272nd Gruppe Assault Tactics


Gruppenfueher	Squad Leader
"The group leader must be an example - and a combat example - to his men. The most effective means for gaining the confidence and respect of subordinates and for getting the most out of them is to set an example. But in order to set an example, the squad leader must hve a stronger will than his men, must do more than they do, and must always discharge his duties and obey orders cheerfully... In order to be a leader in the field, a superior must display an exemplary bearing before his men in teh moment of danger and be willing, if necessary, to die for them."
Troopenfueher	Troop Leader

Assault Group

Light Machine Gun

Feuerkampf	Fire Fight
remain well concealed unless active in the fire fight or advancing to contact never to hesitate on teh battlefield so as to become 'mere targets' mg and rifles are not searate entityes, but part and parcel of the gruppe even though the men would generally be firing at will victory likely to go to the side achieving the most concentrated rapid fire on target

two main formations: Reihe (loose single fire formation) - highly practical for moving along tracks, presented a small target from the front, and allowed squad leader to take decistions, directing the squad as needed. In all instances men are to take advantage of terrain, keeping behind contours and cover, and russhign across exposed areas. loose formation is important to avoid losses and clustering around the mg was to be avoided, but connection to it must be maintained. Schuetzenkette (skirmish line) - mg deploying on the spot, riflemen come up to the right, left, or both sides bringing weapons to bear. men are about five paces about taking whatever cover is available. Advance to contact is in bounds from one visible objective to another, with a new objective specified as soon as the leaders reach the first. If resistance is serious the advance becomes a full fledge fire and movement, either with whole squad taking part or mg team down and firing while others advance. Leader must be cautious about opening fire with mg until forced ot do so by the ground and enemy fire. In the assault the mg is to open fire as late as possible. Objective is not to simply destry the enemy but to "Niederkampfen" - to beat down, silence, or neutralize them and thus ensuring the success of close asault. Fire Fight -> Advance -> Actual Assault -> Occupation of Position
1. Fire Fight
when fire has to be opened, group leader usually opens fire with LMG only. He directs its fire. When good fire effect is possible and when plenty of cover exists, the riflemen take part early in the fire fight. Majority of riflemen should be in teh front line and taking part in the fire fight at the latest when the assault is about to be made. They usually fire independently, unless the leader decides to concentrate the whole of their firepower on to one target.
2. The Advance
seciton works its way forward in a loose formation. with LMG usually forming spearhead of attack. The longer the riflemen follow the LMG in narrow deep formation, the longer will the MG int eh rear be able to shoot past the section.
3. The Assault
commander takes opportunity that presents itself to carry out an assault and does not wait for orders to do so. He rushes whole section forward into the assault, leading the way himself. Before and during the assault the enemy must be engaged by all weapons at the maximum rate of fire. The LMG takes part in teh assault, firing on teh move. With a cheer, the section attempts to break teh enemy's resistance, using hand grenades, smg, pistols, rifles, and entrenchign tools. LMG to be fired on the move with hand around grip and weapon held under right arm and close to the body, left hand holds the feet of the bipod to control weapon or ready to set up weapon upon arriving in position. Riflemen move into the assault fireing at 5-10 meters range with rifle on the left side at the hip. Soldier then wades in and ensues in hand to hand combat. Grenade can be used on the move, hold rifle in the left hand and grenade on the right. The order "Handgranaten!" is given by squad leader in order to prompt all men to through grendades simultaneously. After the assault they must re-organize quickly.
4. Occupation of Position
Rifleme group themselves in twos and threes around the LMG in such a way that they are within voice control of the commander.