_The Director_: “Captain Burt, what would Lieutenant Y do after receiving the order from Captain M?”
_Captain Burt_: “He would proceed to the position assigned to his platoon. He would decide upon the positions to be assigned to his sections, and observe the enemy’s position to determine upon an allotment of targets. As the platoon approached he would halt it well under the cover of the hill and signal the platoon sergeant and the section leaders forward. When they arrived he would issue his fire order.”
_The Director_: “Captain Jones, give the fire order issued by Lieutenant Y.”
_Captain Jones_: “Lieutenant Y gives the following verbal order:
“Company —— has encountered heavy fire from (_t_). It will attack at (_u_) by building up a firing line at (_v_), and having a platoon attack in the direction of (_w_). A red rocket fired by that platoon will indicate the beginning of the attack.
“The Stokes mortars will lay down a barrage in front of the platoon advancing in the direction of (_w_). The one-pounder will engage hostile machine guns.
“This platoon and the remainder of our company supports the attack.
“First section to the right of this rock; 2nd section to the left. Mount your guns below the crest and drag them into position without disclosing your presence.
“First section, the woods on the right of the enemy’s position at (_t_). Range 1,300 to 1,400. Combined sights.
“Second section, the ridge for 100 yards to the left of the woods. Range 1,300.
“Section leaders will be responsible for lifting their fire on the approach of the infantry.
“Rate of fire 200 for first minute, 150 thereafter.
“Signal me when ready. Open fire on my signal.
“Platoon ammunition point 100 yards down the hill.
_The Director_: “Captain Howe, what do you think of telling the 1st section to use combined sights? Explain the use of combined sights.”
_Captain Howe_: “The target undoubtedly calls for the use of combined sights. Whether it would be necessary for Lieutenant Y to direct the use of combined sights would depend on how well trained the section leader was. If I were at all doubtful I would order combined sights.
“Combined sights is the method of engaging any required depth of ground by applying simultaneously overlapping zones of fire from two or more guns. The depth of the beaten zone is increased by ordering different elevations to be used by each gun. This type of fire is not necessary under 800 meters. When it is used, as many guns as possible should be employed with 100 meters difference if the error in range finding is probably great, and with 50 meters difference if the error is probably small. This kind of fire is used either to engage a target which is deeper than the effective beaten zone or against a small target when the range is not exactly known.”