Men may also be extended in prolongation of any alignment on the above principles.
(iii) From behind cover, when in close order, to occupy a frontage, the flanks of which are defined by fixed points such as trees, bushes, buildings, &c. Three points, one in the centre, and one on each flank, are selected and pointed out to the centre man and flank men respectively. These men move off, and when at a suitable distance the order Extend is given, on which the remainder advance at the double, and, opening out like a fan, divide the distance between them.
This method may be practised without fixed points, an approximate interval right and left of the centre man being indicated to the two flank men.
Attack Practice.
77. General Rules.
1. A well-armed enemy can only be driven from a strong position by partly enveloping his front, or by overwhelming him with a heavier and more accurate fire than his own at decisive range, and eventually charging with the bayonet.
To reach a decisive range under heavy fire is, however, a long and difficult operation. The advance will be covered by scouts, S. 132; when these can move forward no further, they will lie still until absorbed by the first line of skirmishers, which in turn will gradually be reinforced by lines in rear as it becomes necessary to increase the volume of fire, until a strong firing line is established. Further advance can usually be effected only when the advance of one body is covered by the fire of the remainder, and when the ground is gained by a few men at a time, or by successive rushes from point to point. How these advances are to be made must be left to the intelligence of the leaders.
2. In this practice, the following rules will be observed:—
(i) All extensions will be made, if possible, under cover; and the preliminary instructions as to scouting, direction, objective, outflanking the enemy, &c., &c., will be given before extension.
(ii) The intervals, in the preliminary stages of the attack, may vary from five to fifteen paces; these will gradually be reduced as the lines in rear reinforce the firing line.