17 August 1943

17 August 1943 Alternate artillery positions communications and march readiness

Top secret. Corps headquarters, 17 August 1943. Seventh Army orders: recent enemy air attacks show that the enemy first attempts to put artillery and antiaircraft artillery out of action. He knows the coastal artillery deployment. Commander-in-Chief West therefore orders the widest possible use of prepared alternate positions. Batteries possessing such positions are to move into them once each week. An alternate position serves its purpose only if camouflaged. Apply the same procedure to other heavy weapons.

Corps addition: occupy alternate positions only when observation and communications are assured. Report the arrangements made to corps headquarters.

Recheck all communications means and routes to be used if wire connections fail. Particular attention is drawn to march readiness, camouflage and dispersal on the march. Every commander must again take responsibility for checking that everything has been done to bring his troops against the enemy by the quickest route and without unnecessary losses. Distribution: 716th, 709th, 319th and 389th Divisions, Mobile Brigade 30, I/Panzer Regiment 100, Artillery Commander 118, war diary and file.

T-314 Roll 1604, T314_R1604_English_Translation.docx. 17 August 1943 | Source PDF pages 821. Selected island-related text; document or report date governs placement.