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PART I.
Formation of a Regiment, or Battalion, in order of battle.
(FIG. 1.)-The regiment or battalion is supposed to consist of ten companies, to wit: on grenadier company, one light infantry or rife company, and eight battalion companies.
The battalion companies are drawn up according to the rank of their captains, as follows:-1st, 5th, 4th, 7th, 3d, 8th, 6th, 2d, and are designated from right to left, first company, second company, third company, &c.
The grenadier company is posted on the right of the battalion, and the light infantry or rifle company, on the left of the battalion.
The two first companies on the right, whatever be their denomination, form the first division; the next two companies the second division; and so on to the left.
The colour-bearer (a sergeant) and five corporals, as a colour-guard, are posted on the left of the right centre battalion company, of which they make a part. They are formed in two ranks, the colour-bearer in the front-rank, withy a corporal on his right and left, and three corporals in the rear-covering. If there be two colours, then four corporals only will constitute the colour-guard. The colour-bearers will be in the front-rank, with a corporal between them, covered by three corporals in the rear.
The colour-company and all on its right are denominated the right wing of the battalion; the remaining companies, the left wing.
The colonel takes post thirty paces in rear of the file-closers, opposite to the centre of the battalion; the lieutenant-colonel and major opposite to the centres of the right and left wings respectively, and twelve paces in rear of the file-closers. The colonel, lieutenant-colonel, and major, are mounted.
The adjutant and sergeant-major are opposite to the right and left of the battalion respectively, and eight paces in rear of the file-closers; they aid the lieutenant-colonel and major respectively in the manoeuvres.
The quartermaster, surgeon, and assistant surgeon, drawn up in one rank, from right to left, in the order they are named, are posted on the left of the colonel, three paces in his rear.
The quartermaster sergeant is posted on a line with the front rank of the field music, and two paces on the right.
The pioneers, with the corporal of pioneers on their right, are formed in two ranks and posted on the right of the grenadiers, their left four paces from the right of that company.
The field-music is formed in two ranks, the drummers in the rear, and posted twelve paces in rear of the file-closers, the left opposite to the centre of the left centre company. The senior principal musician is two paces in front of the field-music, the other two paces in the rear.
The band is formed in two ranks, and posted three paces in rear of the field-music.
Two sergeants, one denominated the right general guide, the other the left general guide, are posted in the line of file-closers, the first in the rear of the right, and the second in the rear of the left-flank of the battalion.
For manoeuvring, the companies in each battalion are always equalized.
PREPARE TO OPEN RANKS.-At this command, the lieutenant-colonel and major place themselves on the right of the battalion to direct the alignment.
TO THE REAR OPEN ORDER.-The covering sergeants and the covering corporal step off smartly four paces to the rear opposite to their places in line, and are aligned by the lieutenant-colonel on the covering corporal who inverts his piece and holds it erect between his eyes.
MARCH.-The rear-rank and file-closers step off to the rear in common time; the rear-rank passes a little in rear of its new line, halts, dresses to the right, and is aligned by the covering sergeants, superintended by the lieutenant-colonel. The file-closers fall back two paces from the rear-rank, and are aligned by the major on the file-closer of the left, who inverts his piece and holds it erect between his eyes.
FRONT.-The lieutenant-colonel and major return to their places in line.
CLOSE ORDER-MARCH.-At the word MARCH, the rear-rank closes to the front, each man covering his file-leader.
The ranks being closed, the manual of arms is executed in the following order:
Present-arms, - - - Shoulder-arms,
Order-arms, - - - Shoulder-arms,
Support-arms, - - - Carry-arms,
Charge-bayonet, - - - Shoulder-arms.
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LOADINGS AT WILL AND THE FIRINGS.
Loading at will is executed by the commands and in the manner prescribed in the squad-drill; the officers and sergeants in the ranks, half face to the right with the men, and face to the front when the men next to them cast about.
The fire by company and by file, is always direct, that by battalion and by wing, is either direct or oblique; in the latter case, the commanding officer will gives the caution RIGHT (or LEFT) OBLIQUE, between the words READY and AIM. The colour-guard is not to fire, but to reserve itself for the defence of the colour.
The fire by Company.
FIRE BY COMPANY.-At this command, the captains and covering sergeants place themselves in the manner prescribed for the fire in the company drill. The colour and its guard step back so as to bring the front-rank of the guard on a line with the rear-rank; these rules are general for all the different firings.
COMMENCE FIRING.-At this command, the right company of each division begins the fire, their captains giving the words (such) company, ready, aim fire, load,
The captains of the left companies of divisions, observe the same rules, each taking care not to give his first command, till he sees one or two pieces shouldered in the right company of his division; the captains of the right companies of divisions, after the first discharge, observe the same rule with regard to the left companies. In order that the right companies of divisions may not all fire at once, their captains, for the first discharge only, give the word fire, in succession from right to left.
The commanding officer causes the firing to cease by a short roll, when the captains and all the file-closers give the words cease firing; the men complete the loading and come to the shoulder; the roll is followed by a tap of the drum, when the captains, covering sergeants, and the colour-guard resume their places in line. These rules are general for all the firings.
The fire by Wing.
FIRE BY WING, RIGHT (or LEFT) WING.
READY, AIM, FIRE, LOAD.
The wings fire alternately, care being taken to see that one or two pieces are shouldered in the wing that has just fired before giving the first command for the other.
The fire by Battalion.
This is executed by the commands: FIRE BY BATTALION. BATTALION-READY. AIM. FIRE. LOAD.
The fire by file.
FIRE BY FILE. BATTALION. READY. COMMENCE FIRING.
At the command, COMMENCE FIRING. the firing begins on the right of each company at the same time.
To fire by the rear rank.
