1. Patrolling
Ambushes

2. Ambushes Often carried out as part of a patrol An ambush is:
A surprise attack
By a force lying in wait
Upon a moving or temporarily halted enemy
Usually brief
Conducted at close quarters

3. Types of Ambush Deliberate Immediate With time to plan in advance
In response to ‘hot’ information
Contact with the enemy
No time for recce
E.g. If you suspect you are being followed when on patrol

4. Ambush Sites The best places for an ambush site will include:
Known enemy routes
Known admin/supply/water points, food or ammo dumps, approaches to villages
Where the terrain changes – edge of wood, valley with steep sides, bend in track, river crossing
Approaches to own posn’s
Route out or back

5. Characteristics of a good site
Covered approach
Good fields of fire for you
Good fire positions
Cover, good natural camouflage
Bad fields of fire for the enemy
Few escape routes for the enemy
Good withdrawal routes

6. Principles of ambush Good intelligence to ensure contact and success
Thorough planning & prep
Security – not to give away site of ambush
Concealment – good track discipline
Good control and communications
Discipline – alert, no noise, restricted movement
Safety – arcs (+ real safety distances)

7. The Deliberate Ambush Ambush is made up of: The ambush group
The main fire group, springs the ambush
Contains the commander and main fire power
Cut off/stop groups
Give warning of enemy approach
Cut off lines of retreat
Protect flanks from counter attack
Rear RV
Point to which each group will withdraw after the ambush, provides support for the ambush party

8. Planning The Ambush will often be the task of a fighting patrol
It will be planned in detail as part of the patrol preparation
Rehearsals will include ambush specific ‘Actions’ such as:

9. Actions Action at FRV Action in the Ambush Site
Action on approach of enemy
Action on 1st signal to withdraw
Action on 2nd signal to withdraw
Action in FRV

10. Action at FRV inc. Occupation of FRV Action if surprised
Entry OOM
Positions and arcs of fire
Sentries
Action if surprised
Final close recce of ambush site
Action if recce party does not return
Final confirmation orders in FRV
Brief and last min’ changes only

11. Action in Ambush Site Occupation of the ambush site Laying comms cord
OOM
Method of entry
Positions and arcs
Laying comms cord
Signal for ‘Ambush Set’

12. Action on approach of enemy
Warning from cut off groups to Comd
Other groups warned
Commander springs the ambush by firing or signal to LSW gunner to fire
1st signal to stop firing
2nd signal to stop firing
Search party if required

13. Action in FRV Signal to withdraw given OOM Action in FRV Move off
Reorg
Check numbers, weapons
Re-distribute ammo’
Prep to move
All done very quickly
Move off

14. Adopts all round defence Comd’ checks arcs
Patrol arrives in FRV
Adopts all round defence
Comd’ checks arcs
Moves off on Final close recce of ambush site

15. Ambush occupied
Comms Cord laid

16. Discipline v important
Signal given – Ambush set
Silence – no movement
Discipline v important
Careful observation

17. Other cut off and rear RV warned of enemy approach
Cut off signals approach of enemy

18. Main body of enemy caught in ambush FLARE FLARE
Commander springs ambush by opening fire.
Rear RV party might provide light by firing flares

19. Enemy caught in cut-offs
Enemy in cover
Enemy caught in cut-offs
Commander signals STOP
Patrol stops firing and observes

20. Enemy believes patrol has withdrawn and is caught when they move off
Commander signals patrol to withdraw

21. Move off quickly when ready
Patrol checked into Rear RV
Move off quickly when ready

22. Conclusion An ambush is: Requires careful planning and preparation
A surprise attack
By a force lying in wait
Upon a moving or temporarily halted enemy
Usually brief
Conducted at close quarters
Requires careful planning and preparation
Discipline