83. A fast-pulling boat with Medical Officers will attend in rear of the line, designated by a yellow flag.
84. Should the distance from the point of landing be considerable, the boats of each division, in tow of each other, lightest boats leading, will fall in—the leading boat of each division abreast (Art. 72), leaving space for the whole line to form abreast when ordered. On approaching the beach the tow-ropes should be cast off, and the launches with howitzers dress up in line ready to open fire, if necessary, to clear the landing. The officer in command will commence firing from the howitzers when he thinks fit; but no musketry is to be fired without special orders.
85. When the Commanding Officer perceives the beach to be clear, or when he considers it proper, he will order "Cease firing!" and direct the boats with skirmishers and light howitzers to pull in and land as quickly as possible. On landing they will immediately extend, advance, and seize the first cover near the beach, if there be any, but will not open fire till the Officer commanding them sounds "Commence firing." The main body then pull steadily in and land, forming line in rear of the covering party. The howitzers form on the flanks of their divisions, or as ordered. Pioneers and scaling-ladders as ordered. The main body being formed, will advance in line or column, according to circumstances, preceded by the skirmishers firing, if necessary. When firing in close order the front rank should fire kneeling, as, owing to the shortness of muskets, accidents frequently occur. Under certain circumstances, as advancing on an open beach, the boats might be employed on the flanks to cover the advance or retreat.
86. Should the boats be employed for the disembarkation of troops, the same arrangement should be made. It will then be desirable that every boat should carry a flag similar to that of the Commanding Officer of its division; and, when in large numbers, the boats should also be painted according to the colors of the flags, that the troops may readily know their own boats.
87. The re-embarkation should be conducted on similar principles to the disembarkation—the skirmishers and light howitzers extending in rear of the line, which will then pass through the intervals, forming again, if necessary, to support the skirmishers, who will retire firing, and re-form in rear of the line. The main body will then embark, followed by the covering party under cover of the boats' guns.
88. When landing in a heavy surf, the ammunition should be put in one or more small powder-tanks, with the lids well screwed down.