Chapter XVII: Division Tactics and Supply (1)

MARCHES.

A day’s march under ordinary conditions will be from 10 to 15 miles, usually about 12. The rate of march, including halts, is 2½ miles per hour. One day in each six or seven should be devoted to rest. In a forward march in campaign the advance guard will ordinarily be a regiment or a brigade. Units should not be split as a rule, to furnish advance guards of a strength other than that stated. Artillery should seldom be placed in an advance guard of a regiment but with a brigade it would be usual to place a battalion of artillery. Other auxiliary troops with an advance guard are the engineers, signal and sanitary, each in numbers proportioned to the size of the advance guard, or in accordance with the requirements of the situation. A reinforced brigade as advance guard therefore, may consist of an infantry brigade, a battalion of artillery, one company of engineers, one section of signal troops, one ambulance company.

A commander for the main body may be designated. The division commander may thus go wherever his presence is necessary; he will occasionally review the division as it moves out in the morning, afterward joining the advance guard. If combat is probable he should in all cases be with the advance guard that he may have time to weigh the reports arriving from the front and influence the very important first dispositions of the advance guard. The march order will ordinarily prescribe the initial point and time of departure of the main body, and the distance at which it is to follow the advance guard, together with the route of march. This gives the complete data required to enable the commander of each organization (including the advance guard) to take his proper place in the column of march thus insuring a systematic departure. If a brigade be advance guard of a division it is not usually rotated with other brigades on a single march of say a week. The component elements of the brigade itself rotate in their security duties, but the disadvantages of frequent rotation of brigades in the division are generally believed to be greater than the advantages.

_Cavalry._ The divisional cavalry is made independent of the advance guard whenever it has an independent mission. If the division is acting alone this will be the usual case. Its strength should not be frittered away; but for urgent tactical reasons one or two troops or a squadron may exceptionally be attached to the advance guard. The cavalry if camped with the division, is generally ordered to start from a half hour to an hour after sunrise, with orders as to its special mission, “to cover the march of the division,” “gain contact with the enemy and observe towards ______,” etc. If the independent cavalry starts at about the same time as the advance guard brigade the time stated will be about one hour before the advance guard _clears_ its initial point, the length of the advance guard with its intervals, being about an hour’s march (for foot troops). It may be desirable to attach a pack train to the cavalry. Avoid detail in orders to the divisional cavalry. Tell the cavalry commander clearly what tasks he is to accomplish, the means of so doing should be left to his judgment.

_Artillery._ The distribution of the artillery in the column of march depends upon the tactical requirements. For its own security it should never be too far to the front. Artillery needs a maneuvering zone, and it should not have to countermarch to gain this. In an advance guard of a reinforced brigade the artillery should be in the reserve, and immediately preceded by a bn. or more of infantry, according to the tactical situation. It would be inadvisable to have the artillery forward with the support. The center of gravity of the artillery with the advance guard, should therefore ordinarily be well to the rear for security and maneuvering purposes, and of that with the main body well to the front in an advance in the presence of the enemy. It is usual in such case to have the artillery of the main body preceded by a regiment of infantry (in the main body). When the tactical requirements are less urgent, the artillery brigade (less the bn. with the advance guard) may be between the brigades of the main body, or may even be in rear of all the infantry of the main body. Heavy field artillery, if present, would usually be placed in rear of all the foot troops of the main body. Where the artillery as thus disposed forms too long a column it is well to place a detachment of infantry in the middle. The local conditions will indicate the correct course. Artillery combat trains are seldom permitted in the main body ahead of foot troops; they incommode the infantry in the column as well as delay the deployment of the division. They should be routed immediately in rear of the special troops at the tail of the column. Combat trains of artillery with the advance guard, usually march with the advance guard.

The division marching in two columns, with the prospect of encountering the enemy, will usually have artillery in each column. There may be a regiment of artillery with each or more usually a battalion only with the smaller. Whether or not a flank guard will contain artillery depends upon its mission and the conditions. If the purpose of the flank guard is reconnaissance only it should consist of cavalry alone, and would have no artillery accompanying. If the flank guard be composed of a regiment of infantry with some attached mounted troops it would still be unwise to attach artillery. But where the flank guard as a covering detachment is expected to fight decisively, or where there is essentially double column formation for purposes of partial deployment in marching to meet the enemy, its strength is made greater, and it may include artillery. If the lateral communications between the routes of the two columns are such that artillery from the main body may be readily moved to the flank in case of need there will usually be no occasion to attach artillery to the flank guard.

In a meeting engagement it is generally of vital importance to bring the artillery into action with the least delay. For this purpose it should be brought forward, either by giving it right of way over the infantry, or preferably, by advancing it on a parallel road. Where the situation permits it is best in such cases to have the artillery advance on the parallel road farthest from possible interference by the enemy, the infantry column taking the more exposed road. In either case the artillery comes ahead at an increased gait. Where no parallel route exists, and it is determined to give the artillery right of way over the infantry, the latter may continue the march in the fields alongside, or if this is not practicable they must halt off the road until the artillery passes them. Right of way over the infantry is given to the firing batteries only, the combat trains come forward later as the situation permits.

