1st Draft Miller's 19th-20th Century Field Manual Volume I
Prologue:Hello communities of Blood and Iron, Iron Europe, and any other modification concerning the relevant time period of warfare. I initially intended to write this field manual for the use of my officers and NCOs as a reference to procedure and principle within my own regiment, the KBL and soon to be the Irish Guard when Iron Europe comes out God willing. I thought many of you with similar prospects of pursuing these victorian era and even later period mods would find some interest in reading these accounts for yourself and even applying them in your own units. This text will continue to be under development for at least 2 weeks, and when finished still experience minor tweaks. Please feel free to provide your opinions or concerns with it if you are interested and discuss the matters of mods such as the new broadened Blood and Iron as well as Iron Europe or anything else related. Perhaps if i can offer a useful and realistic approach to these new and unfamiliar tactics many of us would be wise to become familiar with quickly, i can help creat a more realism focused environment for these new mods... or not if you already like what you are doing or what you plan to do...
I will now begin to write exactly as i would to a senior commissioned officer under my command. If i wish to take break from this voice i will most likely use parenthesis to talk to you the reader or anyone else designated:
Section 1; Infantry: 1.1 Infantry Structure:(I will not go about discussing the different ranks used for all of the different possible factions you may utilize in the various relevant modules. Only this will i say about ranks which specifically regards my own regiment but is general enough to apply elsewhere);
It is essential that the ranks of the regimental unit are divided into 3 sub-categories, being the enlisted ranks, the NCO ranks, and the commissioned ranks. Beginning with the manner of the enlisted ranks; the enlisted soldier may be crude and initially insubordinate so long as his corresponding NCO's establish a proper model of behavior and respect for authority or otherwise enforce punishment to correct such insubordination. No enlisted soldier may pass on through the first rank of the regiment without clearly displaying understanding for the respect, loyalty and pro-activity needed to survive in the regiment as well as physical drill and moderate skill with both melee and firearm instruments. The enlisted man may be treated with mutual respect from the officers as he emits to his superiors and comrades, though in larger units (larger then a company or platoon that is) inter-rank fraternization is certainly optional, even if this is only a video game. By the time an enlisted man is an elite ranking class (Guardsman, Giefrieter, Fusilier, Storm Trooper, whatever, etc) they must stand as mirrors of NCO's and nothing less, meaning that they have adopted the proper attitude towards and familiarity with how transactions proceed about the regimental agenda. Since the enlisted man makes up the majority (approx 70% or so) of the regiment it is crucial that they become content as such and aspire for little more then high ranking NCO or junior officer. Making men content with this is a challenge that we must be honest about as commanders so to avoid later confusion and distress.
Proceeding the the manner of an NCO; an NCO is expected to hold himself at all times as an elite specimen among the other enlisted men, not bragging but so it is obvious that he is aware of his status and the toil it takes to achieve it. It is necessary that the men learn most if not all of regimental etiquette from him and sincerely look up to him as a role model. It is advised to carefully select NCO's that find meaning and value in each and every line battle, training, staff meeting, and recruiting session they attend. Only such a man as this is worthy of the position of NCO under my and your command. Duties such as bearing the colors, file closing, flank guarding, or color guarding that NCO's are constantly asked to preform will be discussed in detail later however it is important to say here that ech of these duties must be preformed with honor and respect for what the task is. It is a privilege to bear a regiment's colors in combat, NEVER a burden. If ever a NCO should deny such a request from an officer, demotion should be seriously considered as proper understanding and attitude is certainly lacking.
Finally the commissioned officer; the CO is a gentlemen, devoted to the bettering of his unit (whether it be a platoon, company battalion or regiment, even troop, etc). An officer will constantly be concerned with recruiting, getting people into the TS channel on time for the event, clearing inactives from the roster of the regiment, attending and even calling staff meetings on important and urgent topics, developing a proper regimental culture, and much more. Although the CO is the busiest of the three sub-categories, it must be considered that they also have other matters to attend to so it is advised that work be equally split up and properly divided, however, there is no use in preforming the work needed to maintain and expand the regiment if there is no worthy regiment to maintain and expand. Let all of the men of the regiment fight in a regiment that is worth the investment of time and effort by all of them. While "on stage" so to say, a strong element of role play is advised and encouraged to all officers as well as NCO's, to create a sufficient atmosphere for the battle and the time period it takes place in. Although this might be considered optional in other regiments or nonexistent at all, i find it extremely important for at least the CO's to promote this atmosphere strongly and to promote realism in all events attended by the regiment. The CO's must at all times be on the "same page" and learn to efficiently coordinate in all situations of battle, recruitment, training, etc.
