offene Feuerstellung

[Mikeo066]

"Die Batterie ging in offene Feuerstellung."
I'm unclear about 'offene' in the above. Does it mean a firing position which was in the open? Or is it connected with "to open fire"?
Comments greatly appreciated.

M

[Tom Houlihan]

That would be a firing position with no overhead cover or concealment. Probably just a field, without even a proper gun pit.

[fridgeman]

"Offene Feuerstellung kann notwenig werden, wenn das Feuer nur bei unmittelbarer Beobachtung am Geschütz die notwendige Geschwindigkeit und Beweglichkeit für die Zielbekämpfung erhalten kann, besonders also gegen Ziele in Bewegung, in der Verfolgung und bei überraschenden Zusammenstößen."

An Offene Feuerstellung/open fire position can become neccessary, when the gunfire has the needed speed and flexibility
only through direct monitoring at the gun, especially in cases of fast moving targets, during a chase or at sudden encounters with the enemy.

So basically it means to put PAK, FLAK or artillery out of prepared emplacements or bunkers, to make them more effective in
close combat situations for example.

[Tom Houlihan]

Danke, Fridgeman! Clarifies what I was already thinking.

[Mikeo066]

Thank you both for your helpful replies to my question.

M