BASIC TECHNICAL-TACTICAL DATA ON ARTILLERY

• Document Type: CREST
• Collection: General CIA Records
• Document Number (FOIA) /ESDN (CREST): CIA-RDP82-00457R003000610011-3
• Release Decision: RIPPUB
• Original Classification: S
• Document Page Count: 8
• Document Creation Date: December 22, 2016
• Document Release Date: March 4, 2011
• Sequence Number: 11
• Publication Date: August 11, 1949
• Content Type: REPORT

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CENTRAL INTELLIGENCE AGENCY REPORT
INFORMATION REPORT CD NO.
COUNTRY Yugoslavia
SUBJECT Basic Technical-Tactical Data on Artillery
PLACE
ACQUIRED L
DATE OF INFO
TH18 DC8P. Y ~',O11TA1W81HFOR8AT108 APF1090G TH1 NATIONAL 08P8881
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OP TSS CONSENTS I13 ANT KAWN92 TO AM 1111ADTNONIZHD P20809 IN PAO-
HISITND ST LAW 89P#ODVCTICH OP T1118 PORN IS PROH181T8D.
Artillery 9rou s
DATE DISTR. 1,1 gr 49
NO. OF PAGES 8
NO. OF ENCLS.
(LISTED BELOW)
SUPPLEMENT TO
REPORT NO.
THIS IS UNEVALUATED INFORMATION
0
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DISTRISUTION
STATE NAVY t3SRli
~8)
AR 1,1 ` A1St ^~
Document No.
NO CHANGE in Class. [] T
0 DECLASSIFIED
Class. CL! ^'^ TO: TS S
DDA 7=emo, 4 Apr 77
Auth : DDA _FSG_. 7711763
Date: ,s B 25
10 The following artillery groups exist within the framework of the Army:
as Regimental artillery group (P.A.G. )
b0 Divisional artillery group (D.A.G.)
c. mortar group (.G;)
d., Artillery corps group (KLA.G,)
e. Bombardment group (destruction)(A.a. )
Counterbatte, artillery trop s
f0 Army group artillery (A.A.G.)
g. Mobile anti-tank reserves (in regiment, division, corps and army)
(P.P.T0R)
20 The regimental, divisional, corps and army artillery groups are, in con-
sequence made up so that the commanders of units and regiments have at
their disposal artillery (artillery groups),, under their command by means
of which they can influence the course of the battle,., with a timely mass
of artillery fire.
3 The army artillery groups can be divided into secondary groups according
to the number of the corps which operate in the principal direction of
attack, and, in the case of long range artillery, long range sub-groups
can also be formed0
1 The temporary uniting of army, corps, divisional and regimental group
artillery, gives in general to the military commanders the parer to use
the artillery and simultaneously to ensure the continuous cooperation of
the artillery with the infantry and tanks daring the whole battle,,
Essentials of Command
5. The allotted artillery is entirely subordinated to the commander of the
division (regiment, battery and company) as is., also, the artillery
formation itself, and carries out its own task while at the same time
maintaining contact with the commander of the artillery unit of which it 50X1-HUM
forms part.
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6. The supporting artillery is used for the execution of tactical and
fire tasks for the fighting units. It carries out the demands of
the commanders of units as regards the fire, or, if not directly under
their command, it keeps communication with them.
7. At the decision of the Senior Commander, the supporting artillery can
at any time be completely or in part employed for the carrying out of
fire task for the whole unit and, in the course of battle, it can be
entirely or partly allotted to lower units. In the event of a break-
down of communications with the artillery commanders themselves, the
artillery becomes subordinate to the company and battalion (regimental)
commanders to which it is attached.
8. The task of the coordinated command is the coordination of the fire
of the artillery under the command of the most senior artillery com-
mander, and the planning of artillery tasks during all periods of the
battle as well as the allotting of supplementary tasks during the
battle.
