Running-Fight, that in which the enemy is continually chased.
FIGURE, in fortification, the plan of any fortified place, or the interior polygon. Of this there are two sorts, regular, and irregular; a regular figure is that where the sides and angles are equal; an irregular one where they are unequal.
FILE, in the art of war, is an unlimited term, comprehending any number of men, drawn up in a direct line behind each other; as a rank on the other hand, includes any number drawn up beside each other; whether in either respect, they be in close or open order. Or rather, by file is meant the line of soldiers standing one behind another, which makes the depth of the battalion; and is thus distinguished from the rank, which is a line of soldiers drawn up side by side, forming the length of the battalion. A file is 2 or 3 deep; hence a battalion or regiment drawn up, consists of 2 or 3 ranks, and of as many files as there are men in a rank.
The files of a battalion of foot were formerly 12 and 6 deep, but now only 3, which is its natural formation. Those of the cavalry are but 2 deep.
A File on horseback, in marching order, occupies in the ranks 3 feet; thus 3 file 9 feet. A file on foot occupies in the ranks 22 inches.
Close Files in cavalry, are at the distance which was taken before dismounting, when each man’s boot-top touches, but does not press that of his neighbor.
Loose Files, in cavalry movements, are 6 inches distant from boot top to boot top being calculated for the gallop as well as the walk of a squadron.
Open Files in cavalry are the full breadth of a horse from boot-top to boot-top. They contain the distance which is left, when from close files the left files rein back to dismount. Recruits and horses must be frequently exercised at this distance. See American Military Library.
Flank File, the extreme file on the right or left of a squadron or troop, battalion or company, &c.
Forming from File, is when the front file halts, and the rest ride up at a very smart gallop, taking care to halt in time, and not to over-run the front. If the formation is by doubling round the front file (for instance, when a formation is made to the rear of the march, or to the right, when marched from the right) the files must double round as close and as expeditious as possible.