FACE BY THE REAR-RANK.-The captains, covering sergeants, and the file-closers, conform to what is prescribed in the company drill, under this head. The colour-bearer passes into the rear-rank, the corporal of his file stepping before the corporal next on his own right, to let the colour-bearer pass, and then stepping in front of the colour-bearer to reform his file; the closing sergeant and covering corporal change places; the lieutenant-colonel, adjutant, major, sergeant-major, field-music, and band, throw themselves before the front-rank, each opposite to his place in line, the first two passing round the right, the others round the left of the battalion.
BATTALION-ABOUT-FACE.-The battalion faces about, the captains placing themselves in their intervals in the rear-rank, now front, and their covering sergeants behind them in the front rank, now rear.
The different firings are executed by the same commands as if the battalion were faced by the front-rank. The right and left wings and companies retain their former designations. The fire by file, commences on the left, now right, of each company. The captains, covering sergeants, and colour-guard, on the first command, take the places prescribed for them in the fires, with the front rank leading.
To resume the proper Front.
FACE BY THE FRONT-RANK.
BATTALION-ABOUT-FACE.
The battalion re-turns to its proper front in the manner prescribed for the FACE BY THE REAR-RANK.
STACK-ARMS.-Arms are stacked in the manner prescribed in the squad drill.
BREAK-RANKS-MARCH.-At the word MARCH, the ranks disperse.
To return the battalion to the ranks, a short roll is given, during which the battalion re-forms behind the stacks of arms.
TAKE-ARMS.-This command is executed in the manner prescribed in the squad drill.
BATTALION.-At this word, the ranks fix their attention and remain immoveable.
The commanding officer having determined on the direction of his line, and his points A B, sends out two officers C D, to seek two intermediate points in the same line; the officer D advances, when C finds him in the direct line between himself and the point A, he advances, taking care to keep D always between himself and the point A, which he does by making him signals to advance or retire; when D finds C in the direct line between himself and B, he makes him the signal to halt, and they will find themselves on the intermediate points, C D.
The following movements are arranged as for eight companies, but they are applicable to ten companies. The movements are detailed as performed from the right; the mode of doing them from the left is explained in each case.
In the successive formations, (see No.'s 6, 7, 8, 9, and 10, of movements from open column, No.'s 8, 9, and 10, from close column, and 1 and 2, from column doubled on the centre,) each captain causes his company to support arms the moment the captain, who follows him commands front.
If the firing is to commence during the execution of the successive formations, the order to that effect is given to the captain whose company is first in line; this captain places himself behind the centre, and as soon as the next captain commands front, he commences the fire by file. At the words fire by file, the marker nearest the company just formed, places himself before the nearest file of that company, and the other marker retires. The captain of this last company commences the fire as soon as the captain of the next following company commands front; the marker retires, and the guide before the opposite flank places himself before the nearest file of the next company, and so on in continuation.
All the successive formations, except No. 8, from open column, may be formed by inversions, and they are executed according to the same principles as formation in direct order, the first command always being, BY INVERSION. (See No. 5, from open column.)
The battalion being in line by inversion, to bring it back to the direct order, it first breaks or ploys, by company or by division, according as the column may have been by company or by division, before it was formed in line by inversion.
When a battalion, in line by inversion, has to ploy into column, the movement is executed according to the same principles as if the line were in direct order; but observing the following rules:-If the column is to be by company or division, with the first in front, the caution, LEFT IN FRONT, is given in the command, because the battalion being in line by inversion, that subdivision is on the left. Each chief whose subdivision takes post in the column in front of the directing one, halts in his own person when up with the preceding right guide, and sees his subdivision file past; and every chief aligns his subdivision by the right. When the column is to be put in march, the command GUIDE LEFT, is given, because the proper right is in front. For the same reason, if the last subdivision is to be in front, the words RIGHT IN FRONT, are given in the command; the divisions are aligned by the left; and in putting the column in march, the words GUIDE RIGHT, are given, because the proper left is in front.
In the movements, each chief of subdivision, previous to the order of execution, steps in front of his subdivision and cautions it as to the particular movement it has to perform; the covering sergeants always replace their captains in the front-rank.
Movement No. 1, from line.
To break to the right into column.
BY COMPANY.
RIGHT-WHEEL.
QUICK-MARCH.
At the word MARCH, each company wheels to the right on a fixed pivot, the left guide placing himself on the marching flank to conduct it; when that flank arrives within three paces of the point where it is to rest, the captain commands (such) company-halt; the left guide steps forward to the point where the left of the company is to rest; and is aligned by the captain on the pivot man. Each captain aligns his company by the left, giving the words, left-dress, followed by front, and takes his place in column.
Wheeling to the left into column, is performed according to the same principles, but by inverse means.
Movement No. 2, from Line. (FIG. 3.)
When the line breaks to the right, in order to march to the left, or the reverse, the command BREAK TO THE RIGHT TO MARCH TO THE LEFT, or BREAK TO THE LEFT TO MARCH TO THE RIGHT, precedes the command BY COMPANY-RIGHT (or LEFT) WHEEL. The company on that flank towards which the wheel is made, marches forward twice the extent of its front, while the others are wheeling, and there halts. The lieutenant-colonel places two markers, one abreast with the leading company, the other abreast with the next company, near the directing guides. These two companies turn to the left (or right) the moment the column is out in march.
To break tp the rear into column. (FIG. 4)
BY THE RIGHT OF COMPANIES TO THE REAR INTO COLUMN. BATTALION-RIGHT-FACE
The battalion faces to the right, each captain goes to the right of his company, breaks two files to the rear, and place himself so that his breast shall touch the left arm of the front-rank man of the last file of the company on his right; for this object, the captain of the right company supposes a company to be on his right, and dresses on the other captains.
QUICK-MARCH.-Each company, conducted by the covering sergeant in front of the leading front rank man, marches perpendicularly to the rear, each file wheeling on the same ground in succession. The captains stand fast, let their companies file past, and when the last file has wheeled, each captain gives the words (such) company-halt, front-face. The left guide then places himself so that his arm may touch the captain's breast, and the captain adds left-dress, followed by front, and takes his place in column.