9. The separate command of the artillery attached to the subordinate units,
make possible the greatest measure of coordination with the smaller
units, but at times slows up and altogether excludes the firing
maneuver and the concentration of fire support of the larger !units.
Regimental Divisional and Mortar Divisions
10. .For supporting operations of rifle regiments there are formed groupings
of regimental artillery from the divisional artillery, and, in case-of
need, mortar artillery units attached to the division as reinforcements
are also provided. These groups receive the number of the rifle
regiment to which they belong.
U. The regimental artillery and regimental mortars are not included in
the composition of regimental artillery groups. But, when considering
the plan of fire in the preparation of artillery, the commanders of
the regimental artillery groups also take both these weapons and the
weapons of the rifle battalions into consideration.
12. In the auxiliary direction of attack, regimental artillery groups can-
not always be formed. In this case the task of the regimental artillery
group is carried out by artillery of respective rifle regiments, rein-
forced when necessary by mortars and individual batteries from
divisional artillery.
13. Groups of divisional artillery are formed in divisions of the attached.
ARVAK (sic) units and of rocket artillery of 85 and 132 mm,,
l1}. Mortar groups are formed in first line divisions (echelons) in the
principal direction of attack, from mortar units of 82 and 120 mm of
rifle regiments of the divisions, corps (armies), of the second and
third echelon for the period of artillery preparation and of
supporting artillery in the attack
Groups of Corps, Artillery, Counterbiatterrgy Groups of Army Artil1er
and 11obile Anti-Tan c -Reserves
1.5. Groups of corps artillery are formed in the corps from corps artillery
attached to ARVAK units and from units of rocket artillery.
16. Counterbattery groups are formed in the corps when it becomes necessary
to organize the eounterbattery within the framework of the corps them-
selves. They are formed by corps artillery units and from attached
ARVAK units.
17. Groups of bombardment artillery are formed in the corps by howitzer
units and guns of heavier caliber (132 mm, and mortars of 160 mm and
heavier), and by rocket artillery of heavier caliber.
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18. Groups of army artillery are formed in the army by army artillery and
by attached ARVAK units.
19. T-,jobile anti-tank artillery reserve groups are formed by mobile anti-tank
reserves from anti-tank rifle units and from sapper units.
Allocation of Firing Tasks in Regimental, Divis~nnal and Corpl
Grau s
20. Regimental artillery groups (P.A.G.) have the task of assisting rifle
regiments and tank units attached to the same. Divisions (one or more
batteries) or regimental artillery groups are so disposed as to aid
battalions (companies).
21. Divisional artillery groups (D.k.G.) have the task of reinforcing the
operations of regimental artillery groups in the principal direction of
attack, to destroy reserves and commands, and are also used for the
carrying out of other, tasks.
22, Corps artillery groups (K.A.G.) have the task of reinforcing the
attacks of divisional groups with massed fire, and of hammering enemy
reserves and commands., and also to carry out other tasks in the first
line of attack.
23. Army artillery groups (A.A.G.) have the task of executing counter-
battery fire, hammering enemy reserves, command posts, and of hindering
the work in the enemy's rear.
21i.. If sub groups (D.D.) are formed they carry out similar tasks in greater
depth.
Art? P^atection in Battle for Mobile Grp
25. Besides the basic and attached artillery, protection is given by the
corps and army artillery and by regimental and divisional artillery
groups.
26. Since the army corps artillery is protected from the front, it acts as
an escort for the mobile group, with firing maneuver from its firing
sites within the whole range of its own weapons.
27. Tank hunting and light artillery units move directly in the battle area
of the mobile groups, as support artillery., and operate principally
with direct fire, either on their own initiative or at the request of
the commander of tank units.
Anti--Tank Defenses (P.T.O. ).
?6. This is generally organized by the senior comruander. It is formed by
the organization of a reconnaissance and observation system; coordination
of artillery fire, mortars, infantry anti-tank weapons; by the use of
tanks and aviation, with a wide application of natural and artificial
anti-tank obstacles, with measures to inflict casualties.
