[All Rights Reserved.]

INFANTRY TRAINING.

1905.

LONDON:

Printed for His Majesty’s Stationery Office,
BY HARRISON AND SONS, ST MARTIN’S LANE,
Printers in Ordinary to His Majesty.

And to be purchased, either directly or through any Bookseller, from
WYMAN AND SONS, Ltd., Fetter Lane, E.C., or
OLIVER AND BOYD, Edinburgh; or
E. PONSONBY, 116, Grafton Street, Dublin.

Price One Shilling

(Wt. w 27691 150,000 2 | 05—H & S 5749)

This Manual is issued by order of the Army Council, for the guidance of all concerned.

EWD Ward

Secretary, Army Council.

War Office,

1st February, 1905.

CORRIGENDA.

Part IV., S. 163 (1), line 2, for “defence” read “attack.”

As A.F.B 214 need not in future be kept up, Part V., S. 181 (6), Returns is cancelled.

CONTENTS.

KEY TO PLATES.

Officers, Warrant officers, Non-commissioned officers, &c.

ORIGINAL FORMATION		Front Rank
		Rear Rank
FINAL FORMATION		Front Rank
		Rear Rank

DEFINITIONS.

General Definitions.

INFANTRY TRAINING.

PART I.

TRAINING OF THE RECRUIT.

1. Preliminary remarks.

1. The object of the recruits course of training at the depôt is to fit the soldier to take his place in the ranks of his company on joining his battalion.

For this purpose the recruit must be developed by physical exercises, and be trained in squad drill, rifle and firing exercises, in the estimation of ranges, and in skirmishing.

2. Syllabus of Training.

The following syllabus for the training of the recruit at the depôt is given as a guide, but it need not be rigidly adhered to:—

I.

Syllabus of Training.

60 days of 4 hours each.

Note.—The course of instruction of the recruit in musketry training, rifle exercises, bayonet fighting, and physical training will be found in “The Appendix to Training Manuals.”

II.

Instructions.

1. Recruits will be formed for instructional purposes in squads, the maximum number of men in each squad should not exceed twenty.

2. The squad instructors will be most carefully selected. They must be energetic, thoroughly well trained in the art of instruction, and intelligent. They will remain with the same squad throughout the period of training, and will carry out the whole of the instruction, in physical training, drill, rifle and firing exercises, and skirmishing, except as noted in above table.

3. Training in drill, physical exercises, rifle and firing exercises, and skirmishing, is to be as varied as possible; the work for each morning or afternoon should include more than one of these subjects.

4. Equipment will be issued on joining, but will not be worn on parade for the first month. Riffles will be issued as soon as the commanding officer directs, certainly not later than the first fortnight.

5. Marching will be carried out at the discretion of the commanding officer, and, as a rule, in connection with skirmishing practices.

6. At the conclusion of a recruit’s course the officer commanding the regimental district will inspect the recruits in all the branches of instruction. In conjunction with a medical officer he will examine all men considered too weak or awkward to join battalions, and submit a detailed report to the general officer commanding, with a recommendation as to whether such men be retained at the depôt for further instruction, or discharged.

7. The system of the training of the recruit is intended to develop gradually his mental and physical powers, officers commanding will, therefore, be held responsible that the principles of training herein laid down are complied with, and that instruction in musketry and skirmishing is not curtailed in favour of less essential practices.

8. The following directions in connection with the progress of the recruit are given for guidance of instructors and supervising officers:—

Doubling: this should not exceed—

At the end of the First Month.

Horizontal bar.—He should be able to pull to the chest twice, hands reversed, without assistance.

Parallel bars.—He should be able to press up six times running.

At the end of the Second Month.

Horizontal bar.—He should be able to pull to the chest at least six times, hands reversed.

Parallel bars.—He should be able to press up at least ten times.

Jumping.—Correct style of taking off (with either foot) and alighting is required. This is of more importance, up to this time, than great height or width of jump.

At the end of the Third Month.

Horizontal bar.—He should be able to pull to the chest at least ten times, hands reversed.

Parallel bars.—He should be able to press up at least fourteen times.

Jumping.—He should be able to jump a height of at least three feet.

III.

Lectures by Squad Instructors.

[To be invariably attended by an officer.]

First Fortnight.

1. Barrack room duties. Cleanliness and smartness expected from the soldier. Dress and clothing. Local orders. Good name of the regiment.

2. Fitting equipment. Laying down kits. Conduct in town. Position of provost; duty to obey and support him.

3. Names, rank, and position of officers. Saluting. Manner of making a complaint. Reporting sick and hospital rules. Church parade and behaviour in church.

4. Lectures are to be given to recruits on the fact that their prospects of civil employment in after life depends entirely on their conduct whilst in the army, and that no man can be registered for employment who is not discharged with a good character, and that preference will be given to such as have exemplary or very good ones, while for police or post office employment an additional certificate of absolute sobriety is necessary.

Second Fortnight.

1. The rifle. Names and use of its different parts. Cleaning and care of rifle.

2. Marching order, &c.

3. Hints on marching; boots, socks, clean feet, treatment of blisters. Drinking on the march. Falling out. Instances of long marching and endurance on part of the regiment.

Third Fortnight.

Skirmishing and marching.

Fourth Fortnight.

Skirmishing and use of the rifle.

Fifth Fortnight.

Skirmishing, and duties on guard,

Sixth Fortnight.

Recapitulation of previous instruction.

During the lecture hour, some time should be allowed for catechism on preceding week’s instruction.

The lectures on the principles of skirmishing and marching should always, if possible, be illustrated by incidents taken from actual warfare.

The Recruit on joining his Company.

A recruit after a course of three months’ training at the depôt should be sufficiently trained to be able to take his place in the ranks of his company, but until he has acquired a thorough knowledge of musketry, and can handle his rifle with skill and confidence under all conditions and in all positions, his daily instruction in musketry will be continued.

The following will be the course:—

(a) Care of arms.

(b) Instruction in aiming.

(c) The firing exercises.

(d) Instruction and practice in judging distance and in improvement of eyesight. A short exercise daily.

(e) Instruction in firing from behind cover, and in snap-shooting.

(f) Instruction in the theory, powers, and mechanism of the rifle and its ammunition.

(g) Course of lectures and examinations on the whole of the above subjects.

SQUAD DRILL.

3. Method of Instruction of the Recruit.

1. When once the various motions have been learnt, it will be the exception and not the rule, especially with auxiliary forces, to instruct recruits by numbers.

2. The instructor muse be clear, firm, and concise in giving his directions. He must be patient, making allowance for the different capacity of the men whom he is training; and always bearing in mind that careful individual instruction is the best means of developing the intelligence, and therefore the foundation of military efficiency.

3. The instructor, who will invariably carry a whistle and, if the squad is receiving rifle instruction, a rifle, will teach as much as possible by illustration, either performing the movements himself, or causing them to be performed by a smart recruit, placed facing the squad. He will be careful, in order to stimulate the intelligence and interest of the recruits, to explain clearly, in simple terms, the reason of every movement and formation, and its application in the field.

4. Instructors should be encouraged, in giving the details of the different movements, to use their own words. So long as the instruction is clearly understood by the men it is quite immaterial whether the phrasing of this manual is adhered to.

5. When first taught his positions, the recruit should be properly placed by the instructor; when more advanced, he should not be touched, but made to correct himself when admonished. He should not be kept too long at any one exercise. Squad drill should be intermixed with instruction in the handling of the rifle and with physical training, and close order drill with skirmishing.

6. Short and frequent drills are preferable to long lessons, which exhaust the attention both of the instructor and recruit. Recruits should be advanced progressively from one exercise to another, and should not be kept back by men of inferior capacity, who should be moved into a less advanced squad.

4. Words of Command.

1. Every command must be distinctly pronounced and sufficiently loud to be heard by all concerned.

2. Every command that consists of one word must be preceded by a caution. The caution, or cautionary part of a command, must be given deliberately and distinctly; the last or executive part, which, in general, should consist of only one word or syllable, must be given sharply; as

A pause will invariably be made between the caution and the executive word.

3. When the last word of a caution is the signal for any preparatory movement, it will be given as an executive word, and separated from the rest of the command by a pause; thus,

as though there were two separate commands, each with its caution and executive word.

4. When the men are in motion, executive words must be completed as they are commencing the pace which will bring them to the spot on which the command has to be executed. The caution, therefore, must be commenced accordingly.

5. Young officers and non-commissioned officers will be frequently practised in giving words of command. They should always, even when on fatigue duty, bear in mind the obligation of setting an example of soldierly smartness to those beneath them. Slovenly and indistinct words of command result in slackness and hesitation on the part of the men.

6. The cautions and commands in this manual are, as a rule, given with regard to one flank only, but the same principle applies equally to movements to the other flank, which should also be practised.

In squad drill the words printed in italics in the margin are the commands to be given by the instructor.

Squad drill, with Intervals.

5. Formation of squads.

1. A few men will be placed in single rank at arm’s length apart; while so formed, they will be termed a squad with intervals.

2. If necessary, the squad may consist of two ranks, in which case the men in the rear rank will cover the intervals between the men in the front rank, so that in marching they may take their own points, as directed in S. 13.

3. Recruits will, in the first instance, be placed by the instructor without any dressing; when they have learned to dress, as directed in S. 8, they will be taught to fall in, as above described, and then to dress and to correct their intervals. After they have been instructed as far as S. 23, they may fall in as directed in S. 24.

4. Recruits formed into a squad will be directed to observe the relative places they hold with each other; while resting between the exercises they will be permitted to fall out and move about; they will be instructed on the words Fall in to fall in as they stood at first. This should be constantly practised.

Recruits will be instructed singly as well as together in all exercises as far as S. 23.

6. Position of Attention.

The exact squareness of the shoulders and body to the front is the first principle of the position of Attention. The arms should hang easily from the shoulder, elbows to the rear; the fingers together, slightly bent, and their tips touching the thigh lightly, behind the seam of the trousers; the hips drawn back, and the chest advanced, but without constraint. The heels must be in line and closed; the knees well braced back; the toes turned out so that the feet may form an angle of 45 degrees; the weight of the body on the fore part of the feet. The head is to be held erect, but not thrown back; the chin to be slightly drawn in; and the eyes looking straight to the front.

7. Standing at ease.

When the recruit falls in for instruction he will be taught to place himself in the position above described.

No deviation from the position of Stand at ease will be permitted unless the command Stand—easy is given, when the men will be permitted to move their limbs, but without quitting their ground, so that on coming to Attention there will be no loss of dressing.

When there is no special reason for ordering Stand at ease before Stand—easy, the order to Stand—easy will be given without it. On the caution Squad being given to men standing easy, every soldier will at once assume the position of standing at ease.

8. Dressing a squad with intervals.

A line will similarly be dressed by the left.

9. Turnings.

10. Saluting.

(A) Saluting to the front.

Caution.—Salute, by numbers.

Caution.—Salute, judging the time.

(B) Saluting to the side.

Cautions.—Right (or Left) hand salute.

The salute will always be with the hand further from the person saluted.

The procedure will be as described in (A), except that as the hand is brought to the salute, the head will be turned towards the person saluted.

Recruits should be practised in marching two or three together, saluting points being placed on either side. When several men are together, the man nearest to the point will give the time.

When a soldier passes an officer he will salute on the third pace before reaching him, and will lower the hand on the third pace after passing him; if carrying a cane he will place it smartly under the disengaged arm, cutting away the hand before saluting.

A soldier, if sitting when an officer approaches, will rise, stand at attention, and salute; if two or more men are sitting or standing about, the senior non-commissioned officer or oldest soldier will call the whole to Attention and alone will salute.

When a soldier addresses an officer, he will halt two paces from him, and salute as in (A). He will also salute before withdrawing.

When appearing before an officer in a room, he will salute without removing his cap.

A soldier, without his cap, or when carrying anything that prevents him from saluting, will, if standing still, come to attention as an officer passes; if walking, he will turn his head smartly towards the officer in passing him.

A soldier, when riding a bicycle, will turn his head smartly towards an officer in passing him.

Warrant and non-commissioned officers who wear the sword will always salute with the right hand.

Marching.

11. Length of pace, and time.

1. Length of pace.—In slow and quick time the length of a pace is 30 inches. In stepping out, it is 33 inches, in double time, 40, in stepping short, 21, and in the side step, 15 inches.

When a soldier takes a side pace to clear or cover another, as in forming fours, S. 40, the pace will be 30 inches.

2. Time.—In slow time, 75 paces are taken in a minute. In quick time, 120 paces, equal to 100 yards in a minute, or 3 miles 720 yards in an hour. In double time, 180 paces, equal to 200 yards a minute. The time of the side step is the same as for the quick step.

Distances of 100 and 200 yards will be marked on the drill ground, and non-commissioned officers and men practised in keeping correct time, and length of pace.

Marching in slow time will be practised only when required for ceremonial purposes.

12. The drum, and pace stick.

No recruit, or squad of recruits, is to be taught to march without the constant use of the drum, and pace stick.

The drum will first beat the time in which the men are to march, when the squad is halted; then, from time to time, when it is in motion. While the drum is beating, at the halt, the men will give their attention to the time; when it ceases, the instructor will put the squad in motion.

In order to ascertain whether the time is beaten correctly, a pendulum should be used.

The length of the pace in marching will be corrected with the pace stick, the accuracy of which should occasionally be tested by measurement.

13. Position in marching.

In marching, the soldier must maintain the position of the head and body, as directed in S. 6, with the weight on the fore part of the feet. He must be well balanced on his limbs. In slow time his arms and hands must be kept steady by his sides, care being taken that the hand does not partake of the movement of the leg, and the toes must be pointed downwards. In quick time his arms will swing naturally from the shoulder, the right arm swinging forward with the left leg, and the left arm with the right leg. The hand must not be swung in advance of the leading foot, across the body, nor be raised higher than the waistbelt. The movement of the leg must spring from the haunch, and be free and natural.

Both knees must be kept straight, except while the leg is being carried from the rear to the front, when the knee must necessarily be a little bent, to enable the foot to clear the ground. The foot must be carried straight to the front, and, without being drawn back, placed firmly on the ground, but so as not to jerk or shake the body.

Although several recruits may be drilled together in a squad with intervals, they must act independently, precisely as if they were being instructed singly. They will thus learn to march in a straight line, and to take a correct pace, both as regards length and time, without reference to the other men of the squad.

Before the squad is put in motion, the instructor will take care that the men are square individually and in correct line with each other. Each recruit must be taught to take a point straight to his front, by fixing his eyes upon some distant object, and then observing some nearer point in the same straight line, such as a stone, tuft of grass, or other object.

14. The Quick March.

15. The Halt.

16. Stepping Out.

This step is used when a slight increase of speed, without an alteration of cadence, is required; on the command Quick—March the usual pace will be resumed.

17. Stepping short.

18. Marking time.

At the halt, the word of command will be Quick, Mark—Time.

19. Stepping back.

The step back should not exceed four paces.

20. Changing step.

This may be required when any part of a squad, or a single soldier, is stepping with a different foot from the rest.

To change step when marking time, two successive beats will be made with the same foot.

21. The Double March.

The recruit will be taught to mark time in double time, the hands being raised and the fists clenched as when marching in double time, but the arms kept steady. From the halt, the word of command will be Double, Mark—Time.

22. The Side step.

Caution.—Right (or Left) close.

Soldiers should not usually be moved to a flank by the side step more than twelve paces.

23. Turning when on the march.

2. A soldier will always turn to the right on the left foot; and to the left on the right foot. If the word Turn is not given as the proper foot is coming to the ground, the soldier will move on one pace and then turn.

3. Making a half turn to the right, or left.—Recruits will also be practised in making a half turn to the right or left on the words Right or Left—Incline, and then moving on (without checking their pace) in a diagonal direction, taking up fresh points, at once, to march on, and turning in the original direction on the word Left or Right—Incline.

