Class Book. Copyright N?.. COPYRIGHT DEPOSIT. TRAINING IN NIGHT MOVEMENTS BASED ON ACTUAL EXPERIENCES IN WAR TRANSLATED FROM THE JAPANESE By First Lieutenant C. BURNETT, Fourtn Cavalry U. S. CAVALRY ASSOCIATION Fort Leavenworth, Kansas 1914 .5 been made, a patrol will be •5^u«4 sent out from the squad, first, encountering the sentinel's post A; after this movements has been cor- rected, the patrol will proceed^toward C and B. The officer in charge will send out other patrols at proper 89 intervals, and when the exercise is concluded, will assemble the squad at A; then from the reports of his assistant instructors and his own observations, will comment upon the men's movements. 3. Secretly entering and leaving enemy's line of sentinels. (a) Post sentinels as in b 6 the sketch ; give them simple >0 orders, such as, to keep on ^ „ the lookout for the enemy, (b) Next, send out a pa- i i trol to act as a hostile patrol ~ (they should attach a white a cloth, or some other distin- P p guishing mark) ; this patrol will try to enter the line of sentinels without being discovered. (c) The instructors oversee the movements of both sentinels and patrol, and judge of the success of the movement. 4. Search for the enemy's line of sentinels. Having posted the sentinels and attached an asssit- ant instructor to each post, have them carry out the usual duties of sentinels. Their position in unknown to the squad from which the patrols are sent out to search for the enemy's line of sentinels. At this period of instruction, two methods may be employed : (a) Make an assistant instructor chief of the patrol, the remainder being recruits. (6) Place an assistant instructor in the vicinity of the sentinels and have them criticise the movement, 90 and furnish material for the officer's criticisms. It is important to limit the patrol's sphere of movement, and thus avoid unprofitable dispersion. 5. Training when meeting hostile patrols. The instructor, having divided the squad into two parts, attaches an assistant instructor to each squad, and places himself midway between the squads. He carries a disappearing light, with which he signals to both squads concerning the sending out of patrols. The non-commissioned cfficer in charge of the squads divide them into patrols, and sends out these patrols in the direction of the instructor. Each patrol will be ordered to return to its squad after they have re- connoitered the locality indicated by the assistant instructor. From his position, the instructor watches the movements of both patrols, and corrects them if necessary. When the men have had some training in this movement, one squad operates directly against another. 6. Methods of training in how to pass and recon- noiter terrain and physical objects do not differ in prin- ciple from the methods employed in day time, which have already been explained. XXXI. MOVEMENTS OF A DETACHMENT AT NIGHT. Leadership at Night. — We have examined,- roughly, the natural qualities required of the men at nighttime, the next thing is the manner of leadership. The difficulty of such leadership at night, is beyond descrip- tion. In turning our attention to this kind of train- 91 ing, one point stands out most prominently — quietness of leadership. At night, as it is important to avoid discovery by the enemy, the men under one's command must be a mass without sound — and this mass must move by silent leadership. The value of night movements depends upon the amount of skill displayed in silent leadership. Such leadership is attained by the following means : 1 . By signals. These signals will be briefly explained to the men, and may be made by a saber, flag or light ; in any case, the following requirements must be fulfilled: (a) The signal must be clearly understood by the men. (b) It must not be visible to the enemy. There is no necessity for a great amount of drill in this kind of signalling, because night movements are seldom complicated. Such movements are the causes of failure, and simple movements and consequently simple signals only will be employed. For example : (a) Advance — raise the object with which the signal is made, vertically. (b) Halt — raise and lower the object, keeping it vertical. (c) Lie down — Move the object toward the ground. (d) To form parallel columns and advance — a cir- cular motion, or several times to the right and left. (e) To form column of companies and advance — A circular movement. There are several other important signals in which 92 commanding officers will instruct their men in the day- time. 2. Method by relays. The success of this method of silent leadership de- pends greatly upon the amount of training in peace time. When the voice is used, it is important that it be just loud enough to be heard by the neighboring soldier, and that the rate of speech be as rapid as possible. Although these methods can be accurately executed when the enemy is at some distance, there is always the danger of messengers making mistakes, and delay is directly proportional to the distance from the sender. How- ever, in many cases, the formation at night being the normal formation in column of companies, neither the front or depth will be very great, and, if well trained in this method, success can be expected. 