Infantry training, 1905

by Great Britain. War Office

1. The rules for the battalion in attack apply in all respects to the brigade, and even to larger forces of infantry, with the exception that in the position of assembly the brigade or division will usually be drawn up in line, or lines, of battalions in quarter column or lines of company columns, and will advance as far as the zone of distant fire in this formation. The commander assigns to the battalion leaders their respective tasks, leaving them perfect freedom as to the manner of execution, and the way in which they form their commands.

2. The frontage of the brigade will depend on the situation, as also the strength of the brigade reserve. The latter should always consist of a complete unit or units, of which a small portion may be kept back at the crisis of the attack to form a rallying point in case of reverse, S. 132 (3).

3. The orders issued by the brigadier will be in the same form as those issued by the officer commanding a larger force, S. 131.

4. The brigadier will be accompanied by signallers, who will maintain communication with all the battalions of the brigade during the attack.

THE DIVISION IN ATTACK.

159. General Rules.

1. The best battle-formation for the infantry of a division engaged in a decisive attack, and, generally speaking, in all attacks, is the two brigades placed alongside each other, dividing the front, and regulating their own reserves. If the division is acting alone, it is important that, as a general rule, the divisional commander should retain two complete battalions as general reserve. During the action the divisional commander should be accompanied by a party of mounted signallers.

2. The divisional commander assigns to the brigadiers their respective tasks, leaving them perfect freedom as to the manner of execution.

3. The orders issued by the divisional commander will be drawn up and issued as directed in S. 131, and “Combined Training,” S. 115.

4. If the divisional commander finds it necessary to detach a battalion, or in an unforeseen contingency to give an individual battalion direct orders for the execution of some movement, he should at once inform the brigadier to whom the battalion belongs.