4. Turning about.—On the command About turn, recruits will also be taught to turn about, which must be done by each man on his own ground, in three paces, without losing the time. Having completed the turn about, the soldier will at once move forward, the fourth pace being a full pace of 30 inches.

Squad drill, in single rank.

24. Formation of the squad in single rank.

At this stage of the instruction a few recruits will be formed in single rank, each man being allowed a space of 30 inches. The accuracy of the spacing should be frequently tested by the instructor.

25. Dressing when halted.

When soldiers are on the alignment they have to occupy, and it is necessary to correct their dressing, the command Right (or Left)—Dress will be given, on which each man will look towards the flank by which he is ordered to dress with a smart turn of the head, as described in S. 8. Each man will then move up or back to his place successively, commencing with the man nearest the named flank, carrying his body backward or forward with the feet, moving to his dressing with short quick steps, without bending backward or forward. His shoulders must be kept perfectly square, and the position of Attention, retained throughout.

The instructor should invariably fix upon some object on which to dress his line.

It will be found useful to accustom men to dress on an alignment oblique to any well-defined adjacent line.

26. Turnings.

The recruit will next practice in single rank, judging the time, without any pause between the motions, the turnings he has been taught by numbers.

27. Marching in Squad.

Before a squad is ordered to march, the directing flank or man must be indicated by the caution, By the right, By the left, or By No.-. During the march, the shoulders must be kept perfectly square to the front, the body steady, eyes off the ground. Each man will preserve his position in the general alignment by an occasional glance towards the directing man.

The squad will first be taught to march straight to the front, by the right, by the left, or by any man. It will then be practised in all the varieties of step in quick time, and in marking time, after which it will be exercised in double time.

The recruit will be practised in changing the pace, without halting, from quick to double, on the command Double—March, and from double to quick. In breaking from double into quick time, on the command Quick—March, the arms will be dropped to their usual position.

The instructor will ensure that the recruit on the flank, or the named number, according to the caution, selects two distant points to march on, and before approaching the first takes another in advance on the same line, and so on. By occasionally remaining halted in rear of the directing man, and fixing his eyes on the distant objects, the instructor can ascertain if the squad is marching in the original direction.

When a soldier finds himself a little behind, or before, the other men of his squad, he must be taught to recover his place in the rank gradually, and not to rush to it.

28. The Diagonal March. (Plate I, Fig. 1.)

The Diagonal March.

The diagonal march may, if necessary, be taught from the halt.

If the diagonal march has been properly performed, the squad when halted, or after the words Left—Incline, will be found to be in a line parallel to its original position.

The diagonal march will also be practised in double time.

29. Changing Direction. (Plate I, Fig. 2.)

2. The squad will also practise forming at any angle.

3. When it is intended to move forward in the new direction after forming, the words At the Halt will be omitted, the men will mark time when formed, and the word Forward will follow.

4. On the March.—On the command Right—Form, the right-hand man will turn in the required direction, and mark time, while the remainder will make a partial turn, and move by the shortest line to their places on the new alignment. As each man arrives in his place he will mark time and take up his dressing independently.

As soon as the squad is formed, the command Forward will be given.

5. If it is desired to form at the halt when on the march, on the command At the Halt—Right—Form, the right-hand man will turn in the required direction and then halt; the remainder will act as in 1.

30. Marching as in file.

31. Changing direction as in file.

If a squad is ordered to halt, mark time, or step short, when a part of the men only have wheeled into the new direction, the remainder should be instructed to cover off, if required, by the diagonal march, on the command, Rear Files—Cover.

32. Men marching as in file forming up into squad.

(Plate I, Fig. 3.)

2. If it is intended to halt at the place where the movement is commenced, the caution At the Halt will be given, and the leading man will halt instead of marking time, the remainder doing the same as they reach their places, and taking up their dressing.

33. Marching with arms.

Squads with arms will be practised in the different marches, and variations of step, described in the foregoing sections. During these practices, the closest attention must be paid to the position of each individual recruit.

The disengaged arm will be allowed to swing naturally, except when doubling with arms at the slope, when it will be bent as in the double march S. 21.

When men parade with arms they will invariably fall in at the Order, each man occupying 30 inches, and Stand at Ease.

Coming to Attention.—The squad, when standing easy, will stand at ease on the caution Squad, and will come to attention and slope arms on the command Slope—Arms; it will order arms from the Slope, stand at ease, and stand easy, on the command Stand—Easy.

Squad drill, in two ranks.

34. Formation of a squad in two ranks.

The squad will now be formed for drill in two ranks. The men will take their places in succession, commencing from the flank on which they are ordered to form, and each occupying a space of 30 inches. Each man of the rear rank will be placed 60 inches from the man in front of him, measuring from heel to heel, and will cover him correctly, the two men thus placed forming a File. The squad will be numbered from right to left; when it consists of an uneven number of men, the third man from the left of the front rank will be a Blank (or incomplete) File, that is, he will have no rear rank man.

If the squad is required to drill with intervals, it will be numbered from the right, and will then receive the command Odd numbers of the front rank two paces forward, even numbers of the rear rank two paces step back—March.

To re-form the squad, on the command Reform Ranks—March, the odd numbers of the front rank will step back two paces, and the even numbers of the rear rank step forward two paces.

35. Dressing.

The front rank will dress as described in S. 25. The rear rank men will continue looking to their front, and will cover and correct their distances, as the men of the front rank take up their dressing.

36. Marching in squad, and in file.

A squad in two ranks will be practised in the marches and variations of step taught in single rank.

Blank File.—A blank file will always be with the leading rank. He will move up into his place on the words About Turn at the halt, or will step out to take his place in the leading rank when the squad is turned about on the march.

Covering and Distance.—While marching in line, the men of the rear rank must accurately preserve their covering and distance.

Marching in file.—Marching and changing direction in file will be practised as laid down in S. 30 and S. 31, care being taken that the men in the rear rank dress correctly by the men of the front rank.

37. Changing Ranks.

When a squad turns about, the ranks are thereby changed, i.e., the former rear rank becomes the front rank, the former front rank the rear rank.

The exception is when it is required to fall back for a short distance only, with a view of again turning in the original direction. The command About—Turn is then preceded by the caution The Squad will Retire. The squad will turn in the original direction on the command The Squad will Advance, About—Turn.

38. The Diagonal March.

The diagonal march will be practised in two ranks, in the manner described in S. 28. In addition to the instructions there given, the men in the rear rank must be cautioned to preserve their relative positions with the men of the front rank, in order that they may cover correctly when they are halted in line.

39. Changing direction, and forming up.

A squad will change direction or form up according to the instructions laid down in S. 29 and S. 32. The rear rank will not turn on the caution, but in forming will conform to the movements of the front rank.

40. The formation of fours. (Plate II.)

Fours are the ordinary marching formation of infantry, and the greatest attention should be paid to training the recruit to keep the prescribed distance from the man in front. Order, comfort, and the reduction of fatigue, depend on the maintenance of exact distance by the sections of fours.

Test of marching.—The test of marching in fours is the position of the men when they turn into line. If there are no gaps or irregularities in the line, and the squad occupies the same frontage as before it formed fours, the marching is good. This test should be frequently applied during the instruction of recruits, and the slightest carelessness as regards the maintenance of the exact distance should be checked at once.

It must be explained to the men that odd numbers are right files, and even numbers left files.

In order that the left four may always be complete, the file on the left of a squad will invariably move back, and the second file from the left always stand fast in forming fours.

Formation of Fours.

2. Forming Fours to the Right (or Left).

If it is required to remain in fours, the word of command will be In Fours. Left (or Right)—Turn.

A squad moving to a flank in fours, on receiving the command Right (or Left)—Turn, will turn in the required direction and form two-deep without any further word of command. On receiving an order to incline to the right or left, the squad will remain in fours.

3. On the march.—A squad marching in line, or by the diagonal march, will be taught to form fours precisely as when forming from the halt; the right files marking time two paces whilst the left files are moving to their places. Should the word Right or Left or Right or Left Incline follow, the squad will turn in the direction ordered.

4. When in file.—Fours will be formed by the left files, moving forward or back into their position in Fours, right files if on the move marking time two paces.

5. When moving in fours, the squad may be turned in any direction, diagonal or otherwise.

6. When moving in fours, the squad may be ordered to form two-deep; on the command, Form—Two-deep, the left files will step up or fall back into their places in two-deep formation, the right files marking time two paces.

7. When from line a squad is turned to the right or left in fours, if to the right the left will direct, and if to the left the right will direct without any further word of command, and each section of fours will dress by that flank.

8. A squad moving to a flank in fours by the diagonal march, will form two-deep on being turned into line.

41. Fours changing direction, and forming squad.

1. Changing direction.—A squad moving in fours, will change direction to the right, in the same manner as in file: each four wheeling successively round the same point as described in S. 31.

If the squad be ordered to halt, or mark time, when a part of the fours only have wheeled, the remainder will be instructed to cover off, if required, by the diagonal march, on the command Rear fours—Cover.

2. Forming squad.—When a squad moving in fours is ordered to form squad either on the right or left, it will re-form two-deep, and then proceed as in S. 32, the men taking up their proper places as they come up to the alignment.

42. Passage of a Defile.

If a squad in line has to pass a defile, it will be formed into fours, or turned into file, either to a flank or inwards, and pass the defile in this formation, line being reformed as soon as the defile is passed.

43. Obstacles.

When a stream, ditch, or bank is to be crossed it will be generally found best to increase rather than diminish the front, by causing the men to gradually open out before they arrive at the obstacle. If an obstacle such as a tree or a bush has to be passed, the men concerned will drop back, clear the obstacle, and then resume their original formation.

44. Dismissing with or without arms.

SKIRMISHING.

45. General Rules.

1. Skirmishing implies extended order, in which each individual acts and thinks for himself, and makes use of all his powers, mental and physical, to attain a common object. It is absolutely essential, then, that in this part of his training, the intelligence of each recruit should be developed by every possible means, and that a spirit of independent action, subject to the control and general directions of the section and squad commanders, should be sedulously encouraged.

2. Even after the soldier has acquired the habit of prompt obedience to the word of command, and of concentrating his whole attention on the work in hand, and has learnt to march and shoot, he will, notwithstanding, be insufficiently trained for service unless he can use his wits as well as his physical strength, and is a skilful, active, and resourceful skirmisher.

3. Skirmishing is the all important formation in warfare against a well-armed enemy. The instruction of the recruit in such exercises must therefore, be considered as one of the most important portions of his training, and should receive very careful attention. It should commence as soon as he is sufficiently advanced to be able to carry out movements in two ranks and to perform correctly the various motions required to fire the rifle, and should be continued throughout his training.

46. Course of Training.

The course of instruction of the recruit in skirmishing will be divided into two parts:—

(i) Preliminary Training.—This, which should be as brief as possible, may be carried out on level ground; it will include instruction in the methods of extending and closing, advancing and retiring, wheeling and changing direction, &c., and in the use of signals.

(ii) Practical Skirmishing.—This will take the form of simple exercises, such as advancing or retiring, &c., over broken ground. During this period the recruit should be individually instructed in the use of cover, the elementary lessons in the application of fire, and the practical methods of carrying out the principles learnt during preliminary training.

47. Preliminary Training.

1. In order that the recruit may be accustomed to use his intelligence and initiative from the commencement of his training as a skirmisher, it will be explained to him that skirmishing is a tactical exercise and not a drill, that the object of it is to teach him the practical methods of advancing and retiring, the use of cover, and the application of fire, &c.; and that mechanical precision in performing the various movements is not to be aimed at.

2. A squad of recruits with arms will be formed up under a capable instructor, who should be a skilful skirmisher; he will train the individual recruit in the method of extending, &c., S. 46 (i).

3. Skirmishers will move in single rank at the trail. Correct dressing and keeping step are to be dispensed with. When halted each man will turn towards the direction of the supposed enemy, and will either lie down or will take up such a position behind natural cover as will afford him sufficient protection, and enable him to use his rifle with effect. At preliminary training on the parade ground, recruits may stand easy instead of lying down when the squad halts.

4. In all skirmishing exercises the instructor will point out the position of the enemy, and he will see that the squad acts throughout with reference to that position.

5. Although words of command are given for preliminary drill purposes, it is to be distinctly understood that in skirmishing all orders, as far as is possible, are to be conveyed by signal. During the preliminary training the words of command may be used, but they are invariably to be preceded by the whistle sound, and to be accompanied by the corresponding signal, S. 49. The instructor will ensure that every man looks to him on the sound of the whistle. He will give neither command nor signal until they do so, as it is of great importance that in the field all should at once look to the commander on the whistle sounding.

48. Method of Extending and Closing, &c.

1. Extending from line.—On the command To —— paces—Extend, if on the move, the front rank man of the centre file will continue to advance, the remaining files will turn outwards and will extend at the double, each man breaking into quick time and advancing in the original direction on reaching his position. The rear rank men will form on the left of their front rank men. Arms will be carried at the short trail until there is sufficient room to trail. If it is desired to extend to one flank, the command To the Right (or Left) will precede the above command, when the extension will be performed on the same principle as from the centre. If the squad is halted, the extension will be carried out by the front rank man of the centre or flank file lying down, whilst the remainder will turn in the required direction and extend as above in double time, each man halting and lying down as soon as he has got his extension. (When on the barrack square recruits may be permitted to stand at ease instead of lying down.)

Note.—The centre file of the squad should be indicated by the instructor.

2. Extending from column of fours.—On the command To the Right (or Left) to —— paces—Extend, the whole will form two deep. If the extension is to the right, the left man of the leading file will continue to advance, the other man of the file extending, whilst the remainder will make a partial turn in the required direction, and will double into their position, breaking into quick time, and continuing the advance in the original direction as soon as they have done so. If the extension is to the right, the left man of each file will form on the left of the other man of the same file, and vice versâ. If, when working with two squads, it is desired to extend outwards, one squad should be ordered to extend to the right and the other to the left.

3. Should it be required to form in a direction obliquely to the line of advance, the command Half (or Quarter), Right (or Left) will precede the command in 1 or 2.

4. If it is desired to increase or decrease the extension, the command will be To —— paces—Extend (or Close), when the men will extend or close on the centre, unless one flank is named.

5. Skirmishers will be practised in inclining and in changing direction. The change of direction should be carried out without checking the pace, skirmishers gaining their position at the double.

6. In all movements in extended order the centre will direct unless otherwise ordered; the point on which the centre man is to move should be clearly pointed out.

7. On the command, or signal, Close, squads will close in quick time on their centre file, which will halt, if the squad is not already halted. The men of the original rear rank forming up in rear of their original front rank men, each man halting and standing at ease as he resumes his position in line.

49. Signals and Whistle Blasts and War Calls.

1. All movements of skirmishers will be controlled by the whistle and signal, for which purpose the following whistle blasts and signals have been adopted:—

2. The whistle will be used—

(a) To draw attention to a signal about to be made—“a short blast.”

(b) To denote “Cease fire”—“a long drawn out blast.”

(c) To denote “Rally,” in wood, bush, fog or darkness, when the signal cannot be seen—“a succession of short blasts.”

(d) To denote “Alarm”—“a succession of alternate long and short blasts.”

3. On a short blast being blown on the whistle, skirmishers will turn towards their commander and will remain looking at him until he gives the executive signal.

4. War bugle calls.—Charge. Alarm.

No other calls are to be used. For the Cease Fire the whistle only is to be used.

50. Practical Skirmishing.

1. As soon as the preliminary training is completed, the practical application of the principles inculcated will be taught on broken ground. Without constant practice over undulating, wooded, hilly, mountainous, or rocky country, men can never become efficient skirmishers.

2. Skirmishers must always be on the alert for the appearance of the enemy, as well as for orders, whistle, or signal. To this end, therefore, silence and attention must be as strictly maintained as in close order, and although uniformity of action is not to be demanded, each man should move with the utmost smartness and alacrity.

3. Neither on the move nor at the halt need a regular line be preserved, nor should too much attention be paid to exact maintenance of intervals between men.

