[_All Rights Reserved._]
INFANTRY TRAINING.
1905.
[Illustration]
LONDON:
PRINTED FOR HIS MAJESTY’S STATIONERY OFFICE,
BY HARRISON AND SONS, ST MARTIN’S LANE,
PRINTERS IN ORDINARY TO HIS MAJESTY.
And to be purchased, either directly or through any Bookseller, from
WYMAN AND SONS, LTD., FETTER LANE, E.C., or
OLIVER AND BOYD, EDINBURGH; or
E. PONSONBY, 116, GRAFTON STREET, DUBLIN.
_Price One Shilling_
(Wt. w 27691 150,000 2 | 05--H & S 5749)
This Manual is issued by order of the Army Council, for the guidance of
all concerned.
[Illustration:
EWD Ward]
_Secretary, Army Council_.
WAR OFFICE,
1st February, 1905.
CORRIGENDA.
Part IV., S. 163 (1), line 2, _for_ “defence” _read_ “attack.”
As A.F.B 214 need not in future be kept up, Part V., S. 181 (6),
_Returns_ is cancelled.
CONTENTS.
PAGE.
KEY TO PLATES 15
DEFINITIONS 16
PART I.
TRAINING OF THE RECRUIT.
SECT.
1. Preliminary remarks 21
2. Syllabus of training 21
SQUAD DRILL.
3. Method of instruction of the recruit 29
4. Words of command 30
SQUAD DRILL, WITH INTERVALS.
5. Formation of squads 31
6. Position of attention 31
7. Standing at ease 32
8. Dressing a squad with intervals 32
9. Turnings 33
10. Saluting 34
MARCHING.
11. Length of pace and time 35
12. The drum and pace stick 36
13. Position in marching 36
14. The quick march 37
15. The halt 37
16. Stepping out 37
17. Stepping short 38
18. Marking time 38
19. Stepping back 38
20. Changing step 39
21. The double march 39
22. The side step 40
23. Turning when on the march 40
SQUAD DRILL, IN SINGLE RANK.
24. Formation of the squad in single rank 41
25. Dressing when halted 42
26. Turnings 42
27. Marching in squad 42
28. The diagonal march 43
29. Changing direction 45
30. Marching as in file 46
31. Changing direction as in file 46
32. Men marching as in file, forming up into squad 47
33. Marching with arms 47
SQUAD DRILL, IN TWO RANKS.
34. Formation of a squad in two ranks 48
35. Dressing 48
36. Marching in squad and in file 49
37. Changing ranks 49
38. The diagonal march 49
39. Changing direction and forming up 50
40. The formation of fours 50
41. Fours changing direction, and forming squad 53
42. Passage of a defile 53
43. Obstacles 53
44. Dismissing, with or without arms 53
SKIRMISHING.
45. General rules 54
46. Course of training 54
47. Preliminary training 55
48. Method of extending and closing, &c. 56
49. Signals and whistle blasts and war calls 57
50. Practical skirmishing 59
51. Cover 60
52. Blank ammunition 62
53. Fire effect 63
54. Reporting and passing orders 64
55. Intervals 64
56. Reinforcing 64
57. Assembly after dispersal 65
58. Inspection of skirmishers 65
PART II.
THE TRAINING OF THE COMPANY.
59. Preliminary remarks 67
DRILL.
60. General rules 72
61. Inspection and telling off 75
62. The formation of fours 76
63. Changing ranks 76
64. A company column forming company 76
65. Marching in line 77
66. A company in line forming to the right or left 78
67. A company in line, or moving to a flank in fours, forming
company column 78
68. When marching, fours or file, forming up into line 80
69. A column changing direction 80
70. Movements in line (or lines) of sections 80
71. Drill in single rank 81
72. Fire action 82
73. When dispersed, re-assembling 83
74. Dismissing 83
75. Inspection in close order drill 83
SKIRMISHING.
76. General remarks 84
ATTACK PRACTICE.
77. General rules 85
78. Position of the commanders 88
79. Casualties 88
80. Instructions for commanders 88
81. Duty of the skirmisher 89
82. Defence practice 90
83. Reconnaissance practice 91
84. Retirements 91
85. Meeting an attack by cavalry 92
86. Scouting 93
87. Duties of scouts 93
88. Training of 94
89. The inspection in skirmishing 95
90. Shelter trench exercise 95
PART III.
BATTALION, BRIGADE, AND DIVISION DRILL.
BATTALION DRILL.
91. General rules 98
92. Formations 100
93. A battalion in quarter column 101
94. Movements in quarter column 103
95. A quarter column wheeling 103
96. A battalion in quarter column opening to column 104
97. A battalion in column on the march closing to quarter
column 106
98. A battalion in column or quarter column advancing in
fours, or _vice versâ_ 106
99. A battalion in column changing direction 108
100. Movements in line or lines of company columns 108
101. When dispersed, re-assembling 109
102. Inspection of a battalion 110
BRIGADE AND DIVISION DRILL.
103. General rules 111
104. A brigade wheeling from mass into line of battalions and
_vice versâ_ 112
105. A mass deploying into line of battalions and _vice versâ_ 112
106. Marching in line of battalions either in column or quarter
column 113
FORMATIONS APPLICABLE TO SAVAGE WARFARE.
107. General rules 113
108. A battalion in line 114
109. A quarter column or column deploying into line 114
110. Marching in line 115
111. A line changing position, from the halt, on a flank
company 116
112. A battalion in line forming column or quarter column 116
113. A line passing obstacles, or moving over broken ground 117
114. A line forming column to the right or left 117
115. A line advancing in column 118
116. A quarter column on the march forming line to a flank 118
117. Echelon movements from line, column or quarter column 118
118. Meeting an attack by cavalry or swordsmen 119
119. Formation of squares 120
BRIGADE DRILL.
120. Deployments 122
121. Marching in line 122
122. A brigade in line advancing in columns or quarter
columns 122
123. A brigade forming square 122
PART IV.
INFANTRY IN ATTACK AND DEFENCE.
124. General principles 123
125. Position and duties of leaders in action 125
126. Fire action 126
127. Fire discipline 127
128. Ranges 128
THE ATTACK.
NATURE OF AN OFFENSIVE ACTION.
129. Distribution of infantry in the attack 128
130. Preliminary measures 129
131. Issue of orders 130
132. Duties of the several bodies 131
133. Infantry formations in regard to fire 133
134. Fire 133
135. Co-operation between artillery and infantry in the attack 135
136. The decisive attack 136
137. The assault 137
138. Rallying and redistribution 138
139. Holding attacks 138
140. Feints 139
141. Flank attacks 139
142. Surprises 140
143. Local flanking fire 140
144. Formations 140
145. Frontage 141
146. Distances 142
147. Intervals 143
148. Direction and pace 143
149. Machine guns 144
THE COMPANY IN ATTACK.
150. General rules 145
THE BATTALION IN ATTACK.
151. General rules 148
152. Orders 149
153. Distribution of the companies in the decisive attack 150
154. The firing line and supports 151
155. The reserve 151
156. Holding attack 152
157. Instruction 153
THE BRIGADE IN ATTACK.
158. General rules 153
THE DIVISION IN ATTACK.
159. General rules 154
THE DEFENCE.
160. Distribution of infantry for defence 155
161. Occupation of the position 156
162. Entrenching a position 157
163. Fire 158
164. Machine guns 158
165. Position of the reserves 159
166. Duties of officers commanding reserves 159
167. Local counter attacks 160
168. Decisive counter attacks 160
THE COMPANY IN DEFENCE.
169. General rules 162
170. Duties of the subalterns, section and squad leaders 162
171. Duties of the company leader 163
THE BATTALION IN DEFENCE.
172. General rules 163
173. Duties of the commanding officer 164
THE BRIGADE AND DIVISION IN DEFENCE.
174. General rules 164
AMMUNITION AND ENTRENCHING TOOLS.
175. Supply and transport of ammunition in the field 165
176. Entrenching tools 169
PART V.
ANNUAL COURSE OF TRAINING.
177. Description of course 171
178. Detail of the course 172
179. Annual course of training of auxiliary forces 173
180. General rules 174
181. Company training 174
182. Battalion training 179
SPECIAL TRAINING OF NON-COMMISSIONED
OFFICERS.
183. Method of instruction 179
PART VI.
CEREMONIAL.
184. General rules 181
185. Sizing a company 183
186. A company in line saluting 185
187. A company marching past 185
REVIEWS.
188. Formations to be practised 188
189. The Colours 188
190. Review of a battalion 189
191. A battalion marching past 192
192. A battalion advancing in review order 196
193. Review of a brigade 196
194. A brigade marching past 199
195. A brigade advancing in review order 202
196. Review of a division 202
197. A division marching past 204
198. Review of any larger body of troops than a division 205
199. A larger body of troops than a division marching past 207
200. Royal review 208
GUARDS.
