INFANTRY TACTICS AND MODERN WEAPONS, 1897

Translated from the German, this manual was published in 1897. The system of infantry attack expounded by the author is based on the principle of ‘extended’ order which the translator recommends could well be adopted by the British army. The author also gives hints on practical company training – subordinating the idea of taking cover to tactical considerations – and of combining fire and movement during an attack. The author also recommends studying the great battles of history – not as tactical models, since modern weaponry has made that redundant – but as examples of errors to be avoided. Interesting to anyone studying the use of infantry at the opening of the 20th century, this is an eye-opening book.