_The Director_: “Before going ahead with this exercise I want to make a
few remarks about a flank guard.
“Ordinarily the flanks of a column on the march may be protected by
small patrols sent out from time to time from the advance guard. There
are occasions, however, when patrols will not suffice, as in the present
situation, where it is known that hostile troops are operating on the
flank of our line of march. In this case it is necessary to send out a
stronger detachment to march parallel to the route of the main body.
This detachment is denominated a _Flank Guard_ and is an element in the
system of covering troops provided for the protection of a marching
column.
“The flank guard marches abreast of the column and assumes the general
formation of an advance guard, having a point thrown out to the front,
followed by the remainder of the detachment, much as an advance party
and support. Patrols are sent out to the exposed flank whenever
necessary, and communication is maintained with the main body by means
of small patrols or connecting files. In some cases it may be necessary
to detach a small rear guard, as in the case where a flank guard has
been attacked by a comparatively large force of the enemy and has taken
up a position to hold them off until the main body can pass the danger
point and the flank guard resume its march.
“The general duties of the flank guard are much the same as those of an
advance guard; that is, to do everything possible to provide for the
uninterrupted progress of the main body. All other duties are incidental
to this and all have this prime object in view.”