29. Anti-tank protection is organized throughout the whole extension of
defense and primarily, in the forward part of the principal defensive
belt. The main bulk of anti-tank defense weapons is employed in
protecting the principal defensive belt.
30. In the most effective direction of regiments, divisions and armies, use
is made of mobile anti-tank reserves, composed of artillery weapons,
self-propelled artillery, (P.O.Z) anti-tank rifles and sappers using
mines. The nests of defense battalions and company Lines in the zone
of attack by tanks, are disposed like the anti-tank nests and areas.
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31. The utmost attention is required in the coordination of the fire plan.
The commander of the Army (corps, division and regiment), chooses the
comr;randers who are responsible for the coordination itself and
personally or through his staff will check the organization for fire
whsr , boundaries meet. The artillery fire positions must be selected
as in the case of tank penetration; the bulk of the artillery can take
part in repulsing the attack by tanks. The approaches to the fire
positions imist be defended with antitank obstacles and mines. The areas
of fire positions are always arranged for anti-tank defense. The anti-
tank areas, nests, points of resistance and anti-tank positions form
the basic anti--tank defense.
32. Infantry defense is organized with the anti-tank defense system, and
roast be protected both by occupation by enemy infantry, as well as
from penetration in caps through anti-tank defense. The anti-tank areas
iaust always be coordinated with the defense companies. The areas of
anti-tank companies of a battalion foz?n an anti-tank battalion strong
point. Anti-tank areas, nests, resistance points and lines, especially
in the possible direction of tank attacks, mist be joined in the whole
depth of defense by a simple systems. of anti-tank fire units and by a
system of obstruction built by the engineers.
Anti-Tank Strong Points
33. These are organized in the main direction of a probable tank attack and
must be coordinated with regimental and company defense areas outside
the orders of the infantry. Anti-tank resistance points must, in each
case, be rovsred by its ow -a infantry. If the defenses are sited in
depth, cover for the strong point can be obtained by organizing these
points in reserve areas or, by means of infantry units specially assigned
to this task*
34. In the organization of anti-tank strong points, the light anti-tank
regiment takes chief part. The battle order of light antitank regiment
or light anti-tank battery at the resistance point, is composed of battery
strong points joined with a uniform fire plan which is connected with the
engineering obstructions.
350
This coordinates analagously, like anti-tank units in anti-tank strong
points, and areas of coordination are also disposed like these strong
points, so that it can be ready.at any moment in the briefest possible
space of time to join the anti-tank defenses which have been previously
organized.
Explosives and Instantaneous Fuse Shells
36. Explosive shell: steel or cast iron covering filled with explosive
i olo '- Slow burning fuse and detonator. Is intended for use against
non-armored field defenses, trenches, fire positions, observation posts,
et cetera. Its chief characteristic is its explosive effect. Penetration
in depth of the projectile in the subbtance can be regulated chiefly by
adjusting the fuse and its trajectory
37. Instantaneous she].s covering of steel and cast iron filled with ex-
plosive., igniter adapted for instant effect, and detonators. It is
intended for anti-personnel purposes, for the demolition of weak field
works, for the opening of passages through barbed wire obstacles, and
for firing at loopholes of concrete emplacements. The chief element of
success is the killing section of the grenade. The killing splinters
are those which weigh at least five grams and, in the instant explosion
against personnel, ten grans.
38. At the moment of explosion the "instant effect" shell fires three
"sticks of splinters", i.e. one containing twenty percent of the splinters,
one from the blank part containing seventy percent, and one from the
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bottom section of the projectile which contains ten percent. For
calculation one takes the area of the effective zone and the area of
the 100 percent zone of the shell as follows: The size of the effective
zone (area in which at the moment of the explosion of the grenade, fifty
percent of the target is hit-)s
76 rear 30 m of front and 15 m in depth
107 ram 40 m of front and 20 m in depth
122 mm 60 in of front and 20 in in depth
152 m m 75 m of front and ' ! 5 m in depth
39. The size of the 100 percent zone (area in which, at the moment of ex-
plosion of a shell 90 percent (sic) of the target is hit):
76 rrnm 8 in of front and 6 m in depth
107 mm 14 in of front and 6 m in depth
122 mm 18 m of front and 8 m in depth
152 mm 22 m of front and 12 in in depth
The richocet effect is seen in the explosion in mid-air after the
grenade has hit the ground.