3. Method by example. Soldiers move in accordance with the movements of their leaders ; in order that this may be done, the leader must be in such a position that he can be clearly seen by his men. Then when the leader moves, the men move; when he halts, they halt; and when he lies down, they lie down also. Troops can be led comparatively easily by this method; and even though men cannot see the leader directly, they will be able to conform to his movements. The weak point of this method is, that timid soldiers unconsciously affect the movements of others. Therefore in time of peace, the characteristics of each man must be known, and the training must be done with minute care. To Accustom Troops to Change of Formation at Night. — A change of formation at night is attended with 93 various kinds of confusion. Even if this is not the case, it is difficult to carry it out quietly, and slackness is unavoidable. Therefore training in carrying out simple changes of formation quietly and without confusion, is most important. Special training should be given in executing the following movements : (a) Column of fours to parallel columns — circular signal. (6) Parallel columns to company columns — cir- cular signal. (c) Column of fours to company column — circular, right and left signal. (d) Column of companieis and parallel columns to column of fours— front to rear signal. In these signals, as a general principle, a circular signal means changing to a broader front; a signal from front to rear means contracting the front and in- creasing depth of column. Individual Cautions in Movement by Squad. (See Night Movements of Squad) . (a) Not to talk. (b) Not to hang the head during the march. (c) To be careful about connection in the squad; each man will keep his place accurately. (d) Each man will see that his clothing and equipments make no noise. 94 XXXII. TRAINING IN SQUAD MOVEMENT AT NIGHT. Order. — First, without arms, proceeding by gradual steps until fully armed and equipped. Very simple movements, as the advance, retreat, etc., will be carried out at first, gradually leading up to complicated ones. The signals should be learned thoroughly in daytime, and, later, executed at night. Night Movements and Strictness. — Night move- ments, especially, demand the strictest discipline; be- cause, when it is a question of life and death, the in- fluence of darkness brings into being the animal love of life, and there is the fear that supervision may be avoided with consequent loss of power. At nighttime, therefore, slackness must not be permitted. Speed, silence, and strict discipline are essential, and the amount of training will be directly proportional to the degree in which the troops possess those qualities. XXXIII. a squad's night firing. When Carried Out. — It is a very rare occasion when firing can be executed at night. Conditions must be such that the squad is already quietly halted and have made sufficient preparations, and, while in an aiming position, await the appearance of the enemy. During the Japanese-Russian War, night operations were frequent, but instances when the charge was executed with the bayonet, alone, were few. At the very shortest 95 ranges, a fierce fire was poured in, and then the charge was attempted. However from the standpoint of the offensive, it is a great mistake to prepare for the charge by fire action; as a fundamental principle, the assault of the enemy's position must be made directly by the bayonet. Under really unavoidable circumstances only will an instant's violent fire be executed, and then, under cover of the confusion caused by that fire, dash in with the bayonet. However, if such fire action delays the offensive movement, it will do more harm than good. From the standpoint of the offensive, however, it is a different matter. Knowing of the enemy's attack, preparations for night firing are completed, a violent fire carried out after the enemy has approached within very short range is most effective ; and if this be followed by a counter attack, success often follows. For such reasons training in night firing is very important, especially in the case of small detachments, such as sentinels, non-commissioned officer's posts, etc. When they understand such night firing and make good use of it, they will be able to obtain very good results. Important Points in the Preparation for Night Firing. — In night firing, the men must be prepared in all the following points. The angle and direction of fire should be simple, and the enemy should not be able to avoid it. The methods are as follows: (a) Prepare a rest for the rifle, and in the daytime from this rest, fix exactly the angle of fire, direction, and position of aiming. (b) Use horizontal firing. 