To break to the rear by the left, the same command, substituting LEFT for RIGHT, and the same means are observed.
The captains shifting to the left of their companies, and the left guides leading.
To ploy into close column, or mass. (FIG. 5.)
This may be performed by company or by division.
CLOSE COLUMN BY DIVISION, ON THIRD DIVISION RIGHT IN FRONT, INTO COLUMN. BATTALION, INWARD-FACE.
At the word FACE, the divisions on the right and left of the directing division, which stands fast, face towards that division. Each chief of those on the right goes to the left of his division, causes files to break to the front, and places himself by the side of his left guide, who is in front of the leading front-rank man. Each chief of those on the left of the directing division, goes to the right of his division, causes files to break to the rear, and places himself by the side of his right guide, who is in front of the leading front-rank man.
QUICK-MARCH.-The chief of the directing subdivision gives the words guide-left, when its left guide places himself on its left, and the file-closers advance one pace on the rear-rank. The other divisions, each conducted by its chief, step off together at the word, and the file-closers incline to the distance of one pace from the rear-rank. Each division enters the column parallelly to the directing division, to effect which those next to that division march by file, the one on its right, to the front, the one on its left to the rear, each five paces before it turns to enter the column; the other divisions march diagonally towards the points where they are to enter the column. Each division that is to form in front of the directing division, is conducted by chief till its left guide is nearly up with the left guide of the directing division, the chief then gives the words: (such) division, halt, front-face, and the left guide faces to the rear and covers the preceeding guide at a distance of five paces; the chief then adds left-dress, followed by front, and takes his place in column. Each chief of divisions which are to form in rear of the directing division, halts when he is up with the left guide of that division, lets his division file past, and when the last file has passed him, gives the words (such) division, halt, front-face, when the left guide covers the preceding guide at a distance of five paces; the chief then adds left-dress, followed by front, and takes his place in column.
The lieutenant-colonel rectifies the position of the guides in front, and the major, those in rear of the directing division.
If the battalion is to ploy with the left in front, it will be so expressed in the command. The chief of the directing division gives the words guide-right, the moment the movement begins, and the formation takes place according to the same principles but by inverse means.
The battalion may ploy on any named division, with the right or left in front, according to the same principles.
The guides who have faced about will face to the front at the words GUIDES ABOUT-FACE, given by the commanding officer, the moment the movement is complete
The battalion may be ployed into column at full or half distance, on the same principles, by substituting in the commands, COLUMN AT FULL (or HALF) DISTANCE, for CLOSE COLUMN.
To ploy into column doubled on the centre. (FIG. 6.)
DOUBLE COLUMN,
AT HALF DISTANCE. BATTALION, INWARD-FACE
The two centre companies (fourth and fifth) stand fast, the remaining companies face towards the centre. Each captain whose company has faced, causes two files at the head of his company to break to the rear; the left guide of each right company, and the right guide of each left company places himself at the head of the front-rank, the captain by his side.
QUICK-MARCH.-The two centre companies stand fast, their chief places himself before the centre, and gives the words, guide-right. The remaining companies, conducted by their captains, enter the column at company distance, each behind the one preceding in the same wing, the corresponding companies of the two wings uniting; that is the third company unites with the sixth, the second with the seventh, and the first with the eighth. An instant before the union, the left guides of the right companies pass into the rank of file closers, and when the head of the companies arrive opposite the centre of the directing division, each captain gives the words (such) company, halt, front-face; the senior captain of each division then adds right-dress, followed by front, and takes his place in column.
The divisions thus formed, are denominated first, second, third fourth, beginning at the front.
The lieutenant-colonel in rear assures the right guides of the right companies on the direction, as they successively arrive.
The double column, closed in mass, may be formed according to the same principles, by substituting in the command, CLOSED IN MASS, for that of AT HALF DISTANCE
Changes of Front. (FIG. 7.)
Before the caution is given for a change of front, the base company is established on the new line, and two markers are placed in front of that company opposite the right and left files; the markers face to the right, if the company belong to the right wing; and to the left if it belong to the left wing. If the change is to be made on the fifth company, left wing forward, that company serves as the base, and the moment it is established the fourth company is faced about, wheeled to the right, halted, and faced to the front, its right guide steps out on the line at the point where its right is to rest and covers the markers, and the captain of the fifth steps into the rear-rank to give place to the captain of the fourth, who align his company by the left. If the change is to be made on the fourth company, right wing forward, the line is established by inverse means, the fourth company serves as the base and the fifth is aligned upon it. In these central changes, both the central companies are established before the caution is given.
CHANGE FRONT ON FIFTH COMPANY, LEFT WING FORWARD. RIGHT WING, ABOUT-FACE. BY COMPANY, RIGHT HALF WHEEL. QUICK-MARCH. FORWARD-MARCH. GUIDE-RIGHT.
At the word FACE, the companies of the right wing face about, their captains behind the rank now in the rear: the companies of both wings half-wheel to the right, and the moment they have sufficiently wheeled, the words FORWARD-MARCH, are given, when they move forward in echellon towards the new line, dressing the right. Each company of the right wing, as it approaches the new line, turns to the right, and when it has passed the line three paces, its captain gives the words (such) company, halt, about-face; its right guide throws himself on the line opposite the right file and covers the preceding guides, and the captain placing himself on the right of the preceding company, gives the words left-dress, followed by front. Each company of the left wing, on approaching the line, turns to the right, and when within three paces of the line, its captain gives the words (such) company, halt; its left guide throws himself on the line opposite the left file and covers the preceding guides, and the captain placing himself on the left of the preceding company, gives the words, right-dress.
GUIDES-POSTS.-The captains and guides take their places in line, and the markers retire.
