The Essentials of Good Skirmishing / To which are added a brief system of common light infantry drill

by George Gawler

Skirmishing is the art of fighting, with numbers insufficient to occupy, in close order, the ground contested.

In light infantry or skirmishing drill, as in all other instruction, the principal art is, to dwell forcibly on things really essential; moderately on things merely important; and lightly on things nearly indifferent.

To good skirmishing there are eight essentials:—

1. Active Intelligence.

2. Correct Firing.

3. Daring Courage.

4. Making the best of Cover.

5. Presenting the smallest possible Marks to the Enemy’s Fire.

6. Maintaining Extension from, and Dependence on, a given File of Direction.

7. Preserving a sufficient Readiness to resist Cavalry.