96 (c) Aim by a light from a lantern, bonfire, or other luminous object, or fire by reflected light. (d) Fix an aiming object near the muzzle of the gun (auxiliary firing) . First Method. — In many cases, prepare a wooden support; that is, in order to preserve the angle of the rifle, fix a fulcrum at front and rear, and from this obtain the angle of fire according to the range. (This is easily fixed by practicing in the daytime.) In short, provide for the two important points — maintenance of direction, and of the angle of fire. (See sketch.) Second Method. — This method employs horizontal fire trained individually during peace time. The train- ing will be by squad, and the following cautions are especially necessary: (a) Each man to fire exactly to his front. (b) Each man's firing to be exact. (c) The feet must not be moved unnecessarily. Third Method. — In a small squad, the following expedient may be adopted : Change the day and night positions so that the enemy will appear on the skyline. When the enemy is outlined against the sky, firing can be carried out. However, in large detachments, this method gives the advantage of position to the enemy, which they can utilize to our disadvantage when it becomes light. However, in the case of non-commis- sioned officer's posts and pickets, good results have been obtained in practice during campaigns. There are other methods; there is the firing carried out after having caused the enemy to appear in front of 97 a bright light which outlines him clearly. Small bodies can use this method effectively, if they are composed of men who do not fear death. This plan, naturally, re- quires the fire to be lighted in rear of the enemy, and, of course, great danger cannot be avoided. Flaming shells may be fired, and direct aiming carried out by their light; at short ranges there will be a comparatively large number of hits. // //\ / //\////U (3) •v. ^ '&& -7 V^_ n?*4 (2) WmThWmm 98 Fourth Method. — An auxiliary target is placed in front of the firer at which he aims. Commanding officers must examine the sights strictly in this method. Method of Firing. — Loading the piece after the enemy has approached closely, is the foundation of unsuccessful firing. Therefore officers and men must know the following things : (a) To load so as not to be discovered by the enemy. (b) Not to forget orders to load, or other orders. (c) Not to discover their position to the enemy. In order to accomplish this, the firer, of course, will load before the enemy's charge. The command for firing will be by signal, or in a low tone of voice. It the enemy hear the command "Aim," they will quickly lie down and thus avoid the flying bullets which come at the next command "Fire." Actual experience in cam- paign proves this. In small bodies, the following mode of action is advantageous, because I have used it suc- cessfully in actual practice : (a) Have the commands for aiming transmitted from the commander by soldiers nearest him to neigh- boring soldiers, and so on down the line (in a low tone.) (b) The commanding officer gives the command for firing according to the size of the detachment and the rapidity of transmission; at this time, those who have not loaded, or those behind time, will not fire. (c) After firing at the command, the men will load without any special order. The above is simply an example, and must not be adhered to, blindly. 99 Night Firing, and Collective and Individual Fire. — Long continued individual fire is not advisable, for it discloses the position and range to the enemy. In many cases, therefore, it is a good thing to employ collective fire, thereby keeping the men well in hand. Such fire has the advantage of dazzling the enemy's sight by a temporary flash, and then relapsing into darkness, and is thus especially valuable at night. In any case, firing discloses our position more or less to the enemy; therefore, during firing, strict watchfulness is necessary to prevent the enemy from going around our fire and appearing on our flank or rear. XXXIV. METHOD OF TRAINING IN SQUAD FIRING AT NIGHT. Order and Methods of Training. — Train the squad in' horizontal firing in daytime; then execute it at night against various kinds of targets. After practice with blank cartridges, train them in battle firing with real ammunition. It is often convenient to carry out this and other necessary training at the time of intrenching. XXXV. SQUAD NIGHT INTRENCH MENTS. Mehtod of Tracing. — In tracing intrenchments at night, the following methods may be employed: (a) Advance as skirmishers, halt, and dig in that position. (b) Establish soldiers or trees as markers. 100 (c) Use a tracing line. (d) Scatter white powder or white paper. In whatever method that may be adopted, the com manding officer will exercise strict watchfulness, and when he has fixed the position, he will fix the trace according to one of the above plans. It is very import- ant not to mistake the direction in night tracing, as there are many examples of ridiculous mistakes on the battlefield. Methods Relative to the Line of Trace. — (a) Method in which the ground is occupied in column of fours. (b) Method by extension or deployment (in posi- tion) . (c) Method by advancing after deployment. Although the conditions of the hour will largely govern, on a dark night it is an exact way, to form column of fours to the right or left extending to the markers (see sketch). Night Intrenchments , Cautions for Individual Sol- diers and Execution of the Work. — The above subjects have already been discussed at other places. Method of Filling Sandbags, and Intrenchments in which Used. — In this matter, also, much experience is required. When sandbags are to be used, the following three squads are necessary: (a) A squad to fill the bags. (b) A squad to transport them. (c) A squad to construct the works with them. 101 Of course it is advantageous to fill the sacks as near as possible to the place where they will be used, but con- ditions often prevent this. There are various ways of transporting the full sacks. Progress is most rapid * of\ I.) 6£~ .