_Engineers._ Engineers are used in an advance as pioneers and pontoniers. Pioneers should invariably be attached to the advance troops of a large command. They take up little road space and are needed on every march. If it is known that bridging must be done during the march the bridge train should be with the advance guard. It marches in the intervals of the advance guard, or in that between the advance guard and the main body. If it is known definitely that no bridging will be needed the train should be in rear with the division trains. It should never march with the combatant troops of the main body. If the bridge conditions ahead cannot be learned definitely the equipage should march with the advance guard, otherwise the progress of the command may be greatly delayed. The road space for one division of the advance guard (light) equipage, which will bridge a minimum span of 186 ft., is about 300 yards. A division of reserve (heavy) equipage, with a minimum capacity of 225 ft., occupies a road space of about 400 yds. The capacity of this equipage can be increased by the amount of material that can be obtained locally at the crossings.

_Signal troops._ On the march the radio sections of the signal troops may be disposed as follows, 1 with the independent cavalry, and 1 with the advance guard. A section, radio or even wire, may be sent with a flank guard, or even with the trains, if on a separate road, or far to the rear. A wire section may be placed at the head of the main body, and the remainder of the signal troops at the tail thereof, in rear of the engineers, or in the interval between the advance guard and the main body. The duties of the signal troops on the march are to maintain communication between the various detachments along the line of march (always including division headquarters) and with the independent cavalry by wireless. The signal troops may keep up moving communication, or better establish stations along the line of march, continually pushing out new stations to the front, and drawing in those in rear as the column advances. Existing telegraph and telephone lines may be utilized. Instructions to the signal troops would read “lines of information will connect division headquarters with the advance guard, flank guard, trains, etc.” As with all other officers who are expected to exercise any degree of initiative, instructions in great detail should not be given the signal commander. He should be told what is desired and allowed to arrange details himself.

The starting hour of the division should not be too early. Large bodies lack the flexibility of small, and it is exceptional that the division starts before one hour after sunrise. It must be remembered that if the division starts its march earlier than this, the advance guard, which may have an hour’s march to clear its initial point, must start at an unseasonable hour. If the mounted point starts at daybreak the head of the main body will pass the same place about an hour after sunrise. In a map problem or maneuver there is a tendency to endeavor to make the utmost of the time available, but it should be remembered that if much is expected from the division today, yesterday was probably as hard a day, and tomorrow may call for even greater effort. Hence avoid the early starting habit. Starting before daybreak, however, is less objectionable than making camp in the dark. Large bodies cannot be expected to form in column on the road before starting. Each element of the command is responsible for reaching the initial point in time to take its place in column without delay. Trains assemble off the road until the troops have cleared and proceed as ordered. The commander of the field trains is charged with the duty of arranging his wagons in the order of march of the units to which they belong. Usually the field trains of the division, including that of the advance guard, are united in one body. If the situation of the trains requires a guard, one is detailed for the purpose. Some mounted men should always be attached to a train escort. Engineers are useful for this purpose, if their other duties permit. They may constitute the entire escort. Their services are valuable in facilitating the progress of the trains. Fig. XV shows an arrangement of a division on the march.

The march outposting of a division does not differ in principle from that of smaller bodies. Detachments of suitable strength up to a battalion may be sent out to important crossroads, crests, bridges, etc., and if desirable they remain there until the safety of the column is assured.

ORDER FOR THE FORWARD MARCH OF A DIVISION.

1st Div., 1st Blue Army Corps,
FREDERICK, MD.,
Field Orders, } 15 May, '16, 9 p. m.
No. 1. }
Geological Survey map.

Troops

(a) Independent
Cavalry:
Col. F.
1st Cav. (less 1 tr.)
1 radio sec. pack Sig.

(b) Advance Guard:
Brig. Gen. B.
Tr. A, 1st Cav.,
(less 1 plat.)
1st Brigade
1st Bn. 1st L. A.
Co. A, 1st Engrs.
1st Amb. Co.

(c) Main body--in
order of march:
1 plat. Tr. A, 1st
Cav.
1st Bn. 4th Inf.
1st Brig. F. A.
(less 1 bn. and
C. Tn.)
2d Brigade (less
1 bn.)
3rd Brigade.
1st Engineers
(less 1 co.)
Artillery C. Tn.
3 Ambulance cos.

(d) Signal Troops:
Maj. K.

1. The frontier is being observed by hostile detachments. Their main army is about BALTIMORE and WASHINGTON. The greater part of their army is believed to be unprepared to move. One division and possibly more are ready and may have moved toward the frontier.

Our army will advance so as to reach GETTYSBURG on the 18th.

2. This division is ordered to advance on GETTYSBURG and cover the exit of the army from the mountains.

We will begin the march tomorrow.

3. (a) The independent cavalry will start at 5:30 a. m. and cover the movement. They will reconnoiter TANEYTOWN and the roads leading southeast therefrom.

(b) The advance guard will march on EMMITSBURG Turnpike and clear the first railroad crossing north of town by 6:30 a. m.

The crossings of the MONOCACY and their approaches from the east will be observed.

(c) The head of the main body will start from the first railroad crossing north of town at 6:50 a. m. and follow the advance guard at about one mile.

(d) The Signal battalion will march between the main body and the advance guard, and will maintain communication with the cavalry.

1st Bn. Sig. (less 1
Radio sec. pack Sig.)

