Dispositions : 4 Co.

Fourth Period.

(Fig. 3.)

The left wing of 4 Co. is in its turn attacked vigorously, and is obliged to give way a little.

Reinforces its left wing, throwing back its left defensively.

Fifth Period.
(Fig. 4.)

We are able now to make out the enemy's strength and intention.

Dispositions: The commandant determines to attack the enemy's

2 and 3 Cos. Advance, extending their skirmishing divisions.

Dispositions :

1 and 4 Cos.

Sixth Period,
(Fig. 5.)

Both the enemy's wings are forced back slowly; he tries to fill up the gap between them with the skirmishers of his 3 Co.

Halt.

2 and 3 Cos. Continue their advance.

Dispositions: 1 and 4 Cos.

Seventh Period.
(Fig. 6.)

The enemy tries to close both wings more on his centre.

Advance rapidly up to some feature in the ground, which must be indicated by the commandant; then halt and commence rapid independent firing.

2 and 3 Cos. Halt.

Supports move up into the skirmishing line. Rapid independent firing.

Signal: Double March.'

2 and 3 Cos.

1 and 4 Cos.

The enemy's centre begins to give way.
Rush forward to the attack.

Stand fast, keeping the opposing troops in check.

C

Signal:

Dispositions:

1 and 2 Cos.

3 Co.

Eighth Period.

(Fig. 7.)

The enemy's centre withdraws in the greatest haste from its position, his wings retire also.

The Whole Halt.'

Stand fast.

Changes front to the left, when in line with 4 Co.

3 and 4 Cos. Advance.

Signal:

Dispositions:

1,3, & 4 Cos. 2 Co.

Ninth Period.

The enemy's right wing is forced to retire hastily; the left wing does the same

Assemble.'

Form company columns with double intervals.
Covers front and both flanks.

The battalion again stands at ease.

Fig. 7.

7th EXAMPLE.

1 BATTALION AGAINST 2 COMPANIES AND 1 SQUADRON.

TACTICAL IDEA.

Although superior in infantry to the enemy, it will not be advisable to make as extensive an use of skirmishers as would be expedient if he had not the support of cavalry.

Bodies in close order must keep nearer to the line of skirmishers than they otherwise would. The groups of the latter also must be kept so far in hand as to be able at a moment's notice to assume a suitable formation and take up a favourable position for resisting cavalry. The first decisive attack should be conducted in such a manner that whilst a part of our force advances against the hostile infantry, another portion is prepared to repel the cavalry attack which is to be expected at such a moment. Lastly, we may remark that in case the enemy should give way, a pursuit by skirmishers alone will only be impracticable if the enemy's cavalry still remains intact,

The battalion is retiring in open column of divisions-4 Co. rearguard; 1 division extended.

First Period.
(Fig. 1.)

Hostile cavalry appears suddenly; a part of it makes an attack in extended order upon the extended skirmishing division. Infantry also shows itself following the cavalry. The attack of the cavalry is directed against the right flank of our skirmishers.

The battalion fronts towards the enemy and forms line of company columns with full interval.

Signal: Attention.' 4 Co. Prepare for Cavalry.'

Dispositions :

3 Co.

Advances to within 300 paces of 4 Co. 1 and 2 Cos. Follow 3 Co. at 300 paces distance.