4. Frequent opportunities will be taken of impressing on the recruit that troops are formed as skirmishers in order that they may not present a favourable target to the enemy’s fire, and may be enabled to take full advantage of cover.

5. Advances may be made by rushes, at the double, in quick time, or even by crawling, but the pace and method will depend on whether the skirmishing line is under cover or not, on the volume of the fire to which they are supposed to be exposed, and on the distance from the enemy.

6. Orders are to be conveyed either by signal, S. 49, or else passed along the line of skirmishers, S. 54.

51. Cover.

1. The paramount importance of concealment must be impressed on all ranks. Anyone showing himself may betray the fact that a position is occupied; or that an outflanking movement is in progress. Officers and non-commissioned officers must be careful to set an example in this respect, and see that it is followed by the men.

2. The recruit should be trained to look for a covered line of advance, and to select such halting places as will shelter him from the view and fire of the enemy. He should move as nearly as possible in a direct line forward, so as not to mask the fire of his comrades.

3. Cover to be efficient must fulfil the following conditions:—

(i) Afford a good view of the ground to the front. (If the soldier is to shoot with effect he must never lose sight of the target.)

(ii) Permit the free use of the rifle.

(iii) Give concealment to the firer.

(iv) Provide protection against the enemy’s fire.

4. It is more advantageous to fire from the side of cover than over it, for though the exposure is in both cases practically identical, a soldier when firing over cover is more visible than when firing round it, and therefore offers a better mark for the enemy’s aim; in addition, his movements when preparing to do so are more likely to catch the eye. On the other hand, better view and command of ground are obtained when firing over cover.

5. Cover gives protection in proportion to the closeness with which the soldier’s body is brought to it. Bullets which just pass over the top of cover, particularly if their angle of descent is abrupt, search ground within a very few feet.

6. Whenever possible, fire should be delivered from the lowest part of the right side of any obstacle. For example, the soldier should lie down at the foot of a tree and fire to the right of it; or when behind a boulder, he should fire round the lower edge of it, and not over the top.

Men must necessarily fire over a continuous wall, bank, ditch, high grass, crops, or similar features.

In this case, until the rifle is brought to the firing position only the portion of the head from the eyes upwards should be visible above the cover.

7. When teaching the use of cover, the instructor will explain that the first principle is so to adapt the position to it that the rifle can be fired with the minimum of exposure. He will then state the advantages and disadvantages of various kinds of cover, and will point out that a firer behind a rock or stone wall may be wounded by splinters; that a certain thickness of earth or brick is necessary to resist a bullet; that a tree affords only moderate protection; that an isolated tree, bush or hedgerow should be avoided as it will probably draw fire; that even the smallest fold of ground gives cover from view and protection from fire, &c. Finally, he will, so far as cover is available, practically show how each can best be utilised.

The men will observe his position both from behind and from the front, and the instructor will emphasise the danger of undue exposure. Each man will then be directed to take cover, and his actions and position criticised by the instructor from the enemy’s point of view as well as from behind.

8. If a skirmisher finds that there is no cover near his line of advance, or that the cover which exists is already occupied, he must throw himself down in the open, and lie as flat as possible.

9. Skirmishers must never expose themselves on the sky-line, or against a background which would show them up; they must never in any circumstances crowd together.

10. It will be found of great value during instruction to make each individual man skirmish independently over a piece of unknown ground against the rest of the squad, and to invite their criticism on his action.

11. In training skirmishers it is by no means sufficient to point out mistakes, but, in every case, the correct method of action, and the reasons for it, should be carefully and patiently explained, and the exercise repeated.

52. Blank Ammunition.

Blank ammunition should occasionally be used, and the enemy should be represented by either another squad, or a few men; light canvas, paper, or wooden targets, in the form of men kneeling, cavalry, a gun, &c., &c.; or a line of old helmets or khaki hats.

53. Fire Effect.

1. In skirmishing the unit of fire will usually be the section or squad.

2. The squad leader will be careful that no man who cannot see the mark fires.

3. The instructor should constantly inspect the recruits when firing from behind cover, direct them to correct their positions, and make certain that they recognise the target at which they have been ordered to aim.

It will be explained to the recruits that—

(i) Fire is only effective when the mark can be seen, and when it is steadily delivered.

(ii) It is useless to fire merely for the sake of firing, when no enemy is visible, and his position is unknown.

(iii) Battles are won mainly by the accurate fire of individuals at decisive range. Long range fire should rarely be opened without special directions from a superior; in the absence of orders, however, it may be directed against large bodies, such as half a battalion in close order.

(iv) In crises, and against large and conspicuous targets, fire should be as rapid as is compatible with accuracy, in order that as great loss may be inflicted as possible. In ordinary circumstances fire should be slow.

(v) The moral and material effect of concentrated fire, when every rifle is directed against one portion of the enemy’s line, is far greater than when each man fires at a mark of his own selection.

(vi) Oblique fire (that is fire delivered at an angle to the hostile line) will give better results than frontal, because the surface exposed by the enemy will be greater.

(vii) Enfilade fire (that is, fire directed along the enemy’s line) will be more effective than frontal, because errors in estimation of range should be of less importance, and its moral effect is greater.

(viii) The surest way of checking the enemy’s advance, or bringing about his retirement, is to shoot down his leaders.

(ix) Great results may be obtained from fire delivered unexpectedly at short range, and men should always be on the watch for opportunities of this nature.

(x) Well concealed, a few bold men, extended at wide intervals, can, by rapid fire, deceive the enemy as to the strength of the force by which he is opposed, may delay him for a considerable time, and before withdrawing inflict serious loss.

54. Reporting and passing Orders.

Skirmishers should be taught to report to their leaders anything they may observe of the dispositions of their enemy, to call their attention to all signals and to the movements of other units, and to pass orders, messages or information along the line in a clear and intelligible manner, without shouting.

55. Intervals.

The intervals between skirmishers depend on the nature of the ground, and on the character of the operation, and on the volume of fire it is sought to bring to bear on the enemy. They may vary considerably; but it should be clearly recognised that over-extension results in loss of control, and in diminishing the volume of fire. In close country and woods, and whenever counter-attack is probable, over-extension is very dangerous.

It is essential, therefore, before extending, that the length of front to be occupied should be carefully considered; and the commander of a party of skirmishers must always be able to give a reason for the interval at which his men are extended.

56. Reinforcing.

It is inevitable in the heat of battle that battalions, companies, sections, and even squads will become mixed up. It is of very great importance to accustom the men to such conditions, and to make them understand that if they use their intelligence and their eyes, confusion may be readily reduced to order. The squad should be practised in reinforcing to the front. For this purpose two squads may be extended in two lines. On the word or signal Reinforce, the rear squad will advance as directed by the commander, and will carry forward the leading line of skirmishers, the intervals of which it will occupy, no regard being paid to the order in which the men may place themselves. But great attention should be paid to the following:—

(i) The men, whether they receive orders or not, should at once look for the nearest squad commander, and place themselves under his control.

(ii) Skirmishers should be ordered to re-organise when the cover is so good as to afford a favourable opportunity, and the men should always be on the look out for such chances to rejoin their squads.

(iii) Troops who are being reinforced should be careful to cover the advance of the reinforcements by directing a rapid fire on the enemy’s position.

Squads should also be practised in reinforcing on either flank. On the word or signal Reinforce the squad in rear will advance as directed by its commander, and prolong the leading line to the right or left.

57. Assembly after Dispersal.

The squad will be dispersed, and the men taught to assemble on their commander on the command Assemble, forming at the double in two ranks in their original position on his right.

58. Inspection of Skirmishers.

In testing the efficiency of a section of skirmishers, officers will carefully avoid a stereotyped catechism. Question and answer in the exact words of the manual result in a mere parrot-like knowledge, of no value in the field. Skirmishers should be questioned during a series of exercises on broken ground, and their replies should either be in the form of practical illustrations; for example, occupation of cover, approach of a position, crossing a sky-line, &c., &c.; or of explanations as to how they would act, or what they would report, in circumstances that might arise out of the exercise in progress. Furthermore, in attack and defence, in order to prevent the inspection becoming a repetition of operations already rehearsed, the officer will direct where the targets are to be placed, or give instructions to the men representing the enemy; and in all exercises—attack, reconnaissance, retirement, or defence—he will set the task for the squad to carry out.

PART II

THE TRAINING OF THE COMPANY.

59. Preliminary Remarks.

1. The Recruit.—When the recruit has been thoroughly instructed in the elements of drill and skirmishing, he will take his place in the ranks of his company.

2. The Company as the School of Instruction.—The company, from its size and organisation, is the best school of instruction in all field duties, and in it both officers and non-commissioned officers will be trained to accept responsibility, and to use initiative with judgment. It is the largest unit that can be directly controlled under fire by one man, and is the most important link in the chain of co-operation in battle. The training of the company exerts an influence on the efficiency of infantry on service which it is impossible to overrate; it is to be carried out by its own officers and non-commissioned officers, without undue interference on the part of their superiors.

The battalion commander is responsible that the company commanders are thoroughly instructed, and he supervises, but should not lay down, the methods which they employ to train their companies. The company commanders, assisted by their subalterns and non-commissioned officers, are directly responsible for the efficiency of the rank and file, and their advancement in the service will depend on their success.

3. Organisation of the Company.—A company is permanently divided into two half-companies, the right and left, each under a subaltern, when available. Each half-company is permanently divided into two sections, each under a non-commissioned officer. They will be numbered from one to four.

A section is permanently divided into two squads, each under a non-commissioned officer or selected private. They will be numbered from one to eight.

This organisation will be maintained both in barracks and in the field. The men will thus acquire the spirit of true comradeship, and learn to repose confidence in each other; while the non-commissioned officers will be accustomed to command, and to act when necessary on their own judgment. By such means the fighting value of the company will be fully developed; and its proper direction and command under hostile fire, when superior control becomes impossible, be maintained.

4. Duty of Officer Commanding a Battalion.—It is the duty of the commanding officer to see that all ranks are thoroughly trained in field duties, that co-operation in action is ensured, and that the self-reliance and good-will of officers and non-commissioned officers is so carefully cultivated as to render them zealous and intelligent assistants, in peace as well as on service, and not mere passive executants of definite orders. This can only be accomplished by giving the company commanders a free hand, and ample opportunities of exercising their men. In other words the battalion commander does not lead in the field one unit. His duty is to direct and supervise the action of eight independent tactical units.

5. Object of Company Drill.—The object of company drill is:—First, to enable the company, when it takes its place in the battalion, to carry out any movement or formation the commanding officer may prescribe, whether laid down in this manual, or improvised to meet the circumstances of the moment, without hesitation or confusion. Second, to render the company capable of independent action when detached from the battalion.

Positions of Commanders, etc.,in a Company.

Positions of Commanders, etc., in Company Column.

A Company Fallen in for Inspection by its Commander.

Drill.

60. General Rules.

1. The company may be formed as follows:—

(i) In line, Plate III, Fig. 1.

(ii) In company column (i.e., column of sections), Plate IV.

(iii) In column of half-companies, Plate III, Fig. 2.

(iv) In column of fours.

Company column is the normal formation for a company when acting alone or at an interval from other companies.

Formation into and from column of half-companies is carried out in the same manner as into and from company column, the words column of half-companies being substituted for company column.

In line the left squad commander of the half-company on the right is the centre of the company.

2. Position and duties of the leaders. (i) The company commander.—When the company is acting alone or at an interval from other companies, the company commander will place himself where he can best exercise supervision.

In the absence of the company commander, his place will be taken by the next in rank; a similar rule will be followed within the half-company, section, and squad.

(ii) The subalterns.—When the company is in line, each half-company commander will, as a rule, be three paces in rear of the centre of his half-company. (Plate III, Fig. 1.)

When in column of half-companies he will be three paces in front of the centre of his half company. (Plate III, Fig. 2.)

When in column of fours he will retain his position as in line.

When in company column he will, as a rule, be two paces from the centre of his half-company on the directing flank. (Plate IV.)

(iii) Section commanders will be two paces in front of the centre of their sections in company column; in all other formations they will retain the positions shown in Plate III, Fig. 1. Squad commanders will be on the flanks of their squads as shown in Plate III, Fig. 1.

The drummers will be two paces in rear of the first and seventh squads respectively unless the company is acting independently, when one drummer always goes with the company commander; the pioneer will be two paces in rear of the fifth squad. The signallers will be two paces in rear of the second, fourth, sixth and eighth squads.

In fours or file, the squad commanders will be on the directing flank of the leading and rear fours or files of their section. The remaining supernumeraries will retain their places.

Super-numeraries will conform to all orders given to the company as regards the carrying of their arms, with the exception that they fix bayonets only when escorting the colours, or when the men fix bayonets for attack or defence, and order arms when the men fire in close order.

Squad commanders will conform to the movements of the men.

No change in the command of sections or squads will take place except by the direct order of the captain.

3. Changes of formation can usually be carried out:—

(i) From the halt, halting on completion of the movement.

(ii) On the move, halting on completion of the movement.

(iii) From the halt, moving forward on completion of the movement.

(iv) On the move, moving forward on completion of the movement.

The principle is the same in all cases, but the words of command differ slightly.

When movements are to be performed as in (i) and (ii), the command will be preceded by the caution AT THE HALT, unless the section of formation stands fast as in Section 64 (i). As soon as movements as in (iii) and (iv) are completed, the command FORWARD will be given.

In the following detail the cautions and commands are given only for the movements in the form in which they are generally used, but this does not preclude the use of the other forms detailed in (i) (ii) (iii) and (iv) when applicable.

4. Movements will be carried out in quick time unless ordered at the double, in which case the command DOUBLE—MARCH will be used instead of QUICK—MARCH.

5. The commander of the company gives the executive command when the whole company, or the whole company except the section of formation, is required to act; when sections act independently they receive the executive commands from their own commanders.

6. All movements and formations in fours can also be performed in file.

7. A company should be frequently exercised in close order over hilly, wooded, and broken ground, and should be constantly turned about, in order that every man may be equally competent to act in either rank.

8. Before any movement in close order is carried out, arms will be sloped by word of command.[5] Arms will be retained at the slope until the command Order Arms, Stand at Ease, or Stand Easy is given.

9. Great pains must be taken to accustom the men to remedy quickly, of their own accord, any derangement in the order in which they fell in on parade. Sections will not be re-numbered when a change of formation alters their relative position.

10. Squad commanders, marching on the directing flanks of half-companies, or sections, must always cover each other; they are responsible that the correct distance is maintained. When the column is formed at the halt, they should take up their covering immediately the word Halt is given.

11. Except at ceremonial drill, the men will take up their own dressing in all formations.

12. Unless otherwise ordered, men moving to the right in fours or file will march by the left, and when moving to the left, by the right. A company column or column of half-companies will dress and march by the left unless otherwise ordered. In all other formations the flank by which men are to dress and march will be named.

13. The cautions and words of command printed in CAPITALS are given by the company commander, those in italics by the subordinate leaders.

61. Inspection and telling-off.

The company will fall in by the left for inspection on its private parade ground as in Plate V. The company commander will give the order Tell off by Sections, when the section commanders will number off their commands from the leading section. On the command Tell off by Squads, the squad commanders will number off their squads consecutively from No. 1, the right squad of the leading section, to No. 8, the left squad of the rear section.

Fix—Bayonets.

The inspecting officer will pass down the ranks to see that the appointments, clothing, &c., are clean, and in good order.

Unfix—Bayonets. For Inspection. Port—Arms.

The officer will inspect the breech action, and here and there examine a barrel by looking down it, the men acting as laid down in the Rifle Exercises,[6] S. 12. On the completion of the inspection the right squad commanders will close their squads on to the left squads.

The company will then be proved as follows:—

By Sections—Number.

Form—Fours. Form—Two-Deep.

The company will be turned about and proved as above. When proved, it will be again turned about.