The KBL's (Royal Bavarian Lifeguard) current ranking system is German and very hard for my American mind to understand so i cannot wait until we attain British ranks in Iron Europe. For this reason i will not discuss specific British or German ranks here yet or at all.
1.2 Conventional (Napoleonic) Infantry Line:Despite the increase in Infantry firearm accuracy as well as artillery effectiveness over the past several centuries during the recent industrial surge for military and imperial superiority by many major nations, we will continue to abide by outdated infantry doctrine as i am too tired to think of digging trenches yet. The unit will stand at attention (no talking without PTS use) when the officer or NCO commands "attention". The will of coarse form into the default formation of double ranked line with closed files and tight ranks. This formation can also be referred to as "presenting the line" or "some infantry contingent presentation" for example: "company presentation". NCOs will appear in the flanks as a default while only presenting the line for inspection however while on the march to company they will appear both on the flanks and in a file closing third rank. This NCO configuration can clearly be described in that if there are four NCOs present in a line then 2 will appear in the flanks of said line and 2 will be equidistant from the flanks in the third rank as well as more or less spaced out from each other so to avid artillery catastrophes. These NCOs are essential to dressing the line, which is always dressed to a color bearing NCO,and substituting for dead commanders if need be. This line while in combat is then referred to as double rank line or a battle line. It can be in both open files (non-default doctrine with 1/2 space in between each file) or closed files (no space between files. In this line firing cadences can be conducted in two main ways; volley fire or fire at will. Volley fire calls for both ranks firing simultaneously, with the 2nd rank stepping to the right and shooting over the shoulder of the first rank on the cadence system of "make ready (aim with redicle), present (aim rifle at the enemy formation), fire (fire simultaneously)". Fire at will is when the entire line fires and aims when done reloading as quickly and accurately as they are able at some designated target. This battle line can move by the right flank "by the right march", left flank "by the left march", or by the center "the the center march", where the commanding officer is in the choosen location and advances his men from there. A line, similar to a column can advance at 2 speeds; ordinary time and double quick. Note that whenever neither are designated the default is always at the ordinary step or walking pace. Any line may act s skirmishers as a temporary measure of dealing with a situation on the battle field so long as it is allowed in the rules on the event in question. If it is, the commands; "As skirmishers into line march" can form a spaced out and optionally crouched line of vigilant skirmishers. The men will be trained as such in addition to normal practices.
1.3 Conventional (Napoleonic) Infantry Column:The column is the appropriate means for mobilizing infantry over long distances quickly and neatly. Don't use is as a default way of transportation unless appropriate, please use line instead if possible as you will be more ready to deliver fire upon a target and also maintain realism. The column is a vertically positioned formation of two ranks, by which a line can be easily constructed in the following ways:
"By column into line on my (left/right) march"- to form a halted column into a line oriented on you the officer
"Line by files (right/left) march...halt...(right/left) face (to face the enemy)- to form a line orthogonal to your previous column and parallel to the enemy.
Either is legitimate, use you own judgment when selecting how to form you line.
Again, the two discussed marching speeds apply in column as they do in line. Move the column as you would a line in orthogonal and deliberate directions, do not "snake" the line so to say. An NCO at all times will stand second in column behind the commissioned leader so that if the CO should fall in battle a person of authority can lead the line to a routing state, or sometimes even press the attack temporarily if retreat is not an option.
1.4 Conventional (Napoleonic) Melee and Charging:Lastly, to commence a bayonet charge the following cadences will be used while the men are in line:
"Line fix bayonets...line charge bayonets (either the line may go into a lower stab braced for the melee to come or press the
x button to lower the bayonet into melee position depending on what module you are playing)... by the (right/left) at the Ordinary step march... (as you draw closer to about 1/2 way to the enemy)... at the double quick march...(as you nearly contact the enemy line)... Charge! (your men proceed in melee with the enemy).
