The German Squad During Combat

General WWII era German military discussion that doesn't fit someplace more specific.
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charlie don't surf
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The German Squad During Combat

Post by charlie don't surf »

How was the german squad divided during combat? I found the text below but I'm not sure on how common the lMG- trupp/Schützentrupp division was. In example: how common was a three man MG team, was a infantry section always made up of 12-14 men or did this change throughout the war and differ among the different unit- types? Can anyone please help me with this?

Schützengruppe - Infantry Section: Infantry sections consisted of a leader and 12-14 men, who normally advanced into combat in two separate squads, using different routes of advance:

Gruppenführer - Section Leader
l.M.G.-Trupp - LMG Squad (4 gunners with 1 LMG)

Truppführer - Squad Leader
Schützentrupp - Rifle Squad (7-9 riflemen)
The section leader took command of the most important squad in his section, based on the tactical situation. If the entire section advanced, the section leader commanded the LMG squad. If an enemy position had been identified, the section leader would direct the fire of the LMG squad while the squad leader maneuvered the rifle squad into an assault position close to the enemy, but in cover. If the enemy position was to be assaulted, the section leader went forward and took command of the rifle squad, either keeping the squad leader by his side or sending him back to command the LMG squad. If both leaders accompanied the rifle squad in the assault, l.M.G.-Schütze 1 took command of the LMG squad temporarily.

Schützenreihe - Single File: The entire infantry section advanced in single file only at a safe distance from the enemy. If enemy contact was expected, the section split into its two component squads, and maintained a safe distance between them, either by advancing along parallel routes or by keeping up to 80 metres distance between squads. Unless otherwise instructed, the men would keep a distance of 5 paces between them in single file. LMG squad and rifle squad rarely deployed at the same time. Typically, the LMG squad might form Schützenrudel, while the rifle squad continued to advance in Schützenreihe.

Schützenrudel - Pack: Schützenrudel was used to cross open terrain. If ordered to deploy into a pack formation, the squad would dress on the Anschlussmann (lead man) and adopt a staggered formation. Unless otherwise instructed, pack frontage would be 15 paces, and the men kept a distance of 5 paces from eachother. If the entire section or the LMG squad deployed, l.M.G.-Schütze 1 was the Anschlussmann. If only the rifle squad deployed, from single file, the lead rifleman had Anschluss. Otherwise, if the rifle squad deployed from line, the squad leader or section leader would designate the rifleman on the right or left flank as the Anschlussman.

Stellung! - Firing Position!: A verbal command or visual signal instructing the squad to adopt a firing position in the Feuerkette - Firing Line. "Stellung!" from single file or pack would require the squad to dress on the Anschlussmann, and form a firing line facing the enemy, keeping a distance of 5 paces between each man, unless otherwise instructed. The command would be followed by Feuer frei! - Open fire! followed by Stopfen! - Cease fire!, and Volle Deckung! - Take full cover!

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best regards/ daniel
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