This book is included in the Self Reliance Self Defense section.
Preface
The following pages are written with the idea of furnishing the members of the Army School of the Line and Staff College a guide in the solution of field problems in fortification. These problems are such that any line officer might be called upon to solve in actual service. Their careful solution on varied terrain in time of peace will give an officer confidence and skill in their solution in time of war, and will avoid many costly delays and mistakes.
It is intended that this book be used with the Engineer Field Manual, Part V, on Field Fortification, so that most of the details of the subject contained in that manual are omitted.
The author desires to acknowledge assistance received from Captain Edwin T. Cole, Sixth Infantry, Senior Instructor; Captain C. O. Sherrill, Corps of Engineers; and First Lieutenant G. C. Marshall, Twenty-fourth Infantry, Instructors, Department of Engineering, Army Service Schools, for many valuable suggestions. Also to Sergeant John Howry, First Battalion of Engineers, for the preparation of the plates herein.
J. A. WOODRUFF,
Captain, Corps of Engineers, U. S. A.
Army Service Schools,
Fort Leavenworth, Kansas,
February 15, 1909.
Contents CHAPTER I. - GENERAL PRINCIPLES. Type designs useless.—Connection between fortification and tactics.—Tactical aspects of fortification.— Importance of fortification.—Classes of defensive positions.—An intrenched camp.—A defensive line.—Advanced positions.— Second line.—Tactical situation of the works.— Intervals.— Mam roads.— Form of supporting points. —Conditions to be sought for in laying out or constructing works.— Artillery positions.— Precedence of infantry.— Concealment of the interior of the defended position.— Command.— Location of works in second line.—Means of communication.— Lines of retreat CHAPTER II. - TACTICAL ORGANIZATION OF INFANTRY IN DEFENSE. Division into sections.—Strength of first line, supports and reserves.— Position of section reserve.—The garrison of the points of support of the second line.—General reserve CHAPTER III. - TACTICAL EMPLOYMENT OF ARTILLERY IN DEFENSE. Disposition of the artillery.—Mobility.—Armament.— Location of the emplacements.—Dispersion.—Position with reference to the infantry.—Location of guns.—Location of howitzers. Indirect fire for guns.—Rapid fire guns.— Field guns. — Machine guns CHAPTER IV. - DESIGN OF INFANTRY WORKS. Designs not rigid.— General objects to be aimed at.—General character of supporting points.— Redouts.— Variation in profiles.—Effect of weapons.—Profiles.—Head cover.—Background.— Arrangement for fire to the rear. —Overhead cover. Lookouts.— Magazine accommodations.— Length of trenches. Location of trenches.— Field of fire.— Communication with the rear.— Cover for supports.—Drainage.—Telephone communication.— Obstacles.— Clearing the foreground.—Houses or villages.—Woods.— Concealment.— Dummy trenches or parapets CHAPTER V. - ARTILLERY POSITIONS. Low command and concealment.— Form of emplacement.—Positions for light guns.—Indirect fire.—Expense magazines. Means of access.—Observing stations.—Use of balloons. Emplacement for machine guns CHAPTER VI. - AUXILIARY MEANS OF DEFENSE. Electric searchlights.—Interior communications.—Telegraphic and Telephonic communication.—Water supply CHAPTER VII. - STRENGTH OF GARRISON. Determining considerations.— Hasty occupation of a position. More deliberate occupation.—An elaborately prepared position.— Strength of infantry.—Artillery.—General reserve. - Examples. CHAPTER VIII. - DEFENSE OF SMALL ISOLATED POSTS OCCUPIED BY DETACHMENTS. Modification necessary.—A very small position.—Form of works. All-around defense.— Position of works.—Enemy uncivilized or unprovided with artillery CHAPTER IX. - FORTIFICATIONS ON THE OFFENSIVE. General character.—Fortifications on the battlefield.—Location. — Tactical intrenchments.—Siege operations CHAPTER X. - CALCULATION OF TIME AND MEN REQUIRED TO EXECUTE DEFENSIVE WORKS. Tasks.— Double gangs.—Traction ditchers.—Redouts.—Firing trenches.—Overhead cover.— Communicating trenches, — Gun pit.—Observing station.—Machine gun emplacement. Table CHAPTER XI. - FIELD PROBLEMS IN FORTIFICATION. Relation to terrain exercises.— Staff class course.—Chief value. General instructions.— Advanced method.— Three problems with solutions APPENDIX. Tools carried by the different arms
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