201. General rules 209
202. Relieving or posting a guard 210
203. Relieving and posting sentries, and marching reliefs 210
204. Sentries challenging 211
205. Guards turning out at night 212
206. Guards of honour 213
207. Trooping the Colour 213
208. PRESENTATION OF COLOURS 220
209. FIRING A FEU-DE-JOIE 221
210. FUNERALS 223
KEY TO PLATES.
_Officers, Warrant officers, Non-commissioned officers, &c._
COMMANDING OFFICER [Symbol]
SECOND IN COMMAND [Symbol]
ADJUTANT [Symbol]
COMPANY COMMANDER [Symbol]
SENIOR SUBALTERN [Symbol]
JUNIOR SUBALTERN [Symbol]
QUARTERMASTER [Symbol]
THE KING’S COLOUR [Symbol]
THE REGIMENTAL COLOUR [Symbol]
SERJEANT-MAJOR [Symbol]
STAFF SERJEANT [Symbol]
SECTION COMMANDER [Symbol]
SQUAD COMMANDER [Symbol]
PRIVATE, FRONT RANK [Symbol]
PRIVATE, REAR RANK [Symbol]
PIONEER SERJEANT [Symbol]
PIONEER [Symbol]
BAND MASTER [Symbol]
BAND SERJEANT [Symbol]
BANDSMAN [Symbol]
SERJEANT-DRUMMER [Symbol]
DRUMMER [Symbol]
SIGNALLER [Symbol]
ORIGINAL FORMATION { Front Rank ----------
{ Rear Rank ----------
FINAL FORMATION { Front Rank
{ Rear Rank
DEFINITIONS.
GENERAL DEFINITIONS.
_Alignment._ Any straight line on which a body of troops is
formed, or is to form.
_Battalion._ The administrative unit of infantry, consisting
generally of eight companies.
_Brigade._ Four battalions (normally), with certain
additional administrative units.
_Column._ Bodies of troops on parallel and successive
alignment, at a distance from one another
equal to their own frontage.
_Company Column._ A company in column of sections.
_Quarter Column._ Companies on parallel and successive
alignments, at a distance from one
another of six paces.
_Company._ The tactical unit of infantry. It is divided
into two half-companies, each of which is
again divided into two sections.
A squad is the half of a section, formed under
a selected leader, for purposes of discipline
and manœuvre.
_Covering._ The act of one or more men placing themselves
correctly in rear of one another.
_Defile._ A portion of the route which troops can only
traverse on a narrow front; _e.g._, a
mountain pass, a bridge, an embankment.
_To Deploy._ To change formation from column or quarter
column into line on the same alignment.
_Depth._ The space occupied by a body of troops from
front to rear.
_Distance._ The space between men or bodies of troops, from
front to rear.
_Division._ Two brigades with certain divisional troops.
_Direction, The battalion, company, section, or file,
battalion responsible for keeping the direction of the
(company, line of march.
section or file)
of._
_To Dress._ To take up the alignment correctly.
_Drill._ The execution of movements in unison. Drill is
of two kinds.
_Close order drill_ teaches the formations and
movements suitable to the assembly, the
march, to many phases of savage warfare, and
to ceremonial parades. In close order the
troops are formed and move in accordance with
the instructions laid down in this manual;
the words of command are prescribed, and the
rank and file have only to obey orders.
_Skirmishing drill_ is the foundation of the
formations and movements suitable to battle
and reconnaissance. Very few rules can be
prescribed, and all ranks must act to a large
extent independently in carrying out orders.
_Echelon._ A formation of successive and parallel units
facing in the same direction; each on a flank
and to the rear of the unit in front of it.
_File._ A front rank man and his rear rank man.
_Fire unit._ Any number of men firing by the executive
command of one man.
_Flank, directing._ That by which units march or dress.
_Flank, inner._ That nearer to the point of formation or
direction.
_Flank, outer._ That opposite to the inner or directing flank.
_Frontage._ The extent of ground covered laterally by
troops.
_Interval._ The lateral space between men, units, or corps,
measured from flank to flank.
_Interval, deploying._ The lateral space between units in quarter
column or in column, on the same alignment,
the space being equal to the frontage of a
unit in line.
_Line._ Troops formed on the same alignment.
_Mass._ Battalions in quarter column, on parallel and
successive alignments with any named distance
between battalions.
_Patrol._ A body of men sent out to reconnoitre or to
guard against surprise.
_Point of formation._ The point on which a formation is based.
_Position, change of._ A movement by which a body of troops takes up
a new alignment.
_Rank._ A line of men, side by side.
_Reconnaissance._ Searching for information of the enemy, or as
to the nature of the ground.
_Section._ The quarter of a company.
_Section of Defence._ A portion of a defensive position which is
allotted to a distinct body of troops.
_Squad._ The half of a section, or a small number of
men, formed for drill, or for work.
_Super-numeraries._ The non-commissioned officers, &c., forming the
third rank.
_Wheeling._ A movement by which a body of troops brings
forward a flank on a fixed or moving pivot.
INFANTRY TRAINING.
PART I.
TRAINING OF THE RECRUIT.
=1.= _Preliminary remarks._
1. The object of the recruits course of training at the depôt is to fit
the soldier to take his place in the ranks of his company on joining
his battalion.
For this purpose the recruit must be developed by physical exercises,
and be trained in squad drill, rifle and firing exercises, in the
estimation of ranges, and in skirmishing.
=2.= _Syllabus of Training._
The following syllabus for the training of the recruit at the depôt is
given as a guide, but it need not be rigidly adhered to:--
I.
SYLLABUS OF TRAINING.
60 days of 4 hours each.
------------------------+------+-----------------------------------
Employment. |Hours.| Remarks.
------------------------+------+-----------------------------------
| |
_First Fortnight._ | -- |Equipment to be issued on joining.
| |
Physical training | 10 |Physical Training, Sections 1 to
| | 11 inclusive under Serjeant
| | Instructor.
Physical training | 10 |Physical Training, Sections 1 to 11
| | under Squad Instructor.
Squad drill | 16 |Sections 5 to 23.
Lectures and catechism | 4 |
| |
_Second Fortnight._ | -- |Rifle to be issued.
| |
Physical training | 8 |Physical training with apparatus
| | under Serjeant Instructor.
Physical training | 8 |Physical Training, Sections 1 to 11
| | under Squad Instructor.
Squad drill | 7 |To Section 39.
Rifle exercises | 5 |
Musketry exercises | 7 |Musketry Exercises, Sections 1 to 3.
Lectures | 4 |
Marching order | 1 |
| |
_Third Fortnight._ | |
| |
Physical training | 8 |Physical training with apparatus
| | under Serjeant Instructor.
Physical training | 6 |Physical Training, Sections 1 to
| | 11 (Dummy Rifles to be used)
| | under Squad Instructor.
Squad drill | 6 |To Section 44.
Rifle exercises | 5 |
Musketry exercises | 5 |Musketry Exercises to Section 9.
Skirmishing | 7 |Sections 45 to 49.
Lectures | 2 |
Marching order | 1 |
| |
_Fourth Fortnight._ | |
| |
Physical training | 7 |Commence Dumb-bell Exercises,
| | Physical training, Sections 27
| | to 33, under Serjeant Instructor.
Physical training | 6 |Physical Training, Sections 1 to
| | 11 (Rifles to be used) under
| | Squad Instructor.
Squad drill | 5 |To Section 44.
Rifle exercises | 4 |
Skirmishing | 9 |Sections 45 to 57.
Musketry exercises | 5 |Musketry Exercises to Section 14.
Lectures | 2 |
Marching order | 1 |
| |
_Fifth Fortnight._ | |
| |
Physical training | 7 |Physical training with apparatus
| | and bayonet fighting under
| | Serjeant Instructor.
Physical training | 6 |Physical Training to Section 19
| | under Squad instructor.
Squad drill | 6 |To Section 44.
Rifle exercises | 2 |
Skirmishing | 7 |Sections 45 to 57.
Guards and sentries | 2 |
Musketry exercises | 7 |Musketry Exercises to Section 14
| | and 18 to 21.
Lectures | 2 |
Marching order | 1 |
| |
_Sixth Fortnight._ | |
| |
Physical training | 7 |Physical training with apparatus
| | and bayonet fighting under
| | Serjeant Instructor.
Physical training | 6 |Physical Training to Section 19
| | under Squad Instructor.
Squad drill | 4 |To Section 44.
Rifle exercises | 2 |
Skirmishing | 10 |Sections 45 to 57.
Guards and sentries | 2 |
Musketry exercises | 6 |Musketry Exercises to Section 14
| | and 18 to 21.
Lectures | 2 |
Marching order | 1 |
------------------------+------+---------------------------------
NOTE.--The course of instruction of the recruit in musketry training,
rifle exercises, bayonet fighting, and physical training will be found
in “The Appendix to Training Manuals.”
II.
INSTRUCTIONS.
1. Recruits will be formed for instructional purposes in squads, the
maximum number of men in each squad should not exceed twenty.