In central changes, the lieutenant-colonel rectifies the position of the guides of the right wing, the major those of the left; in other cases, the lieutenant-colonel alone rectifies the position of the guides, always placing himself on their rear as they successively arrive on the line.
If the change of front is to be made forward on the right or left company, the command is given CHANGE FRONT FORWARD ON FIRST (or EIGHTH) COMPANY. BY COMPANY, RIGHT (or LEFT) HALF WHEEL, QUICK-MARCH. FORWARD MARCH. GUIDE-RIGHT (or LEFT,) and the movement is executed according to the principles prescribed above for the companies of the left wing.
To march by a flank.
BATTALION BY THE RIGHT (or LEFT) FLANK. RIGHT (or LEFT)-FACE.
The instant the battalion faces, the captains step out of the front-rank, and are replaced by their covering sergeants. if the face be to the right, the captains place themselves on the left of their covering sergeants, and the closing sergeant, in like manner places himself on the left of the covering corporal, who steps into the front rank. If the face be to the left, each captain goes to the left of his company, and places himself on the right of the covering sergeant of the company preceding his own; the captain of the left company, on the right of the closing sergeant, who is now in the front rank, the covering corporal in the rank of file closers.
BATTALION FORWARD. QUICK-MARCH.-At the word MARCH, the whole step off together, the sergeant of the leading file giving the direction.
If it be necessary to change direction in marching, a marker is established at the point of change, and the commanding officer gives the words: by file, right (or left,) and adds march, the instant the leading file is abreast of the marker. Each file wheels in succession on the same ground.
If it be intended to halt and front the battalion, the commanding officers gives the words: BATTALION, HALT-FRONT-FACE. The instant the battalion faces to the front, the captains and covering sergeants resume their places in line, and the former rectify the alignment.
If the battalion, marching by the right flank, is form on the right by file, two markers are placed in advance, at points where the right and left of the leading company are to rest, presenting their right shoulders to the line: the commanding officer then gives the words: ON RIGHT BY FILE INTO LINE, and adds MARCH, the instant the leading file is opposite the first marker. The movement is executed in the manner prescribed for this formation in the company drill. Each company forms on the left of the one which precedes it. The left guide of each company, except the leading one, places himself on the direction of the markers, and opposite to the left file of his company, the moment this file arrives on the line.
The movement ended, the commanding officer gives the words GUIDES-POSTS.
The lieutenant-colonel, in succession assures the alignment.
If the march be by the left flank, this movement is executed according to the same principles, and by inverse means.
To advance in line. (FIG. 8.)
The commanding officer places himself forty paces in rear of the colour-file, facing to the front: the lieutenant-colonel a like distance in front of the same file, facing to the rear, and is established perpendicularly to the line by the commanding officer, who then throws himself twenty paces further to the rear and establishes two markers on the prolongation of the line passing through the colour-bearer and the lieutenant-colonel: the first marker twenty-five paces in rear of the battalion; the second, the same distance from the first, both facing to the rear. The colour-bearer takes two points on the ground in the direction of the lieutenant-colonel, the first point twenty paces in advance.
BATTALION-FORWARD.-At the word FORWARD, the front-rank of the colour-guard advances six paces, and is re-placed by its rear rank; the two general guides also advance abreast with the colour-bearer, opposite the right and left flanks of the battalion. The captains of the left wing shift to the left of their companies, the covering sergeant of the next on the left of the colour-company, stepping into the front-rank, and the closing sergeant replacing the covering corporal, who steps into the rank of file closers. The lieutenant-colonel having assured the colour-bearer on the line between himself and the corporal of the colour-file, places himself fifteen paces on the right of the captain of the colour-company, to maintain this captain, and the next one beyond him, abreast with the three centre corporals. The major places himself eight paces on either flank of the colour-rank.
QUICK-MARCH.-At the word MARCH, the battalion steps off with life: the colour-bearer is charged with the step and the direction, the corporals on his right and left, and the general guides maintain themselves abreast with him, and march in the same step; the centre corporal of the colour-guard, in the front-rank, marches in the trace of the colour-bearer. The captains of the colour-company, and the company next on the left, with the three corporals in the centre of the front-rank, constitute the basis of alignment for both wings of the battalion; the other captains maintain themselves on the prolongation of this basis. The men march with the head and shoulders square to the front, feel lightly the elbow towards the centre, and resist pressure from the flanks, holding themselves always slightly behind the line of captains. If opening or crowding of files occur, or any disorder ensue, the remedy will be applied as promptly, and as gently as possible.
Pending the march, the line. determined by the two markers, is prolonged by placing, in proportion as the battalion advances, a third marker behind the first; then the second marker quits his place and throws himself behind the third; the first marker, in his turn, does the like in respect to the second, and so on in succession as long as the battalion continues to advance, each taking care to face to the rear and to cover accurately. A staff-officer, or the sergeant-major, placed twenty paces behind the marker nearest to the battalion, assures the markers on the direction, and cautions each when to shift his place.
The major throws himself, from time to time, twenty paces in front of the colour-bearer, faces to the rear and covers the markers behind the centre, in order to rectify, if necessary, the direction of the colour-bearer, who, in such case, takes new points on the ground between himself and the major.
To halt the battalion and to align it.
BATTALION-HALT. COLOUR AND GENERAL GUIDES-POSTS.
At the word HALT, the battalion halts. At the word POSTS, the colour-bearer and the general guides take their places in line; the captains of the left wing shift to the right of their companies; the colour-guard falls back into the rear-rank, and the closing sergeant and covering corporal return to their places.
CAPTAINS-RECTIFY THE ALIGNMENTS.-The captains cast an eye towards the centre, align themselves under the direction of the lieutenant-colonel, and promptly dress their companies.
To retire in line.
FACE TO THE REAR. BATTALION, ABOUT-FACE.