(x) The outpost will stand relieved at 6:30 a. m.

(y) Hourly halts of ten minutes on the even hour.

4. The field trains will assemble north of the town after the troops have cleared the place, and report to C. O. trains.

5. The Division Commander will remain in FREDERICK until 8:30 a. m. and will then join the reserve of the advance guard.

A,
Maj. Gen.

Copies to:

Staff.
1st Brig.
2d Brig.
3d Brig.
1st Brig. F. A.
1st Cav.
1st Engrs.
Sig. Bn.
Director of Amb. Cos.
F. Tn.
Div. Tns.
Outpost.

Copy to Corps Hq. by mail, synopsis by wire.

1st Div., 1st Blue Army Corps,
FREDERICK, MD.,
15 May, '16, 9:20 p. m.
Orders No. --
(Map reference)

1. For the march May 12, the trains will be divided into two sections:

First section, in order of march: Field trains, 1st section supply train, 1st Am. Co., Engr. train.

Second section, in order of march: Field hospitals, 2d Am. Co., supply train (less 1st sec.).

2. The 1st section will follow about two miles in rear of the troops. The 2d section will follow the first at about two miles.

By command of Maj. Gen. A.

Copies to: B,
Staff. C. of S.
C. O. F. Tn.
C. O. Div. Tn.

The members of the division staff would do well to supply themselves with diagrams to scale of the division on the march. (See Fig. XV.) These are applied to the map and the position of any unit at any time is thus approximately determined.

COMBAT.

To enter upon a deliberate and protracted engagement late in the afternoon, especially with troops tired from a day’s march is justifiable only under exceptional conditions. Even if the attack be successful before nightfall there will hardly be enough daylight remaining to reap the fruits of victory. If advancing in a single column a division may require, depending upon the terrain, from 1½ to 2½ hours for deployment alone.

The desire to obtain fire superiority leads the attacker to an endeavor to extend his line and overlap that of the defender, thus subjecting part of the latter’s line to both frontal and oblique fire. Purely frontal attacks may force the enemy back but have little prospect of annihilating him. Nevertheless the decisive blow is not invariably directed at the defender’s flank. Often a determined frontal attack combined with a demonstration against the defender’s flank or pressure against his line of retreat will have good prospects of decisive results. Enveloping attacks, with their great extension of front are a form of dispersion and subject to the risks thereof. A timid commander will often allow too small an interval and too obtuse an angle between his frontal and enveloping attacks, whereby the latter fails of envelopment. A rash commander, on the other hand, may provide at the outset too great an interval between the attacks, whereby they fail of coordination and mutual support and run the risk of repulse or even annihilation in detail. It is necessary then to find in each case the golden mean between two undesirable extremes. Here again many conditions enter into the problem and “rules” cannot be given. An enveloping attack to be decisive must generally aim well to the rear. It is a condition precedent to a successful envelopment, however, that enemy be attacked in front with ample strength. The gap between the attacks should, taken in connection with the nature of the terrain, be such that the defender cannot advance against the holding attack without exposing his flank to the envelopment. As the attacker moves forward the gap between his forces will usually diminish and with it the risk of a counter-attack against the troops in front of the defender. The difficulty of coordinating the separated portions is usually the greatest danger to be anticipated. The envelopment should generally be provided for in the first deployment, as it is much more difficult to secure when initiated after the opening of the frontal attack by the employment of retained reserves. The troops for the envelopment will often be ordered to a preparatory position from which their attack is launched. As to which attack will be launched first this will depend upon circumstances. Ordinarily the entry of the enveloping troops into action will be the signal for the general attack. Whether the troops holding the front will participate in the assault depends also on conditions. They may be able to exercise a more decisive influence by oblique or enfilade fire on the hostile troops opposed to the envelopment. Great separation of the forces or obstacles of the terrain between them are elements of danger to be given such consideration as they may, in the particular case, demand.

Turning movements like envelopments, though to an even greater extent, are forms of dispersion. They are usually to be condemned in the operations of small forces, the weak detachments of which are too readily and too quickly overwhelmed by superior strength when alone and unsupported. They are of occasional application in the operations of a division and of more frequent application by larger forces. In spite of the risks involved in such maneuvers they will continue to be in favor with bold commanders since they frequently promise decisive results in case of success. Envelopments grade into turning movements and no sharp line can be drawn between the two maneuvers. An envelopment so separated from a holding attack by distance or natural obstacles as to render co-operation and mutual support difficult or impossible, partakes of the nature of a turning movement, and of the risks inherent in this form of dispersion.

The plan of attack should generally be based upon the best dispositions for the infantry, other elements conforming thereto. Cover for advancing infantry is a prime consideration up to the opening of the struggle for fire superiority. Afterwards the attacker’s own fire must be his principal protection. The envelopment of a hostile flank, where contemplated, should be provided for from the start; do not wait until after the deployment is commenced. For the considerations determining which flank to envelop see Chap. XI. The separation of the main and secondary attacks depends upon the terrain, the relative sizes of the opposing forces, the means of communication, the state of the enemy’s morale, the mission, etc.

If the division is on the march it will often be advisable to issue two orders, the first a development order, the second an attack order.