-6~. 3-6 -*6 when each man works steadily in transporting the sacks from the various places where they are filled, but if the distance be great, an intermediate station must be established, and each man will put down his burden there. Although the method of laying the sandbags will conform to the actual conditions, they will not be laid so as to form pillars, but will be laid generally level like a skirmish trench by gradually progressing construe- 102 tion. In short, in this work, order, connection, quiet- ness and coolness are required, just as in complicated engineering works. £'ie of MfctclfHfeiilf. ( J \ ) "Sw^Tan/r. XXXVI. METHOD OF TRAINING IN NIGHT INTRENCHING. When the men are well trained in this work, the remainder is a question of leadership of the command- ing officer. The order of training is as follows : (a) When the enemy is distant, training in the con- struction is the principal objective. (b) Training in the case of the gradual approach of the enemy. 103 (c) Training when there is fear of the enemy's attack. When the above methods of training have been carried out in order, practice will be had in opposing an attack during the construction of the work; or con- nect this training with some drill in which they will use the works they have just constructed. XXXVII. TRAINING AND METHOD OF PASSING OBSTACLES AT NIGHT. Importance of Passing Obstacles by Detachments at Night. — My experience has been that often small obstacles delay the march at night ; and these obstacles are all the more troublesome from the inability to judge their extent, etc., by the eye. On this account, train- ing in crossing obstacles at night is most important. Cautions for the Commanding Officer with respect to Obstacles. — (a) He will inform all men who are to cross of the nature and extent of the obstacle, the preparations to be made, points where lights will be made, guiding marks, etc. (6) Orders concerning method of crossing, forma- tion, rate (pace), distribution, etc. (c) Steps that will be taken to regain the con- nection that will be lost during the passage of the ob- stacles. The above course of procedure will vary greatly according to the state of the enemy, the weather, and amount of light. Frequently, in crossing obstacles, the 104 column of fours must change to column of files. If great distance is taken, much time will be consumed and connection will be lost. Cautions for Soldiers when Crossing Obstacles. — If the men who have already crossed the obstacles try to regain the lost distance by double-timing, they will lose touch with these in rear. Therefore they should be trained in the following points : (a) After they have been told what the formation is, they will maintain that formation while crossing the obstacle. (b) When obstacles are encountered, if the state of the enemy and 'other conditions permit, word will be sent back to the rear concerning this obstacle, and a report made of safe crossing. (c) The obstacle will be passed without sudden halts or starts. In the grand maneuvers of 1910, a certain brigade of the Northern Army had to make a night march over entirely unknown country, and the road was only wide .enough for a column of twos. On this road was a long bridge; when the head of the column reached it, they began crossing in single file. The troops in rear did not know the reason of the halt, and, although there were officers at the head of the column, the facts of the case were not learned, and the brigade fruitlessly waited the movements of. the head of the column. Now as a matter of fact, the water was very shallow and easy to ford. On account of the darkness, however the men in front did not think of fording. Even though some soldiers who fell in forded it, they did not transmit 105 the news, and conditions remained as dark as before. On this account the march was greatly delayed, and it was after midnight when they arrived at their destina- tion. XXXVIII. NIGHT MARCHES AND TRAINING. Occasions When Night Marches are Carried Out. — (a) When executing rapid marches or forced marches. (b) When a beaten army is trying to avoid pursuit. (c) When attempting to avoid the attack of a superior enemy. (d) In order to decrease the effect of the enemy's artillery ; to use the darkness of the preceding night to advance to a point convenient for preparing for the attack. (e) When about to carry out a sudden attack by taking advantage of the darkness. (/) Occasionally used as a substitute for a day march on account of the heat. Night Marches and Cautions for Staff Officers. — 1. Consideration as to roads. (a) Complete reconnaissance, especially guiding marks, and repairs. (6) Determination of methods of passing, going around, and removal of obstacles. 