30th EXAMPLE.

1 BATTALION AND 2 SQUADRONS AS ESCORT OF A CONSIDERABLE FORCE OF ARTILLERY AGAINST 2 COMPANIES AND 4 SQUADRONS.

TACTICAL IDEA.

The task of covering a battery will, speaking in general terms, be fulfilled, first, by keeping the enemy's skirmishers at least 800 paces away from it, and secondly, by keeping a sufficient reserve close to it to guard it against any sudden rushes of the assailant. Should circumstances not permit us to ascertain with certainty the direction from which the attack may come, it will be necessary to keep a relatively large reserve in hand. Under the supposed conditions, cavalry scouts should reconnoitre the country to as great a distance as possible, whilst the main body of the horsemen should take post near the battery.

The cavalry told off to cover a battery will often be bound to throw itself upon superior numbers, so as to fulfil its task of covering the guns, and will by this means at least give time for them to escape.

Two batteries, under escort of one battalion and two squadrons, are detached from a division to the left flank through a defile for the purpose of preventing a wide turning movement of the enemy.

1 Co., with one division of cavalry, is posted 400 paces on the right front of the battery; 4 Co., with one division of cavalry, at the same distance on its left front. Each company extends its skirmishing division. 2 and 3 Cos. are posted on the right and left rear of the battery respectively, at 200 paces distance; 1 squadrons on the right rear of 2 Co.

The battery, consisting of 12 guns, directs its fire partly against one of the enemy's columns which is on the march, partly against one of his batteries which has unlimbered.

Dispositions :

4 Co.

First Period.
(Fig. 1.)

The scouts of the division of cavalry which is with 4 Co. announce the approach of hostile infantry.

Reinforces its skirmishers with a division and commences firing.

The Division of Cavalry with 4 Co. Attacks the enemy's infantry in extended order, so as to ascertain its strength.

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Dispositions :
4 Co.
3 Co.

Second Period.

(Fig. 2.)

The division of cavalry reports that the enemy's infantry is about the force of two companies.

Completes its extension.

Advances to the support of 4 Co.

Third Period.

(Fig. 3.)

The enemy's infantry is forced to retire. The scouts of the division of cavalry with 1 Co. report the rapid approach of a strong column of the enemy's cavalry.

Signal: 1 Co. Attention.'

Dispositions :

The Cavalry. The detached divisions join the main body at a trot. 3 and 4 Cos. Unite; the skirmishing divisions extend. The other skirmishers are called in.

Fourth Period.

(Fig. 4.)

The enemy's cavalry, which is four squadrons strong, moves forward as follows: squadron in extended order against the front of our battery,squadron in the same formation against 1 Co. 3 squadrons attack our cavalry and 2 Co.

Signal: 1 Co. 2 Co. Prepare for Cavalry.'

Dispositions :

The Cavalry. Attacks in echelon from the right as soon as the enemy's cavalry has received the fire of 2 Co.

The attack on 1 Co. is made against the front and both side faces; that on 2 Co. against the front and the right face. (It is taken for granted that the right flank division of guns at least can play upon the enemy's cavalry.)

Dispositions:

Fifth Period.

(Fig. 5.)

The enemy's cavalry is forced to retreat, before which, however, some of his troopers got in amongst the guns and caused some disorder. His infantry again presses upon 3 and 4 Cos.

The Cavalry. Takes post 300 paces to the right front of 1 Co. 3 and 4 Cos. Each reinforces the skirmishers with a division.

Sixth Period.
(Fig. 6.)

A second battery of the enemy comes into action against our guns at 1,700 paces distance. His cavalry takes post near the artillery.

Dispositions: The commanding officer of our artillery informs our commandant that he intends to retire through the defile by successive batteries.

2 Co.

Retires and occupies the mouth of the defile.

Dispositions :

Seventh Period.

(Fig. 7.)

The enemy's cavalry appears to be again coming on; one of our batteries is already moving to the rear.

3, 4, & 1 Cos. Retire slowly.

The Cavalry. Stands fast.

Eighth Period.
(Fig. 8.)

The enemy's cavalry advances at a trot.

Signal: The Whole Halt.'

Dispositions:

3 and 4 Cos.

1 Co.

Our battery, which still remains in position, limbers up and gallops back through the defile.

The skirmishers continue to keep up a hot fire against the enemy's infantry.

Prepares for cavalry.

The Cavalry. Retires; breaks into a trot, and moves into the interval between 1 Co. and 3 Co., 300 paces behind their inner flanks.