No other calls are to be used. For the Cease Fire the whistle only is to be used.
50. Practical Skirmishing.
1. As soon as the preliminary training is completed, the practical application of the principles inculcated will be taught on broken ground. Without constant practice over undulating, wooded, hilly, mountainous, or rocky country, men can never become efficient skirmishers.
2. Skirmishers must always be on the alert for the appearance of the enemy, as well as for orders, whistle, or signal. To this end, therefore, silence and attention must be as strictly maintained as in close order, and although uniformity of action is not to be demanded, each man should move with the utmost smartness and alacrity.
3. Neither on the move nor at the halt need a regular line be preserved, nor should too much attention be paid to exact maintenance of intervals between men.
4. Frequent opportunities will be taken of impressing on the recruit that troops are formed as skirmishers in order that they may not present a favourable target to the enemy’s fire, and may be enabled to take full advantage of cover.
5. Advances may be made by rushes, at the double, in quick time, or even by crawling, but the pace and method will depend on whether the skirmishing line is under cover or not, on the volume of the fire to which they are supposed to be exposed, and on the distance from the enemy.
6. Orders are to be conveyed either by signal, S. 49, or else passed along the line of skirmishers, S. 54.
51. Cover.
1. The paramount importance of concealment must be impressed on all ranks. Anyone showing himself may betray the fact that a position is occupied; or that an outflanking movement is in progress. Officers and non-commissioned officers must be careful to set an example in this respect, and see that it is followed by the men.