Occasions may arise when a strict adherence to the directions laid down in Part I, for extending, changing direction, &c., would be undesirable.
Company training should embrace a variety of rough and ready expedients, calculated to enable a fighting front to be shown with the least possible delay in any required direction:—
For instance, a company marching north in fours is required to suddenly extend facing north-west; or troops lying down firing are required to rapidly line a bank to their right, to forestall its occupation by an enemy; or a company advancing in extended order arrives at an impassable obstacle of limited extent, or perhaps encounters water which can only be crossed by a bridge, and the commander wishes to avoid closing and re-extending.
To meet contingencies, the following methods are suggested. Other expedients should be improvised by commanders in order to educate their men to meet a particular exigency:—
(i) To change direction; or to occupy a position rapidly.
When in extended order, the command may be:—Line that bank (ditch, hedge, &c.)—Double.
When in close order:—Line that bank (hedge, ditch, &c.)—Extend.
In the latter case the intervals between men are immaterial.
(ii) From behind an obstacle such as a bog, or pond, to occupy the ground on the far side in extended order. The new position having been pointed out to the men, the word of command may be Man by Man (or By Files, By Fours), From the Right (Left, or Both Flanks), To—paces, Extend (or Advance, or Double). The men will move off from one or both flanks, and occupy in extended order the position pointed out, the squad commander leading.
This method may also be used for extending from behind cover, such as a wall, bank, &c., into the open under fire; or for crossing a bridge when under fire; or when it is desired not to attract attention.