106 (c) Steps to be taken to prevent taking wrong roads, etc. 2. Consideration as to troops. (a) With reference to connection. (6) With reference to the avoidance of sudden halts and starts. (c) With reference to the clear designation of detachments. (d) With reference to the selection and alteration of formation. 3. Consideration as to security. (a) If lights are permitted, the number of electric lights and bull's eye lanterns allowed. (b) The manner in which the troops will be led — whether by trumpet, command, or signals. (c) Whether or not smoking and talking are pro- hibited. 4. Considerations when halting or resting. (a) Too great intervals must not be allowed while resting. (b) Troops will not be allowed to choose their own places for rest. (c) The men will not throw down their weapons, or other articles which they carry, unnecessarily. (d) At the time of moving on, a rigid inspection will be held so that no men or articles will be left behind. (e) The time alloted for sleep, no more and no less, will be used for that purpose. 107 Individual Cautions for Soldiers on a Night March — 1. Cautions before starting. (a) Clothing and equipments will be properly ar- ranged and adjusted firmly. (b) Care will be taken not to make any noise. (c) Sleep during the time allotted for that pur- pose. (d) Do not forget or neglect the calls of nature ; do not leave anything behind. 2. Cautions during the march. (a) Be quiet, and do not talk or smoke. (b) Remain in the position prescribed. (c) Maintain a uniform pace. (d) Do not start or stop abruptly. (e) Be careful about connection. (/) Do not open out in ranks. 3. Cautions during a rest. (a) Be quiet, and do not talk or smoke. (b) Attend to the calls of nature, without fail. (c) Readjust equipments and do not leave any- thing behind. (d) Do not rest away from the vicinity of the stacks or the place ordered. 0) Keep the haversack near the person. (/) Do not sleep except when ordered, (g) Do not drink an excessive amount of water. (h) Do not enter any house unnecessarily. (i) Stay with your comrades and mutually warn each other. 108 Night Marches, and Articles Carried by Officers. — When about to execute a night march, the command- ing officer will exercise the greatest care, and will only move after complete preparations have been made. Companies, without fail, will carry the following articles : (a) Portable lights (electric lights, or some kind of disappearing light). (b) Whistle (officers carry these). (c) Compasses (carried by sergeants or intendance non-commissioned officer) . (d) Matches (carried as in (c). (e) In the haversack of each non-commissioned officer, some white paper will be placed, for use in con- nection duty. (/) A small white flag or white cloth (officers carry this). (g) Officers will carry, or there will be placed in the segeants' haversacks, twenty to thirty meters of string. (h) In the belt of each soldier, about one meter of string will be tied; it will be convenient in leading them from the rear. (i) Usually soldiers will carry a cap cover. (/) All watches will be set at time of departure. (k) Those who carry a sword will be careful to prevent any noise arising from it. (/) In a night march, especially when an encounter with the enemy is anticipated, drum and fife will not be used, and preparations will be made to use the trumpet alone. (m) All officers will carry field glasses. 109 XXXIX. Night Battles. (a) the offensive. The Cause of Success in Night Attacks. — (a) All plans and distributions must be simple, and complete preparations must be made. (b) The ground, the state of the enemy, and the weak points of his distributions must be known. (c) Our plans and intentions must be concealed. (d) Each detachment must be given an independent objective, and absolute uniformity will not be blindly adhered to. (e) Our movement must begin near the enemy. (/) Make use of the weather, move unexpectedly, take advantage of the enemy's inattention, and utilize any interval he may have left vacant. (g) High morale, strict discipline, and excellent training are necessary factors. Also, firm resolution, quietness and coolness. (h) The attacker must not allow himself to be hindered by any emergency, or by any action of the natives. Causes of Non-success in Night Attacks.- — • (a) Lack of the different causes stated above. (6) When the defender moves on interior lines, and displays skillful leadership. (c) When the defender changes his position before the assault. 