If the company is to drill in battalion it will then be marched to the battalion place of assembly.

62. The formation of fours.

In forming fours, the men will move as in Squad Drill, S. 40.

On the word Right (or Left) the subalterns and supernumeraries will turn in the required direction, and the squad commanders will place themselves on the directing flank on the leading and rear sections of fours of their sections.

63. Changing ranks.

When the company turns about the ranks are thereby changed, as in Squad Drill, S. 37, but sections are not to be retold off. The commander will gain his position by moving round the outer flank. Super-numeraries will conform, passing through the ranks by the outer flanks of their sections, the squad commanders making way by placing themselves between the men of the files on their right and left; at the halt this will be done by taking a pace to the rear and a pace outwards; if on the march by checking the pace slightly and taking a pace outwards.

Ranks will not be changed, when it is required to fall back for a short distance only, with a view of turning again in the original direction; in this case the order ABOUT TURN will be preceded by the caution, THE COMPANY WILL RETIRE, and the commanders and supernumeraries retain their positions. To turn in the original direction the command will be, THE COMPANY WILL ADVANCE, ABOUT TURN.

64. A company column forming into line.

1. When it is required to increase the frontage from company column to company in line, the caution, if the column is halted, will be ON THE LEFT (or RIGHT), FORM COMPANY; on the command REMAINDER LEFT (or RIGHT) INCLINE, QUICK—MARCH, the leading section will stand fast, the sections in rear will move into line with the leading section in quick time, being inclined to the right (or left), and halted by their section commanders when in line with the leading section. If on the march, unless the caution AT THE HALT is given, the sections in rear will be ordered by the company commander to move up in double time, and will be successively ordered to incline to the right (or left), and to quick march by their section commanders on reaching their position in company.

2. A company column may form line to a flank on the company commander’s command SECTIONS RIGHT (or LEFT) FORM, QUICK—MARCH, when the men will act as in Squad Drill, S. 29 (3); this will be followed by the command FORWARD, BY THE RIGHT (or LEFT), as soon as the formation is complete.

3. A company column moving in fours may form column of fours on the right or left section. On the company commander’s command RIGHT (or LEFT) SECTION TO THE FRONT, REMAINDER RIGHT (or LEFT) WHEEL, the named section will continue to move forward, the remaining sections will wheel to the right (or left), and, on reaching the line of advance of the leading section, will wheel to the left (or right) and follow it in column of fours.

4. A company column moving in fours may form line facing the same direction on the command ON THE RIGHT (or LEFT) FORM SECTIONS, followed by the command FORWARD, BY THE RIGHT (or LEFT) as soon as the formation is complete, sections acting as in Squad Drill, S. 32.

5. In forming line from company column, section commanders will take post in rear of their sections as soon as the movement is commenced, moving by the outer flank, or in rear, of their sections.

65. Marching in line.

2. When the company is turned about, the squad commanders, on the command ABOUT TURN, will turn about and take two paces forward, and align themselves with the leading rank.

66. A company in line forming to the right or left.

67. A company in line, or moving in fours, forming company column.

2. From company in line on the march.—If when on the march it is desired to form company column from company in line, the command will be COMPANY COLUMN ON THE RIGHT (or LEFT), REMAINDER RIGHT (or LEFT) TURN, when the sections will act as in para. 1.

When a company in line on the march is required to form company column at the halt, the caution AT THE HALT will precede the caution in para. 2. The section on which the formation is to be made will advance two paces and then halt, the remaining sections will mark time two paces and then be led by the squad commanders nearest the section of formation into their positions in column, and will then be halted, and turned to the left or right, by order of their commanders.

3. A company in line forming company column to a flank.—A company in line may move to a flank in company column, on the principles laid down in Squad Drill, S. 29 (3). The command is, SECTIONS RIGHT (or LEFT) FORM, QUICK—MARCH, followed by FORWARD, as soon as the formation is complete.

4. A company in fours forming company column.—A company moving in fours may form company column in fours on the right or left of the leading section. On the command of the company commander, COMPANY COLUMN ON THE LEADING SECTION, REMAINDER RIGHT (or LEFT) INCLINE, DOUBLE—MARCH, the leading section will continue to advance, the remaining sections will incline to the right (or left), and will double to their positions in company column, each section, as soon as its leading file is at section interval from, and in line with, the leading file of the section on its left or right, being successively ordered to left (or right incline) and quick march by its commander. The section on which the formation is made will direct, unless otherwise ordered.

A company moving in fours will form forward into company column, on the company commander’s order, ON THE RIGHT (or LEFT) FORM SECTIONS, followed by the command FORWARD when the formation is complete, sections will act as in Squad Drill, S. 41 (2).

5. In forming company column from company in line, section commanders will take post in front of their sections as soon as the movement is commenced, moving by the outer flank, or in rear, of their sections.

68. When marching in fours or file, forming up into line.

These formations will be made as described in Squad Drill, S. 41 (2), on the command ON THE RIGHT (or LEFT), FORM COMPANY, followed by FORWARD BY THE LEFT (or RIGHT), as soon as the formation is completed. Should a company, marching to the right in fours, be ordered to form company on the right, or vice versâ, thereby changing ranks, the officers and section commanders will at once gain their positions as in S. 63.

69. A column changing direction.

A company column will change direction by successive formation of sections, round the same point on the principles laid down in Squad Drill, S. 29 (4), the caution, CHANGE DIRECTION RIGHT (or LEFT), being given by the company commander, and the command Right (or Left) Form—Forward by the Left being given successively by each section commander.

70. Movements in line (or lines) of sections.

This formation affords many advantages when moving through a wooded or broken country, when exposed to distant artillery fire, or preparatory to extension into a line or lines of skirmishers.

The advance may be made in line of half-companies or in one or more lines of sections. These bodies may move in line, in column, in fours, or in file. The intervals and distance may vary according to circumstances.

The line may be formed as follows:—The company commander having assembled the half-company and section commanders, will inform them of the number of lines and the relative position of their commands; he will then issue his instructions and assign an objective. The half-company or section commanders will move their commands into position on the company commander’s order MOVE.

Half-companies or sections will then be moved off by their commanders by the shortest route, each unit as it reaches its position, halting. If two lines are to be formed, the requisite distance will be obtained by advancing the first line.

This formation may also be carried out on the command LINE OF SECTIONS AT — PACES INTERVAL, or LINES OF SECTIONS ON NOS. — AT — PACES INTERVAL, AT — PACES DISTANCE. If in line, sections will move outwards to obtain the necessary interval; if in column the even numbered sections will move to the left and the odd numbered sections to the right. A section of direction will be named.

The subalterns will place themselves where they can best direct and superintend the movements of their half-companies.

Whilst advancing in this formation, half-companies and sections may decrease or exceed the named intervals in order to take advantage of cover, or to avoid obstacles. But they should regain them as soon as possible, and the greatest attention should be paid to the maintenance of direction, a matter of much difficulty in close country, on mountains, and in woods.

Changes of position and direction should be practised in the above formations, the orders being conveyed by signal, S. 49; the unit on which the formation is made, and each unit in succession on reaching its new position will halt until the whole has conformed to the new direction, interval or distance, when the line will continue the advance.

In all formations of this character, scouts will cover the movement and protect the flanks. The company commander will either give the necessary directions, or in default of orders from him, half-company commanders will send out scouts, using their own discretion as to numbers.

71. Drill in single rank.

All the movements in company drill should be practised in single rank, and it will generally be found convenient to form two companies, one from each rank, or the right half-company becoming No. 1 company, the left No. 2. It will be unnecessary to form new sections and squads.

This exercise is also of great use in training the subalterns to habits of independent action, and should therefore be frequently practised.

72. Fire action.

1. Fire action is the aim of all manœuvres in war, and should therefore be the climax of all manœuvres in peace. For this purpose drill and fire action should be combined on all parades. Thus, after a change of position or direction, or when marching in fours, the company commander should point out some objective, moving or stationary, and order the company or any portion of it to open fire, extending if necessary. The half-company commanders may repeat the orders, but the section commanders should give the executive commands. This practice will not only give a meaning to many movements, which they would otherwise lack, but will exercise all ranks in judging distance, extending, and opening fire with rapidity. The whistle should be used to control the fire, S. 49.

2. The company should also be exercised in meeting sudden rushes, such as charges by cavalry, savage swordsmen, or fanatics, S. 85. This practice should be carried out on every description of ground, especially in woods. Warning may be given by some pre-arranged signal.

3. When the company is moving in line (or lines) of sections, the fire-tactics best adapted to meet sudden attacks by cavalry or swordsmen, may be practised with very great benefit to the efficiency of all ranks. The half-companies or sections should be left to their own commanders, who will move them to favourable ground, securing, if possible, a clear field of fire, adopt suitable formations, and regulate the firing; habits of quick decision and alertness, as well as an eye for ground, will thus be cultivated.

73. When dispersed, re-assembling.

The commander will place the left squad commander of No. 1 section with sloped arms on the left of the alignment on which he intends the company to form. The left squad commanders of the remaining sections will cover off at column distance. On the command ASSEMBLE, the men will fall in on the right of these squad commanders, ordering arms, taking up their dressing and standing at ease.

74. Dismissing.

The officers having been ordered to fall out, a company will be dismissed as in Squad Drill, S. 44.

75. Inspection in close order drill.

1. The inspection of the company in close order formations is carried out with a view of testing the readiness of the officers, non-commissioned officers, and squad leaders in changing from one formation to another, and adapting formations to the ground; in utilising the fire of their commands in the most effective manner; in controlling the fire; in giving clear and concise orders; and in maintaining direction, interval, and distance. Particular attention should be directed to the following:

(i) The rapidity with which fire was opened, manner in which it was controlled and distributed, and the positions of the men.

(ii) The attention and steadiness of the men, and the precision of all movements.

(iii) The preservation of dressing, direction, interval, and distance, especially when in lines of sections.

(iv) The length of pace and cadence in quick and double time.

(v) The readiness with which the company forms line of half-companies or sections.

(vi) The manner in which words of command are given.

(vii) The closeness with which the principles and instructions contained in this manual are followed.

SKIRMISHING.

76. General Remarks.

The training of the company in skirmishing will be confined to tactical exercises on broken ground, and will be carried out in accordance with the principles laid down in 45–57.

The commander should decide whether ground should be crossed by simultaneous rushes; by rushing man by man; by crawling in succession, or independently; or in quick time.

Occasions may arise when a strict adherence to the directions laid down in Part I, for extending, changing direction, &c., would be undesirable.

Company training should embrace a variety of rough and ready expedients, calculated to enable a fighting front to be shown with the least possible delay in any required direction:—

For instance, a company marching north in fours is required to suddenly extend facing north-west; or troops lying down firing are required to rapidly line a bank to their right, to forestall its occupation by an enemy; or a company advancing in extended order arrives at an impassable obstacle of limited extent, or perhaps encounters water which can only be crossed by a bridge, and the commander wishes to avoid closing and re-extending.

To meet contingencies, the following methods are suggested. Other expedients should be improvised by commanders in order to educate their men to meet a particular exigency:—

(i) To change direction; or to occupy a position rapidly.

When in extended order, the command may be:—Line that bank (ditch, hedge, &c.)—Double.

When in close order:—Line that bank (hedge, ditch, &c.)—Extend.

In the latter case the intervals between men are immaterial.

(ii) From behind an obstacle such as a bog, or pond, to occupy the ground on the far side in extended order. The new position having been pointed out to the men, the word of command may be Man by Man (or By Files, By Fours), From the Right (Left, or Both Flanks), To—paces, Extend (or Advance, or Double). The men will move off from one or both flanks, and occupy in extended order the position pointed out, the squad commander leading.

This method may also be used for extending from behind cover, such as a wall, bank, &c., into the open under fire; or for crossing a bridge when under fire; or when it is desired not to attract attention.

Men may also be extended in prolongation of any alignment on the above principles.

(iii) From behind cover, when in close order, to occupy a frontage, the flanks of which are defined by fixed points such as trees, bushes, buildings, &c. Three points, one in the centre, and one on each flank, are selected and pointed out to the centre man and flank men respectively. These men move off, and when at a suitable distance the order Extend is given, on which the remainder advance at the double, and, opening out like a fan, divide the distance between them.

This method may be practised without fixed points, an approximate interval right and left of the centre man being indicated to the two flank men.

Attack Practice.

77. General Rules.

1. A well-armed enemy can only be driven from a strong position by partly enveloping his front, or by overwhelming him with a heavier and more accurate fire than his own at decisive range, and eventually charging with the bayonet.

To reach a decisive range under heavy fire is, however, a long and difficult operation. The advance will be covered by scouts, S. 132; when these can move forward no further, they will lie still until absorbed by the first line of skirmishers, which in turn will gradually be reinforced by lines in rear as it becomes necessary to increase the volume of fire, until a strong firing line is established. Further advance can usually be effected only when the advance of one body is covered by the fire of the remainder, and when the ground is gained by a few men at a time, or by successive rushes from point to point. How these advances are to be made must be left to the intelligence of the leaders.

2. In this practice, the following rules will be observed:—

(i) All extensions will be made, if possible, under cover; and the preliminary instructions as to scouting, direction, objective, outflanking the enemy, &c., &c., will be given before extension.

(ii) The intervals, in the preliminary stages of the attack, may vary from five to fifteen paces; these will gradually be reduced as the lines in rear reinforce the firing line.

(iii) Skirmishers must maintain the general direction in which their section has been ordered to advance; but they may deviate to the right and left in order to take advantage of cover, provided that they resume their intervals before crossing exposed ground, and that when halted they do not crowd so closely on one another as to interfere with the free use of the rifle.

(iv) In order to take advantage of a well-sheltered approach from one position to another, skirmishers may move in file, but only when ordered to do so by the section leaders.

(v) Exposed ground will, if the enemy’s fire is heavy and accurate, be crossed by rushes at the quickest possible pace. Rushes, over open ground, should not exceed eighty or one hundred yards, and should rarely reach this limit. At decisive ranges a rush should not be so long that the enemy has time for aimed fire, and can only be continued whilst the surprise lasts. If cover exists they should be made from one shelter to the next.

Ground which affords slight cover may be crossed by the men running, creeping, or crawling forward by ones or twos, each, if possible, selecting a different course, and starting at different times from different points of the line.

(vi) Either before or during a forward movement each skirmisher should mark out for himself the new position he intends to occupy. This position should be as nearly as possible in a direct line forward, and should be such as not to mask or interfere with the fire of his comrades.

(vii) The fire of a widely extended line is very ineffective. Under such circumstances, therefore, fire should rarely be opened, the advance being covered by the fire of the supporting troops.

(viii) If the distance from cover to cover is too great to be crossed without halting, skirmishers, at the end of the first rush, will throw themselves down in the open, and lie perfectly motionless without firing, until they recover their wind.

(ix) In the final advance against the position, after bayonets have been fixed, the skirmishers will either advance by rushes from cover to cover, or, if possible, in a general line.

(x) The men of a squad, and the squads of a section, must always if possible keep together.

3. When two or more sections are advancing in a general line, and it is assumed to be no longer possible, owing to the intensity of the enemy’s fire, to advance in this formation, the advance will be conducted by alternate rushes. The commander of the section indicated, without rising or exposing himself, will warn the squad of his intention to advance, and will himself lead the way. When the commander halts, the section will at once conform to his movements and reopen fire.

The section behind, which has been firing in order to cover the advance of the leading squad, will now rush forward, pass beyond, or align itself with, the leading section, halt, and open fire.

4. Bayonets will be fixed before the final advance from the fire position.

78. Position of the commanders.

Section and squad commanders will place themselves where they can best carry out their duties. In open ground, when the line is halted, and when the enemy’s fire is heavy, it is not possible for them to move about. In such circumstances the commanders must lie down, either on the flank or among the men.

79. Casualties.

Officers, non-commissioned officers, and squad leaders, should frequently be ordered to fall out, and the men allowed to carry on the practice without interference, in accordance with the instructions originally issued.

