Quote:
Originally Posted by Peregrino
Direct fire is LOS (line of sight), indirect is non-LOS. FA & mortars in direct lay are just as much "direct fire" as a rifle is. MGs in indirect fire haven't been much more than an academic footnote since WWI. abc_123 hits the nail on the head. (Not bad for an "O".  ) |
I think the issue is the amount of massing that would need to take place, and the mountain of ammo that would take. The lack of true Lightweight MGs (or tactical fighting vehicles to carry the heavy MGs) made this the only way to employ heavy MGs in the offensive role. Not to mention that the geometry of the battlefield of WWI is what allowed this technique to have whaterver degree of effectiveness that it did.
Not sure how effective it was (google anyone??) but this technique was referenced as being used as late as 1917...
In mobile warfare... it is far more effective (and supportable) for MGs to be dispersed throughout maneuvering units rather than consolidated into companies and battalions.