It is important that NCOs continue to dress the line on the approach and that men are not weaving and twisting to avoid being shot, this only slows the advance and disrupts our formation and is seen as a display of cowardice and may be treated as such with scolding from a superior. Make sure that the men work together in the melle and use teamwork whenever applicable to kill and route the enemy.
1.5 Misc Notabilities of Conventional (Napoleonic) Infantry Doctrine:Musicians have specific rolls depending on what instrument they play and in what situation they play it, so detail on the matter i feel is better orally instructed rather then officially appointed, though the role of a mucisain is to keep up moral and provide a realistic audio cadence as to when to preform certain actions for the men.
Anti cavalry formation that will be used includes the oral order of "form anti-cavalry formation on the officer" which forms a tight circle around all present COs with the men either right blocking without bayonets fixed if there wasn't enough time for it or if there was a slightly looser circle around the officer of men knelt and braced for cavalry trauma facing outwards and not breaking ranks unless absolutely necessary/ ordered. The radius on the circle with bayonets being fixed is about 3-4 paces and also depends on available men, but the formation lacking bayonets should have no visible radius.
(THIS SECTION IS DEFINITELY BEING ADDED TO, and any other subjects may be added to the main topics above) 1.6 Entrenched infantry:Infantry are put into trenches to protect them from the increased shrapnel radius' produced by pesky modern artillery. It would be nearly impossible to maintain a line above ground and maneuver it during a barrage without sustaining unimaginable casualties. We are able to organize infantry in relative safety while they are entrenched, however one thing has not changed from the old ways and that is that war is still and will always be won by swift and courageous cavalry and bayonet charges, not with artillery alone. Now it is true that we know little of destructible barbed wire, machine guns, hell even gas that might come in approaching mods, however, Blood and Iron displays a very good example of how later mods may look. For adjusting to its differences from NW will provide a good start on completely embracing the futuristic style of warfare that will surely be seen in the conflict regarding the assassination of the Archduke. That will be a war of the world and of grate proportion to anything seen since the 7 Years conflict and will no doubt revolutionize warfare as we know it.
Using Blood and Iron as our current template; infantry can by stored for long periods of time in a trench provided with a consistent advantage over an enemy not in a trench or on the attack. During these necessary long periods it is important to keep the men busy with sometimes less then necessary jobs such as preforming "stand to", at arbitrary times an NCO or CO may can a "stand to" which orders all men not on patrols currently to face front and present rifles toward the enemy line, several shots may be fired even when no enemy is directly exposed carful not to waste ammo for when a real attack is upon you. Another quite important job is the patrol. Before a large maneuver is ordered patrols of 2-4 men maybe be sent to various locations on the map to acquire intelligence on the enemies movements and whereabouts. It must be considered that during patrols the enemy may attack your line and having as many men not out on patrols as possible becomes ideal, so be cautious as to how many of your force is not present at your unit's post and always know their exact whereabouts. Other jobs like exploring the trench line for the positions of friendly units do exist and may be needed during the waiting periods before a mass attack.
1.7 Going Over the Top: The advancing of infantry from an entrenched position to an exposed position moving towards the enemy is a tricky business indeed. Know that the goal of the operation is not to kill everyone in the trench but rather to create a hole in the enemy's formation for which you may move your unit through and have the enemy flanked or surrounded. The hope of creating this hole is what gives these tactics surviveability against modern weaponry. For if it is achieved with enough men alive, then the battle may usually be considered won so long as there are sufficient frontal forces to engage the enemy primarily to allow for an overwhelming of the enemy troops and not simply a weak re-positioning of your own line, etc. The advance should ideally consist of short thrust or blitzes with the bayonet. After you've advanced 50 yards or so order the unit to take cover where they can and wait for your artillery to proceed in their bombardments. This tactic will both confirm an entire and thorough clearing of No Man's Land while you attack and also ensure that there are as few enemy present in their trench when you reach it as possible.
The oral commands to order an attack are as followed. An attack will be issued by myself or another senior officer in command of the regiment or a company unit usually after our regiment has coordinated with other allied regiments to prepare a large frontal assault.
-deploy your men in double rank line near a configuration of ladders on a trench wall.
