Bicycle Formations / der Erste Zug

Bicycle Formations
By Justin Smith

A.) Structure of the Bicycle Squad

1.)The organization of the Bicycle squad is as follows-

The squad should consist of 8-10 men including:

- Gruppenfuhrer (squad leader)

- Truppenfuhrer (assistant squad leader)

- M.G. Schutze eines (Machine Gunner)

- M.G. Schutze Zwei (assistant machine gunner)

- One or two Machine Gun ammunition bearers

- Remainder of the squad were Schutzes (riflemen)

B.) Formation of the Bicycle Squad

1.) The first depiction is very similar to that of a Infantry squad. Bicycle troops were at times required to serve as infantry, and therefore the organization is quite similar.

A.) Single File Formation -

Used generally in connection with marching.

B.) Line Formation -

As with regular infantry squad drill, this is the bicycle troop equivalent of falling in for formation.

C.) March Column -

Double column formation for marching. Spacing should be roughly two meters interval between riders

More coming soon...

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