Chapter VII

CONVOYS 95-108
Definition of convoy 95
Vulnerability of a convoy. Limit of size. Straggling 95
Flank marches by convoys. Moving trains on separate road 95
General rule for position of covering troops 95
Subdivisions and dispositions of escort 95-96
Motor convoys 96
ARRANGEMENTS FOR THE MARCH 96-97
Division of wagon train into sections 96
Classification of wagons-army, hired, impressed 96
Teamsters and wagonmasters 96
Order of march 96
Field train of escort 96
Police guards, infantry and cavalry 96-97
Duties of quartermaster in charge of wagons 96-97
THE ESCORT 97-100
Commander. Duty of escort 97-98
Strength and composition of escort 98-100
Infantry, cavalry, artillery, machine guns, engineers 98
Motor transport for escort. Armored cars. Motor cars
in pursuit of a convoy 98
DISTRIBUTION AND DUTIES OF TROOPS 98
Subdivisions and relative strengths 98-99
Reconnaissance. Dispersion of fighting force 99
Position of main body of escort 99
Infantry in middle of a long column of wagons 99
Police guards 99
Advance cavalry and scouting parties 99
Mounted and dismounted point 99
Establishing contact with friendly troops in direction of march 99
Selection of defensive positions and camp sites 99
Engineers 99
Flank guards 99-100
Method of employing the cavalry of the escort 100
Rear guards. Strength, position, duties 100
Routes available for the march. Considerations governing
the selection of route. Topography 100-101
Rate of progress and halts 101
Position and movements of the enemy 101
Defensive measures to be adopted. Lines of retreat.
Alternative routes 101
Localities favorable for the attack of a convoy 101
Change of direction of march. Precautions 101-102
Parking the convoy for the night. Measures for the
security of the camp 102
Change of route in moving back and forth 102
CONDUCT ON ENCOUNTERING THE ENEMY 102-103
Halting or parking the convoy prematurely 102
Localities favorable for defense 102
Details of defensive operations. Messages to adjacent
friendly troops 102-103
ATTACK OF A CONVOY 103
Cavalry, armored cars 103
Obstacles. Ambuscades 103
Usual method of attack 103
Damaging the convoy by long range fire 103
CONVOYS OF PRISONERS. Strength of escort. Conduct 104
EXAMPLE OF ORDER FOR THE MARCH OF A CONVOY 107-108