Third Period.

(Fig. 3.)

As soon
as the enemy has made out the direction in which the
battalion is going to attack, he throws back the threatened wing,
at the same time sending a body of infantry, which had hitherto
been concealed from view, against the right wing of our battalion.

Signals: The Whole Halt.' 'Rapid Independent Firing.'

Dispositions: 1 Co.

Extends, throwing forward the left defensively.

2, 3, & 4 Cos. Supports move up into the skirmishing line and fire volleys.

Fourth Period.
(Fig. 4.)

The body of infantry which is threatening the right wing of our battalion is brought to a standstill, but cavalry shows itself in the strength of about two squadrons, which advance at a quick pace.

Signals: Attention.' 'Prepare for Cavalry.'

The cavalry charges 1 Co.

Fifth Period.

(Fig. 5.)

The enemy's cavalry is repulsed; some infantry have, however, established themselves in a position threatening our right flank.

Dispositions: The commandant determines to persevere in the original

1 Co.

direction of attack.

Stands fast, covering the rear and the right flank of our battalion.

2, 3, & 4 Cos. Advance by successive divisions up to some object

indicated.

(The commandant now points out to the companies their respective objectives.)

Dispositions:

Third Period.

(Fig. 3.)

The defenders of the border of the wood are reinforced; the enemy directs his fire chiefly against the left wing of the half-battalion ordered to attack, and leads us to expect a counter-attack on that side.

II. Half-Bat. Supports extend and prolong the skirmishing line on each flank.

2 Co.

1 Co.

The brigadier now orders the whole battalion to be
employed in the attack.

The two divisions still in close order move up to
reinforce the left wing of II. Half-Bat., one division
extending, the other remaining in support.
And the skirmishing division of 2 Co. change front to
the left. The two skirmishing divisions which are
already extended prolong the skirmishing line of
II. Half-Bat. to the right, whilst the other two
divisions of 1 Co. remain in support.

Fourth Period.

(Fig. 4.)

The enemy shows no sign of making a counter attack out of the wood, but occupies it strongly, particularly the salient angles.

Dispositions: Upon the

Signal: Advance Quickly.'

1 Co., the skirmishing Divisions of 2 Co., and one Division of 4 Co. composing the right wing, rush towards the corner of the wood opposite to them; all the remainder of the battalion towards the part of the wood which projects in front of our left wing. Our whole battalion advances another 100 paces by successive groups, and opens rapid independent firing against the points of attack.

Signal:

Fifth Period.
(Fig. 5.)

The enemy appears to have abandoned the salient angles in conse quence of our heavy fire,

Battalion Advance Quickly.'

Sixth Period.
(Fig. 6.)

The enemy is driven from the border of the wood and forced back through it.

On arriving at the far side of the wood

Signal: Battalion Halt.' 'Rapid Independent Firing.'

(Our commandant makes the captains of 1 and 2 Cos., all the officers of 4 Co., and all those of 3 Co., except the captain, fall out.)

Fig. 3

Fig. 4.

Fig. 5 .

Fig. 6 .

1