Seventh Period. The enemy's counter attack is repulsed, 1 and 2 Cos. at the same time threaten him in rear; he retires hurriedly. Signal: The Whole Double March.' Dispositions: Eighth Period. The enemy continues his retreat in disorder. 1 and 2 Cos. Pursue in skirmishing order. 3 and 4 Cos. Assemble and form company columns. Afterwards 1 Co. closes, and 2 Co. covers the battalion. 6th EXAMPLE. 1 BATTALION AGAINST 3 COMPANIES. TACTICAL IDEA. If an enemy, not in superior force, extends both wings widely, with the design of turning our flanks, whilst in consequence of his weakness he has no sufficient reserve, we may attempt to break through his line with a fair prospect of success. At the same time, however, our own strength and other circumstances, such as the character of the ground, etc., must be such as to give us a certainty of arresting the advance of the enemy's wings long enough, or of driving them back far enough to prevent them from directing a concentrated fire upon our centre when it assumes the offensive. The Battalion is standing at ease in company columns with full intervals; 4 Co. covering front and both flanks. First Period. The enemy's skirmishers appear on our right and drive in our patrols. Signal: 'Alarm.' Dispositions: 1 Co. Dispositions: 4 Co. Extends its skirmishing division to the right flank. Second Period. The enemy develops a strong line of skirmishers against our right flank; but shows no troops in our front. Closes, then extends its skirmishing division on the left of 1 Co. 2 and 3 Cos. 300 paces in rear of the centre of the skirmishing line. Dispositions: 1 Co. Third Period. The enemy forces the right wing of 1 Co. a little back, and brings one of his companies into action against 4 Co. Reinforces the right wing, throwing back its own right defensively. |