49. Signals and Whistle Blasts and War Calls.

1. All movements of skirmishers will be controlled by the whistle and signal, for which purpose the following whistle blasts and signals have been adopted:—

2. The whistle will be used—

(a) To draw attention to a signal about to be made—“a short blast.”

(b) To denote “Cease fire”—“a long drawn out blast.”

(c) To denote “Rally,” in wood, bush, fog or darkness, when the signal cannot be seen—“a succession of short blasts.”

(d) To denote “Alarm”—“a succession of alternate long and short blasts.”

3. On a short blast being blown on the whistle, skirmishers will turn towards their commander and will remain looking at him until he gives the executive signal.

Signal.To Indicate
(a) Arm swung from rear to front below the shoulder“Advance” or “Forward.”
(b) Arm circled above the head“Retire.”
(c) Hand raised in line with the shoulder, elbow bent“Quick time.”
(d) Clenched hand moved up and down between thigh and shoulder“Double.”
(e) Arm raised at full extent above the head“Halt.”
(f) Body or horse turned in the required direction and arm extended in line with the shoulder“Incline.”
(g) Circular movement of the extended arm in line with the shoulder in the required direction“Wheel.”
(h) Two or three slight movements of the open hand towards the ground“Lie down.”
(i) Arm at full extent over head and waved a few times slowly from side to side, the hand to be open and to come down as low as the hips on both sides of the body[3]“Extend.”[2]
(k) Hand placed on the top of the head, the elbow to be square to the right or left, according to which hand is used[4]“Close.”
(l) Arm swung from rear to front above the shoulder“Reinforce.”
(m) Weapon held up above, and as if guarding the head“Enemy in sight in small numbers.”
(n) As in (m), but weapon raised and lowered frequently“Enemy in sight in large numbers.”
(o) Weapon held up at full extent of arm, point, or muzzle, uppermost“No enemy in sight.”

4. War bugle calls.—Charge. Alarm.