Bøger af The General Staff

This period handbook was published to give British military personnel a better understanding of the principal characteristics of both the Italian army and the Black Shirt Militia under active service conditions, it is dated October 1941. It begins with a description of distinctive branches, or specialities, the most characteristic of which was the arm of the Royal Carabinieri, a semi-military body occupying, historically, the senior position in the Army. Other specialities included the Grenadiers of Sardinia, the Bersaglieri, the Alpini and the San Marco Marine Regiment.The handbook then goes on to show, in order, the organisation of Command and Staff, of formations (corps and divisions) and of the arms and services; services, supply and transportation; ranks, plates (many in colour) cover uniforms, insignia, medals and decorations; armament and equipment and a chapter on the Air Force, There are chapters on tactical doctrine and principles of employment, on permanent fortifications, camouflage and abbreviations. Finally there is a brief index.

This manual strives to inculcate an offensive spirit and gives practical instructions backed by a wide range of detailed diagrams on such subjects as the siting and digging of trenches; how to construct trenches in wet ground; sanitation and latrines; the size and depth of dug-outs; drainage and flooding; Day and night routine; the care of feet; wiring and strong points; and notes on attack and defence. Studying this book and examining the diagrams will give the reader a clear idea of trench warfare as it should be conducted - at least according to the official view.

This 1917 manual of musketry training is designed to instruct all infantry ranks in the use and care of their rifles, even under the gruelling battle conditions of the western front in the fourth year of the Great War. It is also aimed at instructing Commanding officers to make the best use of their men''s firepower under all conditions. There are chapters on the care and maintenance of arms; on visual training and distance judging; fire discipline and range firing; and section, platoon and company training.