SMG platoons.

[yantaylor]

Hi everyone.

I am just seaching through work done by Gary for an idea of putting together a Soviet rifle company.
This unit would be from late 1942 but amended in early 1944.
I noticed that it contained a SMG platoon alomg with two rifle platoons.
So how would this SMG platoon be utilised, would it be the spearhead unit or be kept in reserve for breakthrough work after the line was broken.

Ian

[Art]

A previous topic on organization:
viewtopic.php?f=79&t=238167&p=2165753

[yantaylor]

Thanks Art

Ian

[Art]

The battle infantry manual of 1942 recommended to employ the SMG platoon on a broad frontage scattered by sections and small groups, for flanking attacks and envelopment or for infiltration. In attack the platoon was to be employed for probing hostile defenses, for attack in the first wave in intervals or on flanks of rifle units. Infiltration into weakly defended areas was to be sought especially at night. Cooperation with tanks as tank riders was also recommended. In defense the platoon was to be employed for surprise and concentrated fire against attacker, counterattacks from flanks and rear, protection of seams between rifle units, for covering rifle units retreating from combat. I believe, these principles applied to the SMG platoons in rifle companies.

[Art]

Detailed instruction of the Leningrad Front's HQ (June 1944) on employment of the rifle company of the new organization:
https://ru.wikisource.org/wiki/%D0%A1%D ... 0%B2/09/19