2. The squad instructors will be most carefully selected. They must
be energetic, thoroughly well trained in the art of instruction, and
intelligent. They will remain with the same squad throughout the period
of training, and will carry out the whole of the instruction, in
physical training, drill, rifle and firing exercises, and skirmishing,
except as noted in above table.
3. Training in drill, physical exercises, rifle and firing exercises,
and skirmishing, is to be as varied as possible; the work for each
morning or afternoon should include more than one of these subjects.
4. Equipment will be issued on joining, but will not be worn on parade
for the first month. Riffles will be issued as soon as the commanding
officer directs, certainly not later than the first fortnight.
5. Marching will be carried out at the discretion of the commanding
officer, and, as a rule, in connection with skirmishing practices.
6. At the conclusion of a recruit’s course the officer commanding the
regimental district will inspect the recruits in all the branches of
instruction. In conjunction with a medical officer he will examine
all men considered too weak or awkward to join battalions, and
submit a detailed report to the general officer commanding, with a
recommendation as to whether such men be retained at the depôt for
further instruction, or discharged.
7. The system of the training of the recruit is intended to develop
gradually his mental and physical powers, officers commanding will,
therefore, be held responsible that the principles of training herein
laid down are complied with, and that instruction in musketry and
skirmishing is not curtailed in favour of less essential practices.
8. The following directions in connection with the progress of
the recruit are given for guidance of instructors and supervising
officers:--
Doubling: this should not exceed--
Up to the end of the first month, 600 yards.
„ „ second „ 1,200 „
„ „ third „ 1,760 „
_At the end of the First Month._
_Horizontal bar._--He should be able to pull to the chest twice,
hands reversed, without assistance.
_Parallel bars._--He should be able to press up six times running.
_At the end of the Second Month._
_Horizontal bar._--He should be able to pull to the chest at least
six times, hands reversed.
_Parallel bars._--He should be able to press up at least ten times.
_Jumping._--Correct style of taking off (with either foot) and
alighting is required. This is of more importance, up to this time,
than great height or width of jump.
_At the end of the Third Month._
_Horizontal bar._--He should be able to pull to the chest at least
ten times, hands reversed.
_Parallel bars._--He should be able to press up at least fourteen
times.
_Jumping._--He should be able to jump a height of at least three
feet.
III.
LECTURES BY SQUAD INSTRUCTORS.
[_To be invariably attended by an officer._]
_First Fortnight._
1. Barrack room duties. Cleanliness and smartness expected from the
soldier. Dress and clothing. Local orders. Good name of the regiment.
2. Fitting equipment. Laying down kits. Conduct in town. Position of
provost; duty to obey and support him.
3. Names, rank, and position of officers. Saluting. Manner of making
a complaint. Reporting sick and hospital rules. Church parade and
behaviour in church.
4. Lectures are to be given to recruits on the fact that their
prospects of civil employment in after life depends entirely on their
conduct whilst in the army, and that no man can be registered for
employment who is not discharged with a good character, and that
preference will be given to such as have exemplary or very good ones,
while for police or post office employment an additional certificate of
absolute sobriety is necessary.
_Second Fortnight._
1. The rifle. Names and use of its different parts. Cleaning and care
of rifle.
2. Marching order, &c.
3. Hints on marching; boots, socks, clean feet, treatment of blisters.
Drinking on the march. Falling out. Instances of long marching and
endurance on part of the regiment.
_Third Fortnight._
Skirmishing and marching.
_Fourth Fortnight._
Skirmishing and use of the rifle.
_Fifth Fortnight._
Skirmishing, and duties on guard,
_Sixth Fortnight._
Recapitulation of previous instruction.
During the lecture hour, some time should be allowed for catechism on
preceding week’s instruction.
The lectures on the principles of skirmishing and marching should
always, if possible, be illustrated by incidents taken from actual
warfare.
_The Recruit on joining his Company._
A recruit after a course of three months’ training at the depôt should
be sufficiently trained to be able to take his place in the ranks
of his company, but until he has acquired a thorough knowledge of
musketry, and can handle his rifle with skill and confidence under all
conditions and in all positions, his daily instruction in musketry will
be continued.
The following will be the course:--
(_a_) Care of arms.
(_b_) Instruction in aiming.
(_c_) The firing exercises.
(_d_) Instruction and practice in judging distance and in
improvement of eyesight. A short exercise daily.
(_e_) Instruction in firing from behind cover, and in
snap-shooting.
(_f_) Instruction in the theory, powers, and mechanism of
the rifle and its ammunition.
(_g_) Course of lectures and examinations on the whole of
the above subjects.
SQUAD DRILL.
=3.= _Method of Instruction of the Recruit._
1. When once the various motions have been learnt, it will be the
exception and not the rule, especially with auxiliary forces, to
instruct recruits by numbers.
2. The instructor muse be clear, firm, and concise in giving his
directions. He must be patient, making allowance for the different
capacity of the men whom he is training; and always bearing in mind
that careful individual instruction is the best means of developing the
intelligence, and therefore the foundation of military efficiency.
3. The instructor, who will invariably carry a whistle and, if the
squad is receiving rifle instruction, a rifle, will teach as much as
possible by illustration, either performing the movements himself, or
causing them to be performed by a smart recruit, placed facing the
squad. He will be careful, in order to stimulate the intelligence and
interest of the recruits, to explain clearly, in simple terms, the
reason of every movement and formation, and its application in the
field.
4. Instructors should be encouraged, in giving the details of the
different movements, to use their own words. So long as the instruction
is clearly understood by the men it is quite immaterial whether the
phrasing of this manual is adhered to.
5. When first taught his positions, the recruit should be properly
placed by the instructor; when more advanced, he should not be touched,
but made to correct himself when admonished. He should not be kept
too long at any one exercise. Squad drill should be intermixed with
instruction in the handling of the rifle and with physical training,
and close order drill with skirmishing.
6. Short and frequent drills are preferable to long lessons, which
exhaust the attention both of the instructor and recruit. Recruits
should be advanced progressively from one exercise to another, and
should not be kept back by men of inferior capacity, who should be
moved into a less advanced squad.
=4.= _Words of Command._
1. Every command must be distinctly pronounced and sufficiently loud to
be heard by all concerned.
2. Every command that consists of one word must be preceded by a
caution. The caution, or cautionary part of a command, must be given
deliberately and distinctly; the last or executive part, which, in
general, should consist of only one word or syllable, must be given
sharply; as _Company--Halt_; _Right-hand--Salute_. A pause will
invariably be made between the caution and the executive word.
3. When the last word of a caution is the signal for any preparatory
movement, it will be given as an executive word, and separated from the
rest of the command by a pause; thus, _Right--Form_. _Quick--March,_
as though there were two separate commands, each with its caution and
executive word.
4. When the men are in motion, executive words must be completed as
they are commencing the pace which will bring them to the spot on
which the command has to be executed. The caution, therefore, must be
commenced accordingly.
5. Young officers and non-commissioned officers will be frequently
practised in giving words of command. They should always, even when
on fatigue duty, bear in mind the obligation of setting an example of
soldierly smartness to those beneath them. Slovenly and indistinct
words of command result in slackness and hesitation on the part of the
men.
6. The cautions and commands in this manual are, as a rule, given with
regard to one flank only, but the same principle applies equally to
movements to the other flank, which should also be practised.
In squad drill the words printed in italics in the margin are the
commands to be given by the instructor.
SQUAD DRILL, WITH INTERVALS.
=5.= _Formation of squads._
1. A few men will be placed in single rank at arm’s length apart; while
so formed, they will be termed a _squad with intervals_.
2. If necessary, the squad may consist of two ranks, in which case the
men in the rear rank will cover the intervals between the men in the
front rank, so that in marching they may take their own points, as
directed in S. =13=.
3. Recruits will, in the first instance, be placed by the instructor
without any dressing; when they have learned to dress, as directed in
S. =8=, they will be taught to fall in, as above described, and
then to dress and to correct their intervals. After they have been
instructed as far as S. =23=, they may fall in as directed in S.
=24=.
4. Recruits formed into a squad will be directed to observe the
relative places they hold with each other; while resting between the
exercises they will be permitted to fall out and move about; they will
be instructed on the words _Fall in_ to fall in as they stood at
first. This should be constantly practised.
Recruits will be instructed singly as well as together in all exercises
as far as S. =23=.
=6.= _Position of Attention._
The exact squareness of the shoulders and body to the front is the
first principle of the position of _Attention_. The arms should
hang easily from the shoulder, elbows to the rear; the fingers
together, slightly bent, and their tips touching the thigh lightly,
behind the seam of the trousers; the hips drawn back, and the chest
advanced, but without constraint. The heels must be in line and closed;
the knees well braced back; the toes turned out so that the feet may
form an angle of 45 degrees; the weight of the body on the fore part
of the feet. The head is to be held erect, but not thrown back; the
chin to be slightly drawn in; and the eyes looking straight to the
front.
=7.= _Standing at ease._
{ Carry the left foot about ten inches to the
{ left, at the same time grasp the right hand
_Stand at--Ease._[1] { with the left behind the back, allowing the
{ arms to hang to their full extent; both
{ legs to be straight.
