6. They will be careful to keep in communication with the companies or either flank.
171. Duties of the Company Leader.
Nothing in the previous section is intended to relieve the company commander of his responsibility in all that concerns his command. He will make arrangements for the distribution of fresh supplies of ammunition, but it is important he should not allow himself to become too much engrossed in details which should be looked to by his subordinates.
In defence, the occupation, to the best advantage, of the ground allotted to him, is the company commander’s first duty.
THE BATTALION IN DEFENCE.
172. General Rules.
1. If the front is very extended, or if it runs through close or broken country, it may be broken up into sections of defence.
2. When acting independently the officer commanding will himself give the signal for the decisive counter-attack. This attack will, as a rule, be commanded by the officer specially detailed to command the general reserve.
173. Duties of the Commanding Officer.
1. He will see that the reserve ammunition is conveniently placed.