Page 250 - Il 1916 Evoluzione geopolitica, tattica e tecnica di un conflitto sempre più esteso - Atti 6-7 dicembre 2016
P. 250
250 il 1916. EvoluzionE gEopolitica, tattica E tEcnica di un conflitto sEmprE più EstEso
Ultimately, the battles of the ‘linear’ phase of static warfare in this war focused
on artillery versus the technical engineering of the enemy’s position, particular-
ly the obstacle field, and the infantry race to take possession of the foremost
earthworks first. The artillery could destroy the obstacle field and battle positions
in preparation for the infantry attack. If these were left intact, the assault was
stopped, and the attacking troops, trapped in open ground, were mown down
by enemy machine gun fire. If enough gaps could be blown in the obstacle field,
and the distance was not too great, the first line could be overrun. 47
und an der Somme 1916, Frankfurt 1991, P. 277 f.
47 Ibid. p. 290 f.