When the recruit falls in for instruction he will be taught to place
himself in the position above described.
_Squad, Atten--tion._ { On the word _Attention_, spring up to the
{ position described in S. =6=.
No deviation from the position of _Stand at ease_ will be permitted
unless the command _Stand--easy_ is given, when the men will be
permitted to move their limbs, but without quitting their ground, so
that on coming to _Attention_ there will be no loss of dressing.
When there is no special reason for ordering _Stand at ease_ before
_Stand--easy_, the order to _Stand--easy_ will be given without it. On
the caution _Squad_ being given to men standing easy, every soldier
will at once assume the position of standing at ease.
=8.= _Dressing a squad with intervals._
{ On the word _Dress_, each recruit, except the
{ right-hand man, will turn his head and eyes to
{ the right and will then extend his right arm,
_Right--Dress._ { back of the hand upwards, finger tips touching
{ the shoulder of the man on his right. At the
{ same time he will take up his dressing in line
{ by moving, with short quick steps, till he is
{ just able to distinguish the lower part of the
{ face of the second man beyond him. Care must
{ be taken that he carries his body backward or
{ forward with the feet, keeping his shoulders
{ perfectly square in their original position.
{ On the word _Front_, the head and eyes will be
_Eyes--Front._ { turned smartly to the front, the arm dropped,
{ and the position of _Attention_, as described in
{ S. =6=, resumed.
A line will similarly be dressed by the left.
=9.= _Turnings._
{ On the word _Turn_, keeping both knees well
{ braced back and the body erect, turn to the
{ right on the right heel and left toe, raising the
{ left heel and right toe in doing so.
_Right--Turn._ {
{ On the completion of the preliminary movement,
{ the right foot must be flat on the ground
{ and the body raised on the left toe, both legs
{ braced up.
_Two._ { On the word _Two_, bring the left heel smartly
{ up to the right.
{ On the word _Turn_, keeping both knees well
{ braced back and the body erect, turn to the left
{ on the left heel and right toe, raising the right
{ heel and left toe in doing so.
_Left--Turn._ {
{ On the completion of the preliminary movement,
{ the left foot must be flat on the ground
{ and the body raised on the right toe, both legs
{ braced up.
_Two._ { On the word _Two_, bring the right foot
{ smartly up to left.
_About--Turn_ { As detailed in the _Right Turn_, except that
{ the body will be turned about to the right.
_Two._ As before detailed.
_Right_ }
(or _Left_) } As before detailed, turning half right.
--_Incline_. }
_Two._ As before detailed.
=10.= _Saluting._
(A) _Saluting to the front._
Caution.--_Salute, by numbers._
{ On the word _One_, bring the right hand
{ smartly, with a circular motion, to the head,
_One._ { palm to the front, fingers extended, point of the
{ forefinger one inch above the right eye, thumb
{ close to the forefinger; elbow in line, and
{ nearly square, with the shoulder.
_Two._ { On the word _Two_, cut away the arm smartly
{ to the side.
Caution.--_Salute, judging the time._
{ On the word _Salute_, go through the motions
_Salute._ { as in _One_, and after a pause, equal to two paces
{ in quick time, cut away the arm as in _Two_.
(B) _Saluting to the side._
_Cautions._--_Right_ (or _Left_) _hand salute_.
The salute will always be with the hand further from the person saluted.
The procedure will be as described in (A), except that as the
hand is brought to the salute, the head will be turned towards the
person saluted.
Recruits should be practised in marching two or three together,
saluting points being placed on either side. When several men are
together, the man nearest to the point will give the time.
When a soldier passes an officer he will salute on the third pace
before reaching him, and will lower the hand on the third pace after
passing him; if carrying a cane he will place it smartly under the
disengaged arm, cutting away the hand before saluting.
A soldier, if sitting when an officer approaches, will rise, stand
at attention, and salute; if two or more men are sitting or standing
about, the senior non-commissioned officer or oldest soldier will call
the whole to _Attention_ and alone will salute.
When a soldier addresses an officer, he will halt two paces from him,
and salute as in (A). He will also salute before withdrawing.
When appearing before an officer in a room, he will salute without
removing his cap.
A soldier, without his cap, or when carrying anything that prevents him
from saluting, will, if standing still, come to attention as an officer
passes; if walking, he will turn his head smartly towards the officer
in passing him.
A soldier, when riding a bicycle, will turn his head smartly towards an
officer in passing him.
Warrant and non-commissioned officers who wear the sword will always
salute with the right hand.
MARCHING.
=11.= _Length of pace, and time._
1. _Length of pace._--In _slow and quick time_ the length of a pace is
30 inches. In _stepping out_, it is 33 inches, in _double time_, 40, in
_stepping short_, 21, and in the _side step_, 15 inches.
When a soldier takes a side pace to clear or cover another, as in
forming fours, S. 40, the pace will be 30 inches.
2. _Time._--In _slow time_, 75 paces are taken in a minute. In _quick
time_, 120 paces, equal to 100 yards in a minute, or 3 miles 720 yards
in an hour. In _double time_, 180 paces, equal to 200 yards a minute.
The time of the _side step_ is the same as for the _quick step_.
Distances of 100 and 200 yards will be marked on the drill ground, and
non-commissioned officers and men practised in keeping correct time,
and length of pace.
Marching in _slow time_ will be practised only when required for
ceremonial purposes.
=12.= _The drum, and pace stick._
No recruit, or squad of recruits, is to be taught to march without the
constant use of the drum, and pace stick.
The drum will first beat the time in which the men are to march, when
the squad is halted; then, from time to time, when it is in motion.
While the drum is beating, at the halt, the men will give their
attention to the time; when it ceases, the instructor will put the
squad in motion.
In order to ascertain whether the time is beaten correctly, a pendulum
should be used.
The length of the pace in marching will be corrected with the pace
stick, the accuracy of which should occasionally be tested by
measurement.
=13.= _Position in marching._
In marching, the soldier must maintain the position of the head and
body, as directed in S. =6=, with the weight on the fore part of
the feet. He must be well balanced on his limbs. In slow time his arms
and hands must be kept steady by his sides, care being taken that the
hand does not partake of the movement of the leg, and the toes must be
pointed downwards. In quick time his arms will swing naturally from
the shoulder, the right arm swinging forward with the left leg, and
the left arm with the right leg. The hand must not be swung in advance
of the leading foot, across the body, nor be raised higher than the
waistbelt. The movement of the leg must spring from the haunch, and be
free and natural.
Both knees must be kept straight, except while the leg is being carried
from the rear to the front, when the knee must necessarily be a little
bent, to enable the foot to clear the ground. The foot must be carried
straight to the front, and, without being drawn back, placed firmly on
the ground, but so as not to jerk or shake the body.
Although several recruits may be drilled together in a squad with
intervals, they must act independently, precisely as if they were being
instructed singly. They will thus learn to march in a straight line,
and to take a correct pace, both as regards length and time, without
reference to the other men of the squad.
Before the squad is put in motion, the instructor will take care that
the men are square individually and in correct line with each other.
Each recruit must be taught to take a point straight to his front,
by fixing his eyes upon some distant object, and then observing some
nearer point in the same straight line, such as a stone, tuft of grass,
or other object.
=14.= _The Quick March._
{ The time having been given on the drum,
_Quick--March_. { on the word _March_ the squad will step off
{ together with the left foot, in quick time,
{ observing the rules in S. =13=.
=15.= _The Halt._
{ On the word _Halt_, the moving foot will complete
_Squad--Halt._ { its pace, and the other will be brought
{ smartly up in line with it.
=16.= _Stepping Out._
{ When marching, on the word _Out_, the
{ moving foot will complete its pace, and the
_Step--Out._ { soldier will lengthen the pace by 3 inches,
{ leaning forward a little, but without altering
{ the cadence.
This step is used when a slight increase of speed, without an
alteration of cadence, is required; on the command _Quick--March_
the usual pace will be resumed.
=17.= _Stepping short._
{ On the word _Short_, the foot advancing will
{ complete its pace, after which each soldier will
_Step--Short._ { shorten the pace by 9 inches until the command
{ _Quick--March_ is given, when the quick
{ step will be resumed.
=18.= _Marking time._
{ On the word _Time_, the foot then advancing
{ will complete its pace, after which the time
{ will be continued, without advancing, by
{ raising each foot alternately about six inches,
_Mark--Time._ { keeping the feet almost parallel with the ground,
{ the knees raised to the front, the arms steady
{ at the sides, and the body steady. On the word
{ _Forward_, the pace at which the men were
{ moving will be resumed.
At the halt, the word of command will be _Quick, Mark--Time_.
=19.= _Stepping back._
{ In stepping back, soldiers must be taught to
{ take a quick pace of 30 inches straight to
_--Paces,_ { the rear, preserving their shoulders square
_Step Back--March._ { to the front and their bodies erect. In
{ halting, the foot in front will be brought
{ back square with the other.