110 (d) The occurrence of unforeseen contingencies. Cautions in Night Movements ( General Regulations). (a) Things forbidden, and measures adopted for maintaining silence. Soldiers will not load or fire without orders. Except when necessary, information, messages, speech, all conversation, commands, etc., will not be given in a loud tone of voice. There will be no talking or whisper- ing. Men who have a cough, or who cannot see at night, and horses that neigh, will not be taken along. Take care that no noise arises from ammunition boxes, mess tins, bayonets, artillery wheels, iron chains, etc. Do not take along horses for light baggage. The neces- sary amount of ammunition will be distributed to in- dividuals. (6) Regulations concerning connection. Attach white cloth or other easily recognizable material to the body or arm. Mutual recognition will be effected by countersign, signals, whistle, etc. There are other methods, such as wearing the overcoat, taking off the blouse, etc. (c) Regulations concerning lights. Be careful of the management of bivouac fires, the prevention of smoking or making lights, and methods of decreasing the reflection from the sword in the moon- light. (d) Regulations concerning movements. Make a clear statement of the objective of the march, the road to be taken, and the method of marching. The method of connection, recognition, the point of arrival, and what to do after arrival there (at such a Ill time, it is difficult for the commanding officer to give commands; if the troops know beforehand what is expected of them, they will strive to do it.) The Commanding Officer and Soldiers in a Night Attack. — 1. The commanding officer. In order to be able to make detailed plans, it is im- portant that the commanding officer have a thorough knowledge of the state of the enemy, his dispositions, etc., the terrain, etc. A minute reconnaissance both day and night, must be made over the ground where he expects to move. The commanding officer must direct the fight, with a determined spirit. His position must be clearly defined, so that information, messages, orders, etc., may be sent and received. Although he must keep his command well in hand, after his policy and plans have been indicated, each detachment must act firmly and independently. 2. Subordinate commanders. Subordinate commanders will strive with all their might to carry out the task assigned them. They must use their own initiative, in accordance with the plans of the commanding officer. They must understand those plans clearly, and must be diligent in learning everything possible about conditions which will affect their own movements, such as, the condition of the enemy, terrain, etc. They must see that, as far as they are concerned, there is no neglect about keeping plans secret, that regulations are complied with, that the men are kept well in hand, that connection is maintained, 112 and that messages, reports, etc., are properly forwarded, etc. 3. Soldiers. (a) They will guard the secrecy of plans. (b) They will avoid panic. (c) They will comply carefully with orders and reg- ulations. (d) They will maintain connection and touch. (e) They will not load or fire without special orders. (/) Even though fired upon unexpectedly by the enemy, they will not answer the fire, or become con- fused. (g) When the enemy is encountered, they will strive to overthrow him by a fierce hand-to-hand fight. Characteristics of Night Attacks. — A night attack, usually, partakes of the nature of a surprise; accord- ingly, it is necessary to gain success at one blow, by surprising the enemy. The plans of battle at night, are based on the avoidance of visibility; therefore, the at- tacker must press the enemy suddenly, and fight a hand-to-hand fight with the bayonet. At such times, a high morale must be united to a firm offensive spirit ; because the panic of the defender is much greater at night than in the day time, and the overwhelming menace of the attack will derive a great effect from a sudden appearance. Such being the characteristics of a night attack, great caution must be exercised to prevent discovery by the enemy, at such a time. When the enemy 113 learns of the proposed attack, and makes his prepara- tions accordingly, the attack will waver and the offen- sive spirit will become appreciably less. Therefore, noise and lights will be forbidden in night attacks ; for noise warns the enemy's ears, and lights warn his eyes. However, sometimes the noise of a night attack is drowned by greater noises, as an artillery and smalll arms fight in another locality. If the enemy's attention can be scattered from the front to be attacked by such means, it will have the effect of a diversion; if, on the contrary, it only adds to his watchfulness, it had better be dispensed with. At night it is easy to deceive the enemy, because of the confusion which arises from the misunderstand- ing of noises and the lack of vision. Therefore, it is a good thing to carry out a demonstration at the point the enemy expects an attack, and execute the real at- tack at a point where the enemy does not expect it. The demonstration alone will not deceive the enemy if it is so unskillfully made that the enemy knows that it is a demonstration; it must be executed from the be- ginning, just like a real attack. However, the false attack not being the main object, it will be modified as much as the necessity for quick reports requires. Method of Night Attacks. — The great disadvantages of night attacks lie in the difficulty of leadership, and the lack of facility in the connection and cooperation of troops. Accordingly, methods of attack which re- quire a complicated disposition, are seldom successful. Although envelopment, in the daytime, is