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

– With time to plan in advance Immediate

– 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

– 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

– 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

– Reorg– Check numbers, weapons– Re-distribute ammo’– Prep to move– All done very quickly

Move off

Patrol arrives in FRVAdopts all round defence

Comd’ checks arcsMoves off on Final close recce of ambush site

Ambush occupied

Comms Cord laid

Signal given – Ambush set

Silence – no movementDiscipline v important

Careful observation

Cut off signals approach of enemy

Other cut off and rear RV warned of enemy approach

Commander springs ambush by

opening fire.

Main body of enemy caught

in ambush

Rear RV party might provide light by firing

flares

FLAREFLARE

FLARE

Enemy caught in cut-offs

Enemy in cover

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

Patrol checked into Rear RV

Move off quickly when ready

Conclusion 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

Requires careful planning and preparation Discipline