The order for attack indicates the front upon which the large units deploy, and the portion of the enemy’s line they are to cover. The brigades are directed to proceed to their assigned positions, where they will usually await the order to attack. In a rencontre engagement the units may attack at once. When all is ready the division commander signals the advance. The telegraph is the best means of insuring a properly timed advance. It has the advantage that it allows the attack to be launched in the light of the latest information received by the commander. Launching the attack at a stated hour, or by prearranged signal (gun or flag) although frequently resorted to, has some disadvantages. Communication by the signal troops on the field does not ordinarily extend to organizations below a brigade. The position to which the brigade proceeds for deployment should have covered approach. It should be as close to the hostile line as will still enable the brigade to effect its deployment without undue interference from the hostile artillery. The distance will usually be from 1½ to 2½ miles.

The selection and placing of the reserves depends largely upon the flanks, both friendly and hostile. Except for compelling reasons they should be held intact at the outset. Ordinarily it is to be presumed that the reserve will be eventually employed in the enveloping attack. In such cases it would be posted in rear of the outer flank thereof. If, however, there be a reasonable probability of its employment elsewhere, it should be held at first in a more central position. In rear of the inner flank of the main attack will ordinarily be a convenient place in view of several possibilities. It should always be under the immediate control of the supreme commander. When a force has once been committed to an engagement it is by the prompt and judicious use of the reserves alone that the commander can influence the subsequent course of the action. The station of the reserve in the preliminary disposition will ordinarily be from 2 to 3 miles from the hostile line. Engineers upon completion of such special tasks as may be assigned them will ordinarily join the reserve. For a purely passive defense strong reserves are not usually necessary. Such reserves as are held out should make preparations to cover the withdrawal, in case of defeat.

The depth of deployment in the beginning of an attack will depend upon a number of considerations. “Depth of deployment” as the term is here used means the ratio of the total strength of the combatant force to the deployed front in yards. The strength of the firing line proper (in attack) should be about one man per yard of front. Depth therefore depends on the relative strength of supports and reserves, as compared to the firing line. It is measured in men, not in yards, and is expressed as so many men per yard of deploying front. It has no reference to the distance of the reserve behind the firing line. The greatest care must be taken then that too many men be not committed prematurely to the action. The combat, however, is decided by the firing line. Retained forces which are not launched against the enemy produce no effect on the result. To deploy an insufficient number of men and then reinforce them by driblets is wrong. Distribution in depth therefore, is a means to an end. It is necessary in the preparatory stages of the fight to enable the commander to meet unexpected developments, especially when the knowledge as to the strength, dispositions and intentions of the enemy is insufficient. A force then should go into action in a relatively deep formation, but it must extend its front during the action, and when the decisive moment is recognized every available man should be thrown in for the assault. While too great depth of deployment at the outset is a serious mistake it is a less one than the opposite extreme of deploying from the start on too broad a front. The decision as to the proper depth of deployment in any particular case cannot be made a matter of rule, but calls for all the skill and judgment of the commander. Success alone can justify his dispositions. The criterion is this: at the decisive point were the attacking (or defending) lines the strongest that it was possible to have obtained? The following are some of the considerations which influence the decision as to depth of deployment.

1. The fighting qualities of the enemy. Are his troops in retreat, have they been defeated, are they of poor quality or low in morale? If so a greater extension of front is permissible.

2. Is the force fighting alone, or as a part of a larger force? Is it on the offensive or defensive, and if the former is it making a decisive or merely a holding attack? Is the fight to be to a decision or is it a delaying action? Is it a deliberately planned attack or a rencontre? If fighting alone, if on the offensive, if in a decisive engagement, if in a deliberately planned attack greater depth of deployment at the outset will usually be advisable than in the contrary cases.

3. Are reinforcements expected on either side?

4. The nature of the terrain, cover, security of the flanks. In favorable terrain, particularly that which affords security to the flanks greater extension of front is usually justifiable.

5. Are the enemy’s strength, dispositions and intentions accurately known? If not it is better to have at first a relatively great depth of deployment pending developments.

6. The frontage of units cannot be definitely fixed as it depends upon the conditions and the object of the combat. Companies ordinarily go complete into the firing line. Larger units ordinarily hold out supports and reserves. The frontage of deployment does not increase in proportion to the size of the force. It is usually relatively less for large forces. The necessity for distribution in depth usually increases with the size of the force.

7. The depth of deployment will be greater opposite the decisive points in the front.

etc. etc.

In view of the great variety of conditions and the many considerations which influence the decision it is impossible to enunciate arithmetical rules for the depth of deployment in various situations. The following figures can serve therefore, only as a very general guide.

The deployed front of a brigade of about 4,000 men (in division) at the opening of a decisive attack against good troops should not usually exceed 1,200 to 1,500 yards. The division, at have from 5 to 7 men per yard of deployed front.

Artillery should be kept well in hand under the senior artillery officers. This does not mean that the entire artillery brigade need be in one mass. The terrain often will not permit of this. Where practicable, however, it is desirable that regiments be not sub-divided. One may be assigned in rear of each attack (the main and secondary). Enfilade fire should be sought, as also the longest continued fire on the hostile infantry, especially that opposed to the main attack, over the heads of the advancing troops. This is usually best obtained from positions behind the holding attack.

