In forming line to the rear by the echellon march, (suppose on a left company) the same operation takes place with regard to the covering serjeants running out, to mark the points of dressing for their respective divisions; but with this difference, that instead of their taking only about ³⁄₄th distance, they are to take about one pace more or less than the proper distance; face the point of appui, and are corrected on the distant point, as before, by a proper person on the left. The commanders of companies will, as soon as they see the proper front rank of their companies touch that part of the line already formed, give the word mark time, front, halt. Each officer dresses the men of his platoon at the marked time, till he brings them in line with the outside of the left arm of his covering serjeant; he then gives the word halt; taking post on the right of his company, covered by his serjeant, who quits his ground as before on the word halt.
It is to be observed, in order to preserve the proper interval, on the covering serjeant quitting his division to mark the point in the true line, the officer’s place is to be immediately filled by a supernumerary or other man from the rear, where he is to remain till replaced by the officer, or covering serjeant.
It is likewise to be observed, that in forming line to the front on a right division, the dressing is close to, and on the outside of the right arm of the covering serjeant; and on forming the line forward on a left company or division, the dressing is close to and on the outside of the left arm. In forming line to the rear on a right division, the dressing is on the right arm: and in forming line to the rear on a left division, the dressing is on the left arm of the covering serjeant.
In forming line to the rear, the officers, or other persons appointed to correct the serjeants on the distant point of formation, move along in the rear and correct the serjeants, as they successively arrive to mark the points for their respective divisions.
By the foregoing method of sending out the covering serjeants or guides to mark the point in the new line for their respective companies, that inaccuracy of dressing, which so often takes place when forming line to the front; and that very great confusion and incorrectness, which too frequently occur when forming to the rear, (particularly so, when the wheel into echellon is in any degree less than the one eighth of the circle or four paces,) are entirely obviated.
REFUSER, Fr. For its application in a military sense, see [To Refuse].
Refuser, Fr. This word is used among the French as a sea-phrase, viz. le vaisseau a refusé. The ship has missed the wind.
REGAIN, Fr. in carpentry and masonry, means the surplus of a piece of stone or wood when it proves too broad or too long for any particular use, and must of course be taken off. It likewise means after-grass or math.
REGALER, Fr. to level or make even.
REGIE, Fr. government, administration.