IV.
Conduct which in some cases, under fire, is disgraceful, in others is meritorious. The man in the ranks who shrinks away from a shell or cannon ball, or who goes out of his commanded course to cover himself from musquetry, has little claim to the name of a brave soldier; while he who in a trench or battery does not bow low at the cry “shot,” or fall prostrate before a blazing shell, or who in a skirmish neglects to make the best of every foot of cover, has no right, to the title of a wise one.
The difference arises from the line of military perfection being struck, not according to what will suit or save the individual, but by that which will benefit the general service.
Between the duties peculiar to compact fighting and skirmishing, the distinction should be drawn broad and deep on the drill field; because on the battle field, it is natural on either side to be forgetful.
There are two kinds of cover—ball proof cover, and mere concealing cover. Ragged rocks, large trees, brick and stone walls and buildings, stout fences and thick mud-banks, constitute generally the first class; young plantations, gorse and underwood, hedges, abattis, slight fences and narrow sand hills, the second.
It is for the first that the eye of the good skirmisher continually seeks. The second, after fire completely opens, turned even to best advantage, is worth but little more than no cover at all; and is worse than no cover at all, if the men, which they are much disposed to do, collect in groups behind it.
In this way, that very frequent out-lying piquet defence, abattis across roads, is often more injurious to friends than to foes. Instead of being planted, as an obstacle to the enemy, 100 yards in front of the intended line of defence, it is but too commonly placed on that line, and when the struggle comes, is thickly occupied as a sort of rampart. On such striking objects the enemy’s fire concentrates, every ball goes through, and the loss behind is severe.
Skirmishers must not only seek for cover, but make the best of it. Good cover loses half its advantages if stupidly occupied, and ingenuity will often make bad cover ball-proof.
However, notwithstanding all that may be said in favour of “making the best of cover,” it must be thoroughly remembered, that this duty, at the moment of a close attack, is altogether secondary to those of courage and activity.
When it comes to short distances, the quicker the affair is settled the less will be the loss of the assailants; and the more daring the front exhibited, the greater the probabilities of success.
At every change of situation supports should, if possible, be placed under cover by their commanders; if exposed, as large bodies they form most inviting marks to the enemy’s long shots. This precaution, when opportunities offer, should not be forgotten on the drill field.[[9]]