Dispositions : 2 and 3 Cos.

Eighth Period.

(Fig. 8.)

The enemy's movement against our front commences.

Move on in double time; as soon as they reach the left flank they throw forward their left offensively. The skirmishing divisions extend, the other divisions remain in close order and fire volleys.

Signal: Rapid Independent Firing.'

Ninth Period.

The enemy's attack is checked by the heavy fire and by the flank attack. He extends a strong line of skirmishers to guard his right.

Signal: The Whole Advance.'

Dispositions:

Tenth Period.
(Fig. 9.)

The enemy gives way; his right wing retires over-hastily and in disorder.

2 and 3 Cos. Attack.

1 and 4 Cos. Halt and commence rapid independent firing.

Eleventh Period.
(Fig. 10.)

Both the skirmishers and supports of the enemy's right wing are entirely broken, the enemy withdraws rapidly.

Dispositions:

2 Co.

Extends and pursues.

3 Co.

Follows in support.

1 and 4 Cos. Assemble and form

Dispositions:

2 Co. 3 Co.

Twelfth Period.

The enemy continues his retreat.

Covers the battalion; small patrols observe the enemy.
Rejoins the main body of the battalion.

2nd EXAMPLE.

1 BATTALION AGAINST 1 BATTALION. EACH BATTALION CONSISTING OF 4 COMPANIES.

TACTICAL IDEA.

If the enemy divides his force with the intention of making an attack, we must arrange so as to fall vigorously upon one of his fractions with superior forces and repulse it. After this has been done, the retiring troops of the enemy must be pursued or held in check by a comparatively small detachment, whilst all our remaining forces are concentrated to attack the second fraction of the enemy.

The battalion is marching in open column of divisions left in front. 4 Co. forms the advanced guard.

Dispositions :

4 Co.

First Period.

The enemy's advanced guard and our own come into collision.

Extends its skirmishing division.

Word of Command. Line of columns at deploying interval on 1 Co.

Dispositions:

4 Co.

1 Co.

Second Period.
(Fig. 1.)

The enemy deploys a strong line of skirmishers and directs his movement principally against the right wing of 4 Co.

Completes its extension.

Prolongs the line of skirmishers with two divisions.

2 and 3 Cos. 300 paces behind the centre of the line of skirmishers.

Dispositions :

4 Co.

1 Co.

Third Period.
(Fig. 2.)

Behind the enemy's skirmishers appear two companies in close order; the enemy seems to meditate an attack upon our centre.

Wheels the eighth of a circle right.

Wheels the eighth of a circle left.

So as to concentrate their fire upon the enemy's centre.