"line stand ready (to deploy your men on the ladders appropriately)... fix bayonets... charge bayonets... (officer will stand on top of a ladder before his men with a pistol, not a sabre, drawn and order the attack, sometimes to a whistle, bugal, or some other audio trigger)."
The men are to run in melee mode unless instructed otherwise for some reason. It is important to move as quickly as possible from each ordered cover position but infact relatively slowely regarding the length of No Man's Land so to allow the artillery to properly complete its job.
The position of NCOs in this affair is very important, perhaps even more so then in more conventional infantry doctrine. I would like my NCO's on the flanks and a few in the rear just as they deployed in the double rank line before. However, when the men go over the top they are responsible to orally communicating a spread among men to form, sufficient for protection from large shrapnel radius artillery killing more then 2 men per shell in any circumstance. The spread should keep the files separated about 3-4 men length and this formation should take shape immediately after the men are off the ladders. Also, it is necessary that the NCOs adjust the men in proper covered positions if needed when the advance is halted as well as take command of the line if the CO(s) die.
The purpose of an NCO bearing the colors while going over the top is so that the regimental officer staff far behind the front line somewhere may visibly determine his unit's whereabouts and progress in the assault. The flag may be planted in the ground where a line is halted while the bearer acquires a firearm of their own for protection and efficiency so long as ownership of the flag is regained before either falling back or advancing so to keep and updated indication of position. If a company or platoon unit has at least 10 deployed men it is advised that a color bearer is taken as one in the same with the bugalar, creating a ratio of 1:4 of special classes to rankers at a rare bear minimum.
It is important that if a line commander sees that it is suicidal for his unit to proceed in an advance that he ask his superior for permission before perminatly halting in cover or falling back. Although your unit may suffer greatly, the over all well-being of the advance is still intact and your line is a necessary component for drawing fire or supplying spare bayonets for the potential melee. If a retreat is issued then a unit is not to break ranks but rather is to orderly digress across the traveled section of No Man's Land finding cover when necessary until the designated position is reached. If a temporary halting of the line's advance in the middle of No Man's Land is issued then it is crucial that all NCOs as well as COs find effective cover for each of their men to use while waiting for further instruction.
A war cry is mandatory from each soldier as they exit the trench while going over the top.
Any man found weaving and twisting to avoid enemy fire instead of charging the enemy trench, finding cover when not ordered, refusing to go over the top, straying from the unit's formation to the point of ramboing, or not following orders in anyway may be bayoneted once by an NCO as a warning along with verbal explanation and again if it happens bayoneted to death and then usually kicked from the event after the round ends. If any of these criteria are met and encountered by a CO on the spot shooting at first offence is always permitted with good reason. The only reason to remove an inferior ranking soldier from the round via team killing is to then later have him kicked from ts and reported to the Colonel, do not do it jokingly or when not absolutely necessary as i am sure i do not need to tell you.
Melee in the trenches is difficult because of the enclosed and restricted area provided as well as the increased probability of team killing. If a team kill from one of my men should occur anywhere in combat, it is important that no apology is issued in anyway until after the melee is resolved. We don't want the team killer to be killed while apologizing to his comrade. It is important that all of the melee is a team effort with comrades aiding each other in situations where members of the enemy can be double teamed and outnumbered once we are able. A quick reform after the melee is necessary so that the highest ranking survivor may take command of the line immediately and continue on the mission.
1.8 Repelling an Attack/ Counter AttackThe "stand to" command may be ordered to move all men to the front wall of the trench with rifles presented at the enemy line. Order the men to fire when the enemy is in range, and when they have passed over half the distance of No Man's Land order them to fix bayonets before engaging in melee and resume volley fire or firing at will. The key to reppelling an attack it to weaken the enemy's forces on their approach so much so that you will be capable of dealing with the ones that do make it over at bayonet point. Always fight and die where you are stationed and do not fall back or break ranks unless ordered by the regimental staff. Also, it might seem advantageous to counter charge a defeated and routing enemy in this situation, but do not pursue a target while defending a line without asking and receiving permission from the regimental staff. Keep the men appropriately spread into 2-3 man spaced files formation while defending a trench wall to avoid artillery catastrophe, however, it is best to tighten ranks again when the melee is upon you.
1.9 Mics Notabilities of Trench Warfare:tbc... (section 1 is about done)
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