80. Instructions for commanders.

1. So far as possible, all orders are to be communicated by signal. A well-trained squad, except when passing orders or reports, should work in absolute silence.

2. Commanders should not expose themselves unnecessarily.

3. Each leader who receives an order either by signal or word of command will acknowledge it by a salute with the hand.

4. Commanders must be prepared to instantly assume the duties of their immediate superiors who may be disabled.

5. Section commander.

(i) Before the section advances, to explain clearly, so that every man may hear and understand, the objective of the manœuvre about to be carried out, and how he intends to reach it. The secret of good and intelligent skirmishing lies in the clearness of the instructions the men receive.

(ii) To select the successive halting-places of the section.

(iii) To determine the method of advance.

(iv) To see that the general direction is maintained.

(v) To prevent crowding.

(vi) To concentrate the fire against a particular objective, point out and describe the position of the target, give the range, and observe the fire.

(vii) To control the expenditure of ammunition, to see that the ammunition of men disabled is collected and distributed, and to inform the half-company commander when the ammunition is running short.

(viii) To show the way from cover to cover, and to do everything in his power to assist the advance of neighbouring sections by directing a vigorous fire on the enemy whilst they are in movement.

(ix) To transmit intelligence of the enemy’s movements.

6. Squad commander.

(i) To repeat all signals, and ensure that all orders and reports are quickly and correctly passed along the line.

(ii) To ensure that the orders of the section leader are promptly and energetically obeyed:

(iii) that the general direction is maintained:

(iv) that the squad maintains connection with the remainder of the section.

(v) When under cover, or in the open if the enemy’s fire is not heavy, to see the men place themselves in position to use their rifles effectively; that they recognise the target, and adjust their sights; and that there is no wild firing.

(vi) To assist the advance of neighbouring squads by covering them with their fire whilst they are in movement.

81. Duty of the Skirmisher.

It should be impressed upon the men that combined action is always more likely to be successful than isolated efforts, because skirmishers who are fighting under the control of their leaders, and are beside their own comrades, feel much more confidence, and co-operate more effectively, than when each man advances, retires, or halts as seems best to himself.

It is to be recognised, however, that when the section is extended at wide intervals, and also when it is under heavy fire, section, and even squad commanders cannot always exercise direct control. Hence the men must learn to act independently and must be taught their duty, first by clear explanations, then by practice, accompanied by constant questioning, until every individual knows exactly what is expected of him when left to himself, viz.:—

(i) Continue fighting, and do his best to carry out his commander’s intentions indicated in the original instructions.

(ii) Estimate the range, fire deliberately, and husband ammunition.

(iii) Place himself, if possible, under the orders of the oldest soldier in his neighbourhood, and form one of a new squad.

(iv) As soon as reinforcements arrive to take the orders of the nearest officer or non-commissioned officer.

82. Defence Practice.

1. The chief points to be attended to in the occupation of a post or position are: first, that each skirmisher can command the ground over which the enemy is expected to advance, and is so placed that he can use his rifle effectively; second, invisibility and cover from fire; third, that natural rests are properly utilised or artificial rests provided; fourth, that ranges have been ascertained and are known to everyone; and fifth, that all cover which the enemy could utilise is cleared away from the front and flanks; and sixth, that each man has ample ammunition.

2. The company should be practised in changing its position, creeping or crawling under cover to do so; also in delivering counter attacks, by some covered line of approach, against the flanks of an attacking party. The flanks of a company on the defensive must always be watched by scouts.

83. Reconnaissance Practice.

The squad may be practised in forming a chain of groups of scouts to feel the way for a larger body, and in working as a patrol sent out to obtain information of the enemy or the ground.

It is impossible to lay down precise rules for these most important duties.

All that can be said is that the intervals would be far greater than is usual in the Attack Practice; and that much more latitude should be granted to the men.

In reconnoitring the enemy or the ground the men should be made to understand clearly the nature of the information required.

84. Retirements.

Retirements in face of the enemy must be conducted with the greatest circumspection. In retiring under fire, skirmishers, if well in hand, may move from cover to cover at the quickest possible pace, a few men, preferably the most active, being left behind for a short time at each halt to cover the retirement of the remainder. Sections will also be taught to retire alternately, affording each other mutual support by taking up successive fire positions; a section, after delivering its fire, will retire as rapidly as possible beyond the other section which will then open fire. If, however, the men are at all shaken, as when an attack has failed, the retirement must be in quick time; and all ranks should exert themselves to the utmost to ensure that it is carried out, notwithstanding losses, with steadiness and precision. A rapid retreat, in such conditions, is not only a fruitful source of panic, but a very great encouragement to the enemy. A steady, deliberate movement, on the other hand, carried out in silence and good order, pulls the men together and imposes respect and caution on the enemy.

85. Meeting an attack by cavalry.

1. It should be impressed upon the men that on open ground foot soldiers have little to fear from individual troopers, provided that they keep cool, and have plenty of ammunition; and that on broken ground the advantage is altogether on their side.

2. Charges of cavalry against the front can usually be met by rapid fire without changing the formation. If for any particular reason, a close formation is deemed advisable, the men of the section will close upon their leader, and fix bayonets, the word of command being Cavalry, Close. It is to be remembered, however, that close formations may give the enemy’s artillery the opportunity which his cavalry have been seeking to create.

3. An attack by cavalry in flank should be checked by the fire of the supports, but may, if necessary, be met by the section nearest the threatened flank changing direction in the quickest possible time, each man closing independently on the file nearest the point from which the cavalry is approaching, and fixing bayonets. This will be carried out on the command Cavalry Right (Half-right, Left, &c.). In reforming, the men will be ordered to cease fire, or unload and unfix bayonets, and the men will resume their former order, moving by the shortest line.

4. It is when ammunition is running short, when troops are retiring under a heavy fire, when the flanks of a line of skirmishers are not protected by other troops in rear, or in fog, dust, or heavy rain, that cavalry will find their opportunity.

No hard and fast rules can be laid down as to the action of skirmishers in such circumstances. Everything will depend on the nerve and resourcefulness of the leaders and of the men, who should be taught that swordsmen moving at speed can inflict but little damage on men who throw themselves down on the ground as the horsemen close on them. It may be laid down, moreover, that a sound system of scouting will do much to reduce the danger of surprise, and that in a thick atmosphere, which renders the enemy’s artillery useless, squads, and larger bodies also, may safely move in close order.

86. Scouting.

1. It is an invariable rule that all bodies of infantry in the field should feel the way, and at the same time protect themselves from surprise, by means of scouts, who should be pushed out several hundred yards in advance and to the flanks. In skirmishing practice the scouts will examine all ground which might be held by the enemy, and report, usually by signal, all clear or otherwise. They will receive instructions from their commanders as to their action when they discover the enemy, and they must be careful to expose themselves as little as possible.

2. The day’s work will be rendered more interesting, and the men receive useful training in scouting, if ambushes are laid, and counter-attacks delivered.

3. In every company of infantry at least one man per squad, in addition to one non-commissioned officer in each half-company, should receive a special training as scouts.

4. Scouts are to be selected for their activity, intelligence, and eyesight. They must be good shots and judges of distance, expert skirmishers, and be able to communicate by semaphore. The special training should be such as to cultivate these qualities, to develop an eye for country, and to teach what to observe and how to report it.

87. Duties of Scouts.

1. In attack.

To precede the advance, reconnoitre the ground, look out for ambushes, to watch the flanks, report all obstacles to movement, ascertain the enemy’s position, and observe his dispositions.

2. In defence.

To observe the enemy’s approach, to report his strength and the direction of his march; to watch the flanks, and to observe the enemy’s movements.

3. As Ground Scouts.

To ascertain the best ground for an advance.

To look for obstacles to an advance.

To find accessible routes.

To find cover for an advance.

4. Reconnaissance.

To act as the eyes and ears of the army, especially in mountainous and wooded country.

To obtain information of the enemy’s position and strength, the whereabouts of his guns, the nature of his entrenchments, &c.

5. In night operations.—To precede the advance.

6. Special purposes.—For special purposes, the scouts of several companies may be combined in one body under a selected officer or officers.

To keep down the fire of the enemy’s scouts and snipers, to ambush them, and to drive them off.

To rapidly seize points of importance.

To cover retirement from difficult positions.

To act on ground that is too difficult for ordinary infantry.

88. Training of Scouts.

1. The training of scouts will, as a rule, be carried out by a selected officer in each company.

2. Scouts should be able to find their way across country both by day and night. They should be able to read a map, and to work by sun and compass, by observation of landmarks, and by the direction of watersheds and streams.

3. They should be constantly practised in transmitting information by semaphore, by written message, and by word of mouth.

4. They should be trained to cover long distances at the double, and also to climb steep hills.

5. Scouts will generally work in pairs or in groups of four, including a non-commissioned officer or selected group leader.

6. Scouts must remember that the less they are seen or heard the better. They are not intended, except in special cases, for fighting purposes; and, as a rule, they should not fire except to defend themselves, or possibly to prevent the enemy’s scouts from obtaining information.

7. Scouts must always be careful to keep touch with the troops they are covering.

89. The Inspection in Skirmishing.

1. The inspection will invariably take the form of a tactical exercise based on a scheme, set by the inspecting officer, in which an enemy will be represented by another unit.

2. The inspecting officer will pay particular attention to the following:—

(i) The orders issued.

(ii) The suitability of the formations to the ground and to the tactical situation.

(iii) Fire discipline.

(iv) The aptitude of the men in making use of cover.

(v) The readiness of the half-company, section, and squad leaders in adapting formations to the ground in occupying suitable fire positions, and in covering the advance of other half-companies, &c., by fire.

(vi) The accuracy and promptitude in passing orders and reports.

(vii) The work of the scouts.

(viii) The initiative shown by the subordinate leaders.

(ix) The acquaintance of all ranks with signals.

90. SHELTER TRENCH EXERCISE.

Full information on the subject of extemporised cover in the field is contained in Part I of the Manual of Military Engineering.

Instruction of Troops.—Troops should be practised in the use of the pick and shovel, until they can excavate without difficulty the tasks mentioned below. Men unaccustomed to digging should, if possible, be trained at first in sand or very light soil, until they are accustomed to handling the shovel. When the troops practise entrenching, the task set them should require not less than four hours’ actual work, according to the nature of the soil (M.M.E., Section IV).

It will be well to arrange for a portion of the working party with a cart to draw the tools and convey them to the site of the trenches, so that no time may be lost in beginning work.

Tools.—1. Each man will usually require a pick and a shovel, but it may sometimes be desirable to allot two men to each task, in which case the front rank man will carry the pick and the rear rank man the shovel.

2. The tools will, as a rule, be placed in heaps on the ground, picks in one heap, shovels in another. The working party, with arms slung, will pass between the heaps in single file, each man taking a pick in his left hand and a shovel in his right as he passes the heaps. Tools should be carried at the trail, point of the pick down, and the hollow of the shovel towards the thigh.

3. It is important that soldiers should be taught to handle their tools without noise. In the event of a working party turning into file (or about), the handles of the tools will before turning be brought into a vertical position by lowering the iron part of the pick, and raising the iron part of the shovel, resuming the trail when the turn is complete. When marching in file, the handles will incline outwards.

4. Extension.—Working parties will be extended by one of the following methods:—

(i) The party will be extended to such interval as may be required, about 12 paces in rear of the proposed trench. It will then be advanced and halted, while an officer paces along the front, halting at the limit of each man’s task.

(ii) The party will be brought up about 3 paces in rear of one of the flanks of the proposed trench in file or single file, according as one or two men are allotted to each task. An officer will pace along the front, halting at the limit of each task, the party moving off at the same time and wheeling to the right or left, the men forming on the alignment in succession in extended order by file, or single file, as ordered. This method is especially suitable to night work.[7]

(iii) The right or left of each task will be marked by driving in the pick according as the extension is from the right or left. The shovel will be placed on the ground at right angles to the pick (blade to the left). Each task will be “spitlocked,” i.e., marked out by the pick, as soon as the directing officer has fixed the outer limit of the task.

5. The men will, without word of command, turn about and take 4 paces to their rear, ground arms, take off their accoutrements, and lie down until ordered to begin work.

6. To avoid accidents every man must commence digging on the left of his task, and work from left to right.

Filling in trenches.

Trenches should never be filled in on the day on which they have been made, but a fatigue party should be sent out later for the special purpose of levelling them. Defaulters might be employed on this duty. In one hour a man should be expected to fill in about 40 cubic feet.

PART III.

BATTALION, BRIGADE, AND DIVISION DRILL.

BATTALION DRILL.

91. General Rules.

1. Object of battalion drill.—The instruction of the soldier is brought to a conclusion in the ranks of the company. It is necessary, however, that the companies should be drilled in battalion in order that the officers commanding companies may learn to work in unison.

2. Application of company drill.—Battalion movements are carried out by combination of companies, moving as described in Company Drill.

3. Mounted officers.—The commanding officer, the second in command, and the adjutant will be mounted.

When the battalion is acting independently, the commanding officer, accompanied by the adjutant, who will act as his orderly officer, will place himself where he can best exercise supervision.

When the battalion is in brigade in column or quarter column the commanding officer will be ten paces in advance of the centre of the leading company, the adjutant being one-and-a-half horse’s lengths in rear, and half a horse’s length to the right of the commanding officer.

In all movements the second in command will be responsible for the direction and covering; he (and the serjeant-major, if no ammunition carts are present) will generally assist the commanding officer. If a third field officer be present he should generally assist the second in command, unless detailed by the commanding officer for any other purpose.

When a battalion is on the move, the second in command will place himself in a position from which he can best superintend the direction of the advance and the covering of the squad commanders on the directing flanks.

4. Ranks will be changed as in Company Drill, S. 63.

5. Except where laid down, the double march is not to be used by companies during the interior movements of a battalion, unless ordered by the commanding officer.

6. If companies move into column or quarter column from both flanks they will pass each other left arm to left arm.

7. In order to practise the battalion in brigade movements, and to give the field officers experience in handling several companies, the battalion will occasionally be divided into two battalions, each of four companies, or of eight companies in single rank.

8. In action, in high wind, and at all times when indistinctly heard, the commanding officer should indicate his orders by signal, where possible (S. 49); such signals should be repeated by as many officers and non-commissioned officers as may be necessary to ensure the transmission of the order.

In battalion movements the orders given by the commanding officer are printed in CAPITALS; those by officers commanding companies in italics. The cautions may be applied to either the right or the left flank although only the former is referred to.

9. Where cautions and commands are given for formations to, or from, one flank only, the same rule applies when forming to, or from the other flank, which will also be practised.

10. Fire action should be practised as directed in S. 72, para. 1.

11. The principles laid down in company drill, S. 60 (3), (4) and (5), apply equally to battalion drill.

12. Companies will be told off again when a change of formation alters their relative position.

92. Formations.

1. The following formations will be employed in battalion drill:—

(i) Quarter column.—This is a convenient formation in which to move battalions, either singly or in brigade, when not exposed to the enemy’s fire.

(ii) Column.—This is essentially a march formation, but will be used for the purpose of forming up preparatory to closing to quarter column, or moving off in column of fours.

(iii) Line (or Lines) of company columns.—This formation will usually be adopted by the battalion at distant artillery ranges, preparatory to extending for the attack. It allows of full control being exercised by the battalion commander, whilst at the same time enabling companies to take advantage of natural cover, and to conveniently advance over broken or intersected ground.

(iv) Column of fours.—This is a convenient march formation when a narrow front is necessary, such as passing a defile, and will usually be adopted when on the march.

Against an enemy armed with the breech-loader, close order formations in battalion and brigade are applicable only for assembly, for marches and during the preparatory stages of the fight.

2. Attacks by savages armed with spears and swords must, however, usually be met in close order; and for this purpose, in addition to the formations mentioned in para. 1, the following will be practised, but only by troops which are likely to be called upon to take part in such warfare:—

• (i) Line.
• (ii) Echelon.
• (iii) Square.