The step back should not exceed four paces.
=20.= _Changing step._
{ To change step in marching, the advancing
{ foot will complete its pace, and the ball of the
_Change--Step._ { rear foot will be brought up to the heel of the
{ advanced one, which will make another step
{ forward, so that the time will not be lost, two
{ successive steps being taken with the same foot.
This may be required when any part of a squad, or a single soldier, is
stepping with a different foot from the rest.
To change step when marking time, two successive beats will be made
with the same foot.
=21.= _The Double March._
{ The time having been given on the drum, on
{ the word _March_, the men will step off together
{ with the left foot, doubling on the fore part of
{ the foot, care being taken that the heels do not
{ touch the ground. At the same time they will
{ raise their hands as high as the waist, fists
{ clenched, the flat part of the wrist inwards.
{ The arms must move with freedom at the shoulder
_Double--March._ { with the action of the legs and be kept close
{ to the sides. The head must be kept erect
{ and the shoulders square to the front. There
{ must be no stiffness in the movement of the legs;
{ thigh, knee, and ankle joints all working freely.
{ The feet must be picked up cleanly from the
{ ground at each pace, and the body inclined
{ slightly forward. As the foot leaves the ground
{ it should be carried straight to the front, care
{ being taken that the heels are not raised towards
{ the seat.
_Squad--Halt._ { As in S. =15=, at the same time dropping and
{ partly opening the hands.
The recruit will be taught to mark time in double time, the hands being
raised and the fists clenched as when marching in double time, but the
arms kept steady. From the halt, the word of command will be Double,
Mark--Time.
=22.= _The Side step._
Caution.--_Right_ (or _Left_) _close_.
_Right_ (or { On the word _March_, each man will carry his
_Left_) _Close_, { right foot 15 inches direct to the right, and
_--March._ { instantly close his left foot to it, thus
or { completing the pace; he will proceed to take the
_--Paces, Right_ { next pace in the same manner. Shoulders to be
(or _Left_) { kept square, knees not bent, unless on rough or
_Close,--March._ { broken ground. The direction must be kept in a
{ straight line to the flank.
{ On the word _Halt_, which will be given when
_Squad--Halt._ { the number of paces has not been specified, the
{ men will complete the pace they are taking, and
{ remain steady.
Soldiers should not usually be moved to a flank by the side step more
than twelve paces.
=23.= _Turning when on the march._
{ 1. _Turning to the right, and back into squad._--On
{ the word _Turn_, which should be given as the
_Right--Turn._ { left foot is coming to the ground, each soldier
{ will turn in the named direction, and move on
{ at once, without checking his pace.
{ On the word _Turn_, which should be given as
{ the right foot is coming to the ground, each
_Left--Turn._ { soldier will turn again to the left, and move on
{ without checking his pace.
2. A soldier will always turn to the right on the left foot; and to the
left on the right foot. If the word _Turn_ is not given as the
proper foot is coming to the ground, the soldier will move on one pace
and then turn.
3. _Making a half turn to the right, or left._--Recruits will also
be practised in making a half turn to the right or left on the words
_Right_ or _Left--Incline_, and then moving on (without checking their
pace) in a diagonal direction, taking up fresh points, at once, to
march on, and turning in the original direction on the word _Left_ or
_Right--Incline_.
4. _Turning about._--On the command _About turn_, recruits will also be
taught to turn about, which must be done by each man on his own ground,
in three paces, without losing the time. Having completed the turn
about, the soldier will at once move forward, the fourth pace being a
full pace of 30 inches.
SQUAD DRILL, IN SINGLE RANK.
=24.= _Formation of the squad in single rank._
At this stage of the instruction a few recruits will be formed in
single rank, each man being allowed a space of 30 inches. The accuracy
of the spacing should be frequently tested by the instructor.
_Number._ { The squad will then be ordered to number
{ from the right.
_Odd Numbers,_ } When a squad in single rank is required to
_Two Paces_ } drill with intervals, the instructor will direct
_Forward,--March._} the odd numbers to take two paces forward.
_Reform_ } To re-form single rank the odd numbers will
_Single_ } step back two paces, when the squad will correct
_Rank--March._ } the dressing from the right or left.
=25.= _Dressing when halted._
When soldiers are on the alignment they have to occupy, and it
is necessary to correct their dressing, the command _Right_ (or
_Left_)--_Dress_ will be given, on which each man will look towards the
flank by which he is ordered to dress with a smart turn of the head, as
described in S. =8=. Each man will then move up or back to his place
successively, commencing with the man nearest the named flank, carrying
his body backward or forward with the feet, moving to his dressing with
short quick steps, without bending backward or forward. His shoulders
must be kept perfectly square, and the position of _Attention_,
retained throughout.
The instructor should invariably fix upon some object on which to dress
his line.
It will be found useful to accustom men to dress on an alignment
oblique to any well-defined adjacent line.
=26.= _Turnings._
The recruit will next practice in single rank, judging the time,
without any pause between the motions, the turnings he has been taught
by numbers.
=27.= _Marching in Squad._
Before a squad is ordered to march, the directing flank or man must be
indicated by the caution, _By the right_, _By the left_, or _By No.-_.
During the march, the shoulders must be kept perfectly square to the
front, the body steady, eyes off the ground. Each man will preserve his
position in the general alignment by an occasional glance towards the
directing man.
The squad will first be taught to march straight to the front, by the
right, by the left, or by any man. It will then be practised in all the
varieties of step in quick time, and in marking time, after which it
will be exercised in double time.
The recruit will be practised in changing the pace, without halting,
from quick to double, on the command _Double--March_, and from
double to quick. In breaking from double into quick time, on the
command _Quick--March_, the arms will be dropped to their usual
position.
The instructor will ensure that the recruit on the flank, or the named
number, according to the caution, selects two distant points to march
on, and before approaching the first takes another in advance on the
same line, and so on. By occasionally remaining halted in rear of
the directing man, and fixing his eyes on the distant objects, the
instructor can ascertain if the squad is marching in the original
direction.
When a soldier finds himself a little behind, or before, the other
men of his squad, he must be taught to recover his place in the rank
gradually, and not to rush to it.
=28.= _The Diagonal March._ (PLATE I, Fig. 1.)
{ When the squad is on the march in line, and
{ is required to move in a diagonal direction to
{ the right, the command _Right--Incline_ will be
{ given, upon which the men will turn half right,
{ and move diagonally in that direction, each
_Right--Incline._ { regulating his pace so that his own shoulders
{ are parallel with the shoulders of the man on
{ his right. This man’s head should conceal the
{ heads of the other men towards the right. The
{ right hand man will direct, and must therefore
{ pay particular attention to the direction and
{ pace.
{ When it is intended to resume the original
_Left--Incline._ { direction, the word _Left--Incline_ will be
{ given, on which every man will move forward in
{ the original direction without checking his pace.
[Illustration: PLATE I.
THE DIAGONAL MARCH.
_Fig. 1._
_Right Incline._
_Fig. 2._
_Changing Direction._
_At the Halt. Right-form._
_Fig. 3._
_Forming up
on the Right. Form Squad._]
The diagonal march may, if necessary, be taught from the halt.
If the diagonal march has been properly performed, the squad when
halted, or after the words _Left--Incline_, will be found to be in
a line parallel to its original position.
The diagonal march will also be practised in double time.
=29.= _Changing Direction._ (PLATE I, Fig. 2.)
_At the Halt. Right--Form_ } 1. _From the Halt._--On the word
(or } _Form_, the right-hand man will make
_Half Right--Form_). } a full turn, and the remainder a
} partial turn in the required
} direction.
{ On the word _March_, all except the
_Quick--March._ { right-hand man will step off; and,
{ glancing to the right, will move by
{ the shortest line to their places on
{ the new alignment, halt, and take up
{ their dressing independently.
2. The squad will also practise forming at any angle.
3. When it is intended to move forward in the new direction after
forming, the words _At the Halt_ will be omitted, the men will
mark time when formed, and the word _Forward_ will follow.
4. _On the March._--On the command _Right--Form_, the
right-hand man will turn in the required direction, and mark time,
while the remainder will make a partial turn, and move by the shortest
line to their places on the new alignment. As each man arrives in his
place he will mark time and take up his dressing independently.
As soon as the squad is formed, the command _Forward_ will be
given.
5. If it is desired to form at the halt when on the march, on the
command _At the Halt--Right--Form_, the right-hand man will turn
in the required direction and then halt; the remainder will act as in
1.
=30.= _Marching as in file._
{ 1. _From the halt._--Soldiers, when standing as
{ in file, must be instructed to cover each other
_Right--Turn._ { exactly. The head of the man immediately in
{ front of each soldier, when he is correctly
{ covered, will conceal the heads of all the others
{ before him.
{ On the word _March_, the whole will step off
{ together, and will continue to step a full pace,
{ without increasing or diminishing the distance
_Quick--March._ { between each other. No looking down, nor
{ leaning back is to be allowed. The leader is to
{ be directed to march straight forward on some
{ distant object, the remainder of the men covering
{ correctly during the march.
