"A different look at the German MG42 use" Topic

Why German Machine Gunners Feared Firing First at U.S. Troops

Why did German machine gunners hesitate to fire first at advancing American troops during World War II? In this gripping WW2 documentary-style story, discover the battlefield tactics, overwhelming firepower, and rapid U.S. response that shocked experienced German soldiers across Europe. From Normandy to the Battle of the Bulge, American infantry squads used aggressive suppression, coordinated attacks, and endless ammunition to dominate firefights. Veterans on both sides described how one burst at U.S. troops could trigger a devastating storm of return fire within seconds. This video explores the real combat psychology, weapons, tactics, and battlefield experiences that made German machine gunners fear opening fire first. WWII history explained.

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The German manual stated that the MG is the main firepower and the rifle armed guys in the squad protected it. The problem I see is that the MG gunner attracts all of the attention and he should relocate after a few bursts. Once the gun was lost the rest of the squad was assigned to another unit.

Some sources state the MG gunner lasted 2-3 minutes after the shooting started.

Personally, I think most game systems don't portray the way ambushes are portrayed and the rapid use of 60mm mortars and FOs. Maybe because it would be portrayed as "unbalanced".

Wolfhag

Yes. I have no idea how far back the doctrine of instant reaction to an ambush goes, but it was certainly well established when I went through Infantry Officer Basic in 1971. You absolutely do not stay where you are in the killing zone, and it is better to "move" (which often means to shoot) aggressively forward rather than falling back. How far down in 1944 did BARs go? Did every squad have one? But even the Garand gave the riflemen a lot of fire power. I have never read this, what you posted, but it makes sense.

and yeah, VN era doctrine saw the platoon as the bodyguards not of the MG but of the FO. Keep him alive and you have massive quick firepower. I think it is true that US infantry in VN were always within range of 105s or other artillery.

You never want to be the one guy that stands out in a fire fight.

Having said that, ammo is heavy and near all the infantry walked. if the guy behind the mg wastes ammo, rather than aimed bursts, he will soon find himself carrying the ammo for the machine gunner who uses aimed bursts.

How far down in 1944 did BARs go? Did every squad have one?

Yes, one BAR per squad was the norm. Some squads informally "found" a second one.

The 1944 USMC, however, organized its squads with three fire teams of four men each, with each team having a BAR.

Hope this helps,
Mark

Regarding not standing out: The BAR and MG34 could fire single shot semi, the MG42 could not.

SOP had the MG42 firing up to 250 rounds and relocating to another prepared position.

Wolfhag