93. A battalion in quarter column. Plate VI.

The companies of a battalion, after having been inspected on their private parades or in column, will form up in quarter column as shown in Plate VI. On the commanding officer’s order TELL OFF BY COMPANIES, the companies will be numbered from the leading company. When the companies are numbered, the commanding officer will divide the battalion thus:—

• No. 1 to No. — RIGHT HALF-BATTALION.
• No. — to No. — LEFT HALF-BATTALION.

If the number of companies is uneven, the right half-battalion will be stronger by one company than the left.

Unless otherwise ordered a battalion in quarter column will assemble and move by the left.

The machine guns, drums and band, mules, wagons and stretcher bearers will usually be on the outer flank of the battalion, as when in column, see Plate VII (cyclist sections, if present, will be in rear of machine guns).

The second in command will be four paces from the centre of the directing flank of the leading half-battalion.

If a third field officer be present, he will be four paces from the centre of the directing flank of the rear half-battalion.

The position of the company commanders and serjeant-major are shown in Plate VI.

When ranks are changed, the second in command will gain his position by moving round in rear of the battalion. Company commanders will move in rear of their companies. Company officers and section commanders and supernumeraries will act as in S. 63.

A Battalion in Quarter Column.

94. Movements in quarter column.

95. A quarter column wheeling.

2. A quarter column moving in fours will wheel as in 1, the leading fours of each company wheeling in the same manner as the leading company in 1, the sections of fours in rear making a partial turn outwards and following round after the leading fours, the leading squad commanders changing to the inner flank if not there already.

96. A battalion at the halt opening to column from quarter column.

When halted in column the second in command will be four paces from the centre of the directing flank of the leading half-battalion; a third field officer, if present, will be four paces from the centre of the directing flank of the rear half battalion.

The position of the company officers and section commanders will be as when in company; the machine guns, drums and band, &c., will be on the outer flank, see Plate VII.

A Battalion in Column.

2. A battalion in column will move either in fours or by the diagonal march, on the same principles and on the same words of command as from quarter column. S. 94.

97. A battalion in column on the march closing to quarter column.

3. Should it be necessary to form quarter column from column from the halt, the command in 1 will be followed by the words, REMAINDER, QUICK—MARCH, when the leading company will stand fast, the remainder will act on the same principle as in 1.

4. Quarter column will usually be formed on the leading company.

98. A battalion in column or quarter column advancing in fours, or vice versâ.

If companies are to advance in fours simultaneously, the battalion commander will give the command FORM FOURS, RIGHT, COMPANIES, LEFT—WHEEL.

2. Column from column of fours on the march.—If the column is to be reformed immediately on clearing the defile, the caution will be IN SUCCESSION ON THE LEFT FORM COMPANIES, on which the company commanders will act as in S. 68, each company successively forming into column.

Column may also be formed when the whole has cleared the defile, on the battalion commander’s order ON THE LEFT FORM COMPANIES, FORWARD, companies acting as in S. 68.

3. Column of fours from quarter column from the halt.—The battalion commander will give the caution IN SUCCESSION ADVANCE IN FOURS FROM THE RIGHT OF COMPANIES, on which the commander of the leading company will give the command Form fours, right, left wheel, Quick—march, each company in rear being moved off in a similar manner as soon as its front is clear. If on the march the quarter column must be halted before defiling.

4. Quarter column from column of fours on the march.—Quarter column will be formed from column of fours by first forming column as in 2, and then forming quarter column as in S. 97 (2).

5. Column or quarter column from column of fours on the march.—A battalion moving in fours may form quarter column or column on the leading company facing at right angles to the line of advance, on the caution AT THE HALT, FACING RIGHT, COLUMN (or QUARTER COLUMN) ON THE LEADING COMPANY, on which the leading company will be at once halted and turned to its right by its commander, the remaining companies forming in rear of it.

Note.—When in column of fours on the march, drums and band will be twenty paces in front of the leading company; mules will follow in rear of the companies to which they are attached; machine guns, stretcher bearers, carts and wagons will be in rear of the battalion; the whole in the above order. Cyclist section, if present, will precede the machine guns. The second in command will usually be in rear of the battalion. The adjutant will accompany the commanding officer, who will be between the band and the leading company. The serjeant-major will be in front of the leading company.

99. A battalion in column changing direction.

100. Movements in line, or lines, of company columns from column or quarter column.

1. These are of very great importance, as particularly applicable to the vicinity of the battlefield, and should therefore be practised on broken ground. They enable full advantage to be taken of cover afforded by folds in the ground, &c., and admit of rapid extension into lines of skirmishers.

2. One, two, or three lines may be formed, at varying distances and intervals, with a different number of companies in each, if desired.

3. The battalion forms a line, or lines, of company columns, preparatory to advancing to the attack, or when exposed to distant artillery fire. The precision of such movements will depend almost entirely on the clearness and completeness of the explanations and orders given by the commanding officer. The commanding officer will usually assemble the company commanders, and will inform them of the number of lines to be formed, and the relative positions of their companies; he will then issue his instructions and assign an objective. Companies will be moved into their positions on the battalion commanders order MOVE.

This formation may also be carried out on the command LINE OF COMPANY COLUMNS AT —— PACES INTERVAL, or LINES OF COMPANY COLUMNS ON NOS. ——; AT —— PACES INTERVAL, AT —— PACES DISTANCE. In the case of one line, the right companies will move to the right and the left companies to the left of the leading company; in the case of two or more lines, companies will similarly move to the right or left of the named company in front of them. Distances will be usually be obtained by advancing the leading line or lines. In moving into position company column will be formed on the march as soon as space is available S. 67 (4).

4. A company of direction will be named, and an objective pointed out on which the line (or lines) will march.

5. Changes of direction during such movements should be practised, and fire should be opened on some named object.

6. Attention must be paid to the maintenance of direction, interval, and distance, and there must be no increase or decrease of the original frontage assigned to the battalion. In broken ground companies may deviate to one flank or the other to avoid obstacles or to take advantage of cover, and they may change their formations in order to adapt them to the ground; but they must resume their intervals as soon as the ground permits.

7. The duties of the second in command during these movements will be assigned by the commanding officer.

8. The machine guns, band, ammunition carts, &c., will follow in rear of the battalion, unless they receive other orders.

9. The battalion should also be constantly practised in various formations of a similar nature to those described in this section, cautions being extemporised for the purpose.

10. In all formations of this character scouts will cover the movement and protect the flanks.

101. When dispersed, re-assembling.

Each company will be assembled by its commander, and will then be moved into any formation ordered by the commanding officer. This should be frequently practised. On the signal to close, a company on which the battalion is to be formed will be indicated by the commander. Each company commander will then assemble his company and move it into its position.

102. Inspection of a battalion.

(a) In close order.

1. A regular battalion will be inspected in some of the movements prescribed for savage warfare, particular attention being paid to fire discipline when in close order. The inspection of a regular battalion in close order formations will be more searching than for a battalion of auxiliary forces. A few movements in lines of columns, preparatory to a. tactical exercise, will be a sufficient test of the drill of one of these latter battalions.

2. In close order movements particular attention should be directed to the following:—

(i) The attention and steadiness of the men.

(ii) The precision of all movements.

(iii) The preservation of direction, distance, and interval during the march, especially when in lines of columns.

(iv) The readiness of a battalion in forming lines of columns.

(b) In attack and defence.

3. The inspection will invariably take the form of a tactical scheme, set by the inspecting officer and given out on the ground, in which the enemy will be represented by another battalion or part of a battalion, or by a company or section with flags.

4 The inspecting officer will pay particular attention to the following:—

(i) The orders of the battalion commander.

(ii) The co-operation of the companies.

(iii) The initiative and readiness of the company leaders.

(iv) The suitability of the formations adopted by the company leaders.

(v) The precautions taken against counter-attack.

(vi) The measures for delivering a counter-attack.

(vii) The employment of covering fire, and the compliance with the principle of mutual support.

(viii) The rallying of the companies after an assault.

BRIGADE AND DIVISION DRILL.

103. General Rules.

1. Movements in brigade and division are practised in order to accustom the battalions to assemble rapidly and without confusion; and to train them to march in mass, without losing distance or interval.

2. The brigade or division commander may give his orders verbally, but on service and at manœuvres orders may be written, and the object of every important movement or formation should invariably be explained to the battalion commanders, and, in case of a division, to the brigadiers.

3. Instructions given by the commander of a parade will be passed by commanding and mounted officers, who are responsible that they are distinctly conveyed to, and understood by, the next unit.

On receiving their instructions, commanding officers will give all necessary orders and be prepared to march off their battalions together on the signal or order of the brigadier. The cautions and commands given by commanding officers will be as in Battalion Drill.

When the progress of an order is interrupted, commanding officers will conform, as quickly as possible, to the movement they see in execution.

4. Intervals and distances of thirty paces between battalions and brigades, and sixty between divisions, will be preserved in all formations, unless otherwise ordered.

5. A battalion will always be named to direct, the remaining battalions preserving their intervals from that battalion.

6. In brigade and division drill, battalions will be in quarter column unless otherwise ordered.

7. In all interior movements of a brigade, battalions will move to their places by the shortest lines, moving, when possible, by the diagonal march.

8. Division drill.—The principles laid down for brigade drill are equally applicable to division drill.

104. A brigade wheeling from mass into line of battalions and vice versâ.

A brigade can be wheeled into line of battalions from mass and vice versâ, by the battalions wheeling as in Battalion Drill, 95.

The above movements may be performed either at the halt or on the move.

105. A mass deploying into line of battalions and vice versâ.

The battalion which is the point of formation stands fast. The remaining battalions will be moved by their commanding officers by the shortest line to the spot where their inner flank will rest, this spot being marked by the second in command.

If the deployment is in an oblique direction, the battalion of formation will be formed on the required alignment by its commanding officer, in accordance with the instructions of the brigadier. The deployment will then be carried out as already described.

Mass will be formed from line of battalions in a similar manner.

In forming mass on a central battalion, the battalions on the right and left will pass into mass left arm to left arm.

A line of battalions changing position.

A line of battalions will change position on a flank battalion as follows:—The battalion of formation will be wheeled into the required alignment, the others forming on it, the seconds in command marking the spots where the inner flanks will rest.

106. Marching in line of battalions either in column or quarter column.

When a brigade marches in line of battalions, a battalion of direction will be named. The remaining battalions will march by their inner flanks, the seconds in command riding on the flank next to the regulating battalion, and notifying to the commanding officers whether interval is being correctly kept or not. Signals should be agreed on for this purpose; the commanding officer should watch for them, and direct the movement of the battalion accordingly.

When it is necessary to advance in echelon of battalions, intervals will be preserved on the principles described in 117.

FORMATIONS APPLICABLE TO SAVAGE WARFARE.

107. General Rules.

1. The following formations, i.e., line, echelon, and square, are suitable against attacks of ill-armed savages. They will occasionally be practised, but only by troops likely to take part in such warfare.

2. The battalion forms or deploys into line, echelon or square in order to come into action, and these movements must therefore be executed as rapidly as is compatible with steadiness. The main object is to develop a broad front of fire, and enable every man to use his rifle with effect.

3. When a movement is to be executed as rapidly as possible, the commanding officer will order it to be performed at the double.

4. The combination of fire-tactics and drill movements is of the greatest importance in savage warfare, and should be constantly practised; the fire unit will usually be the section.

5. Company commanders will employ whatever description of fire the circumstances may require.

108. A battalion in line.

1. Arrangement of companies.—Each company will be in line, as in Company Drill, the captains will be three paces in front of the centre of their companies; when firing, three paces in rear.

2. Correction of intervals.—After forming into line the intervals will be corrected by the company commanders. The right centre company, or in deployment the first formed company, of the battalion should remain unmoved.

3. A battalion in line moves and dresses by the centre unless otherwise ordered.

4. The battalion in line will be formed up on the same principle as in Plate IX Ceremonial, with the exception that the second in command will be six paces in rear of the centre of the battalion, and the adjutant will accompany the commanding officer.

5. In deployments into line, or in changing position, the second in command will mark the inner flank, and the adjutant the outer flank of the battalion; in deployments outwards the second in command will mark the left, and the adjutant the right flank of the battalion.

109. A quarter column or column deploying into line.

Deployments will be made on the leading company of a battalion.

2. To both flanks.—The deployment will be made on the principle above described. The command will be DEPLOY OUTWARDS, ONE COMPANY (or TWO, or MORE COMPANIES) TO THE RIGHT, REMAINDER FORM FOURS, OUTWARDS. QUICK—MARCH. The company or companies, next in succession from the front, will move to the named flank.

3. In an oblique direction.—On the battalion commander’s caution, QUARTER (HALF or THREE QUARTERS) RIGHT preceding the caution in 1 or 2, the Company of Formation Will Be Formed on the required alignment by its commander in accordance with the instructions of the commanding officer. The deployment will then be carried out as already described.

4. On the March.—A battalion may be ordered to deploy while advancing towards an intended alignment, on the command as in 1, 2, or 3, the leading company being halted and, if necessary, formed in the required direction by its commander when the remainder have formed fours and turned towards their position in line.

A battalion moving in column or quarter column to a flank in fours may deploy in the direction towards which it is moving. On the caution, FACING RIGHT, DEPLOY, the company on the right will be halted by its commander and turned to its right, the remaining companies will continue to move forward and will deploy into line as in 1. This movement may also be performed in an oblique direction as in 3.

5. To ensure the alignment being kept clear, companies will be formed or halted four paces in rear of it.

110. Marching in line.

2. Marching with changed ranks.—The second in command, on the words ABOUT TURN, will pass through the ranks in order to superintend the direction, the files opposite him making way by covering the files on their right and left, after turning about.

111. A line changing position, from the halt, on a flank company.

112. A battalion in line forming column or quarter column.

2. If it is desired to form at an angle to the alignment, the caution QUARTER (or HALF or THREE-QUARTERS) RIGHT will precede the caution in 1, on which the company will be formed in the required direction by order of its commander, the remainder then receiving the executive command to form fours and turn in the required direction.

3. If it is desired to form by the right, the words BY THE RIGHT should follow the words COLUMN OR QUARTER COLUMN.

113. A line passing obstacles, or moving over broken ground.

A line will pass obstacles by the commander of the company encountering the obstacle forming his company into company column or column of fours. In broken ground, or in line movements of any length the whole battalion may break into fours. The command will be FORM FOURS, RIGHT, COMPANIES LEFT WHEEL, NO. — WILL DIRECT. The squad commanders, if not already there, will change to that flank of the fours which is nearer the company of direction. The second in command will lead the battalion on the directing flank of company of direction.

A line may be reformed on the command ON THE LEFT, FORM COMPANIES, FORWARD, when companies will act as in S. 68.

114. A line forming column to the right or left.

A column forming into line to the right or left.

3. The movements in 1 and 2 may also be performed at the halt.

115. A line advancing in column.

116. A quarter column on the march forming line to a flank.

117. Echelon movements, from line, column or quarter column.

In certain circumstances it may be desirable to advance or retire in echelon from any named company or companies. The commanding officer will give instructions as to the number of companies to be formed in echelon, and the distance or distances to be preserved between them; and on his caution ADVANCE (or ABOUT TURN, ADVANCE) IN ECHELON AT — PACES DISTANCE FROM THE RIGHT, or No. — or Nos. — —, the named company or companies will advance by order of their commanders, and the remainder, if necessary, will be moved into their places by the shortest route, and will march by the inner flank.

A battalion in column or quarter column suddenly threatened will be required to develop a maximum fire with the least possible delay; this will be accomplished by forming echelon. On the command ECHELON TO THE RIGHT, REMAINDER FORM FOURS RIGHT, DOUBLE—MARCH, the leading company will stand fast; the remainder will move in echelon direct to a flank, being halted and turned to the front by their commander on reaching their position.

