I. Plan of Attack
(Issued several days before attack)
1. Rôle of Battalion, i. e., general description of offensive and whether battalion is in first line or reserve.
2. Zone of Attack. Accurate description of boundaries of hostile position to be attacked.
3. Objectives. Number of trenches to be assaulted and trench at which offensive will halt.
4. Disposition for the Attack. Companies in assaulting line—companies in support—apportionment of objectives to companies—distance between assaulting and supporting companies—disposition of M. G. Co. and 37 mm. gun—location of battalion C. O. during assault.
5. Disposition of Units in Parallels of Departure. Describe accurately trenches each unit will start from: e. g. Assaulting Cos.—first line and cover trenches. Supporting Cos.—intermediate trenches or places d’armes nearby starting points of battalion C. O., M. G. Co. and 37 mm. gun.
6. Direction of the Attack. Landmark to guide on, also compass direction.
7. Tactical Relation with Neighboring Units. Troops on flanks of battalion and responsibility for liaison therewith. Patrolling to establish connection if necessary.
8. Artillery Support during Attack. Barrage to start at hour H. Where and how long it will halt beyond the last objective.
9. Liaison during Attack. Usual liaison with artillery and aëroplanes—telephone lines to be established during attack—signals such as Bengal lights to show progress of assaulting companies.
10. Supply. Detachments (usually from supporting companies) to carry ammunition. Hour at which and points from which they will start.
11. Evacuation. Evacuation point for wounded and assembly point for prisoners.
Details not stated in this order. Time of attack—detailed instructions for barrage. Liaison to be established after attack—equipment to be taken. Information of the enemy not given as all officers have maps of enemy’s trenches as well as of their own trench system.