{ On the words _Halt_, _Left_ (or _Right_) _Turn_,
_Squad, Halt_, { the soldiers will halt, and turn in the required
_Left--Turn._ { direction. If the marching has been properly
{ performed, their dressing will be found correct.
{ 2. _On the march._--On the word _Turn_, the
_Right--Turn._ { soldier will turn to the right, and move on as
{ in file.
{ On the word _Left_ (or _Right_) _Turn_, the
_Left--Turn._ { soldier will turn in the required direction, and
{ then move on in line.
=31.= _Changing direction as in file._
{ The squad, when marching as in file, will be
{ taught to change direction. The leading man
{ will move round a quarter of the circumference
_Right--Wheel._ { of a circle having a radius of four feet. The
{ other men, in succession, will follow on his
{ footsteps without increasing or diminishing their
{ distances from each other or altering the time,
{ but shortening the pace a little with the inner
{ foot.
If a squad is ordered to halt, mark time, or step short, when a part of
the men only have wheeled into the new direction, the remainder should
be instructed to cover off, if required, by the diagonal march, on the
command, _Rear Files--Cover_.
=32.= _Men marching as in file forming up into squad._
(PLATE I, Fig. 3.)
{ 1. _Forming up into Squad._--When the
{ squad, marching as in file to the left
_On the_ { or right, is ordered to form up either
_Right_ (or { to the right or left, the leading man
_Left_), _Form--Squad_. { will mark time, the remainder will make
{ a partial turn in the named direction
{ and form upon him, marking time as they
{ come into the alignment, and taking up
{ their dressing.
_Squad--Forward_, } As soon as the squad is formed, the
_by the Left_ } command _Forward_ will be given.
(or _Right_). }
2. If it is intended to halt at the place where the movement is
commenced, the caution _At the Halt_ will be given, and the
leading man will halt instead of marking time, the remainder doing the
same as they reach their places, and taking up their dressing.
=33.= _Marching with arms._
Squads with arms will be practised in the different marches, and
variations of step, described in the foregoing sections. During these
practices, the closest attention must be paid to the position of each
individual recruit.
The disengaged arm will be allowed to swing naturally, except when
doubling with arms at the slope, when it will be bent as in the double
march S. =21=.
When men parade with arms they will invariably fall in at the
_Order_, each man occupying 30 inches, and _Stand at Ease_.
_Coming to Attention._--The squad, when standing easy, will
stand at ease on the caution _Squad_, and will come to attention
and slope arms on the command _Slope--Arms_; it will order arms
from the _Slope_, stand at ease, and stand easy, on the command
_Stand--Easy_.
SQUAD DRILL, IN TWO RANKS.
=34.= _Formation of a squad in two ranks._
The squad will now be formed for drill in two ranks. The men will take
their places in succession, commencing from the flank on which they
are ordered to form, and each occupying a space of 30 inches. Each man
of the rear rank will be placed 60 inches from the man in front of
him, measuring from heel to heel, and will cover him correctly, the
two men thus placed forming a _File_. The squad will be numbered
from right to left; when it consists of an uneven number of men, the
third man from the left of the front rank will be a _Blank_ (or
incomplete) _File_, that is, he will have no rear rank man.
If the squad is required to drill with intervals, it will be numbered
from the right, and will then receive the command _Odd numbers of the
front rank two paces forward, even numbers of the rear rank two paces
step back--March_.
To re-form the squad, on the command _Reform Ranks--March_, the
odd numbers of the front rank will step back two paces, and the even
numbers of the rear rank step forward two paces.
=35.= _Dressing._
The front rank will dress as described in S. =25=. The rear rank
men will continue looking to their front, and will cover and correct
their distances, as the men of the front rank take up their dressing.
=36.= _Marching in squad, and in file._
A squad in two ranks will be practised in the marches and variations of
step taught in single rank.
_Blank File._--A blank file will always be with the leading rank.
He will move up into his place on the words _About Turn_ at the
halt, or will step out to take his place in the leading rank when the
squad is turned about on the march.
_Covering and Distance._--While marching in line, the men of the
rear rank must accurately preserve their covering and distance.
_Marching in file._--Marching and changing direction in file will
be practised as laid down in S. =30= and S. =31=, care being
taken that the men in the rear rank dress correctly by the men of the
front rank.
=37.= _Changing Ranks._
When a squad turns about, the ranks are thereby changed, _i.e._,
the former rear rank becomes the front rank, the former front rank the
rear rank.
The exception is when it is required to fall back for a short distance
only, with a view of again turning in the original direction. The
command _About--Turn_ is then preceded by the caution _The Squad
will Retire_. The squad will turn in the original direction on the
command _The Squad will Advance, About--Turn_.
=38.= _The Diagonal March._
The diagonal march will be practised in two ranks, in the manner
described in S. =28=. In addition to the instructions there given,
the men in the rear rank must be cautioned to preserve their relative
positions with the men of the front rank, in order that they may cover
correctly when they are halted in line.
=39.= _Changing direction, and forming up._
A squad will change direction or form up according to the instructions
laid down in S. =29= and S. =32=. The rear rank will not turn on the
caution, but in forming will conform to the movements of the front rank.
=40.= _The formation of fours._ (PLATE II.)
_Fours_ are the ordinary marching formation of infantry, and the
greatest attention should be paid to training the recruit to keep the
prescribed distance from the man in front. Order, comfort, and the
reduction of fatigue, depend on the maintenance of exact distance by
the sections of fours.
_Test of marching._--The test of marching in fours is the
position of the men when they turn into line. If there are no gaps or
irregularities in the line, and the squad occupies the same frontage
as before it formed fours, the marching is good. This test should
be frequently applied during the instruction of recruits, and the
slightest carelessness as regards the maintenance of the exact distance
should be checked at once.
It must be explained to the men that odd numbers are right files, and
even numbers left files.
In order that the left four may always be complete, the file on the
left of a squad will invariably move back, and the second file from the
left always stand fast in forming fours.
{ 1. _When in line at the halt._--On the word
{ _Fours_, the left files will take a pace of 30
{ inches back, and then a side pace of 30 inches
_Form--Fours._ { so as to cover their right files, the first
{ pace being taken with the foot furthest from
{ the right files. In this formation the squad
{ will stand in fours.
{ On the word _Two-deep_ the left files will
{ move to their original position in line by
_Form--Two-deep._ { taking a side pace of 30 inches, and a pace
{ forward of 30 inches; or if the squad has been
{ turned about while in fours, a side pace and a
{ pace back.
[Illustration: PLATE II.
FORMATION OF FOURS.
_Fig. 1._
_Squad with an Odd File._
_Fig. 2._
_Squad with a Blank Odd File._
_Fig. 3._
_Squad with a Blank Even File._
_Fig. 4._
_When Squad is Turned about._]
2. _Forming Fours to the Right_ (or _Left_).
_Form--Fours._ As already described.
_Right_ (or } The squad will turn as ordered.
_Left_). }
_Left_ (or } The squad will turn as ordered, and then form
_Right_)--_Turn_. } two-deep, as already described.
If it is required to remain in fours, the word of command will be _In
Fours_. _Left_ (or _Right_)--_Turn_.
A squad moving to a flank in fours, on receiving the command _Right_
(or _Left_)--_Turn_, will turn in the required direction and form
two-deep without any further word of command. On receiving an order to
incline to the right or left, the squad will remain in fours.
3. _On the march._--A squad marching in line, or by the diagonal march,
will be taught to form fours precisely as when forming from the halt;
the right files marking time two paces whilst the left files are moving
to their places. Should the word _Right_ or _Left_ or _Right_ or _Left
Incline_ follow, the squad will turn in the direction ordered.
4. _When in file._--Fours will be formed by the left files, moving
forward or back into their position in _Fours_, right files if on
the move marking time two paces.
5. When moving in fours, the squad may be turned in any direction,
diagonal or otherwise.
6. When moving in fours, the squad may be ordered to form two-deep; on
the command, _Form--Two-deep_, the left files will step up or fall
back into their places in two-deep formation, the right files marking
time two paces.
7. When from line a squad is turned to the right or left in fours, if
to the right the left will direct, and if to the left the right will
direct without any further word of command, and each section of fours
will dress by that flank.
8. A squad moving to a flank in fours by the diagonal march, will form
two-deep on being turned into line.
=41.= _Fours changing direction, and forming squad._
1. _Changing direction._--A squad moving in fours, will change
direction to the right, in the same manner as in file: each four
wheeling successively round the same point as described in S. =31=.
If the squad be ordered to halt, or mark time, when a part of the
fours only have wheeled, the remainder will be instructed to cover
off, if required, by the diagonal march, on the command _Rear
fours--Cover_.
2. _Forming squad._--When a squad moving in fours is ordered to form
squad either on the right or left, it will re-form two-deep, and then
proceed as in S. =32=, the men taking up their proper places as they
come up to the alignment.