At the words ABOUT-FACE, the battalion faces about, the colour-bearer passes into the rear-rank now leading, the corporal of his file stepping behind the corporal on his right, to let the colour-bearer pass, and then placing himself in his rear, to reform the colour-file. The commanding officer places himself behind the front-rank, now rear, and the lieutenant-colonel and the major before the rear-rank, now front
The same dispositions are then made as for the advance in line, except that the markers, who were then in rear, are now in front facing the battalion, the first twenty-five paces from the lieutenant-colonel.
BATTALION-FORWARD.-The colour-bearer and the corporal on his right and left, advance eight paces, and are replaced by the next rank of the guard; the general guides move out abreast with the colour rank, the covering sergeant place themselves in the line of file closers, and the captains in the rear rank, now front; the three file closers nearest the colour, unite in rear of the colour rank, to serve as a basis of alignment for the line of file closers; the captains of the left wing, now right, shift to the left, now right, of their companies.
QUICK-MARCH.-The battalion retires in line on the same principles which governed the advance in line; the file closer behind the colour-bearer, marches exactly in his trace, and the colour-bearer directs himself on the markers. The lieutenant-colonel, on the outside of the file-closers of the colour-company, maintains the three file-closers of the basis of alignment, in a square with the line of direction; the other file-closers keep themselves aligned on this basis.
To halt the battalion and face it to the front.
BATTALION-HALT. FACE TO THE FRONT.
BATTALION, ABOUT-FACE.
At the words ABOUT FACE, the colour-rank, general guides, captains, and covering sergeants, retake their habitual places in line; the colour-bearer goes into the front rank, and the battalion is aligned as in No. 9.
Passage of obstacles. (FIGS. 9, 10.)
If the obstacle should be presented before the third company, while the battalion is advancing, it will be passed as follows:
THIRD COMPANY, OBSTACLE.-The captain of this company steps out and gives the words third company, by the left flank to the rear into column-march, and hastens to its left. At the word march, the company faces to the left in marching, the two left files disengage to the rear, and the company, quickening the step, is conducted by the left guide, at the head of the front-rank, parallelly to, and in rear of the fourth company; the captain of the third, halts opposite the captain of the fourth, lets his company file past, and when its right file is up with him, faces his company to the right, and causes it to move forward, giving the words third company, by the right-flank march-guide right, and placing himself before its centre; when the company is at wheeling distance from the fourth, the captain gives the words to the step, at which it takes the step of the battalion and preserves its distance, its right guide following in the trace of the captain of the fourth. The left guide of the second company places himself on the left of the front rank of his company as soon as the third faces to the left, and maintains between himself and the right of the fourth company, the space necessary for the return of the third.
The obstacle being passed, the company returns into line as follows:
THIRD COMPANY, FORWARD INTO LINE.
The captain adds, by company, right half-wheel, march; the company quickening its step, makes a half- wheel to the right, and when sufficiently wheeled, the captain gives the words forward-march-guide left; the company marches straight forward towards the line, and enters it by a turn to the left; as soon as it is in line its captain, placing himself on its right, gives the words to the step, and the company takes the step from the colour-bearer.
Should the obstacle cover the front of several contiguous companies, (the three right for example,) it will be passed as follows:
THREE RIGHT COMPANIES, OBSTA-CLE, BY THE LEFT FLANK, TO THE REAR INTO COLUMN-MARCH.
At the word MARCH, each of the designated companies faces to the left, disengages files to the rear, and executes the movement in the manner prescribed for the third, each forming in rear of the one which precedes it, and as soon as it has its wheeling distance, taking the step of the battalion.
The obstacle being passed, these companies return into line as follows:
THREE RIGHT COMPANIES, FORWARD INTO LINE-MARCH.
At the words INTO LINE, the captains of each of these companies adds, by company, right half-wheel. At the word MARCH, each company conforms itself to what has been prescribed for the third company.
If the companies of the left wing are to pass an obstacle, they execute the movement according to the same principles, and by inverse means.
In retiring in line, these movements are executed on the same principles as if the battalion were advancing.
If, when advancing in line, it become necessary to halt the battalion in order to retire, and there be companies in column in its rear, these companies face about with the battalion, precede it in march, and take their places on line by the oblique step, as they clear the obstacles.
When the colour-company is to pass an obstacle, the colour-rank returns into line the moment the company faces to the right or left; the major places himself six paces before the extremity of the company behind which the colour-company marches, in order to give the step and the direction; he himself first taking the step from the battalion.
As soon as the colour-company returns into line, the front-rank of the colour-guard throws itself out six paces in front of the battalion, and is established on the perpendicular by the commanding officer, placed behind the centre; the colour-bearer then takes points on the ground between himself and the major.
If the obstacle cover several companies of the centre, each of these companies files into column behind that, still in line, and of the same wing which may be nearest to it.
To pass a defile in retreat. (FIG. 11, 12.)
If a battalion, retiring in line encounter a defile, it is immediately halted and faced to the front. If the defile be in rear of the left flank, and its width sufficient to admit a column by platoon, a marker is placed fifteen or twenty paces in rear of the file-closers, at the point around which the subdivisions are to change direction, in order to enter the defile.
TO THE REAR, BY THE RIGHT FLANK, PASS THE DEFILE
The captain of the right company adds (such) company, by the right flank, right-face-quick-march. At the word face, this company faces to the right; at the word march, its leading file wheels to the right, marches to the rear four paces beyond the file-closers, wheels again to the right, and marches inward towards the left flank; the remaining files of this company wheel in succession at the same point where the first had wheeled. The next company from the right, executes in its turn, the same movement by the commands of its captain, who gives the word march, so that his first file, wheeling on its ground, may immediately follow the last file of the first company. the following companies, each in its turn, execute what is prescribed for the second.
When the whole of the second company is on the direction with the first, the captain of the first causes his company to form by platoon into line, and the guide of the first platoon directs himself on the marker. The other companies, each in succession, the moment the one in its rear is wholly on the direction, forms by platoon into line, in the manner prescribed for the first.