Time Fuse, Armor PiercLAG and Penetrating Shell
40. Time shell: the covering of the projectile is in steel and cast iron.,
if lath explosive, double igniter with time fuse and/or contact fuse
with detonator. Its task is to hit aerial targets,, and personnel when
the ground is very marshy or when the targets are deeply deg in. In the
case of live targets, the best height for explosions is at about 20 meters.
41. Armoriercing shell: covering of the projectile is specially treated
steel filled with a small amount of explosive and equipped with a special
slow burning fuse or even without a fuse. The projectile has a soft,
steel nose and a ballistic cap. It is used for firing at armored targets
and the destruction of permanent defenses. The effect of this projectile
is composed of the penetrating and explosive shell. The best effect is
achieved with fire at an angle of 900.
h.2. Penetrating shell: covering of the projectile is in specially treated
steel, charged vrith explosive and with a lower slow burning fuse. It is
used for the destruction of cement fortifications. The best effect is
obtained with the 150 mm caliber and over.
Shrapnel and "Kartec"
h3. Shrapnel: projectile filled with lead or,teel bullets. The bullets
are mixed in the cylindrical part of the covering and covered with the
"calofonia'l (sic). At the bottom of the covering is the chamber for
black powder and this is divided from the bullet by means of a diaphragm.
Through the middle of the projectile is mounted a small tube with corn--
pressed black powder, through which the flame from the igniter spreads.
The fuse is a time fuse and is set for time and percussion. The
shrapnel is used for firing at live unprotected targets. For the ignition
of the powder chamber a pressure is produced which works on the diaphragm
and which drives out the contents of tho case, together with the urper
part of the projectile., so that the case is nearly intact and the
splinters and bullets branch out in the form of a funnel.
Isle. Kartec: cylindrically shaped projectile of steel plate and filled with
iron and with steel bullets which are coated with wax. Its action is
that the shell which contains the bullets bursts through the cartridge
in the barrel itself and the bullets, under the pressure exerted by the
gas from the powder, spread out from the barrel in the form of a funnel.
It is intended for action against personnel of batteries.
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Sub-Caliber Projectiles
Sao Composition: ballistic cover of light aluminum or iron alloy, designed
ode 'improvement of the ballistic shape of the projectile. Case of
the projectile is made of light steel. At the top part there is a small
circular protuberance like a centering piece, and in the lower part a
protuberance with a circular canal which has the role of a canalizing
ring and a ribbed hollow serves as a chamber for the shell. The center
of the projectile has an oval-shaped top and is formed by an alloy of
special metal which has a high specific gravity and a high degree of
hardness.
46. Effect: At the moment of striking against the armor, the ballistic
cover s broken and the center of the projectile with its sharp parts
penetrates the metal of the armor, forming a hole during its passage.
The case of the projectile has no effect because it is of soft metal
and disperses at the moment of firing. Its kinetic energy is given to
the core of the shell,
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48.
Hollow Charge Cumulative shell
C osition: case sir. lar to that of the explosive shell. Steel or
cast iro-Fl p screwed into covering. Explosive charge placed in the
case Which consists of several parts. The head is empty while the ex-
plosive charge in the higher part has a hollow which is rather similar
to the hollow of the surface of a searchlight. Instant effect igniter
without safety device, central guiding tube through the center of the
explosive material, empty and Made of aluminium. Detonator and detonating
capsule arranged at the bottom of the explosive.