valuable for both its physical and moral effect, at night, its phy- sical effect is decreased while its moral effect is increased. Of course this movement will be carried out whenever 114 practicable, but its execution will be very difficult. When such a movement is attempted, a combined frontal and flank attack is required; but at night, this movement, also, is most difficult. Things go wrong, and often the movement is not only not successful but our own troops attack each other in the darkness. Therefore, when the configuration of the ground, amount of light, etc., render such a movement at all possible, the greatest amount of care must be taken to see that there is no collision with our own troops. Dur- ing the envelopment, it will not be necessary for the troops to march a long distance in close formation; it will be sufficient to assume that formation immediately before the charge. In short, the envelopment which is of great value in daytime, is of little value at night. In the majority of cases, the issue will be decided by a frontal charge. Night Attack, and Arms of the Service. — As we have said before, the conditions at nightime are entirely different from those in the day; so, in regard to the branches of the service, those must be used chiefly which are able to remove the obstacles arising from the darkness. Acordingly it is not wrong to say that night attacks are almost the special duty of infantry. The cavalry, except when used dismounted as a containing force, will be used only for reconnaissance, security and connection. (There are times, however, when cavalry makes a night attack on the camp of the enemy's cavalry.) In other cases, its function in the night attack is to have all preparations made for quick movement at daylight. Artillery rarely accompanies the attacking troops. However, there are times when it continues the day 115 firing, or executes the so-called alarm fire by threatening another point; at times, too, artillery firing is carried out in order to deceive the enemy as to our plans. There are occasions too, when the artillery can assist the attack by a violent fire ; but, in such cases, the neces- sary preparations must have been made beforehand in daytime, and the range must be short. Machine guns are not directly necessary in a night attack, where fire action is not the main reliance for battle. However, when discovered by the enemy, or when fire action is especially necessary, machine guns have an important, role. In the battle of Mukden, there was firing on both sides during the night battles, and machine guns, bomb guns, and hand grenades were used. Although, as a general thing, machine guns were used principally in holding occupied points, and for use after daylight, and were taken along for this purpose, they should be held with the reserve until the oppor- tunity for using them arises. Engineer troops are necessary for breaking up ob- stacles, opening roads, and for the fortification of posi- tions which have been seized. It is especially import- ant to have such troops during night attacks, as the destruction of obstacles in front of the enemy's position is chiefly entrusted to the engineers. It is a good thing to have the other branches of the service carry hand grenades, and use them at the in- stant of the charge. The Point of Attack at Night.— This point is by no means the same as in daytime. In the latter case, the approach is first made under cover, the enemy is then overwhelmed by fire action, and then destroyed 116 with the bayonet. At . night, however, the bayonet is employed at once. As we have stated before, at nighttime, the relations of physical objects differ greatly from the daytime. Therefore the essential elements in the selection of the point of attack naturally differ; the principal points are as follows: (a) The ease in which approach can be made. (b) The shortness of the distance of the approach. (c) The point where the bayonet attack can be delivered unexpectedly. (d) Not only is it possible to" hold the principal point of the position, but a point from which deploy- ment can be made, can be held as well. However, a night attack will not be limited, by any means, to one point. With large bodies, especially, several points of attack must be selected, and independent attacking detachments will be used for each point. The result of victory or defeat do not extend for long distances as in the daytime ; therefore, a victory at one place by no means extends to distant points, and likewise, a defeat has less influence at other points. If these different detachments strive with all their might, independently, they will obtain victory. However, at nighttime, there is so much noise from shouting and rifle shots, that the original objective is liable to be for- gotten. In short, a day attack employs fire action to open the road for the advance; a night attack presses for- ward under cover of darkness. Therefore, it must be remembered that night movements are easy and secret, 117 and that the cover which is convenient for approach in daytime, must be avoided at night. Reconnaissance and Plans. — The principal factor in suqcessful night attacks is complete