The first platoon of the leading company, when opposite the marker, turns to the left, and the following platoons execute the same movement, at the same point. As the last companies will not be able to form platoons before reaching the defile, they so direct themselves, in entering it, as to leave room to the left for this movement.
As the platoons of each company clear the defile, companies are successively formed.
A defile in rear of the right flank is passed by the left flank, the movement being executed according to the same principles and by inverse means.
If the defile be too narrow to receive the front of a platoon, it is passed by a flank.
Movement No. 1, from Open Column.
To march in column.
COLUMN-FORWARD, GUIDE LEFT-MARCH.
At the words GUIDE-LEFT, the leading guide takes two points on the ground in the direction to be marched. At the word MARCH, the whole step off together, the leading guide marching on the points he has chosen, and taking new points as he advances; the following guides preserve both step and distance, each marching in the trace of the guide who immediately precedes him.
The lieutenant-colonel marches abreast with the leading guide, and assures him in the direction; the major is abreast with the last subdivision, and sees that each guide marches in the trace of the one immediately preceding.
With the left in front the same commands and means are observed, substituting the words GUIDE-RIGHT for GUIDE-LEFT.
A close column, or a column at half distance may be out in march by the same commands and means.
Movement No. 2, from Open Column.
To change direction in marching. (FIG. 13.)
A marker is placed on the side of the directing guide, at the point at which the change is to take place, presenting his breast to that flank of the column; he remains in position till the last subdivision has passed.
HEAD OF COLUMN TO THE LEFT (or RIGHT)
Each chief causes his subdivision to change direction, the moment it arrives opposite the marker, in the manner described in the company drill.
The major sees that the guides direct themselves on the marker, so as to graze his breast.
A column at half distance changes direction by the same commands and means, except that in the change of direction to the reverse flank, the pivot of each subdivision takes steps of fourteen inches, instead of nine, in order to clear in time the wheeling point, and the marching flank describes the arc of a larger circle, in order to facilitate the movement.
Movement No. 3, from Open Column.
To halt the column.
COLUMN-HALT.-At the word HALT, the column halts.
Movement No. 4, from Open Column.
To from to the left into line.
The column being at a halt, the guides on the directing flank are directed to cover, each at a distance equal to the front of his company.
LEFT-DRESS.-Each captain goes to the left of his company, aligns it on the left guide. and gives the word front.
LEFT INTO LINE-WHEEL.-The right guide of the leading company throws himself on the line of the left guides, opposite to where the right of his company is to rest, faces to those guides, and is assured in position by the lieutenant -colonel.
QUICK-MARCH.-Each company wheels to the left on a fixed pivot, the pivot man facing so as to present his breast against the arm of the left guide, who stands fast; when the marching flank is within three paces of the line, each captain gives the words (such) company-halt; places himself where the right of his company is to rest, and adds right-dress, followed by front.
GUIDES-POSTS.-The guides pass to their places in line through the nearest captain's interval.
With the left in front, the line is formed to the right, according to the same principles; the left guide of the left company places himself on the direction of the right guides, as prescribed above for the right guide of the right company, and the captains align their companies by the left. At the words GUIDES-POSTS, the captains, as well as the guides take their places in line.
A column at half distance may form line in the same manner, first taking wheeling distance.
Movement No. 5, from Open Column.
To form line to the right by inversion.
BY INVERSION,
RIGHT INTO LINE-WHEEL, BATTALION GUIDE RIGHT, QUICK-MARCH.
At the words guide-right, the left guide of the leading com-pany places himself on the direction of the right guides. At the word MARCH, the companies wheel to the right, and are aligned by the left according to the principles prescribed in the last number.
The lieutenant-colonel in front assures the guides on the direction.
With the left in front, the column forms line to the left by inversion, according to the same principles.
Movement No. 6. from Open Column.
To form on right into line. (FIG. 14.)
This is performed from the march. Two markers are established in advance by the lieutenant-colonel, at points where the right and left files of the leading company will rest in line; these markers are placed so as to present the right shoulder to the battalion when formed.
ON RIGHT INTO LINE. BAT-TALION, GUIDE RIGHT.
When the leading company is up with the first marker it turns to the right, receiving from its captain the words right turn, march, followed by (such) company, halt when within three paces of the marker, the covering sergeant then takes his place in the rear-rank, the left guide retires as file-closer, and the captain, placing himself at the point where the right of his company is to rest, gives the words right-dress, aligns his company on the markers and adds front. Each of the other companies continues to march straight forward until opposite the left flank of the one which precedes it, when it turns to the right and forms on the line in the manner prescribed for the first; the left guide, the instant his company halts, places himself on the line opposite the left file, and covers the preceding guide.
The line being formed, the commanding officer gives the words GUIDES-POSTS, and the guides and markers retire.
The lieutenant-colonel placing himself in rear of the guides, as they successively arrive on the line, assures them on the direction.
With the left in front, the line is formed on the left according to the same principles; the captains go to the left of their companies to align them, and at the words, GUIDES-POSTS take their places in line.
A column at half distance may form line in the same manner.
Movement No. 7, from Open Column.
To form line to the front. (FIG. 15.)
The column being halted, two markers are established by the lieutenant-colonel at company distance in front of the leading company, and at points where the right and left files of that company are to rest; these markers are placed so as to present the right shoulder to the battalion when formed.
FORWARD INTO LINE.-The captain of the leading company puts his company march, giving the words guide-right, halts it three paces from the markers, and aligns it against them by the right, the left guide taking his place as file closer.
BY COMPANY, LEFT HALF-WHEEL. QUICK-MARCH. FORWARD-MARCH. GUIDE RIGHT.
