Infantry training, 1905

by Great Britain. War Office

It is undesirable that all the supports should be thrown into the firing line simultaneously. It will very often happen that only certain portions of the firing line are hard pressed or unable to advance, whilst during the advance to decisive range a crowd of men in the firing line is always to be avoided. On the other hand, in certain conditions, especially on very open ground, to hold back at the outset portions of the force allotted to the firing line may result in their not being able to go forward at all when required to reinforce, or in serious losses when doing so.

2. The Reserves.—The reserves provide the reinforcements required to bring the firing line up to its maximum density of one rifle per yard, and to maintain it at such until a superiority of fire over the defence has been gained; a portion of the reserves should be held in hand, if possible, to furnish the further reinforcements and impetus necessary to deliver the assault, S. 137.

The reserves will also cover the advance of the firing line by long range fire, wherever the ground will admit of it; when opportunity occurs they bring an outflanking fire on the enemy’s position; they protect the flanks against counter-attack; and, in addition, may be called on to supply a fresh firing line after a successful assault, should the enemy take up a second position.

3. The General Reserves.—This force, which is under the direct control of the commander of the whole force, is to be employed to meet eventualities; it should be prepared to meet counter-attacks, and in the case of success to march rapidly to the front to take up the pursuit; in the case of a reverse the general reserves may serve as a rallying point, but before deciding to hold back such portion of his force for this purpose, the commander must consider whether he cannot achieve success by employing the whole of his available force in breaking down the defence.

A commander can only exercise a direct influence on his command so long as he retains at his disposal a portion of his force with which to meet the varying contingencies of an engagement. If he keeps in his own hands a strong reserve, he will have it in his power to take instant advantage of any mistake the enemy may commit, to restore the battle should the leading troops meet with a serious check, to meet a counter-attack, or, in case of need, to provide the additional strength required to drive the attack home.

133. Infantry Formations with Regard to Fire.

1. Beyond distant ranges formations in lines of columns are generally convenient for infantry about to attack.

At long ranges infantry in large deep columns offer a better target to hostile fire than when in line. But troops in lines of small columns are less vulnerable than when in line, as they are able to take more advantage of the ground.

At effective ranges troops in any formation except lines of skirmishers will suffer heavy losses.

At decisive ranges the extended line must be considerably reinforced in order to bring an effective fire to bear against the defence, for no advance can be made within this zone until the enemy’s fire is greatly shaken.