Effect: at the moment of striking a hard object the fuse sets off the
ce`ton'aor which explodes the charge. The buring gasses which are generated
as a result of the explosion, in consequence of the concave shape of the
front end of the charge, concentrate in the direction of the top of the
shell. These gases collect at the top of the shell with great heat, speed
and pressure similar to the light collected on the reflector of a search-
light. This burst penetrates the armor. According to the penetration of
the armor the gases have a great pressure and heat effect on the crew
and equipment inside a tank.
Art er,A.ttack
49. The artillery attack consists in the neutralization of the enemy defense
system before the beginning of the attack, with continued support of
infantry and tanks, with a concentration of effective artillery fire
and mortars throughout the whole attack. The artillery and mortar fire
leads the infantry and tanks from one defense objective to the other.
50.
The artillery attack is divided into the following phases:
Preparation for the attack
Supporting the attack
Defense of the success of the infantry and of the tanks in the depth
of the enemy defenses.
Artilleparation
,y Pr 51o Before the beginning of the attack, the artillery disorganizes the enemy
command and observation, throvring the firing systems of the defense pre-
parations into confusion and preparing a passage through obstattles.
This is carried out only on the day of attack, and represents the most
important means of assuring success.
Artillery Support
52. This confuses the enemy fire plan, neutralizes the fire points,-protects
infantry and tanks when attacking enema defenses, and during the
occupation of the strong points of the first line.
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53.
Artillery Defense of the Battlefield
This gives, in depth, sustained supp(:,rt of units in overcoming of
enemy resistance. The artillery, maneuvering with fire and movement,
accompanies the infantry and tanks from one objective to the other
throughout the entire action.
Conception of the Letter "C"
54. At the moment of opening the attack, infantry and tanks are given the
signal "C". This signifies the oper..ng of the attack, the end of artillery
preparation and the lengthening of artillery range. The letter "C"
serves as a basis for carx-ling out al.l the calculations of the artillery
attack. The exact moment for giving the "C" signal (for instances 5.O0)
is announced a little later so as to keep the hour for the opening of
the attack secret a little longer, but it is necessary to announce it in
good time, so that artillery preparation can begin in time (e.g. for
"C" - 5.00, "C" ?50 a 4.10).
Cooperation of the Artillery with Other Arms
55. Coordination is organized by ArMr com:handers and in conjunction with
other ground forces and also with the assistance of their staffs and
commanders of other arms. They are responsible for establishing clearly:
what;, with whom, when, how, which taxigets, and where it is necessary to
cooperate.
56. The general documents for this cooperation are: orientation plan, plan
of the target, numbering of the targets, artillery panoramic sketch,
table of the signals and time table cf battle.
57. The artillery Gives the following doc..uaents to the infantry: plan of
orientation, copy of the artillery, panoramic sketch, plan of the
targets fire table, graph of artiller attack, fire plan, plan of order
of battle of the artillery.
5f3. The infantry issues to the artillery: operation orders, time table, plan
of targets, orientation plan and plan of order of battle for the infantry.
59. Rex ort by the Camnander of the Arti.ll.: ry Groin to the Commander of the
Rifle Regiment:
a. Composition of the group (type and number of arms), quantity of
munitions and fuel supplies.
b. Fire power of the group
c. Orders received from the higher command of the artillery: how much
these orders will employ his artillery and how much he will have
left at the disposal of the regim;ntal commander.
d. Proposal for the division of the artillery for support of rifle
regiments
e. Areas of fire positions and observation posts
f. Time in which the artillery will be ready
60. Indications given by the Commanding Officer of the Rifle Regiment to the
Artillery Commander:
a. General orientation, nature of thE:; terrain, particulars concerning
the enemy.
b. Tasks of the regiment
C. Tasks of the battalions
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d. Starting points for the attack
e. To arrange numerically and by types of batteries (tail -- mortars)
artillery for the support of the battalions.
f. Targets
g. Tasks for the artillery0
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