Panzer Rollen by Bob Carruthers

Author:Bob Carruthers [Carruthers, Bob]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: History, Military, Weapons, World War II
ISBN: 9781473868823
Google: C5HrDwAAQBAJ
Publisher: Casemate Publishers
Published: 2018-11-19T00:44:28+00:00

Section II: Attack Across a River

157. When a river must be crossed in the attack, the motorized infantry will first carry out the crossing according to principles laid down for the infantry division. Its small numerical strength permits attack only on a narrow front. Tanks with heavy guns can be sited to fire from cover from the near bank while the crossing is being made.

The bridgehead formed on the far side should at first not be larger than can safely be held by the division infantry and artillery.

158. Ferry crossings should be started as soon as possible and used to move tank units. The latter will extend the bridgehead so that construction of a permanent bridge can begin.

Anti-aircraft machine-gun units must be included in advance parties in order to protect the crossing.

The main body of tanks and those parts of the motorized infantry which are not required to establish the bridgehead should be kept well in rear in order to keep clear the crossing points allotted for vehicles. When the bridge is completed – and not before – they will cross and carry out deep thrusts into the enemy lines. The vehicles of troops engaged in the river operation follow them.

159. The division must lay down in detail the order in which troops and vehicles are to be ferried or are to cross the bridge. Points at which columns are to separate and assembly positions must be located well in the rear of crossing points. The division commander will appoint officers to regulate traffic at separation points. They will prevent other units from using the bridge without authority of the division. They will have telephone communication with the bridge and with the troops waiting to cross. Commanders of troops which have crossed will see that crossing points are quickly freed for the passage of following troops.

Download

Copyright Disclaimer:
This site does not store any files on its server. We only index and link to content provided by other sites. Please contact the content providers to delete copyright contents if any and email us, we'll remove relevant links or contents immediately.