=42.= _Passage of a Defile._
If a squad in line has to pass a defile, it will be formed into fours,
or turned into file, either to a flank or inwards, and pass the defile
in this formation, line being reformed as soon as the defile is passed.
=43.= _Obstacles._
When a stream, ditch, or bank is to be crossed it will be generally
found best to increase rather than diminish the front, by causing the
men to gradually open out before they arrive at the obstacle. If an
obstacle such as a tree or a bush has to be passed, the men concerned
will drop back, clear the obstacle, and then resume their original
formation.
=44.= _Dismissing with or without arms._
{ The squad will turn to the right, and after a
_Dis-miss._ { pause, break off quietly, and leave the parade
{ ground with sloped arms.
SKIRMISHING.
=45.= _General Rules._
1. Skirmishing implies extended order, in which each individual acts
and thinks for himself, and makes use of all his powers, mental and
physical, to attain a common object. It is absolutely essential, then,
that in this part of his training, the intelligence of each recruit
should be developed by every possible means, and that a spirit of
independent action, subject to the control and general directions of
the section and squad commanders, should be sedulously encouraged.
2. Even after the soldier has acquired the habit of prompt obedience
to the word of command, and of concentrating his whole attention
on the work in hand, and has learnt to march and shoot, he will,
notwithstanding, be insufficiently trained for service unless he can
use his wits as well as his physical strength, and is a skilful,
active, and resourceful skirmisher.
3. Skirmishing is the all important formation in warfare against a
well-armed enemy. The instruction of the recruit in such exercises
must therefore, be considered as one of the most important portions
of his training, and should receive very careful attention. It should
commence as soon as he is sufficiently advanced to be able to carry out
movements in two ranks and to perform correctly the various motions
required to fire the rifle, and should be continued throughout his
training.
=46.= _Course of Training._
The course of instruction of the recruit in skirmishing will be divided
into two parts:--
(i) _Preliminary Training._--This, which should be as brief as
possible, may be carried out on level ground; it will include
instruction in the methods of extending and closing, advancing and
retiring, wheeling and changing direction, &c., and in the use of
signals.
(ii) _Practical Skirmishing._--This will take the form of simple
exercises, such as advancing or retiring, &c., over broken ground.
During this period the recruit should be individually instructed in
the use of cover, the elementary lessons in the application of fire,
and the practical methods of carrying out the principles learnt during
preliminary training.
=47.= _Preliminary Training._
1. In order that the recruit may be accustomed to use his intelligence
and initiative from the commencement of his training as a skirmisher,
it will be explained to him that skirmishing is a tactical exercise
and not a drill, that the object of it is to teach him the practical
methods of advancing and retiring, the use of cover, and the
application of fire, &c.; and that mechanical precision in performing
the various movements is not to be aimed at.
2. A squad of recruits with arms will be formed up under a capable
instructor, who should be a skilful skirmisher; he will train the
individual recruit in the method of extending, &c., S. =46= (i).
3. Skirmishers will move in single rank at the trail. Correct dressing
and keeping step are to be dispensed with. When halted each man will
turn towards the direction of the supposed enemy, and will either lie
down or will take up such a position behind natural cover as will
afford him sufficient protection, and enable him to use his rifle with
effect. At preliminary training on the parade ground, recruits may
stand easy instead of lying down when the squad halts.
4. In all skirmishing exercises the instructor will point out the
position of the enemy, and he will see that the squad acts throughout
with reference to that position.
5. Although words of command are given for preliminary drill purposes,
it is to be distinctly understood that in skirmishing all orders,
as far as is possible, are to be conveyed by signal. During the
preliminary training the words of command may be used, but they are
invariably to be preceded by the whistle sound, and to be accompanied
by the corresponding signal, S. =49=. The instructor will ensure
that every man looks to him on the sound of the whistle. He will
give neither command nor signal until they do so, as it is of great
importance that in the field all should at once look to the commander
on the whistle sounding.
=48.= _Method of Extending and Closing, &c._
1. _Extending from line._--On the command _To ---- paces--Extend_, if
on the move, the front rank man of the centre file will continue to
advance, the remaining files will turn outwards and will extend at the
double, each man breaking into quick time and advancing in the original
direction on reaching his position. The rear rank men will form on the
left of their front rank men. Arms will be carried at the short trail
until there is sufficient room to trail. If it is desired to extend
to one flank, the command _To the Right_ (or _Left_) will precede
the above command, when the extension will be performed on the same
principle as from the centre. If the squad is halted, the extension
will be carried out by the front rank man of the centre or flank file
lying down, whilst the remainder will turn in the required direction
and extend as above in double time, each man halting and lying down as
soon as he has got his extension. (When on the barrack square recruits
may be permitted to stand at ease instead of lying down.)
_Note._--The centre file of the squad should be indicated
by the instructor.
2. _Extending from column of fours._--On the command _To the Right_
(or _Left_) _to ---- paces--Extend_, the whole will form two deep. If
the extension is to the right, the left man of the leading file will
continue to advance, the other man of the file extending, whilst the
remainder will make a partial turn in the required direction, and will
double into their position, breaking into quick time, and continuing
the advance in the original direction as soon as they have done so. If
the extension is to the right, the left man of each file will form on
the left of the other man of the same file, and _vice versâ_. If, when
working with two squads, it is desired to extend outwards, one squad
should be ordered to extend to the right and the other to the left.
3. Should it be required to form in a direction obliquely to the line
of advance, the command _Half_ (or _Quarter_), _Right_ (or _Left_) will
precede the command in 1 or 2.
4. If it is desired to increase or decrease the extension, the command
will be _To ---- paces--Extend_ (or _Close_), when the men will extend
or close on the centre, unless one flank is named.
5. Skirmishers will be practised in inclining and in changing
direction. The change of direction should be carried out without
checking the pace, skirmishers gaining their position at the double.
6. In all movements in extended order the centre will direct unless
otherwise ordered; the point on which the centre man is to move should
be clearly pointed out.
7. On the command, or signal, _Close_, squads will close in quick
time on their centre file, which will halt, if the squad is not already
halted. The men of the original rear rank forming up in rear of their
original front rank men, each man halting and standing at ease as he
resumes his position in line.
=49.= _Signals and Whistle Blasts and War Calls._
1. All movements of skirmishers will be controlled by the whistle and
signal, for which purpose the following whistle blasts and signals have
been adopted:--
2. The whistle will be used--
(_a_) To draw attention to a signal about to be made--“a
short blast.”
(_b_) To denote “Cease fire”--“a long drawn out blast.”
(_c_) To denote “Rally,” in wood, bush, fog or darkness,
when the signal cannot be seen--“a succession of short
blasts.”
(_d_) To denote “Alarm”--“a succession of alternate long
and short blasts.”
3. On a short blast being blown on the whistle, skirmishers will turn
towards their commander and will remain looking at him until he gives
the executive signal.
====================================================+=============
SIGNAL. | TO INDICATE
----------------------------------------------------+-------------
(_a_) Arm swung from rear to front below the | “Advance” or
shoulder | “Forward.”
|
(_b_) Arm circled above the head | “Retire.”
|
(_c_) Hand raised in line with the shoulder, | “Quick time.”
elbow bent |
|
(_d_) Clenched hand moved up and down between | “Double.”
thigh and shoulder |
|
(_e_) Arm raised at full extent above the head | “Halt.”
|
(_f_) Body or horse turned in the required | “Incline.”
direction and arm extended in line with |
the shoulder |
|
(_g_) Circular movement of the extended arm in | “Wheel.”
line with the shoulder in the required |
direction |
|
(_h_) Two or three slight movements of the open | “Lie down.”
hand towards the ground |
|
(_i_) Arm at full extent over head and waved a | “Extend.”[2]
few times slowly from side to side, the |
hand to be open and to come down as |
low as the hips on both sides of the body[3]|
|
|
(_k_) Hand placed on the top of the head, the | “Close.”
elbow to be square to the right or left, |
according to which hand is used[4]
|
(_l_) Arm swung from rear to front above the | “Reinforce.”
shoulder |
|
(_m_) Weapon held up above, and as if guarding | “Enemy in
the head | sight in
| small
| numbers.”
|
(_n_) As in (_m_), but weapon raised and lowered | “Enemy in
frequently | sight in
| large
| numbers.”
|
(_o_) Weapon held up at full extent of arm, | “No enemy in
point, or muzzle, uppermost | sight.”
----------------------------------------------------+--------------
4. _War bugle calls._--Charge. Alarm.
No other calls are to be used. For the Cease Fire the whistle only is
to be used.
=50.= _Practical Skirmishing._
1. As soon as the preliminary training is completed, the practical
application of the principles inculcated will be taught on broken
ground. Without constant practice over undulating, wooded, hilly,
mountainous, or rocky country, men can never become efficient
skirmishers.
2. Skirmishers must always be on the alert for the appearance of
the enemy, as well as for orders, whistle, or signal. To this end,
therefore, silence and attention must be as strictly maintained as in
close order, and although uniformity of action is not to be demanded,
each man should move with the utmost smartness and alacrity.