When combat is imminent certain trains are released from the division train and ordered to designated localities. The artillery ammunition is hastened to the front and placed at the disposal of the artillery commander. It is posted at a convenient point or points a mile or so in rear of the artillery positions. The position should be selected with reference to the location of the roads. Small arms ammunition is similarly brought forward and disposed for convenience of supply. Usually the artillery ammunition will be required first and will be given right of way. The sanitary and engineer trains are usually also released. To avoid obstructing the roads wagons should be parked clear thereof.

Ambulance Companies are stationed, according to the probable necessities, usually one behind each brigade in the attacking line. The considerations that govern the stationing of the ammunition companies, point usually, to the same locality for the ambulance companies, about 3 to 4 miles from the enemy’s line. The remaining ambulance companies are kept in hand well to the rear. Ambulance companies should not be immobilized prematurely by the establishment of dressing stations. Until the course of events indicates where these stations will most be needed as well as how near the wounded they can be established, it is usually unwise to set them up. The field hospitals should at first remain well to the rear. Later they may be moved forward to or near the dressing stations, if the course of the action and other conditions permit. For the best performance of their functions it is desirable that the field hospitals be located on a railroad or in a town, preferably both. If the command advances after a successful action the ambulance companies must be released, and the field hospitals should advance and take over the wounded directly from the dressing stations. Otherwise the ambulance companies and other available transportation should be utilized to transport the wounded back to the field hospitals at a point convenient for their care and further evacuation. During the action one of the field hospitals sets up a station for the slightly wounded.

Combat orders should cover the disposition of all trains which are thereby released from the control of the commander of the trains, including disposition of ambulance companies, field hospitals, slightly wounded station, ammunition distributing stations, etc. All officers concerned with the handling of the released trains should receive copies of the orders. The commander of the trains need not invariably be furnished a copy of the field order, but the necessary information may be embodied in a brief order, thus:

“Division attacks hostile force at HUNTERSTOWN. Sn. Tn., Am. Tn., and Engr. Tn., released to MUMMASBURG to await orders from Chief Surgeon, Arty. and Engr. commanders. Remainder of trains will park near MUMMASBURG. Messages for Div. Hq. to GOLDENVILLE.”

Important messages, especially during combat, should preferably be written rather than verbal, and this is true whether they be carried by enlisted men or officers. When practicable, therefore, the person who is to deliver the message should write it down as dictated, repeating it afterwards in the presence of the officer by whom sent.

After combat the following must be attended to:

1. The wounded sent to the rear. The ambulance companies, if not immediately required in the advance of the division, may, with other available transportation, be used to carry the wounded to the field hospitals or the latter come forward as noted above. In the evacuation of the wounded to the rear, empty supply and ammunition wagons as well as all impressed wagons are utilized as far as conditions permit. If the combat is followed by a retreat the sanitary troops precede the combatant forces, removing as many of the wounded as possible. A suitable detail should be left for the care of the seriously wounded that cannot be removed. None of the wounded, if it can be avoided, should be abandoned to the enemy’s sole care. He cannot be expected to attend them until all of his own are cared for.

2. Ammunition in men’s belts and combat trains should be replenished. This should be accomplished at the latest by daybreak following. In the operation orders this item is accompanied by an announcement of the location of the ammunition company designated to make the issues.

3. Rations in the men’s packs and field wagons should be replenished promptly.

4. Police of the battlefield when practicable.

5. Prisoners should be sent to the rear. The immediate escort will be approximately 10 per cent of the strength of the prisoners.

6. Necessary instructions for trains.

7. The commander of the line of communications is given instructions covering such of the following details as may be necessary:

(a) Information as to the situation.

(b) Re-supply of ammunition, rations, forage, medical supplies, equipment, men and animals.

(c) Transportation for wounded and prisoners with necessary personnel.

(d) Such special instructions as the situation may demand.

ORDER FOR A DIVISION ATTACK

1st Div., 1st Blue Army Corps,
GOODINTENT S. H.,
(Near GOLDENVILLE, PA.),
Field Orders } 2 April, '16, 11:15 a. m.
No. -- }
Gettysburg 3" map.

1. A hostile force of less than two infantry brigades and a regiment of artillery has occupied the line hill 602--hill 597 and is intrenching the four main spurs projecting west from that ridge. Red artillery has been located between hills 602 and 601. The defeated Red cavalry has reappeared on YORK TURNPIKE west of GRANITE HILL.

2. This division will attack enveloping the hostile left. March conditions now cease.

3. (a) The 2d Bn., 2d L. A. will take position on the ridge southeast of GOLDENVILLE and fire on the hostile artillery.

The 2d L. A. (less 2d Bn.), from a position east of HERMAN, will support the attack of the 1st Brig.

The 1st L.A., from a position near VARNEY, will support the attack of the 2d Brig.

(b) The 1st Brig. will attack the three northern spurs of the Red position. Its right will follow the line J. WEAVER--farmhouse north of 592. Its left will not extend north of hill 574. The advance will not be carried east of the HARRISBURG ROAD until further orders.

(c) The 2d Brig., moving via 608--513--511 road, will vigorously attack the south spur of the Red position and envelop the hostile left. Its right will not extend east of the FAIRVIEW S. H.--HUNTERSTOWN road.

