Infantry training, 1905

by Great Britain. War Office

5. Although words of command are given for preliminary drill purposes, it is to be distinctly understood that in skirmishing all orders, as far as is possible, are to be conveyed by signal. During the preliminary training the words of command may be used, but they are invariably to be preceded by the whistle sound, and to be accompanied by the corresponding signal, S. 49. The instructor will ensure that every man looks to him on the sound of the whistle. He will give neither command nor signal until they do so, as it is of great importance that in the field all should at once look to the commander on the whistle sounding.

48. Method of Extending and Closing, &c.

1. Extending from line.—On the command To —— paces—Extend, if on the move, the front rank man of the centre file will continue to advance, the remaining files will turn outwards and will extend at the double, each man breaking into quick time and advancing in the original direction on reaching his position. The rear rank men will form on the left of their front rank men. Arms will be carried at the short trail until there is sufficient room to trail. If it is desired to extend to one flank, the command To the Right (or Left) will precede the above command, when the extension will be performed on the same principle as from the centre. If the squad is halted, the extension will be carried out by the front rank man of the centre or flank file lying down, whilst the remainder will turn in the required direction and extend as above in double time, each man halting and lying down as soon as he has got his extension. (When on the barrack square recruits may be permitted to stand at ease instead of lying down.)

Note.—The centre file of the squad should be indicated by the instructor.

2. Extending from column of fours.—On the command To the Right (or Left) to —— paces—Extend, the whole will form two deep. If the extension is to the right, the left man of the leading file will continue to advance, the other man of the file extending, whilst the remainder will make a partial turn in the required direction, and will double into their position, breaking into quick time, and continuing the advance in the original direction as soon as they have done so. If the extension is to the right, the left man of each file will form on the left of the other man of the same file, and vice versâ. If, when working with two squads, it is desired to extend outwards, one squad should be ordered to extend to the right and the other to the left.

3. Should it be required to form in a direction obliquely to the line of advance, the command Half (or Quarter), Right (or Left) will precede the command in 1 or 2.

4. If it is desired to increase or decrease the extension, the command will be To —— paces—Extend (or Close), when the men will extend or close on the centre, unless one flank is named.

5. Skirmishers will be practised in inclining and in changing direction. The change of direction should be carried out without checking the pace, skirmishers gaining their position at the double.

6. In all movements in extended order the centre will direct unless otherwise ordered; the point on which the centre man is to move should be clearly pointed out.

7. On the command, or signal, Close, squads will close in quick time on their centre file, which will halt, if the squad is not already halted. The men of the original rear rank forming up in rear of their original front rank men, each man halting and standing at ease as he resumes his position in line.