British & German 1914 Platoon Org

[huevans]

I can't comment on the comparative sizes of early war 1914 infantry platoons versus WW2 platoons. The latter is not something I am anywhere near as familiar with. It was a revelation to discover that the Spearhead stand (WW2 ruleset) represented a platoon, with roughly the same frontage as a Great War Spearhead stand, which represents an infantry company.

Based on your comment (thank you), the large size of a WW1 platoon is compensated for, from a command and control perspective, by the much closer proximity of the sections. This did not negate the possibility of orders becoming distorted during transmission along the line but the ability to maintain flank contact was easier.

The bigger problem with WW1 skirmish actions is that the close proximity of more dense formations makes for heavy casualties if the platoon is targeted. Hence an off-table enemy machine gun section could completely destroy an entire infantry platoon in minutes. Likewise a heavy artillery shell hit could devastate a platoon.

FWIIW, skirmish actions are best fought as advance guard vs advance or rear guard actions in relatively close terrain. Early war, mid-war (Operation Alberich in early 1917), and late-war (German Spring offensives or Last 100 Days) are examples on the Western Front.

Robert

Always a privilege to get your thoughts, Robert.

A late WW2 Heer platoon (43-44) would have 3 sections of 9 dudes w 1 x MG42 (crew of 3), leader and 5 rifles in each section. Plus a platoon HQ of maybe 5 guys inc a platoon leader and extra MG42 team.

It's mind-boggling if this small formation had company frontage by WW 1 standards. To understate, in WW2 units were holding frontage by automatic firepower whereas in WW 1 they were holding it w bodies carrying rifles!!

Somewhere out there is - or should be! - a book on how the transformation of small unit infantry tactics took place in the 30's when the Bren and MG34 came into use.

[Armstrong47]

All very interesting and valuable info.
Does anyone have anything similar about Belgian platoon/company organisation in 1914?
Cheers,
Andy

[Ewan]

All very interesting and valuable info.
Does anyone have anything similar about Belgian platoon/company organisation in 1914?
Cheers,
Andy

Hopefully this helps

[Ewan]

All very interesting and valuable info.
Does anyone have anything similar about Belgian platoon/company organisation in 1914?
Cheers,
Andy

Hopefully this will help

[armchairgeneral]

Somewhere out there is - or should be! - a book on how the transformation of small unit infantry tactics took place in the 30's when the Bren and MG34 came into use.

This really started from 1916 onwards with the introduction and integration of LMGs into infantry platoons in the British, French and German armies.

[carlos marighela]

Indeed and there is material on it, at least for the British, in Paddy Griffith's Battle Tactics of The Western Front.

As for frontage changes whilst there is a seemingly vast difference between the company of 1914 and a platoon of 1939-45. It's worth bearing in mind that those are nominal, with plenty of variation in actual practice due to a variety of factors. It's also worth noting that changes in infantry tactics throughout the war mean that by 1918 the relative frontage of a platoon and that of its WW2 counterpart aren't that much different in practice. Late WW1 battlefields have more than once  been described as 'empty' due to the level of tactical dispersion.

[monk2002uk]

The empty battlefield (die Leere des Gefechtfeldes in German) was used throughout the war to describe defensive positions from an attacker's perspective. There are instances of the term being used in August 1914 for example It was not a late war concept as such and did not refer to the attacker's formations during an advance.

The frontages of WW1 platoons did increase somewhat during the latter stages of the war but not to the extent seen in WW2. What did change significantly was the density of the attacking forces. Fewer platoons were pushed forwards at the same time in close follow-up.

Robert

[Armstrong47]

Hopefully this helps

Perfect,just what I needed.
Thank you.
Andy

[Ewan]

Perfect,just what I needed.
Thank you.
Andy

No problem