FIELD SERVICE REGULATIONS (FELDDIENST ORDNUNG) OF THE GERMAN ARMY 1908

These Field Service Regulations were translated by the British General Staff from their original German for the education and study of pre-Great War tactics, military thinking and organisation - this at a point in time when the German military build-up prior to the outbreak of the war was taking place. They are reprinted complete with their colour plate section.In 1908 the reorganisation of the German army was building much of the military's heavy armament in preparation for modern warfare; specifically, the introduction of the machine gun and modern heavy artillery was underway, and the doctrine in these regulations is an important part of any study of the first battles of the Great War.Some of the many topics covered include:¿ War Organisation - Distribution of Troops¿ Communication between Staffs and Troops: Messages, Reports, Sketches and Sketch Maps, War Diaries¿ Reconnaissance¿ Mixed Forces of all Arms: Advanced, Flank & Rear Guards¿ Outposts: Piquets, Infantry Sentries, Infantry Patrols, Outposts in Siege Warfare: In the Attack and Defence¿ Field & Heavy Artillery, Machine Gun Battery, Field Balloon Detachment, Ammunition Columns and Train¿ Geneva Convention¿ Ammunition Supply¿ Motor Cars, Motor Cycles and Bicycles¿ Wireless Telegraphy¿ Soldiers' Wills¿ Field Post Office¿ Carrier PigeonsColour plates:¿ Imperial Standard¿ Prussian, Württemberg and Saxon Royal Standards¿ Distinguishing Flags for the Head-quarters of an Army, Army Corps and Division¿ Topographical Conventional SignsTaken from the introduction:"The powers of the soldier will only be utilised to full advantage when they are applied as his commander directs. To this end the troops must learn discipline which is the backbone of the army, and without which no victory can be achieved. It must be firmly established and strenuously maintained under all circumstances. An outer semblance of discipline, not consolidated by long training in peace time, will vanish at critical moments or under the influence of unexpected events."