Infantry training, 1905

by Great Britain. War Office

It is impossible to lay down precise rules for these most important duties.

All that can be said is that the intervals would be far greater than is usual in the Attack Practice; and that much more latitude should be granted to the men.

In reconnoitring the enemy or the ground the men should be made to understand clearly the nature of the information required.

84. Retirements.

Retirements in face of the enemy must be conducted with the greatest circumspection. In retiring under fire, skirmishers, if well in hand, may move from cover to cover at the quickest possible pace, a few men, preferably the most active, being left behind for a short time at each halt to cover the retirement of the remainder. Sections will also be taught to retire alternately, affording each other mutual support by taking up successive fire positions; a section, after delivering its fire, will retire as rapidly as possible beyond the other section which will then open fire. If, however, the men are at all shaken, as when an attack has failed, the retirement must be in quick time; and all ranks should exert themselves to the utmost to ensure that it is carried out, notwithstanding losses, with steadiness and precision. A rapid retreat, in such conditions, is not only a fruitful source of panic, but a very great encouragement to the enemy. A steady, deliberate movement, on the other hand, carried out in silence and good order, pulls the men together and imposes respect and caution on the enemy.

85. Meeting an attack by cavalry.

1. It should be impressed upon the men that on open ground foot soldiers have little to fear from individual troopers, provided that they keep cool, and have plenty of ammunition; and that on broken ground the advantage is altogether on their side.

2. Charges of cavalry against the front can usually be met by rapid fire without changing the formation. If for any particular reason, a close formation is deemed advisable, the men of the section will close upon their leader, and fix bayonets, the word of command being Cavalry, Close. It is to be remembered, however, that close formations may give the enemy’s artillery the opportunity which his cavalry have been seeking to create.

3. An attack by cavalry in flank should be checked by the fire of the supports, but may, if necessary, be met by the section nearest the threatened flank changing direction in the quickest possible time, each man closing independently on the file nearest the point from which the cavalry is approaching, and fixing bayonets. This will be carried out on the command Cavalry Right (Half-right, Left, &c.). In reforming, the men will be ordered to cease fire, or unload and unfix bayonets, and the men will resume their former order, moving by the shortest line.

4. It is when ammunition is running short, when troops are retiring under a heavy fire, when the flanks of a line of skirmishers are not protected by other troops in rear, or in fog, dust, or heavy rain, that cavalry will find their opportunity.