4. When the battalion is acting independently, the commanding officer will act on the same principles as the commander of a larger force. He will detail certain companies for the flank attack, and others if necessary, for a holding attack, or for a feint. He will make arrangements from the companies of the reserve for the protection of the flanks against counter-attack, and if the ground permits, for covering the advance by long-range fire. He will retain a portion of his battalion as a general reserve at his own disposal; and select a portion of the enemy’s line against which the decisive attack will be pressed home.
He will assign a portion of the objective to each company that forms part of the firing-line; but it should seldom be necessary for him, if his company leaders are well trained, to indicate the formation to be adopted.
5. The battalion, on reaching the zone of distant fire, will form lines of company columns, preceded, and, if necessary, flanked by scouts.
6. It is impossible to lay down any rule as to the number of companies in the firing-line. But it is always advisable, when the battalion first forms for attack, whether it is acting alone or with others, to put in no more than are actually required at the moment; the remainder being kept well in hand, but in such formations as will enable them to take advantage of cover, and avoid unnecessary loss.
Before the enemy’s exact position is ascertained, the advance must be cautious and deliberate, and it is dangerous in such circumstances to place several companies alongside one another on a broad frontage.
152. Orders.
The orders issued to a battalion will differ in degree but not in principle from those given to a larger force, S. 131; as a rule they will be issued verbally, but in any case they should be personally explained by the commanding officer when the position comes into view.
153. Distribution of the companies in the decisive attack.
1. In order to establish a strong firing-line within decisive range of the enemy’s position, it is desirable that, making allowance for losses, there should be, at the commencement of the attack, at least 125 rifles to every 100 yards of front, exclusive of that portion of the reserves which will furnish the final reinforcement necessary to deliver the assault. These 125 men are disposed in several bodies, the bodies in rear, i.e., the supports and reserves, supplying the successive reinforcements which gradually build up the firing-line to its maximum strength.
2. Whether these 125 rifles are furnished by two or more companies must be determined by the commanding officer.