The remaining companies make a half-wheel to the left, and the moment they have sufficiently wheeled, the words FORWARD-MARCH, are given, when they move forward in echellon towards the line, dressing by the right. Each company, on approaching the line, turns to the right on a caution from its captain, and when within three paces of the line, the captain gives the words (such) company halt; the left guide then throws himself on the line opposite the left file, facing the preceding guide, and the captain, placing himself on the left of the preceding company, gives the words right-dress, followed by front.
The line being formed, the commanding officer gives the words GUIDES-POSTS, when the guides and markers retire.
The lieutenant -colonel conforms himself to what is prescribed in the last number.
With the left in front, the line is formed according to the same principles and inverse means.
Movement No. 8, from Open Column.
To form line faced to the rear. (FIG. 16.)
INTO LINE, FACED TO THE REAR.-At this command, the captain of the leading company faces his company to the right, puts it in march and directs the leading file towards the left marker; the leading file passes in rear of this marker, three paces beyond the line, wheels to the left, and when opposite the right marker, the captain halts his company and aligns it by the right on the two markers.
BATTALION, RIGHT-FACE. QUICK-MARCH.
The remaining companies face to the right and at the word MARCH, move off, each, conducted by its chief, towards the point where its left is to rest; this point being marked by the left guide, who precedes his company on the line by fifteen paces and faces towards the markers. Each captain directs his company in rear of his left guide, passes the line three paces, wheels by file to the left, and when the leading file arrives near the left of the preceding company, gives the words (such) company, halt, front-face; he then places himself on the left of the preceding company, and adds right-dress, followed by front.
The line being formed, the commanding officer gives the words, GUIDES-POSTS, when the guides and markers retire.
The lieutenant-colonel conforms himself to what is prescribed in No. 6.
With the left in front, the movement is executed according to the same principles and by inverse means.
A column at half distance, may form line in the same manner
Movement No. 9, from Open Column.
To form line by two movements.
Should a column, arriving behind the line, and prolonging itself on that line, be halted before all the companies have entered the new direction, it will form line as follows:
It is here supposed that the column has been halted just as the fifth company has entered the new direction, and that there are eight companies in the column; the guides of the first five companies are assured on the direction.
LEFT INTO LINE WHEEL, THREE REAR COMPANIES FORWARD INTO LINE. QUICK MARCH.
At the words FORWARD INTO LINE, the chief of each of the rear companies, gives the words by company left half-wheel. At the word MARCH, the first five companies form left into line, and the three last, forward into line, by means already prescribed: each captain of the three rear companies, when his company has sufficiently wheeled, gives the words, forward-march, guide-right.
Movement No. 10, from Open Column.
If, instead of arriving behind, the column arrive before the line, the formation will be made as follows:
LEFT INTO LINE WHEEL, THREE REAR COMPANIES, INTO LINE FACED TO THE REAR. QUICK-MARCH.
At the command, FACED TO THE REAR, the captain of each of the rear companies gives the word (such) company, right-face. At the word MARCH, the first five companies form to the left into line, and the three last, into line faced to the rear, by means already prescribed.
With the left in front, these movements are executed according to the same principles and by inverse means.
Movement No. 11, from Open Column.
To form close column.
Marching in column by company to close on the leading company.
COLUMN, CLOSE IN MASS QUICK-MARCH.
At the word MARCH, the captain of the leading company halts his company and aligns it by the left, the file-closers closing one pace upon the rear-rank. All the other companies continue to march, and as each in succession arrives at the distance of five paces from the one preceding, its captain halts it, and its left guide places himself on the direction of the guides who precede; the captain there aligns his company by the left, and the file-closers close one pace upon the rear-rank.
The lieutenant-colonel, in front of the leading guide, assures the position of the guides as they successively place themselves on the direction. The major follows the movement abreast with the last guide
Movement No. 12, from Open Column. (FIG. 17.)
The column by company being at a halt, to close on the rear company.
ON EIGHTH COMPANY, COLUMN CLOSE IN MASS. BATTALION, ABOUT-FACE. COLUMN FORWARD, GUIDE RIGHT. QUICK-MARCH.
At the word FACE, all the companies, ex-cept the designated one, face about, their guides remaining in the front-rank, now rear. At the words GUIDE-RIGHT, all the captains place themselves two paces outside of their companies, on the directing flank.
At the word MARCH, the designated company stands fast, and its captain aligns it by the left. The other companies step off at the word MARCH, and as each arrives at the distance of five paces from the one before it, its captain halts it, and faces it to the front; at the instant of halting, its left guide places himself on the direction of the guides already established, and the captain aligns his company by the left, the file-closers closing one pace upon the rear-rank.
GUIDES, ABOUT-FACE.-The guides who are faced to the rear, face to the front.
The lieutenant-colonel, in rear of the guide of the designated company, assures the position of the guides as they come up; the major is abreast of the rearmost company.
A column by company or division, at full distance may closed to half distance, by the same means and commands, substituting TO HALF DISTANCE, CLOSE COLUMN, for COLUMN CLOSE IN MASS. Each subdivision halts at platoon distance from the subdivision immediately preceding.
With the left in front, these two last movements are executed according to the same principles.
Movement No. 13, from Open Column.
Countermarch.
COUNTERMARCH. BATTALION, RIGHT-FACE. BY FILE LEFT. QUICK-MARCH.
At the word FACE, all the companies face to the right, and the movement is executed in the manner prescribed in the company drill.
With the left in front, the countermarch is executed by the same commands, substituting LEFT for RIGHT, and RIGHT for LEFT, and by inverse means, the companies facing to the left and wheeling by file to the right.
A column at half distance is countermarched in the same manner and by the same commands.
This column, like a column in manoeuvre, ought never to have a depth greater than the front it occupied in line, less the front of a subdivision. It is put in march, or being in march, takes the route step, and passes from the route to the cadenced step, by the commands prescribed in company drill. It is habitually formed by company, but it may be broken into platoons or sections, according to the width of the defile; this may be done by all the companies at once, or by each in succession, before entering the defile. In like manner, files may be broken off, or subdivisions may be successively marched by a flank in double or single file.