(d) The 3d Brig. and 1st Engrs. (less Co. A), Gen. D comdg., will move via GOLDENVILLE and 608 to 513 west of VARNEY and await orders.

(e) The 1st Cav. (less 2 trs.) will move to the vicinity of J. KAAS, south of FAIRVIEW S. H. and wait in readiness to assist the 2d Brig’s. attack. Reconnaissance will be pushed out towards HUNTERSTOWN, BONEAUVILLE and east of GRANITE HILL.

Tr. B will remain at its present position and cover our left, reconnoitering towards HUNTERSTOWN and NEWCHESTER and through HEIDLERSBURG.

(f) 1st Engrs. (less Co. A) will join the reserve. Co. A (less mtd. sec.) will remain at HERMAN. Mtd. sec. Co. A, will move north of the CONEWAGO and destroy all bridges near NEWCHESTER.

(g) 1st Bn. Sig. will establish a wire line between each brigade and these headquarters. Present radio distribution remains.

4. The 1st Amb. Co. will remain at HERMAN. The 2d Amb. Co. will move to creek crossing south of 513. 3d and 4th Amb. Cos. will await orders at 621 crossroads west of GOLDENVILLE. Station for slightly wounded will be at first crossroads west of GOLDENVILLE. Am. distributing stations, 1st Brig. and 2d L. A., at crossroads 679 on MUMMASBURG road; 2d and 3d Brigs. and 1st L. A., at BOYD S. H.

5. Messages to farmhouse west of J. WEAVER.

A,
Maj. Gen.

Copies to:
Staff.
1st Brig.
2d Brig.
3d Brig.
Arty. Brig.
1st Cav.
1st Engrs.
1st Bn. Sig.
Tr. B, 1st Cav. (extract)
(Report to Superior Commander.)

Note--As soon as the 2d Brig. has launched its attack and approached the line of the 1st Brig., General A will order the latter to continue its advance.

CAMPING.

The requirements of a division camp are of two kinds, tactical and sanitary. Tactical considerations when present, take precedence in every case. The tactical considerations are:

1. Mission of the command, orders from higher authority, contemplated tactical operations in the immediate future, relations to other friendly or hostile forces in the locality, etc.

2. Sufficient space to accommodate the command. There is a physical limit to crowding as well as the disadvantage that may accrue due to cramped dispositions, if attacked.

3. The site should, if practicable, be screened against hostile observation. This is not always possible but the easy observation of the main body by hostile patrols should be prevented.

4. Outpost line. The camp should have a defensible outpost line.

5. The network of roads and the location of water supply largely determine the distribution of the troops in the site selected. It is desirable that each fraction of the command have a road or a good trail leading to its camp from the highway, so that it will not have to pass through the camps of other organizations. For mounted troops this is especially desirable.

6. Infantry should be camped in front of other troops that cannot so readily defend themselves in case of a sudden attack.

7. The site of a crossroads usually aids in the fulfillment of conditions 5 and 6. It has the added advantage that the command occupies virtually a position in readiness. It is able to move to the front or either flank, promptly, without confusion or countermarching.

8. Whether the command shall camp in depth or in mass depends upon conditions, chief amongst which is the proximity of the enemy. Camping in depth is the more convenient, facilitating both arrival and departure; camping in mass the more secure.

The sanitary considerations are:

1. Water. Only the most compelling tactical necessities can outweigh the need for an adequate supply of good water. Every separate water shed should be utilized for a separate fraction of the command.

2. Mounted organizations should be down stream from foot troops.

3. Heat, cold, dust, wind and soil, are matters of importance in camps to be occupied for some time. But usually little weight can be given them in a one-night camp.

4. Fuel.

5. Drainage.

Sanitary conditions should be given all the weight that tactical conditions will permit.

Fig. XVI illustrates a convenient arrangement of a division camp or bivouac. The division has just arrived from the southwest, and is in close contact with a force believed to be inferior, to the northeast. The 2d Brigade which marched at the head of the main body during the day, is assigned the site farthest from the highway because it can reach it first. The brigade enters its camp via the road which turns to the northwest from the highway at a point about 1,400 yds. northeast of Taneytown. The 3d Brigade then marches directly to its camp, opposite the 2d, without interfering with other troops. Water is ample in quantity and convenient of access to both brigades. The Artillery Brigade is assigned a camp under the protection of the infantry. It has a separate water supply downstream of the foot troops.

It enters its camp by the lane shown, and distributes on each side of this lane. The situation of the artillery here economizes in security measures.

All three of these camps are of ample area, they are capable of easy description in the halt orders. No one is contingent upon the others; no organization need be ordered “next south of” or “immediately east of” another. Each site can be described by identifying it with the natural and artificial features, roads, railroads, streams, etc. Each subordinate commander thus knows at once precisely where to go without waiting to take the space left him by any other organization. Special troops in this case are treated as a single body, the senior officer commanding. Their site is convenient for the organization last to arrive in camp. They have a good water supply opposite the artillery. The Ambulance Companies are assigned to the site selected because it gives them a separate source of water supply and places them near the town so that some of the buildings could be used in case of necessity for the sick of the command. No use is made of the stream flowing north from Taneytown; it is probably polluted by the drainage of the town.

