42. Passage of a Defile.
If a squad in line has to pass a defile, it will be formed into fours, or turned into file, either to a flank or inwards, and pass the defile in this formation, line being reformed as soon as the defile is passed.
43. Obstacles.
When a stream, ditch, or bank is to be crossed it will be generally found best to increase rather than diminish the front, by causing the men to gradually open out before they arrive at the obstacle. If an obstacle such as a tree or a bush has to be passed, the men concerned will drop back, clear the obstacle, and then resume their original formation.
44. Dismissing with or without arms.
| Dis-miss. | The squad will turn to the right, and after a pause, break off quietly, and leave the parade ground with sloped arms. |
SKIRMISHING.
45. General Rules.
1. Skirmishing implies extended order, in which each individual acts and thinks for himself, and makes use of all his powers, mental and physical, to attain a common object. It is absolutely essential, then, that in this part of his training, the intelligence of each recruit should be developed by every possible means, and that a spirit of independent action, subject to the control and general directions of the section and squad commanders, should be sedulously encouraged.
2. Even after the soldier has acquired the habit of prompt obedience to the word of command, and of concentrating his whole attention on the work in hand, and has learnt to march and shoot, he will, notwithstanding, be insufficiently trained for service unless he can use his wits as well as his physical strength, and is a skilful, active, and resourceful skirmisher.