Patrolling Ambushes

Ambushes Often carried out as part of a patrol An ambush is: A surprise attack By a force lying in wait Upon a moving or temporarily halted enemy Usually brief Conducted at close quarters

Types of Ambush Deliberate Immediate With time to plan in advance In response to ‘hot’ information Contact with the enemy No time for recce E.g. If you suspect you are being followed when on patrol

Ambush Sites The best places for an ambush site will include: Known enemy routes Known admin/supply/water points, food or ammo dumps, approaches to villages Where the terrain changes – edge of wood, valley with steep sides, bend in track, river crossing Approaches to own posn’s Route out or back

Characteristics of a good site Covered approach Good fields of fire for you Good fire positions Cover, good natural camouflage Bad fields of fire for the enemy Few escape routes for the enemy Good withdrawal routes

Principles of ambush Good intelligence to ensure contact and success Thorough planning & prep Security – not to give away site of ambush Concealment – good track discipline Good control and communications Discipline – alert, no noise, restricted movement Safety – arcs (+ real safety distances)

The Deliberate Ambush Ambush is made up of: The ambush group The main fire group, springs the ambush Contains the commander and main fire power Cut off/stop groups Give warning of enemy approach Cut off lines of retreat Protect flanks from counter attack Rear RV Point to which each group will withdraw after the ambush, provides support for the ambush party

Planning The Ambush will often be the task of a fighting patrol It will be planned in detail as part of the patrol preparation Rehearsals will include ambush specific ‘Actions’ such as:

Actions Action at FRV Action in the Ambush Site Action on approach of enemy Action on 1st signal to withdraw Action on 2nd signal to withdraw Action in FRV

Action at FRV inc. Occupation of FRV Action if surprised Entry OOM Positions and arcs of fire Sentries Action if surprised Final close recce of ambush site Action if recce party does not return Final confirmation orders in FRV Brief and last min’ changes only

Action in Ambush Site Occupation of the ambush site Laying comms cord OOM Method of entry Positions and arcs Laying comms cord Signal for ‘Ambush Set’

Action on approach of enemy Warning from cut off groups to Comd Other groups warned Commander springs the ambush by firing or signal to LSW gunner to fire 1st signal to stop firing 2nd signal to stop firing Search party if required

Action in FRV Signal to withdraw given OOM Action in FRV Move off Reorg Check numbers, weapons Re-distribute ammo’ Prep to move All done very quickly Move off

Adopts all round defence Comd’ checks arcs Patrol arrives in FRV Adopts all round defence Comd’ checks arcs Moves off on Final close recce of ambush site

Ambush occupied Comms Cord laid

Discipline v important Signal given – Ambush set Silence – no movement Discipline v important Careful observation

Other cut off and rear RV warned of enemy approach Cut off signals approach of enemy

Main body of enemy caught in ambush FLARE FLARE Commander springs ambush by opening fire. Rear RV party might provide light by firing flares

Enemy caught in cut-offs Enemy in cover Enemy caught in cut-offs Commander signals STOP Patrol stops firing and observes

Enemy believes patrol has withdrawn and is caught when they move off Commander signals patrol to withdraw

Move off quickly when ready Patrol checked into Rear RV Move off quickly when ready

Conclusion An ambush is: Requires careful planning and preparation A surprise attack By a force lying in wait Upon a moving or temporarily halted enemy Usually brief Conducted at close quarters Requires careful planning and preparation Discipline