Dispositions :

Seventh Period.

(Fig. 7.)

The weak infantry of the enemy begins slowly to give way; his cavalry which has been reassembled threatens our right flank.

II. Half-Bat. Halts.

I. Half-Bat. Continues to advance and reinforces the skirmishers with two divisions.

Eighth Period.
(Fig. 8.)

In order to cover the retreat of the infantry the enemy's cavalry again advances to the attack; charging I. Half-Battalion with two squadrons, and II. Half-Battalion with one squadron.

Signal: The Whole Halt.' 'Prepare for Cavalry.'

The cavalry charges the front faces.

Ninth Period.

(Fig. 9.)

The enemy's cavalry does not succeed in breaking the half-battalions; it rallies beyond musketry-range, and remains in observation; the enemy's infantry has withdrawn.

Signal: Assemble.'

Dispositions :

I. Half-Bat. Retires.

II. Half-Bat. Follows at 300 paces distance.

The battalion retreats to its original position.

10th EXAMPLE.

1 BATTALION AGAINST 2 COMPANIES AND 4 SQUADRONS.

TACTICAL IDEA.

The conditions are substantially the same as in the preceding example, only really more unfavourable to our side. It will only be possible to take the offensive if the enemy's cavalry is repulsed with loss, or if, in consequence of the nature of the ground, it cannot support the infantry.

Our battalion has taken up a position as rear-guard. 1 and 4 Cos. as first line, with 300 paces interval, and extending their skirmishing divisions.

2 and 3 Cos. as main line 300 paces to the rear.

First Period.

(Fig. 1.)

The head of the enemy's advanced guard (one squadron) comes upon our skirmishers, and attacks them in extended order.

Signal: Attention.' 'Prepare for Cavalry.'

Our first line is attacked.

Dispositions :

1 and 4 Cos.

2 and 3 Cos.

Second Period.

(Fig. 2.)

The enemy's squadron which dashed to the front for the purpose of making out our strength, retires; three more squadrons come forward at a trot.

Retire slowly.

Advance towards the retiring line; the advanced companies join the others, the battalion being then formed in double column on the centre.

(2 and 3 Cos. in front. 1 and 4 in rear.)

Third Period.

(Fig. 3.)

The enemy's cavalry unites and moves to the attack. It charges the front and right faces.

The enemy's cavalry is repulsed; in the meantime his infantry has drawn nearer, and has opened fire with one company against the front, and with one company against the right flank of our battalion.

II.Half-Bat. Moves 200 paces to the left at the double; skirmishing divisions extend.

I. Half-Bat. Extends its skirmishing divisions to the front and right flank.

Dispositions :

Fifth Period.
(Fig. 5.)

The enemy's infantry draws off gradually to the left towards our right flank, his cavalry having meanwhile taken post further off towards our left flank.

I. Half-Bat. Retires 200 paces; then changes front half-right. II. Half-Bat. Follows the other half-battalion as soon as the latter has taken post, and places itself 200 paces on its left rear.

Dispositions :

Sixth Period.
(Fig. 6.)

The enemy's infantry almost all extended in skirmishing order keeps up a heavy fire on the two half-battalions; pressing, however, more particularly upon I. Half-Battalion. At the same time the enemy's cavalry again begins to advance against our left wing (II. Half-Battalion.)

II.Half-Bat. Stands fast and recalls its skirmishers.
I. Half-Bat. Retires slowly.