Wehrmacht Combat Reports by Bob Carruthers

Author:Bob Carruthers [Carruthers, Bob]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Nonfiction, History, Asian, Russia, Military, Other, World War II
ISBN: 9781473845343
Publisher: Pen & Sword Books
Published: 2013-05-15T04:00:00+00:00

17. OBSERVATIONS ON GERMAN EMPLOYMENT OF ARMORED INFANTRY

Tactical and Technical Trends,

No. 22, April 8th 1943

The following account of the tactics of armored infantry was taken from a German training manual.

a. General

(1) Tanks

The rifle company transported in armored vehicles is a particularly strong unit in the attack because of its mobility, high fire power, and armor protection. The latter makes it possible to fight from the vehicles, but this is very rarely done. These units habitually dismount and fight on foot. The armor protection permits them to approach the enemy closely before dismounting. In view of its high allotment of heavy weapons, the company is able to carry out independent tasks.

Its main role is cooperation with tank units in carrying out the following tasks:

(a) Quick mopping-up and consolidation of ground overrun by the tanks;

(b) Supporting the tank attack by overcoming nests of enemy resistance, removing obstacles, and forming bridgeheads;

(c) Protection of assembly and bivouac areas.

b. Training

(1) Thorough training in fighting on foot must be given; at night, in all sorts of weather and all seasons, and over diversified terrain.

(2) All types of firing, especially at snap targets, must be practiced with both rifles and automatic arms, while the armored carrier is stationary and while it is in motion.

c. Fighting as Assault Troops

When the unit is used as assault troops, and also when fighting in woods, the weapons carried by the squads should be mostly submachine guns with plenty of HE and smoke grenades. Often only one machine gun will accompany the squad, but much extra ammunition will be distributed among several riflemen. The assault squads can borrow submachine gun, from the other squads. The heavy machine guns may go into action without their heavy mounts, but the mount should always be available. Mortars, from the vicinity of the carrier, coordinate their fire with that of the heavy machine guns.

d. The March

Over favorable terrain, an average speed of 15 mph can be maintained, with a maximum speed of from 18 1/2 to 22 1/2 mph under favorable conditions. This would permit a total of 90 to 120 miles per day. The interval between the point section and point platoon is about a minute, and between the point platoon and the company, 2 minutes. Antitank weapons, if carried, should be placed well forward, but other heavy weapons are normally placed in the rear. The company commander, and the commanders and observers of the artillery and heavy weapon units, usually travel behind the point platoon. Each platoon provides its own flank guards. Every 2 hours, a 20-minute halt should be made for minor repairs and refueling.

e. Fighting from the Carrier

The chief weapon in fighting from the carrier is the fixed (light) machine gun. Generally, this will be fired during halts of 15 to 25 seconds.

f. Attack in Cooperation with Tanks

The company will usually follow close behind the tanks to mop up points of resistance the tanks have by-passed. The leading troops will not dismount from their carrier, but will leave the fighting on foot to the succeeding waves.

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