3. Neither on the move nor at the halt need a regular line be
preserved, nor should too much attention be paid to exact maintenance
of intervals between men.
4. Frequent opportunities will be taken of impressing on the recruit
that troops are formed as skirmishers in order that they may not
present a favourable target to the enemy’s fire, and may be enabled to
take full advantage of cover.
5. Advances may be made by rushes, at the double, in quick time, or
even by crawling, but the pace and method will depend on whether the
skirmishing line is under cover or not, on the volume of the fire to
which they are supposed to be exposed, and on the distance from the
enemy.
6. Orders are to be conveyed either by signal, S. =49=, or else
passed along the line of skirmishers, S. =54=.
=51.= _Cover._
1. The paramount importance of concealment must be impressed on all
ranks. Anyone showing himself may betray the fact that a position is
occupied; or that an outflanking movement is in progress. Officers and
non-commissioned officers must be careful to set an example in this
respect, and see that it is followed by the men.
2. The recruit should be trained to look for a covered line of advance,
and to select such halting places as will shelter him from the view and
fire of the enemy. He should move as nearly as possible in a direct
line forward, so as not to mask the fire of his comrades.
3. Cover to be efficient must fulfil the following conditions:--
(i) Afford a good view of the ground to the front. (If the
soldier is to shoot with effect he must never lose sight of the
target.)
(ii) Permit the free use of the rifle.
(iii) Give concealment to the firer.
(iv) Provide protection against the enemy’s fire.
4. It is more advantageous to fire from the side of cover than over
it, for though the exposure is in both cases practically identical,
a soldier when firing over cover is more visible than when firing
round it, and therefore offers a better mark for the enemy’s aim; in
addition, his movements when preparing to do so are more likely to
catch the eye. On the other hand, better view and command of ground are
obtained when firing over cover.
5. Cover gives protection in proportion to the closeness with which
the soldier’s body is brought to it. Bullets which just pass over the
top of cover, particularly if their angle of descent is abrupt, search
ground within a very few feet.
6. Whenever possible, fire should be delivered from the lowest part of
the right side of any obstacle. For example, the soldier should lie
down at the foot of a tree and fire to the right of it; or when behind
a boulder, he should fire round the lower edge of it, and not over the
top.
Men must necessarily fire over a continuous wall, bank, ditch, high
grass, crops, or similar features.
In this case, until the rifle is brought to the firing position only
the portion of the head from the eyes upwards should be visible above
the cover.
7. When teaching the use of cover, the instructor will explain that the
first principle is so to adapt the position to it that the rifle can be
fired with the minimum of exposure. He will then state the advantages
and disadvantages of various kinds of cover, and will point out that a
firer behind a rock or stone wall may be wounded by splinters; that a
certain thickness of earth or brick is necessary to resist a bullet;
that a tree affords only moderate protection; that an isolated tree,
bush or hedgerow should be avoided as it will probably draw fire; that
even the smallest fold of ground gives cover from view and protection
from fire, &c. Finally, he will, so far as cover is available,
practically show how each can best be utilised.
The men will observe his position both from behind and from the front,
and the instructor will emphasise the danger of undue exposure. Each
man will then be directed to take cover, and his actions and position
criticised by the instructor from the enemy’s point of view as well as
from behind.
8. If a skirmisher finds that there is no cover near his line of
advance, or that the cover which exists is already occupied, he must
throw himself down in the open, and lie as flat as possible.
9. Skirmishers must never expose themselves on the sky-line, or
against a background which would show them up; they must never in any
circumstances crowd together.
10. It will be found of great value during instruction to make each
individual man skirmish independently over a piece of unknown ground
against the rest of the squad, and to invite their criticism on his
action.
11. In training skirmishers it is by no means sufficient to point out
mistakes, but, in every case, the correct method of action, and the
reasons for it, should be carefully and patiently explained, and the
exercise repeated.
=52.= _Blank Ammunition._
Blank ammunition should occasionally be used, and the enemy should be
represented by either another squad, or a few men; light canvas, paper,
or wooden targets, in the form of men kneeling, cavalry, a gun, &c.,
&c.; or a line of old helmets or khaki hats.
=53.= _Fire Effect._
1. In skirmishing the unit of fire will usually be the section or squad.
2. The squad leader will be careful that no man who cannot see the mark
fires.
3. The instructor should constantly inspect the recruits when firing
from behind cover, direct them to correct their positions, and make
certain that they recognise the target at which they have been ordered
to aim.
It will be explained to the recruits that--
(i) Fire is only effective when the mark can be seen, and when
it is steadily delivered.
(ii) It is useless to fire merely for the sake of firing, when
no enemy is visible, and his position is unknown.
(iii) Battles are won mainly by the accurate fire of individuals
at decisive range. Long range fire should rarely be opened
without special directions from a superior; in the absence of
orders, however, it may be directed against large bodies, such
as half a battalion in close order.
(iv) In crises, and against large and conspicuous targets, fire
should be as rapid as is compatible with accuracy, in order
that as great loss may be inflicted as possible. In ordinary
circumstances fire should be slow.
(v) The moral and material effect of concentrated fire, when
every rifle is directed against one portion of the enemy’s line,
is far greater than when each man fires at a mark of his own
selection.
(vi) Oblique fire (that is fire delivered at an angle to the
hostile line) will give better results than frontal, because the
surface exposed by the enemy will be greater.
(vii) Enfilade fire (that is, fire directed along the enemy’s
line) will be more effective than frontal, because errors in
estimation of range should be of less importance, and its moral
effect is greater.
(viii) The surest way of checking the enemy’s advance, or
bringing about his retirement, is to shoot down his leaders.
(ix) Great results may be obtained from fire delivered
unexpectedly at short range, and men should always be on the
watch for opportunities of this nature.
(x) Well concealed, a few bold men, extended at wide intervals,
can, by rapid fire, deceive the enemy as to the strength of the
force by which he is opposed, may delay him for a considerable
time, and before withdrawing inflict serious loss.
=54.= _Reporting and passing Orders._
Skirmishers should be taught to report to their leaders anything they
may observe of the dispositions of their enemy, to call their attention
to all signals and to the movements of other units, and to pass orders,
messages or information along the line in a clear and intelligible
manner, without shouting.
=55.= _Intervals._
The intervals between skirmishers depend on the nature of the ground,
and on the character of the operation, and on the volume of fire it is
sought to bring to bear on the enemy. They may vary considerably; but
it should be clearly recognised that over-extension results in loss of
control, and in diminishing the volume of fire. In close country and
woods, and whenever counter-attack is probable, over-extension is very
dangerous.
It is essential, therefore, before extending, that the length of front
to be occupied should be carefully considered; and the commander of
a party of skirmishers must always be able to give a reason for the
interval at which his men are extended.
=56.= _Reinforcing._
It is inevitable in the heat of battle that battalions, companies,
sections, and even squads will become mixed up. It is of very great
importance to accustom the men to such conditions, and to make
them understand that if they use their intelligence and their eyes,
confusion may be readily reduced to order. The squad should be
practised in reinforcing to the front. For this purpose two squads may
be extended in two lines. On the word or signal _Reinforce_, the
rear squad will advance as directed by the commander, and will carry
forward the leading line of skirmishers, the intervals of which it will
occupy, no regard being paid to the order in which the men may place
themselves. But great attention should be paid to the following:--
(i) The men, whether they receive orders or not, should at once
look for the nearest squad commander, and place themselves under
his control.
(ii) Skirmishers should be ordered to re-organise when the cover
is so good as to afford a favourable opportunity, and the men
should always be on the look out for such chances to rejoin
their squads.
(iii) Troops who are being reinforced should be careful to cover
the advance of the reinforcements by directing a rapid fire on
the enemy’s position.
Squads should also be practised in reinforcing on either flank. On
the word or signal _Reinforce_ the squad in rear will advance as
directed by its commander, and prolong the leading line to the right or
left.
=57.= _Assembly after Dispersal._
The squad will be dispersed, and the men taught to assemble on their
commander on the command _Assemble_, forming at the double in two
ranks in their original position on his right.
=58.= _Inspection of Skirmishers._
In testing the efficiency of a section of skirmishers, officers will
carefully avoid a stereotyped catechism. Question and answer in the
exact words of the manual result in a mere parrot-like knowledge,
of no value in the field. Skirmishers should be questioned during a
series of exercises on broken ground, and their replies should either
be in the form of practical illustrations; for example, occupation
of cover, approach of a position, crossing a sky-line, &c., &c.; or
of explanations as to how they would act, or what they would report,
in circumstances that might arise out of the exercise in progress.
Furthermore, in attack and defence, in order to prevent the inspection
becoming a repetition of operations already rehearsed, the officer
will direct where the targets are to be placed, or give instructions
to the men representing the enemy; and in all exercises--attack,
reconnaissance, retirement, or defence--he will set the task for the
squad to carry out.