Infantry training, 1905

by Great Britain. War Office

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.

BY THE RIGHT (or LEFT). QUICK—MARCH.

1. On the caution BY THE RIGHT (or LEFT) the commander of the right (or left) squad will select points to march on.

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.

RIGHT (or LEFT)—FORM, QUICK—MARCH, FORWARD, BY THE RIGHT (or LEFT).

1. From the halt.—As in Squad Drill, S. 29 (3). The commander of the inner squad will act as the right (or left) hand man.

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

ADVANCE IN COMPANY COLUMN, ON THE RIGHT (or LEFT), REMAINDER RIGHT (or LEFT) TURN QUICK—MARCH.

1. From company in line at the halt.—On the command RIGHT (or LEFT) turn, the whole company, except the section of formation, will turn in the required direction. On the command QUICK—MARCH the right (or left) section will advance, the remainder will mark time two paces, and then lead on. When the leading file of each successive section is in rear of the centre of the section in front of it, the section commander will order it to incline to the left (or right), and when its rear file, in the case of a formation on the right (or leading file, in the case of a formation on the left) is in rear of the left file of the section in front of it, he will order it to advance by the command left (or right) incline.

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.