Corps of Royal Engineers - Vintage Fighting in Woods VT

Introduction

This tutorial outlines the tactics and strategies used by the Corps of Royal Engineers for conducting operations in wooded areas and trenches. Drawing from a vintage instructional video, the guide provides detailed steps for establishing ambush positions, coordinating defenses, and executing combat maneuvers effectively. This knowledge is vital for understanding military tactics in challenging terrains.

Step 1: Establishing Defensive Positions

• Prepare Section and Half-Section Ambushes

  • Divide your area into sections, each tasked with specific ambush routes.
  • Identify key routes for enemy movement (e.g., Route Apollo, Route Saturn, Route Jupiter).

• Digging Trenches

  • Trenches should be deep, properly revetted, and well-camouflaged.
  • Utilize available materials like logs and sandbags for overhead protection.
  • Stock trenches with ammunition for quick access during combat.

• Coordinate with Sapper Detachment

  • Work alongside the sapper detachment for equipment and support.
  • Ensure that the main combat team position is adequately prepared for defense.

Step 2: Ambush Preparation

• Site Selection

  • Choose ambush sites that offer good lines of fire while being hidden from enemy sight.
  • In dense forests, clear underbrush to create lines of fire.

• Communication and Coordination

  • Maintain radio silence until ambushes are triggered.
  • Use field lines for early communication among combat team members.
  • Ensure all team members understand the ambush plan and routes.

Step 3: Executing the Ambush

• Triggering the Ambush

  • Use anti-tank mines to stop leading enemy vehicles, allowing subsequent vehicles to become targets.
  • Coordinate fire from anti-armor weapons and small arms to maximize impact.

• Withdrawal Strategy

  • Prepare a set-piece withdrawal plan, rehearsed with covering fire.
  • Ensure all paths back are clearly marked and recorded.

Step 4: Responding to Enemy Actions

• Adapt to Enemy Movements

  • Be ready to adjust positions based on enemy actions and regrouping.
  • Maintain flexibility in your tactics to respond to unexpected assaults.

• Utilize Artillery Support

  • Coordinate artillery fire to create obstacles for the enemy while supporting your withdrawal.
  • Communicate effectively with artillery units to maximize effectiveness.

Step 5: Maintain Area Control

• Deny Enemy Passage

  • Use obstacles and mines to restrict enemy movement through the area.
  • Ensure continuous surveillance of the area through forward observation posts (OPs).

• Focus on Elimination

  • Aim to destroy enemy forces before they penetrate too deeply into the woods.
  • Execute ambushes with maximum force, then retreat to prepared positions.

Conclusion

This guide provides insight into military tactics for operating in wooded and trench environments. By establishing effective defensive positions, preparing for ambushes, and coordinating responses to enemy maneuvers, military units can successfully deny passage and maintain control over key areas. For further learning, consider studying real-world applications of these tactics in historical military operations.