TO COVER RETIREMENT
This reserve battery will enable the G.O.C. not only to reinforce a particular point or cover the retirement with a rapidity and effectiveness that no other form of reserve could do, but to use it to turn a flank or to meet a counter-attack without exposing his squadrons to fire during the movement. The security they are able to afford to the horses of the squadrons in the firing line will justify their occupying “positions of observation” on the rear flanks, from which they can protect them while waiting other employment. The deployment of the enemy’s infantry and the development of his fire will compel the cavalry commanders to break off the engagement; and to do this without loss under the heavy rifle fire to which he will now be subjected, this fire must be temporarily checked or rendered ineffective. Every machine gun will therefore be brought up to such positions as will enable them to sweep the enemy’s firing lines, and under a simultaneous fire from the 24 guns the dismounted men will be able to retire from the firing line and regain their horses. The retirement of the machine guns must be effected in the usual way, each section acting independently and retiring by alternate guns—no gun moving till the other is ready in a fresh position to open fire. The sections on the flanks should retire first, as they are better able to protect the centre by a cross fire.