Marching in file.—Marching and changing direction in file will be practised as laid down in S. 30 and S. 31, care being taken that the men in the rear rank dress correctly by the men of the front rank.
37. Changing Ranks.
When a squad turns about, the ranks are thereby changed, i.e., the former rear rank becomes the front rank, the former front rank the rear rank.
The exception is when it is required to fall back for a short distance only, with a view of again turning in the original direction. The command About—Turn is then preceded by the caution The Squad will Retire. The squad will turn in the original direction on the command The Squad will Advance, About—Turn.
38. The Diagonal March.
The diagonal march will be practised in two ranks, in the manner described in S. 28. In addition to the instructions there given, the men in the rear rank must be cautioned to preserve their relative positions with the men of the front rank, in order that they may cover correctly when they are halted in line.
39. Changing direction, and forming up.
A squad will change direction or form up according to the instructions laid down in S. 29 and S. 32. The rear rank will not turn on the caution, but in forming will conform to the movements of the front rank.
40. The formation of fours. (Plate II.)
Fours are the ordinary marching formation of infantry, and the greatest attention should be paid to training the recruit to keep the prescribed distance from the man in front. Order, comfort, and the reduction of fatigue, depend on the maintenance of exact distance by the sections of fours.