Quote Originally Posted by Pete View Post
I suspect that a lot of First World War experience influenced the content of that Wehrmacht infantry squad manual, particularly the emphasis upon riflemen in the squad supporting the machine gun, instead of the other way around.
Indeed and depends. In "Development of Tactics", which I posted some times ago it is clearly stated that in the last phase of WWI the squad/sections in the outposts and front-line of the "Vorfeld" supported the MGs and not the other way around. This "field in front" which screened the main defense zone, often on and behind the reverse slope, from ground observation, recce and thus firepower had of course also to be strong enough to fend off small assaults and combat patrols. Being exposed to the full weight of enemy firepower meant that it had to perform with as few men as possible. This could only be achieved by a high share of loud and silent automatic weapons, switching between positions and good, heavy indirect fire support.
In other situation, for example during limited (night) assaults it was the MG which would support the riflemen (pistol-men, bombers).

Of course combat, gained experienced and things lost and METT-T would lead both in WWI and WWII to many very different types of sections. For example that manual of the WWII ski-troops shows the demand for a larger section with a strong demand for telescopic sights, automatic weapons and rifle grenades (especially if no mortar could be taken) and careful marksmanship training. On the other hand mechanized infantry was partial to the heavy firepower of the MG, especially in defense, which numbers often increased in relation to the riflemen due to heavy infantry combat losses. Assault groups should have according to official training material a high amount of different hand grenades, demo charges (bundled, on staffs, etc) rifle- and pistol grenades and machine pistols (or assault rifles). Artillery, infantry cannons, mortars and MGs shouldered (should shoulder) almost all fire support, the MG(s) of the assault group were mostly there to provide defense against counterattacks. One could go on and on. Generally the challenge as a leader was to get as much as one needed and to get most out of what one had in men and material.