Fig.7

Fig. 8.

Fig 9.

♡

3

Fig 1

Fig 2

5th Example.

Respective lines of retreat.

5th EXAMPLE.

1 BATTALION AGAINST BATTALION (2 COS).

TACTICAL IDEA.

Our superiority in numbers admits of a subdivision of our strength, as far as this may be needful to attack at the same time two different points of the enemy's position. Under the supposed conditions of strength a counter attack of the enemy is rarely to be expected, but should such be made, our subdivisions should give one another mutual support, one portion continuing to take the offensive energetically, though the other is temporarily reduced to the defensive by the enemy's sally.

The enemy has taken up a position. His strength cannot as yet be made out

The Battalion is advancing, 1 Co. advanced guard; 2 and 3 Cos. main body; 4 Co. reserve.

Dispositions:

1 Co.

2 Co.

First Period.
(Fig. 1.)

The advanced guard is received by the enemy with a heavy fire.

Extends.

Advances in support.

4 and 3 Cos. Unite, forming company columns with full interval.

Dispositions:

1 Co.

2 Co.

Second Period.
(Fig. 2.)

The enemy reinforces his skirmishers and moves forward to attack

the left wing of 1 Co.

Throws back its left wing defensively.

Moves forward by divisions into the skirmishing line on the left, and fires volleys.

3 and 4 Cos. Move off towards the left flank.

Dispositions : 1 and 2 Cos. 3 and 4 Cos.

Third Period.

The enemy has during this forward movement become aware of our superiority and retires to his first position.

Attack the enemy's left wing.

Attack his right wing; each company extends two divisions. As soon as 3 and 4 Cos. have moved to within about 400 paces of the left of 2 Co., and have taken the right direction of attack, upon the

Signal: The Whole Advance,'

The forward movement commences, the right wing in direct echelon from the right, the left wing in direct echelon from the left.

Fourth Period.

(Fig. 3.)

The enemy maintains his position, and reinforces his skirmishers.

Dispositions :

Fifth Period.

The enemy draws a company still in close order towards his right wing, and seems to be preparing a counterstroke.

1 and 2 Cos. Continue their advance, whilst 3 and 4 Cos. halt.

Sixth Period.
(Fig. 4.)

Dispositions :

3 and 4 Cos.

1 and 2 Cos.

1 companies of the enemy move forward from the right to attack 3 and 4 Cos.

Halt and commence rapid independent firing.
Hasten their advance.

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