The advance guard, 1st Brigade reinforced, outposts the camp during the night. It camps near Galt a mile and a half ahead of the division, and places the 1st Infantry on outpost. The outpost line (see map) is about a mile beyond the advance guard camp. The baggage section and one day’s rations of the field trains join the troops. The division trains camp in two sections as follows: First section, composed of remaining field trains, 1st sec. supply train, 1st ammunition company, and pack train are camped south of Taneytown. The second section, consisting of supply train (less 1st sec.), ammunition train (less 1st Am. Co.), field hospitals, and engineer train, is camped near Ladiesburg.

The main body of the division in this instance is not camped in column. The 2d and 3d Brigades watch their own flanks with small detachments as shown, thereby avoiding undue extension of the outpost line. The camp is screened from any close view by the enemy.

The halt and outpost order should be issued well in advance so that subordinate commanders may conduct their organizations to the places assigned without countermarching, delay or confusion. One or two hours before the close of the day’s march is not too early for the issue of the order. The order designates the troops for outpost, usually from the advance guard. The line to be outposted is given in general terms only, from the map. The division commander cannot hope, nor is it necessary for him to select the line on the ground. This duty ordinarily devolves upon the commanders of the advance guard and outpost. If the order is issued early enough a copy is sent to the cavalry in front, otherwise special instructions must be sent them. The instructions for the cavalry include the following: new information of enemy and friendly troops, plans for the following day; mission of the cavalry for the remainder of the day, when to cease work for the night and where to camp (this last may be left to the judgment of the cavalry commander in which case he reports his whereabouts to the supreme commander), what troops are to be left out over night, what troops are to be assigned to the outpost if any, and when they are to report, location of outpost line, camp of advance guard, main body, location of division headquarters, where the cavalry field trains will be sent, place of issue of supplies, time and place for the next issue of division orders, etc. The prompt and orderly distribution of the troops to their camps at the close of a day’s march is necessary to the maintenance of discipline and fighting efficiency, and is an index of the competence of the division staff.

Other orders issued would include:

1. Orders as to time and place of making issues when this information is obtained too late for insertion in the halt order. Routine orders covering matters of general interest, not properly belonging in operation orders.

2. Instructions to the Chief Quartermaster of the division concerning the procurement of supplies, disposition of empty wagons, etc.

3. Instructions to the commander of the line of communications concerning supplies, repair of railroads, movement of advance supply depot, etc.

(See orders following).

ORDER FOR CAMPING AND OUTPOSTING OF A DIVISION.

To the Divisional Cavalry by mounted messenger (or wireless.)

1st Division, 1st Blue Army Corps,
TANEYTOWN, MD.,
10 Sept., '16, 2:45 p. m.

Commanding Officer,
1st Cav.

Division camps north of TANEYTOWN for the night. Advance
guard will camp near GALT and place outposts. Determine
first the location of the flanks of the enemy’s line near
KINGSDALE; second whether any hostile troops are on the
march between KINGSDALE and MCSHERRYSTOWN. Withdraw behind
the outpost line by 9:00 p. m. Your wagons will join the
advance guard at GALT. Division headquarters road jct.
1½ mile N. E. of town.
A,
Maj. Gen.

1st Division,
TANEYTOWN, MD.,
Field Order, } 10 Sept., '16, 3 p. m.
No. 3. }
Geological Survey map.

1. Our cavalry has been in contact with hostile cavalry since the crossing of the LITTLE PIPE CREEK, and has been successful in driving them back. It reports that it has developed the enemy holding a line just south of KINGSDALE. The railroad bridges over the BIG PIPE and LITTLE PIPE CREEKS have been destroyed.

2. The division will halt for the night.

3. (a) The advance guard will halt and camp near GALT, and will provide for the security of the camp.

(b) The main body will camp as follows:

The 2d Brigade on the right bank of PINEY CREEK, south of the 469--526 road and north of the road leading west from this road junction. A small detachment will be sent towards the high ground near 526 to observe the roads leading towards LONGVILLE and 528.

The 3d Brigade on the left bank of PINEY CREEK, south of the 469--554 road and opposite the 2d Brigade. A small detachment will be sent towards 554 to observe towards STUMPTOWN.

The artillery brigade (less the 1st Bn. 1st L. A.) on the right bank of the tributary to PINEY CREEK which flows into the same at a point 200 yards southwest of this road junction.

The Signal Battalion, and 1st Engrs. (less Co. A.) on the left bank of the tributary to PINEY CREEK and opposite the artillery.

The 2d, 3d, and 4th Ambulance Companies at the head of the stream at the northern edge of TANEYTOWN.

4. The baggage section and one day’s rations of the Field trains will join their organizations, those of the 1st Cavalry will join the advance guard at GALT.

5. Division headquarters will be at this road junction.

A,
Maj. Gen.

(How and to whom communicated.)

1st Div., 1st Blue Army Corps,
TANEYTOWN, MD.,
Orders } 10 Sept., '16, 3 p. m.
No. 2 }

1. The division camps tonight northeast of TANEYTOWN.

2. The first section of the division trains, less baggage section field trains, will camp near the southwest exit of TANEYTOWN; 2d section at LADIESBURG.

3. Distributing point near southwest exit of TANEYTOWN, 7:30 p.m.

4. Refilling point rail head, LITTLE PIPE CREEK (via MIDDLESBURG).

By command of Maj. Gen. A.
X
Asst. C. of S.