reconnaissance. Detailed reconnaissance enables plans to be made properly. Those who plan as well as those who exe- cute, must reconnoiter thoroughly. As far as possible, all officers should be well acquainted with the terrain and physical objects. If the officers who execute the movement are well acquainted with the state of the enemy and the terrain, it will go far in making up for defective plans, and will guarantee success. Reconnaissance .is carried out at night as well as in the day. It is very important to know what degree of relation the terrain and physical objects in daytime bear to those same objects at night. If this point be clear, mistakes and confusion will be avoided at night. In a night attack, there must be such a self-con- fidence that success is never doubted. Such self-con- fidence is only obtained through feeling that the plans and execution are the best possible under the circum- stances; and that can only be possible when complete reconnaissance has been made. The important cau- tions with respect to reconnaissance are as follows : (a) State of the enemy. His preparations for security, and his distributions. (It is important to know, in detail, the position of the main body, covering position, protective detachments, sentinels' positions, etc.) The enemy's strength, discipline, customs and pe- culiarities, also, must be known. 118 Obstacles and intrenchments. (Detailed recon- naissance as to kind, amount, extent, position, method of destruction of these objects, place, materials, etc.) (6) Terrain. Configuration of the ground occupied by the enemy ; configuration of ground in front of the enemy's posi- tion. 1. The terrain as far as the assembly point and point of deployment ; position of such points and roads to the front. The locality in which the advance is to be made, advance formation, method of advance, method of connection and communication, methods of removal of obstacles, etc. 2. Terrain up to the enemy's position. The apportionment of sections for the attack, distribution, methods of removal of obstacles, methods of connection and communication, etc. 3. The influence of weather and the amount of light. Reconnaissance must be made on dark nights and on moonlight nights, in clear weather and in stormy weather, in order that the differences in such times may be clearly understood. Too elaborate plans are the foundation of non-success, but it must be remembered that simplicity does not mean just as one pleases. Often carelessness at the time of execution brings discord and confusion. The Hour for Night Attacks. — The darkness can be utilized until success is attained; after victory, light is essential. This is in order that the fruits of success may be increased through the cooperation of the other branches of the service, the light facilitating the charge 119 and fire action; it is also necessary and convenient for the reconnaissance of the state of the enemy and the terrain. If it is still dark after the charge, it is most incon- venient for the succeeding movements, and is favorable to the enemy who is well acquainted with the terrain. However the time of execution of a night attack de- pends upon the objective of the battle, as follows : (a) The enemy's position have been taken, if it is important to hold it securely, time the charge so as to be able to make dispositions for its defence by daylight. (6) When it is desired to pursue the enemy after the capture of his position, the movement will be begun so as to be successful at daylight. (c) When it is desired to attack by cooperation of all arms of the service at daylight, the preparations must be completed by that time. (d) When it is desired, simply, to throw the enemy into confusion, it should be executed during the night, and the movement must be completed by daylight. (e) Diversions, threatening movements, etc. , will be carried out at necessary times, modified, of course, by the weather, amount of light, etc. After midnight, the enemy sleeps soundly, and the service of security often slackens. Therefore, under ordinary conditions, begin at midnight and try to finish the movement before day- break. Position when Beginning a Night Attack. (Point of assembly, deployment, etc.) In movements over long distances at night, connection is difficult, and it is easy to mistake directions and fall into confusion. It is therefore important to shorten the distance of such 120 movements. To accomplish this, it is a good thing to advance the point of assembly, and deploy as near as possible to the enemy. In order to conceal this place of assembly from the enemy and the natives as well, and to stop the move- ments of the latter, a covering screen against the enemy must be established . This screen must occupy the neces- sary points before hand, so as not to advance with the main body. If this precaution is not taken, the enemy will learn of the advance of the main body through the movements of the screen. The point of deployment must be fixed from the conditions of the hour. The following points govern the selection : (a) Amount of the enemy's service of security. (b) Terrain. (c) Size of our army. (d) Degree of darkness. (