Dispositions : 2 Co.

1 Co.

Sixth Period.

(Fig. 6.)

The enemy's skirmishers and supports commence their forward rush, but soon stop in consequence of the heavy fire from our side.

The skirmishing division changes front to the left to take the enemy in flank.

Stands fast, extending another division.

(The captains of 3 and 4 Cos., also two division leaders of the latter, fall out.)

Seventh Period.

(Fig. 7.)

The enemy once more advances to the assault, but turns to the right about after going about 100 paces, having suffered severely. He hastens back to the position from which he started for his first rush.

Dispositions: Our commandant thinks that the enemy is so shaken by his fruitless attempts that a counter attack may have a good prospect of success.

1 and 4 Cos. Stand fast. The other companies advance to the attack upon the

Signal: Advance Rapidly.'

After going about 300 paces and reaching the supposed position of the enemy

'Halt.' Rapid Independent Firing.'

Eighth Period.
(Fig. 8.)

The enemy decamps in a great hurry, but after going about 400 paces to the rear he is rallied by fresh troops which open an extremely heavy fire upon us.

Dispositions: Our battalion is ordered to commence a retreat, and whilst doing so to cover the left flank of the brigade, which is also retiring. The enemy is not pressing upon

1 Co.

1 Co.

Retires slowly, closing at the same time; its divisions are distributed as supports in rear of 4 Co.

When this has been done

Signal: 2 Co. 3 Co. Retire Quickly.'

These companies are ordered to close whilst retiring, and take post in rear of 1 Co.

Ninth Period.

(Fig. 9.)

The enemy only follows a short distance with some groups of skirmishers.

The enemy stops his pursuit, the manœuvre being concluded.

Signal: Halt.' 1 Co. 4 Co. Retire Slowly.'

Dispositions: Our battalion moves into column of route; divisions left in front; 3 Co. leading.

4 Co.

Forms rear-guard and flank-patrols.

21st EXAMPLE.

1 BATTALION IN BRIGADE (ON THE DEFENSIVE).

TACTICAL IDEA.

If a battalion, forming part of an army on the defensive, is ordered to attack, so as to produce for a time a favourable change in the general situation, or to prevent serious mischief which appears to be impending, the same principles will hold good which were laid down in our examples of offensive operations-that is to say, the greatest possible rapidity of movement, few and simple dispositions, and the utmost development of our strength. When a commander has a distinct object to gain, and has undertaken to gain it, he will surely meet with one of those cases, rare in the tactics of the present day, in which to rush recklessly upon the foe is the best course to pursue, and the only one which promises success.

First Period.
(Fig. 1.)

An enemy in superior numbers has forced back the advanced line of
our brigade, whose right appears to be particularly compromised,
having suffered serious loss and being short of ammunition.

Our battalion is still under cover in second line 400
paces behind the right flank battalion, and is formed
in line of company columns with full intervals.
The brigadier orders the battalion to advance as quickly
as possible to relieve the right wing of the brigade
by an energetic attack, and to enable it to withdraw
from its position.

Word of Command:

Battalion Half-Right Turn.'

'Double.'

The diagonal movement will be continued in double time until our battalion has passed about 200 paces beyond the flank of the first line of the brigade. Dispositions (during the march):

2 and 3 Cos. Extend.

1 and 4 Cos. Follow in close order 150 paces in rear of the flanks of the other companies. As soon as the skirmishers of

our battalion are up to those of the first line of the brigade

Signals: Battalion Change Front to the Left.' • Commence Firing.'

Our battalion changes front an eighth of a circle, taking the direction of some object indicated.