Copies to:
Staff.
C. O. Div. Tn.
C. O. F. Tn.

_Contour interval 20 feet._

_Datum is mean sea level._]

Telegram to the commander of the depot at Frederick.

1st Div., 1st Blue Army Corps,
TANEYTOWN, MD.,
10 Sept., '16, 3 p. m.
Commanding Officer,
Supply Depot, FREDERICK, MD.

1st Division camps for the night Sept. 10-11 one half mile
northeast of TANEYTOWN. Request that supplies for this
division for one day be sent by special train to arrive at
rail head LITTLE PIPE CREEK by 8 p. m. Also send 1,000,000
rounds small arms ammunition and 5,000 rounds artillery
ammunition to arrive at LADIESBURG by rail on the morning
of the 11th. You will have railroad construction crew ready
to start to replace bridges over LITTLE PIPE and BIG PIPE
CREEKS. Am sending estimates by motorcyclist.

A,
Chief of Staff.

Copies to:
Staff.
C. O. Div. Tn.

SUPPLY.

The division is the administrative unit for supply, and the tactics of a division differ in principle from those of smaller units chiefly in that they are concerned additionally with the handling of supply trains.

The vehicles, etc., with an infantry division as authorized by F. S. R. 1914 are as follows:

Guns 48
Other artillery carriages with firing batteries 78
Combat trains, including artillery, wagons 210
Field trains Baggage section, wagons 54
Ration section, wagons 124
Ammunition train, wagons 162
Supply train, wagons 126
Sanitary train, wagons and ambulances 90
Engineer train, wagons 9
Machine guns 40
Pack mules 273

The bakery train is not now a part of the division trains unless specially attached. Ordinarily it is with the line of communications. Bridge trains likewise are part of the division only when specially attached.

In the U. S. service it is now provided that certain reserve (park) intrenching tools for each battalion of infantry and each squadron of cavalry will be carried in their combat wagons. A reserve of engineer supplies including park intrenching tools, explosives, etc., will be carried in wagons to be furnished for that purpose. These wagons will, on the march in division, be consolidated into an engineer train, under charge of the senior engineer officer of the division. It habitually marches with the other trains of the division. (See Fig. XV.)

There are two sources of supply for armies in the field:

1. The theatre of operations; and 2. The base of operations. Supply operations in the theatre are controlled directly by the commander of the field forces, while the operations of supply from the home country to the base depot, called “the service of the interior” are conducted by the department commanders, and bureau chiefs, acting under the War Department.

It is desirable to utilize to the utmost the produce of the theatre of operations and this is particularly true of forage because of its great weight and the drag on the operations of the army incident to its transportation. Other supplies which may be obtained in varying and usually uncertain quantities in the theatre of operations will include food, medicine and surgical supplies, commercial tools and building materials, fuel, wagons, automobiles and railroad rolling stock, etc. Arms and ammunition, uniform clothing and equipment, and in general all distinctively military supplies and equipment must be obtained from the base.

Supplies are gathered in the theatre of operations by purchase or requisition or both, as may seem most desirable. In friendly country purchase is the rule while in hostile territory requisition is usual although not invariable. Requisition will take the form either of foraging or systematic collection at depots. Foraging is usually conducted directly by the troops acting under their own officers but where practicable collections are best made through the local authorities. The collection thus taps a larger area, giving greater results and a more equitable distribution of the burden on the inhabitants. Supplies collected in hostile territory are acknowledged by means of receipts given to the parties furnishing the supplies. Such receipts will be redeemed generally by the invader in public funds or captured public funds or by funds collected in the form of contributions or tax levies, or the receipts may be presented to the local government for redemption. Copies of these receipts are retained by the officers giving them. Article 52, Sec. I, Hague Convention, 1907, reads: “The requisitions in kind shall as far as possible, be paid for in ready money; if not a receipt shall be given, and the payment of the amount due shall be made as soon as possible.” Moreover there is nothing that will bring forth supplies more readily or in greater quantity than cash payments.

In the theatre of operations the functions of the War Dept, and of the various commanders are in general as follows: the War Dept, designates the commander of the field forces, assigns him a definite mission, prescribes the zone under his command, and supplies him with means necessary to the accomplishment of his mission. The commander of the field forces exercises supreme authority over all military and administrative matters within the zone assigned him, organizing the means placed at his disposal so as to insure efficiency, and directing and controlling all operations necessary for the accomplishment of the mission. The commander of the line of communications is responsible to the commander of the field forces for the efficient operation and defense of the line of communications and directs and controls all administrative and staff services attached thereto.

Under the most favorable conditions, a large army cannot live wholly off the country and supplies must be forwarded to it from its base. This is especially true of armies which are stationary or nearly so for considerable periods. The purpose of utilizing to the utmost the supplies of the theatre is to increase the mobility of the army by reducing the amount of transportation, and avoiding some of the many restrictions inherent in a line of communications. But the size of modern armies is increasing to such extent that dependence to any great degree upon the supplies obtainable in the theatre is out of the question. The attempt in such cases to subsist from the theatre instead of increasing the mobility of the army would decrease its mobility, and hence its operative superiority over the enemy. A better rule would be to amass at the base depots a large reserve in excess of the contemplated need.