2. The battalion forms or deploys into line, echelon or square in order to come into action, and these movements must therefore be executed as rapidly as is compatible with steadiness. The main object is to develop a broad front of fire, and enable every man to use his rifle with effect.
3. When a movement is to be executed as rapidly as possible, the commanding officer will order it to be performed at the double.
4. The combination of fire-tactics and drill movements is of the greatest importance in savage warfare, and should be constantly practised; the fire unit will usually be the section.
5. Company commanders will employ whatever description of fire the circumstances may require.
108. A battalion in line.
1. Arrangement of companies.—Each company will be in line, as in Company Drill, the captains will be three paces in front of the centre of their companies; when firing, three paces in rear.
2. Correction of intervals.—After forming into line the intervals will be corrected by the company commanders. The right centre company, or in deployment the first formed company, of the battalion should remain unmoved.
3. A battalion in line moves and dresses by the centre unless otherwise ordered.
4. The battalion in line will be formed up on the same principle as in Plate IX Ceremonial, with the exception that the second in command will be six paces in rear of the centre of the battalion, and the adjutant will accompany the commanding officer.
5. In deployments into line, or in changing position, the second in command will mark the inner flank, and the adjutant the outer flank of the battalion; in deployments outwards the second in command will mark the left, and the adjutant the right flank of the battalion.