Part 2 — THE FIRE ATTACK.
Reading edition
154.—The time to fire.
It is determined by the casualties.
155.—The order to fire.
It is given by the captains; (only in case of extreme emergency by a subaltern.)
156.—Fire Control.
The section leaders, under the direction of the captain; control the fire: classes of firing, volley firing, firing at will; the target (the nearest hostile troops within the sector of the objective being the usual target); the range, the opening and cessation of fire in volley fire.
157.—Fire observation.
The section leaders are helped in their observation of the fire effect by observers standing besides them. The fire is usually directed independently by section or half section.
158.—Verification of range.
In principle, the corporals do not take part in the fire but verify the range and direction of the fire of their respective squads.
ADVANCING THE FIRING LINE.
159.—Methods of advance.
To advance the firing line in attack, all means are good: by section, half-section, squad, the only condition being that it be by commanded fractions.
160.—Closing in to replace casualties.
As men fall, the rest close in toward the section leader, the sections rectifying intervals on the sections furthest advanced (the captain is with this section, all sections being now in line.)
161.—Closing in on the battalion front.
The several companies rectify intervals in the same way on the furthest advanced company (the battalion commander being with this company).
162.—Seize every opportunity to advance.
Every propitious occasion to advance should be seized at once by the various elements of the line: greater effectiveness of the neighboring section's fire, slackening fire of the enemy, effects of artillery, etc.
163.—Each fraction protects advance of neighbor.
The movement forward of each fraction of the line should be protected by the fire of the neighboring fraction.
164.—Keep fit to fire accurately.
The fraction leader, after each rush forward, should give time to the men to get back their breath so that they may fire with careful aim.
165.—Liaison with the Captain.
The captain should be kept informed by a conventional signal as to the need of ammunition, etc.