1. While the commander, under cover of the advanced guard, is reconnoitring the position, the infantry of the main body will receive orders from him to occupy a position of assembly (i.e., a position out of range, and if possible, out of sight), and will assume a preparatory formation.
2. As a general rule, a portion of the force will be told off to hold the enemy, another portion to deliver the decisive attack, and sometimes a third portion to distract the enemy’s attention by feints.
3. It is generally essential that attacks should be delivered against front and flank simultaneously.
The moral effect of a flank attack is so great that the main effort will usually be made against the flank.
4. It is advisable that the arrangements for the flank attack should be made as soon as the enemy’s position has been reconnoitred, and the force detailed for the operation moved off to a position of assembly whence it can move directly on the objective.
Surprise is so important an element in outflanking attacks, that every advantage should be taken of the ground to conceal the movement to this position of assembly even if the march be somewhat lengthened. The scouts should be instructed to be more than usually careful to keep out of sight.
5. The orders for the attack will usually be issued when the troops are in the position of assembly; more rarely when they are in column of route. In both cases the procedure will be the same. The subordinate commanders will be called up and receive their instructions; and the force told off into three distinct bodies, as laid down in S. 129.
6. The modern conditions which obtain on the battlefield tend to prolong the duration of an action, and it may be several days before either side can gain a substantial advantage over its adversary. In such cases arrangements will have to be made for strengthening localities gained, sending up ammunition, food, and water to the firing line, and for replacing exhausted troops during the night.
131. Issue of Orders.
1. Before assuming formation for attack every commander will carefully explain to his subordinates what their particular task is.