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The German Motorized Infantry Regiment
Military Intelligence Service, Special Series No. 4, October 17, 1942
[DISCLAIMER: The following text is taken from a WWII U.S. War Department Special Series publication. As with all wartime intelligence information, data may be incomplete or inaccurate. No attempt has been made to update or correct the text. Any views or opinions expressed do not necessarily represent those of the website.]

Section X. PURSUIT

129. The speed and mobility of motorized infantry can be used with particular advantage in pursuit, to prevent the enemy from building or occupying a new defense line, to overtake him, or to forestall him by occupying certain areas.

130. If the enemy gives ground, he is to be pursued relentlessly even through the night until he is completely destroyed. The commanders will spur on their men to greater efforts by personal example.

131. Units in pursuit will be given strategical objectives, accessible as far possible by road.

132. An enemy resisting weakly will be engaged from the armored personnel carriers. If the enemy offers strong resistance, a detour will be made and the succeeding troops left to deal with it, unless this course is impossible because of the ground or because it involves too serious a danger.

133. In order to carry out pursuit on a broad front or to be able to dispatch a force to overtake the enemy, task forces are frequently formed. Principles governing their composition and use are laid down in pamphlet D 66 "Handling of the Armored Division."*

134. If in its pursuit the unit has pushed deep into the enemy lines, march bivouacs will be formed at night or when resting to give strong all-around fire.

Tank-proof localities and areas affording cover and good observation are especially suitable for bivouacs. To avoid heavy losses from bombing and shelling, vehicles must be dispersed. Covering patrols on foot will be sent out. Defensive fire will be put down from armored carriers on a signal from a patrol.


* See the translation published by the Military Intelligence Service as "The German Armored Division," Information Bulletin No. 18, June 15, 1942.
 

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