain,

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