Question: How to conduct an attack were the enemy is waiting for you

[JasonC]

When visibility is low, pick an avenue of attack you think will be unexpected (a *lot* easier with limited LOS), and then just go for it along that line. Keep a reserve as always, so you can switch the point of attack (pulling back) if you pick a bad spot.

Then have the attackers on the main avenue move out in a proper formation. Formations are all about ability to adapt to developments rapidly, without being too vunerable. So you have a point half squad 50 yards ahead of the rest of the lead platoon, the whole platoon traveling, thus with the rest ready to jump into LOS to support anything the point hits. With the rest of the force committed to the main avenue trailing in column behind the lead platoon, or slightly spread and trailing in a wedge, with armor and FOs inside the wedge.

What you want to do is overwhelm the single units encountered first the minute after you first spot them. But be prepared to exploit along a path you plan out ahead of time, if you don't hit anything quickly. And also be ready, in case the first platoon encounters a full position - which will stop them if they run into it - with the rest of the main body. (By calling arty ahead of the column, by moving up beside the point with other platoons, by bringing up a tank, etc).

Low LOS fighting obviously favors the guy with a lot of infantry; the Germans are particularly good at it, with SMG heavy types and good infantry AT weapons at close range. So you can't do everything the same as you can with long LOS lines. All locations are a little like reverse slopes. It also helps to have more rapidly adjusting artillery (Americans are good at it, others need mortars), because often you wind up shooting out of LOS. Better that than getting the FO killed.

Another less obvious thing about low LOS fighting is the need to move after engagements, in less than predictable ways. You don't want the enemy shifting into an elaborate ambush ahead of the last point of contact while you blunder into it. One trick that can help there is to change direction somewhat randomly, or even backtrack for a minute or two, from time to time. Unforced moves to the rear are usually the least predictable thing you can do.