Echelon may also be formed outwards on the command ECHELON OUTWARDS, REMAINDER FORM FOURS OUTWARDS, DOUBLE—MARCH, left or even-numbered companies forming to the left, and right or odd-numbered companies forming to the right, the leading company standing fast.

Echelon may be formed on a centre company on the command ECHELON FROM NO. —, COMPANIES IN FRONT TO THE RIGHT, COMPANIES IN REAR TO THE LEFT, FORM FOURS OUTWARDS, DOUBLE—MARCH.

Line or column will be reformed on the same principles, the caution being LINE ON NO. —, or COLUMN or QUARTER COLUMN ON NO. —, on which the named company if in movement, will be halted.

118. Meeting an attack by cavalry or swordsmen.

When a battalion in line is threatened by cavalry or swordsmen in force, it may sometimes be desirable to dress back the threatened flank and to dress up the unmenaced flank, the battalion commander giving the order BACK, NO. —, UP, NO. —.

119. Formation of Squares.

1. In savage warfare, it may often be necessary to form a square two deep. This can be formed from line on the two centre companies, the companies further to the flanks forming the side faces, and the flank companies the rear face, all, except the companies nearest the two centre companies, moving into position by fours. On the caution ON THE TWO CENTRE COMPANIES FORM—SQUARE, the commanders of the two centre companies will take post for firing. Nos. 3 and 6 will turn about, and at the halt right and left form at the double, and turn about by order of their commanders. The remaining companies, by order of their commanders, will form fours inwards, and the commanders of the two centre companies will order their companies to fix bayonets. Nos. 2, 7 will then be moved at the double to the points where their flanks will rest in square, on the left or right form up at the halt, turn about. Nos. 1 and 8 will halt and turn to the left and right respectively to form the rear face. The company officers and supernumeraries who are outside will pass into the square. Each company as it reaches its position will be ordered to fix bayonets. The company commanders will give orders as to firing, subject to directions from the commanding officer.

If there are an odd number of companies, that next to the right flank company should double inside the square, form column of half-companies, and fix bayonets.

Line may be reformed by reversing the above movements. On the command REFORM—LINE, the company commanders will give the order to unfix bayonets, and form or march their companies on to the original alignment at the double; Nos. 3 and 6 receiving the word Left and Right Form respectively, the remainder forming fours.

2. Square will be formed from column as follows:—On the word FORM—SQUARE, the leading company, if on the march will be halted, and bayonets will be fixed. The remainder will be moved at the double by order of their commanders, and those which are to form the side faces will be formed successively to the right and left, the last company forming the rear face. Each company as it reaches its position will be ordered to fix bayonets. If there is an uneven number of companies in the battalion, the rear company but one will form company column on the march, halt inside the square and fix bayonets.

Column will be reformed by reversing the above movements. On the caution FORM COLUMN, bayonets will be unfixed, and the companies forming the side faces will be turned about by their commanders. The company in rear will then step off at the double by word of its commander, while the commander of the next company will give the word Right—Form, Double—March; the remaining companies will move off in succession. If the number of companies be uneven, the rear company but one, which will turn about with the side faces, will follow the rear company and re-form company on the march. The second in command will mark the point where the flank of the last company of the column will rest, and when the company reaches this point, its commander will order it to halt and turn about. The remaining companies will be halted and turned about at company distance from the company preceding.

3. A square may be moved in any direction, the commanding officer indicating the direction in which the square is to move. On the command THE SQUARE WILL ADVANCE—SLOPE ARMS, SIDE FACES, FORM—FOURS INWARDS the officer or officers commanding the company, or companies, facing in the opposite direction, will turn it, or them, about. The flank to direct should be named before the order QUICK MARCH is given. On the command BATTALION—HALT, the side faces will turn outwards and the company or companies which are to form the rear face will turn about.

BRIGADE DRILL.

120. Deployments.

Lines of battalions in quarter column or in column, at any interval, will deploy into line, each battalion in succession following the procedure in S. 109, and commencing its deployment on reaching a point thirty paces from the mounted officer on the outer flank of the battalion next to it in line.

If a brigade in mass is to deploy into line, the leading battalion will deploy at once; the remaining battalions will move by the shortest lines to the points where their inner flanks are to rest in the line, and will then deploy in the usual manner.

121. Marching in line.

When a brigade is required to march in line, each battalion will march by its centre. A mounted officer of each battalion, not directing, will ride on the inner flank to ensure that the correct interval is maintained.

122. A brigade in line advancing in columns, or quarter columns.

Line of columns or of quarter columns will be formed as in S. 112.

123. A brigade forming square.

For the protection of a convoy, or wounded men, it may be necessary to form brigade square. The angles of a square are its weak points; in order, therefore, to obtain the greatest amount of resistance to resolute savages, the flanks of battalions should not meet at an angle. The square may move in any direction on the same principles as a battalion square.

PART IV.

INFANTRY IN ATTACK AND DEFENCE.

124. General Principles.

1. It is impossible to lay down a fixed and unvarying system of attack or defence. Although such system might appear capable of modification to meet different conditions, yet constant practice in a stereotyped formation inevitably leads to want of elasticity, accustoms all ranks to work by rule rather than by the exercise of their wits, and cramps both initiative and intelligence. In peace exercises, where blank cartridges take the place of bullets, the inherent and paralysing defects of a normal system may easily escape notice; in war they betray themselves in waste of life and failure.

It is therefore strictly forbidden either to formulate or to practise a normal form of either attack or defence. To the training of the troops in movements before the enemy, general principles and broad rules alone are applicable; and the practical knowledge of these principles and rules can only be instilled by intelligent instruction and constantly diversified exercises on broken ground.

2. In no two military operations is the situation exactly the same. The character of the ground, the extent of the co-operation of the other arms, the strength and moral of the opposing forces, their physical condition, and the objects they wish to achieve must always differ.

3. The attitude originally assumed by either, or both, of the opposing forces, may be reversed during an engagement. A vigorous counter-attack by an army offering battle in a defensive position may throw the adversary on the defensive; or an assailant may fight a delaying or retaining action in one part of the field, while in another part his action may be essentially offensive; but these and other variations in a combat resolve themselves in every case into attack and defence.

4. Since the conditions of modern warfare render decentralisation of command in action an absolute necessity, no good results are to be expected unless the subordinate leaders have been trained to use their intelligence, and unless they have been given ample opportunities of acting on their own judgment in attack and defence, and have constantly, in peace practices, been called upon to consider the necessity of departing from their original orders.

Nor can the results be good if commanding officers fail to realise the very limited extent to which they are able to exert their powers of command under fire, and if, in peace, they attempt to exercise a personal control which would be impossible in action. They should be most careful, therefore, to act in peace practices exactly as they would in war, and abstain from all interference which would be impracticable under fire.

5. During the combat, as at all other times, the commander of every body of troops is responsible for the local protection of his command against surprise.

6. Ample information, both before and during an engagement, is so exceedingly important that methodical and complete arrangements should be made to obtain it. Nothing should be left to chance. All available means should be employed. In every command some simple method of collecting and transmitting reports should be established and the system should have been practised beforehand.

125. Position and Duties of Leaders in Action.

1. The difficulties of command are much increased by the fact that the leader can no longer personally control and direct all ranks by word of mouth, and that even under long range fire the mounted officers must often dismount.

2. During the fight, the commander of a considerable body of infantry can only influence the course of the action by the employment of his reserve. Nevertheless, the influence of the commander, if exerted in the proper manner, viz., by means of clear, comprehensive, and concise orders, framed after careful reconnaissance, made known to all the subordinate leaders, and providing for the combined and simultaneous action of his whole force, will be very great.

3. The commander’s position will, as a rule, be selected so that he can obtain an extensive view. It should be sufficiently central to facilitate the receipt of reports and the issue of orders. The subordinate leaders will take post where they can best exercise supervision over their commands, watch the enemy, and receive and transmit orders.

4. Keeping in view the paramount importance of decentralisation of command, it is essential that superior officers, including battalion commanders, should never trespass on the proper sphere of action of their subordinates. Personal example has undoubtedly an extraordinary influence, especially under heavy fire, and there are times when every other consideration must be sacrificed to leading or steadying the troops. But any attempt to exercise personal control over all portions of the force must inevitably lead to the neglect of other duties, such as feeding the firing line at the right place and time, protecting the flanks, meeting counter-attacks, reporting to, or communicating with, the superior commander, and maintaining connection with adjoining units. Moreover, all unnecessary changes of position by an officer commanding any considerable body of troops are to be deprecated, as interfering with the timely reception and transmission of reports and orders.

5. No great success can be expected in war, nor is it possible to develop the powers of judgment in peace, unless each leader is allowed ample latitude in choosing the means that he considers best adapted for dealing with tactical situations. It is only when his methods are manifestly wrong that there should be interference; and it is always to be remembered, in peace practice, that while negligence, forgetfulness, and disobedience call for the severest censure, errors of judgment should be treated differently. It is through mistakes, pointed out and explained by competent authority, that future error is avoided and a capacity for correct and rapid decision is developed.

On the other hand, independence which neglects the object indicated in the orders of the superior, disregards the importance of co-operation, and imperils, without reason, the unity of command, must be firmly repressed.

126. Fire Action.

1. The attainment of superiority of fire is a necessary preliminary to the achievement of decisive success. Fire superiority may be obtained, other factors being equal, by superiority of numbers, better leadership, more perfect armament, greater accuracy of fire; better use of cover; surprise.

Troops should, as a general principle, seek to secure superiority of fire by accuracy rather than rapidity, but as rapid fire can produce great results in a short space of time, circumstances will often occur which will justify the large expenditure of ammunition which its employment demands.

2. An intelligent distribution of fire is of the first importance. For example, concentration of fire is of great value, and when there is a choice of targets, preference should be given to that which, at the moment, is of the greatest tactical importance.

The great ranging power of the rifle will also frequently afford opportunities of concentrating fire from a wide frontage on to important localities, and of directing an effective oblique or enfilade fire against portions of the enemy’s line.

Even when the enemy is invisible he may be subjected to considerable loss by directing fire so as to sweep the ground of which he is known to be in possession.

3. The longer the range the greater will be the volume of fire necessary to produce effect, and the more important will be an accurate knowledge of the distance.

4. Economy of ammunition should be effected not by limiting fire when needed, but by judiciously timing its use, and by reserving it altogether if no advantage is to be gained. Pauses in fire are necessary both for the purpose of maintaining control, and for the regulation of expenditure of ammunition; moreover, sudden bursts of fire will produce greater results than slow continuous fire.

5. The control of fire is in the hands of the company commanders and their subordinates. To the company commander, as a general rule, must be left the choice of the moment of opening fire, but to the half-company, section and squad leaders, who will be in the firing line, must be left the choice of targets. They should always bear in mind, however, that if an exceptionally favourable target presents itself fire should at once be opened, notwithstanding the fact that no orders have been received. The only exception to this rule is when orders have been given that fire is to be withheld until the enemy comes within a certain range.

127. Fire Discipline.

Fire discipline means strict attention to the signals and orders of the commander, combined with intelligent observation of the enemy. It ensures the careful adjustment of the sight, deliberate aim, economy of ammunition, and prompt cessation of fire when the target disappears, or the leader sounds his whistle.

It requires of the men endurance of the enemy’s fire, even when no reply is possible; and, when superior control no longer exists, a cool and intelligent use of the rifle.

128. Ranges.

The extreme width of the area of ground struck by the bullets of an effective shrapnel is about 25 yards.

The limit of the forward effect of shrapnel at effective range on level ground is about 300 yards.

The radius of the explosion of a high explosive shell is about 25 yards.

THE ATTACK.

Nature of an Offensive Action.

The normal type of an offensive battle is a methodical progression from point to point, each successive capture weakening the enemy’s hold on his main position, and paving the way for a further advance; and each successive advance being deliberately prepared and systematically carried out.

129. Distribution of Infantry in the Attack.

1. Infantry, whether in the holding or in the main attack, is formed into three bodies, distributed in depth:—

The first to develop the attack. This portion will be divided into Scouts and Firing Line, portions of which may be kept back as Supports until required.

The second to reinforce, and, if possible, to complete the attack. This portion will consist of Reserves in the hands of battalion, brigade and other commanders.

The third to be employed, if necessary, in completing an attack, to confirm a success, or meet an unforeseen emergency. This portion is termed the General Reserve, and remains at the disposal of the commander of the whole force.

2. The General Reserve should only in very special circumstances fall short of a quarter of the body to which it belongs.

On the other hand, the leading body of infantry should be as small as possible, and, exclusive of the supports, should seldom exceed a quarter of the whole.

130. Preliminary Measures.

1. While the commander, under cover of the advanced guard, is reconnoitring the position, the infantry of the main body will receive orders from him to occupy a position of assembly (i.e., a position out of range, and if possible, out of sight), and will assume a preparatory formation.

2. As a general rule, a portion of the force will be told off to hold the enemy, another portion to deliver the decisive attack, and sometimes a third portion to distract the enemy’s attention by feints.

3. It is generally essential that attacks should be delivered against front and flank simultaneously.

The moral effect of a flank attack is so great that the main effort will usually be made against the flank.

4. It is advisable that the arrangements for the flank attack should be made as soon as the enemy’s position has been reconnoitred, and the force detailed for the operation moved off to a position of assembly whence it can move directly on the objective.

Surprise is so important an element in outflanking attacks, that every advantage should be taken of the ground to conceal the movement to this position of assembly even if the march be somewhat lengthened. The scouts should be instructed to be more than usually careful to keep out of sight.

5. The orders for the attack will usually be issued when the troops are in the position of assembly; more rarely when they are in column of route. In both cases the procedure will be the same. The subordinate commanders will be called up and receive their instructions; and the force told off into three distinct bodies, as laid down in S. 129.

6. The modern conditions which obtain on the battlefield tend to prolong the duration of an action, and it may be several days before either side can gain a substantial advantage over its adversary. In such cases arrangements will have to be made for strengthening localities gained, sending up ammunition, food, and water to the firing line, and for replacing exhausted troops during the night.

131. Issue of Orders.

1. Before assuming formation for attack every commander will carefully explain to his subordinates what their particular task is.

The officer commanding will draw attention to any positions or peculiarities of ground he intends to turn to account during the advance, indicate the arrangements to be made for a covering fire, and prescribe, when necessary, which portion of the force is to direct. He will point out any ground which might favour counter-attack.

2. Verbal explanations should, if possible, be given when the enemy’s position first comes within view, and the commanders of all ranks given an opportunity of being shown their objectives, of scrutinising the ground, and explaining the situation to their subordinates.

3. When the objectives cannot be seen from the spot where the troops receive their orders, or where, from the character of the intervening country the objectives cannot be clearly seen through the advance, or when detours to avoid impassable ground have to be made, the direction of the attack should be distinctly stated by reference to a map when possible, and the compass bearing of it given. Staff officers, or others acquainted with the ground may also be employed to guide the columns.

4. For further instructions on this subject see “Combined Training,” S. 115.

5. It is important that a complete system of signalling between all parts of an attacking force, in addition to other methods of communication, should be arranged, S. 124 (6).

132. Duties of the several bodies.

1. Scouts, Firing Line and Supports.—The duties of the scouts are detailed in S. 87.

When scouts can advance no farther they will lie still until absorbed by the advancing firing line.

The duties of the firing line are to gain ground to the front, and, if checked by a superior fire, to hold on until reinforced.

The supports reinforce the firing line as soon as the latter can make no further progress.

It is undesirable that all the supports should be thrown into the firing line simultaneously. It will very often happen that only certain portions of the firing line are hard pressed or unable to advance, whilst during the advance to decisive range a crowd of men in the firing line is always to be avoided. On the other hand, in certain conditions, especially on very open ground, to hold back at the outset portions of the force allotted to the firing line may result in their not being able to go forward at all when required to reinforce, or in serious losses when doing so.

