Dispositions :

1 and 4 Cos.

Eleventh Period.

(Fig. 11.)

The cavalry has been repulsed with great loss. Our commandant determines to gain time for an orderly retreat by making a short counter-attack against the widely extended lines of the enemy.

Extend.

2 and 3 Cos. Move up to within 100 paces of the skirmishing line.

Signal: The Whole Advance.'

Twelfth Period.

(Fig. 12.)

The enemy's infantry which is over much extended, gives way to our attack.

Signal: The Whole Halt.'

Dispositions :

2 and 3 Cos. Cover the retreat, each extending two divisions; then the other two companies follow at 300 paces distance.

1 and 4 Cos. Retire and close.

Dispositions :

3 Co.

2 Co.

Thirteenth Period.

The enemy only observes our retreat by means of cavalry patrols.

Forms rear-guard.

Closes.

The retreat is continued.

9th EXAMPLE.

1 BATTALION AGAINST 1 COMPANY AND 3 SQUADRONS.

TACTICAL IDEA.

On account of the enemy's weakness in infantry he is unable either to turn the flanks of our line or to cut it in two. He cannot bring a sufficiently heavy fire to bear upon us, to prepare effectively a cavalry attack upon our whole force. He can only assist and prepare the way for his cavalry by concentrating his fire against one of our wings. Therefore our proper course will be to throw out dense clouds of skirmishers with supports in close order following close behind the wings, and to take the offensive energetically in the direction which promises the most decisive result.

Our battalion is detached to cover the right flank of a considerable body of troops.

1 and 2 Cos. in front line covered by their skirmishing divisions. 3 and 4 Cos. 400 paces in rear as main line in contiguous company columns.

The enemy has detached one company and three squadrons to threaten the right flank of one of our corps d armée.

First Period.
(Fig. 1.)

The enemy's vedettes appear on the right flank of our foremost companies, followed at the trot by a considerable cavalry detachment.

Signal: 1 Co., 2 Co., Assemble.'

Dispositions :

1 Co.

2 Co.

II. Half-Bat.

Second Period.
(Fig. 2.)

The enemy's cavalry deploys against the right flank of 1 and 2 Cos., showing a strength of three squadrons.

Changes front half-right.

Joins 1 Co. in double time.

Advances and takes post to the right rear of I. Half-
Bat. and 200 paces from it.

Third Period.

(Fig. 3.)

A weak infantry detachment which throws out skirmishers, appears behind the right wing of the enemy's cavalry.

Dispositions: We advance. The half-battalions mutually support one another, each in turn moving forward whilst the other stands fast. All skirmishing divisions are extended

200 paces in front of the half-battalions: the skirmishers fire volleys by groups against the cavalry.

II. Half-Bat. Advances till in line with I. Half-Bat., when it halts150 paces interval between the two.

Dispositions :

Fourth Period.

(Fig. 4.)

The enemy's infantry opens fire upon I. Half-Battalion. The cavalry draws off towards the left with the apparent intention of turning our right wing.

I. Half-Bat. Advances 200 paces.

II. Half-Bat. Throws back the right wing of its skirmishing line defensively.

Fifth Period.
(Fig. 5.)

The enemy's cavalry prepares to charge; 2 squadrons in echelon against II. Half-Battalion, squadron in extended order against I. Half-Battalion

Signal: 'The Whole Prepare for Cavalry.'

The cavalry charges the front and right faces of our columns.

Sixth Period.
(Fig. 6.)

The attack of the enemy's cavalry does not succeed; it retires beyond really effective range in order to rally.

Dispositions: The half-battalions advance in direct echelon from the right at 150 paces distance.