Infantry training, 1905

by Great Britain. War Office

63. Changing ranks.

When the company turns about the ranks are thereby changed, as in Squad Drill, S. 37, but sections are not to be retold off. The commander will gain his position by moving round the outer flank. Super-numeraries will conform, passing through the ranks by the outer flanks of their sections, the squad commanders making way by placing themselves between the men of the files on their right and left; at the halt this will be done by taking a pace to the rear and a pace outwards; if on the march by checking the pace slightly and taking a pace outwards.

Ranks will not be changed, when it is required to fall back for a short distance only, with a view of turning again in the original direction; in this case the order ABOUT TURN will be preceded by the caution, THE COMPANY WILL RETIRE, and the commanders and supernumeraries retain their positions. To turn in the original direction the command will be, THE COMPANY WILL ADVANCE, ABOUT TURN.

64. A company column forming into line.

1. When it is required to increase the frontage from company column to company in line, the caution, if the column is halted, will be ON THE LEFT (or RIGHT), FORM COMPANY; on the command REMAINDER LEFT (or RIGHT) INCLINE, QUICK—MARCH, the leading section will stand fast, the sections in rear will move into line with the leading section in quick time, being inclined to the right (or left), and halted by their section commanders when in line with the leading section. If on the march, unless the caution AT THE HALT is given, the sections in rear will be ordered by the company commander to move up in double time, and will be successively ordered to incline to the right (or left), and to quick march by their section commanders on reaching their position in company.

2. A company column may form line to a flank on the company commander’s command SECTIONS RIGHT (or LEFT) FORM, QUICK—MARCH, when the men will act as in Squad Drill, S. 29 (3); this will be followed by the command FORWARD, BY THE RIGHT (or LEFT), as soon as the formation is complete.

3. A company column moving in fours may form column of fours on the right or left section. On the company commander’s command RIGHT (or LEFT) SECTION TO THE FRONT, REMAINDER RIGHT (or LEFT) WHEEL, the named section will continue to move forward, the remaining sections will wheel to the right (or left), and, on reaching the line of advance of the leading section, will wheel to the left (or right) and follow it in column of fours.

4. A company column moving in fours may form line facing the same direction on the command ON THE RIGHT (or LEFT) FORM SECTIONS, followed by the command FORWARD, BY THE RIGHT (or LEFT) as soon as the formation is complete, sections acting as in Squad Drill, S. 32.

5. In forming line from company column, section commanders will take post in rear of their sections as soon as the movement is commenced, moving by the outer flank, or in rear, of their sections.

65. Marching in line.