2. The Reserves.—The reserves provide the reinforcements required to bring the firing line up to its maximum density of one rifle per yard, and to maintain it at such until a superiority of fire over the defence has been gained; a portion of the reserves should be held in hand, if possible, to furnish the further reinforcements and impetus necessary to deliver the assault, S. 137.

The reserves will also cover the advance of the firing line by long range fire, wherever the ground will admit of it; when opportunity occurs they bring an outflanking fire on the enemy’s position; they protect the flanks against counter-attack; and, in addition, may be called on to supply a fresh firing line after a successful assault, should the enemy take up a second position.

3. The General Reserves.—This force, which is under the direct control of the commander of the whole force, is to be employed to meet eventualities; it should be prepared to meet counter-attacks, and in the case of success to march rapidly to the front to take up the pursuit; in the case of a reverse the general reserves may serve as a rallying point, but before deciding to hold back such portion of his force for this purpose, the commander must consider whether he cannot achieve success by employing the whole of his available force in breaking down the defence.

A commander can only exercise a direct influence on his command so long as he retains at his disposal a portion of his force with which to meet the varying contingencies of an engagement. If he keeps in his own hands a strong reserve, he will have it in his power to take instant advantage of any mistake the enemy may commit, to restore the battle should the leading troops meet with a serious check, to meet a counter-attack, or, in case of need, to provide the additional strength required to drive the attack home.

133. Infantry Formations with Regard to Fire.

1. Beyond distant ranges formations in lines of columns are generally convenient for infantry about to attack.

At long ranges infantry in large deep columns offer a better target to hostile fire than when in line. But troops in lines of small columns are less vulnerable than when in line, as they are able to take more advantage of the ground.

At effective ranges troops in any formation except lines of skirmishers will suffer heavy losses.

At decisive ranges the extended line must be considerably reinforced in order to bring an effective fire to bear against the defence, for no advance can be made within this zone until the enemy’s fire is greatly shaken.

2. It may be concluded, then, that infantry attacking a well armed enemy across open ground will, in the initial stages of the attack, be in lines of company columns, which, as effective ranges are approached, will give way to lines of skirmishers widely extended; and that as decisive ranges are approached and it becomes necessary to break down the enemy’s fire, to enable any further advance to be made without undue loss, the firing line will have to be reinforced until eventually, in order to obtain the maximum fire effect and thus establish a superiority of fire, it contains as many men as can use their rifles effectively.

134. Fire.

1. As a general principle troops should, if possible, not be launched to the decisive attack unless their movements can be covered by the fire action of other bodies specially told off for this purpose, and posted in such a position that they can watch the progress of the attack. The fire of such bodies will necessarily be delivered at long range. The firing line, however, should endeavour before opening fire to advance as close to the enemy’s position as possible consistent with not suffering undue losses. The actual distance at which fire should be opened must depend on the effect of the enemy’s fire. Minor losses may be accepted, but sooner or later, according as the ground is favourable or unfavourable, the severity of the enemy’s fire will render a reply imperative.

2. To enable the attack to be prosecuted it is clear that from this moment the hostile fire must be met by fire of greater power, its intensity and duration being dependent on the effect produced. Moreover, from this point forward movement will, as a rule, be contingent on the mutual fire support afforded to one another by neighbouring bodies, and on the effects produced by the covering fire brought to bear on the enemy’s line whenever the ground admits of such action, by supports, reserves and the troops specially told off for this purpose.

Covering fire should be delivered so as to strike the enemy, disturb his aim, and compel him to seek shelter when the assailant is exposed or in difficulties. In such circumstances intensity of fire is of the first importance; but fire should be reserved when the assailant’s progress is satisfactory, or when he is under cover.

3. It has been stated that the assailant in a decisive attack should, except in the case of troops detailed for covering fire, reserve his fire for those ranges at which fire action is likely to be most effective, but in certain circumstances it may be advantageous to commence firing at long range.

For example:—

(i) By troops engaged in a flank attack, in order to secure the advantages of enfilade fire.

(ii) When a favourable target presents itself.

(iii) In a holding, or demonstrative action, to prevent the enemy from changing his position, or to deceive him as to the true objective.

(iv) To concentrate a powerful fire from an extended frontage on an important locality in the hostile position.

(v) To oblige the enemy to expose his dispositions.

(vi) In pursuit.

(vii) In siege warfare, to harass the enemy.

4. Long range fire requires a large expenditure of ammunition, and it is necessary, if it is to produce a corresponding effect, and if waste of cartridges is to be avoided, that it should be carefully controlled and concentrated, and that the distance should be accurately ascertained; or if this is not possible, that a considerable depth of ground should be evenly swept by fire by the use of combined sights.

135. Co-operation between Artillery and Infantry in the Attack.

1. Both in attack and defence the most intimate co-operation between the artillery and infantry must be aimed at, if the latter are to derive the full advantage of the support of the former. In the preliminary stages of the attack the advance of the infantry will draw the fire of the defence and thus find a target for the artillery, whilst the fire of the latter, combined with that of other covering bodies, will enable the firing line to approach in extended order towards the enemy’s position without undue loss.

2. In the subsequent fire action the artillery and infantry must co-operate in shaking the fire of the defence so as to admit of the further advances of the firing line, which should take advantage of the slackening of the fire of the defence, caused by the fire of the quick firing artillery covering the advance, to push in closer to the enemy’s position.

3. At the crisis of the engagement, preparatory to the assault, the artillery and infantry must combine to bring the heaviest possible fire to bear against the point or points against which it is proposed to drive home the attack, in order that a superiority of fire over the defence may be rapidly established; and at no other time is the close co-operation so important, if the full effect of the two arms is to be obtained.

136. The Decisive Attack.

The procedure of the troops engaged in the decisive attack is governed by the following principles:—

1. Success largely depends on the close and intelligent co-operation of all parts of the force engaged, and the attacks delivered by different portions of the force should as a rule be simultaneous, for this purpose communication between them must be carefully maintained.

2. The main object of the attack is to attain a superiority of fire by establishing the strongest possible firing line, on good fire positions within decisive range of each objective, preparatory, if necessary, to capturing it by an assault. Whether the objective be the defenders main position, or an advanced position, the attack will be conducted on the same principle.

3. To reach decisive range with as little loss as possible, the advance, which will be covered by the fire of the artillery and reserves, should be rapid and energetic, and be made in successive lines of skirmishers widely extended and preceded by scouts; the firing line should avoid opening fire until either the defenders, or their position, can be clearly distinguished, if the results are to justify the delay and expenditure of ammunition entailed; when once this point is reached, the first line of skirmishers should be reinforced in order that the fire may be effective, S. 134 (2).

The further advance will now be a matter of the greatest difficulty, for the reinforced firing line will offer a considerable target to the defenders, and that at decisive range; it will only be possible to approach closer to the enemy when the movement of one portion of the firing line is supported by the fire of the remainder, but whether the advance to the next fire positions is to be made by alternate rushes of complete portions of the firing line, or by pushing forward a few extended men as from a fresh starting point, covered by the fire of the rest, and gradually reinforcing them, thus building up a fresh firing line, must depend on varying circumstances such as the nature of the ground and the volume of the enemy’s fire, and the choice of method must therefore be left to subordinate commanders, who alone will possess any control at this stage of the fight.

4. On open ground and at effective ranges long lines of men rising simultaneously, and making even short rushes forward, will generally suffer heavier losses than small bodies suddenly moving forward, as the latter surprise the enemy, and thus for a time avoid his aimed fire. The rush should be continued only as long as the surprise lasts. The closer the ranges, the shorter should be the rushes.

5. It is by no means necessary that the firing line should be everywhere of the same density. It is from covered positions that fire is most effective; and it is at these points, therefore, that force should be concentrated.

6. The firing line, which will be continually strengthened by successive reinforcements, will thus fight its way forward until the immediate objective is enveloped, or partially enveloped, at the closest range by a strong firing line, which, in combination with the artillery will bring as powerful a fire as possible to bear against the defence, in order to rapidly establish a superiority of fire preparatory to the assault.

7. Positions affording cover in advance of the enemy’s main position, which may be seized or occupied, should, if necessary, be put in a state of defence; here the troops will re-form and a further advance made by repeating the process of attack against the next objective, as from a fresh starting point.

137. The Assault.

As soon as it becomes evident that superiority of fire has been attained, which is generally made known by movements to the rear along the enemy’s line, or by the decreasing accuracy and volume of his fire, the troops detailed to drive home the attack will close in on the firing line, and carry it forward to the assault.

The signal for this decisive movement should, as a rule, come from the senior officers present, and be sounded on the bugle. But the method of advance must be left to the company officers, for at such short range it is not possible to transmit the necessary orders all along the line.

During the delivery of the assault on the enemy’s position, the men will cheer, bugles be sounded, and the pipes played.

If the assault is successful, the attacking troops should pursue the enemy with their fire and re-form for a further advance.

138. Rallying and Redistribution.

After each successful assault, the task of rallying the men, and of forming a defensive line until the advance can be resumed, will generally fall to the subordinate leaders. This will be much facilitated if there are bodies in rear, well in hand, which can be sent forward to carry on the attack, and, as may sometimes be possible, rush the enemy’s second position before he has recovered from the loss of the first.

All important points won should be at once placed in a state of defence, with a view to serving as supporting points for a fresh advance, S. 136 (7), and “Combined Training,” S. 122.

139. Holding Attacks.

1. In order to prevent the enemy from reinforcing that portion of his line against which it is intended to drive home the decisive attack, other portions of his line, and particularly that portion near which his reserves are believed to be, must be threatened or held by a display of force. In order to mislead the enemy as to the direction of the main attack, and to prevent him, when the crisis of the fight approaches, from thinning those portions of the line which are only threatened, and meeting the decisive attack with nearly his whole strength, the troops engaged in the holding attack must act with vigour when the attack develops, and be prepared to convert their demonstration into a real attack as soon as the right moment arrives.

2. These troops must therefore be in sufficient strength to enable them to advance against the enemy’s position with a good chance of success. As a rule, it will be advisable in the preliminary stages of the action to extend the firing-line at wide intervals, to keep the reinforcing lines well back, and, owing to the danger of a counter-attack, not to permit the firing-line, unless the ground is peculiarly favourable, to advance within decisive range, S. 145 (2). Sudden outbursts of heavy fire at different points, and the use of machine guns, will give effect to demonstrations.

140. Feints.

Feints are in their nature much like holding attacks, but are usually carried out by small forces which have little offensive power. The feint should not be made prematurely, otherwise its true character will become apparent to the enemy too soon.

The endeavour of the commander of a party told off to feint will be to divert the enemy’s attention from the locality whence the decisive attack will be launched. He should be allowed great independence in action.

141. Flank Attacks.

Troops told off to outflank the enemy will generally act on identically the same lines as those detailed to assail the front, for, as a rule, flank attacks are locally frontal attacks. The very fact that he is being attacked simultaneously from two different directions, that his line of retreat is threatened, and that a part of his force is exposed to enfilade fire, must have a most serious effect on the enemy’s moral, and consequently on the accuracy of his aim, and the promptitude of his manœuvres; whilst the new front will probably not be so strong naturally as the main front. The flank of a position should, therefore, be the object of particular attention. If the force detailed for an outflanking movement actually succeeds in placing itself in prolongation of the enemy’s line, before he can change position, or while he is in the act of changing position, a surprise will have been effected, and if the opportunity is utilised with due vigour, an immediate and overwhelming success should be the result.

142. Surprises.

If the enemy is surprised, it is of the utmost importance to reach decisive range as rapidly as possible, and to increase the demoralisation which the surprise will have already produced by pressing forward to close quarters with the greatest energy. In such conditions, the deliberate advance from cover to cover, and the gradual building up, by means of successive reinforcements, of a powerful firing-line, should be discarded, and the firing-line be strong from the very first. Nevertheless, it will still be necessary to retain a portion of the attacking force in reserve to meet counter-attacks and unforeseen contingencies.

143. Local flanking fire.

The incidents of a battle and the nature of the ground constantly offer opportunities, even to troops engaged in a frontal attack, for bringing an enfilade or oblique fire to bear upon part of the enemy’s line, thus facilitating the advance of other portions of the attacking force, or even causing the evacuation of some important post. Commanders of all ranks, therefore, however small the parties they command, must always be on the look-out for such opportunities of lightening the task of their comrades.

144. Formations.

1. The preparatory formation of infantry is line, or lines, of battalions in lines of company columns at varying intervals and distances.

2. After leaving the position of assembly, formations will be regulated by commanders in conformity with the rules laid down in S. 133.

3. The firing line will, except in the preparatory stages of the attack, be in skirmishing order, though in the final stages of the attack, preparatory to the assault, the men may be as close to one another as will admit of them using their rifles effectively. In open ground the bodies in rear will also be in skirmishing order; but during a protracted fight, when the firing-line is making slow progress, officers commanding bodies in rear of the firing-line should utilise all cover, closing them sufficiently to enable them to execute any manœuvre that may be ordered without confusion or delay.

4. In wooded or close country, or when there is no chance of coming under unexpected fire, the bodies in rear of the firing-line may move in lines of company columns.

5. These bodies should move in as compact a formation as the nature of the ground allows; but the importance of a rapid extension to the front should always be held in view. Battalions or companies echeloned to the rear in order to protect a flank should adopt a formation which will enable them to change direction in order to meet cavalry or counter-attack with the utmost rapidity.

145. Frontage.

1. The frontage occupied in attacking, having regard to the fact that the position should be enveloped, must as a rule be greater than that of the defence. It is unnecessary, however, that the attacking force should be in equal strength along the whole front. Those portions of the position against which the main attack is not directed should be engaged by a holding attack, and the flank which is not to be seriously attacked may be observed or merely threatened by a feint. Troops engaged in holding attacks and feints should try to deceive the enemy as to their real strength. They may occupy, therefore, a comparatively wider front than the troops detailed for the decisive attack.

2. Troops engaged in a decisive attack must follow a different procedure. The object is to establish the strongest possible firing-line at decisive range from the position, S. 153 (1).

Against a weak enemy, however, or an enemy holding an exposed position, or when the advance is covered by a very superior artillery fire, the frontage allotted to a battalion may be greater than under normal conditions. But it is always to be borne in mind that troops extended at very wide intervals are peculiarly susceptible to counter-attack, and that their attack is certain to lose in vigour and resolution.

3. In the case of a company, or small force, attacking independently the men need not be so close as in the case of larger forces.

146. Distances.

1. The distances between the several bodies in which troops are distributed for attack depend upon the nature of the ground, and the weapons of the enemy, and they must be fixed by the officers in immediate command.

2. The scouts should be sufficiently far in advance of, and on the exposed flanks of, the firing-line, to protect it from surprise. In close or undulating country it will be necessary to provide for connecting links in order that there may be no danger of touch with the advanced scouts being lost, and of reports, verbal or by signal, failing to reach the commanders of the firing-line. In wooded country the distance may be decreased.

3. In close country, and in wood-fighting, the distances between the several bodies into which an attacking force is divided should seldom exceed 200 yards. In open ground greater distances are necessary, except against a badly-armed enemy.

4. The distance of the general reserve should be usually greater than that between the other bodies in order that it may not be prematurely drawn into the fight.

5. The general rule is that the troops in rear should be brought closer to the firing-line, the nearer the moment for the assault approaches.

147. Intervals.

An arbitrary rule as regards intervals is undesirable. Each portion of the force engaged will generally be told off to attack a particular section of the enemy’s line, and the frontage to be occupied by each left to the discretion of their commanding officers. It is essential that there should be a clear understanding as to responsbility for searching, and, if necessary, clearing, all dangerous ground which lies between units. This should be notified in the orders for attack.

148. Direction and Pace.

1. Each unit should be given a point to move on. Nevertheless, in moving through woods, or over ground so close that it is impracticable to fix a point to march upon, a unit of direction, which should march by compass bearing, or by some well-defined landmark, such as a road or stream, is the only means of avoiding confusion and delay, S. 131 (3).