Each company, as soon as the breadth of the way permits, is formed into column by section, by platoon, or by company, by commands of the captains.
In marching by a flank in double or single file, where the pass is so narrow as to oblige it to defile with a front of two men, or man by man, the captain and leading guide precede the leading file of such company, and the file-closers pass between the files corresponding with their usual positions; the whole follow closely and without loss of time. In passing from double to single file, the rear-rank man of each file covers his front-rank man.
If the head of the column encounter an obstacle which may oblige it to relax its march, all the following subdivisions preserve the habitual step, and close up in mass, if necessary on the subdivision nearest to the obstacle, in order not to increase the usual depth of the column. Distances are afterwards recovered as each subdivision has passed the obstacle. If this cannot be done without running, the leading subdivision is halted beyond the obstacle, at a distance sufficient to contain the whole column closed in mass, until the rear subdivision has closed; the column is then put in march, and the subdivisions take their proper distances.
The commanding officer, at the head of the column, regulates the step of the leading subdivision, and indicates to its chief, the time for executing the various movements which the nature of the route may render necessary.
Movement No. 1, from Close Column.
To form open column by the head.
BY THE HEAD OF COLUMN, TAKE WHEELING DISTANCE.
At this command the captain of the leading company puts it in march. The instant the second company has its wheeling distance from the first, the captain puts it in march, and so with the other companies in succession.
The lieutenant-colonel, at the head of the column, directs the march of the leading guide; the major is abreast with the rearmost guide.
Movement No. 2, from Close Column.
To form open column on the rear.
Two markers are established on the direction to be given to the line, the first opposite to the rearmost company, the second towards the head of the column, at company distance from the first, both facing to the rear; the right general guide places himself on the prolongation of these markers, a little beyond the point at which the head of the column will extend.
ON EIGHTH COMPANY,
TAKE WHEELING DISTANCE, FORWARD, GUIDE-LEFT, QUICK MARCH.
At the words GUIDE-LEFT, the captains place themselves two paces outsideof the directing flank. At the word MARCH, the designated company stands fast; its captain aligns it by the left on the first marker, and gives the word front, when the marker, replaced by the left guide, retires, and the captain takes his place in column. All the other companies step off at the word march, the guide of the leading one directing himself a little within the right general guide; when the company next the rearmost one arrives opposite the second marker, its captain halts and aligns it on that marker, in the manner prescribed for the rearmost company. As each of the other companies arrives at wheeling distance from the one in the rear, its captain halts and aligns it on the left guide, who, at the instant of halting, places himself on the direction, facing to the rear.
The movement ended, the commanding officer gives the words, GUIDES, ABOUT-FACE, when they face to the front.
The lieutenant-colonel successively assures the guides on the direction, placing himself in their rear; the major, at the head of the column, directs the march of the leading guide.
Movement No. 3, from Close Column.
To form open column on the head. (FIG. 10.)
Two markers are placed in the manner just prescribed, one abreast with the leading company, the other at company distance in rear of the first, both faced to the rear; the left general guide places himself on the prolongation of the markers, a little beyond the point at which the rear of the column will extend.
ON FIRST COMPANY, TAKE WHEELING DISTANCE. BATTALION, ABOUT-FACE. COLUMN, FORWARD, GUIDE-RIGHT. QUICK-MARCH.
All the companies. except the designated one, face about, the guides remaining in the front-rank, now rear. At the words GUIDE-RIGHT, the captains throw themselves outside of their guides. At the word MARCH, the designated company is aligned by the left, as in the last number; the other companies are put in march, and as each arrives at wheeling distance from the one in its rear, it is halted, faced about, and aligned by the left.
The lieutenant-colonel and major, conform themselves to what is prescribed in the last number. With the left in front, these movements are executed according to the same principles. To take half distance, the word HALF is substituted for WHEELING, in the command. A column at half distance takes wheeling distance in the same manner. Distances are taken according to the same principles, in a column by division.
Movement No. 4, from Close Column.
To change direction in marching. (FIG. 19.)
The change is made to either flank, on the principles of wheeling in marching. A marker is placed at the point of change, and the battalion takes the guide on the flank opposite to the intended change; as soon as the direct march is resumed, and the last subdivision is in direction, the battalion takes the guide on its proper flank, the commanding officer giving the words, GUIDE LEFT (or RIGHT.)
BATTALION, RIGHT WHEEL-MARCH.-The leading division wheels to the right, the pivot-flank taking steps of fourteen inches, and the marching flank conforming to the movement of the pivot, by describing the arc of a large circle. The other divisions at the same time, conform to the movement of the first; the left guide of each advancing slightly the left shoulder, and lengthening a little the step obliques to the left, and gains so much ground to the front that there may constantly be an interval of three paces between his division and that which precedes it; as soon as he covers the preceding guide, he ceases to oblique, and marches exactly in his trace. Each division conforms itself to the movement of its guide.
The lieutenant-colonel regulates the march of the leading guide, and the major, in rear, regulates the march of the following guides.
FORWARD-MARCH.-The leading division resumes the direct march; the others conform to its movement.
Movement No. 5, from Close Column.
To change direction from a halt. (FIG. 20.)
This is executed by the flank of subdivisions. Two markers are placed on the new direction, at points where the right and left flanks of the leading subdivisions are to rest.
CHANGE DIRECTION BY THE RIGHT FLANK. BATTALION, RIGHT-FACE. QUICK-MARCH.
At the word FACE, the column faces to the right and each chief of the subdivision places himself by the side of his leading guide. At the word MARCH, all the subdivisions step off together; the leading guide of the first, directs himself from the first step, parallelly to the markers; its chief stands fast, lets his subdivision file past him, and as soon as the last file has passed, halts it, faces it to the front, and aligns it by the left on the two markers. Each of the following subdivisions enters the column parallelly to, and three paces from the subdivision which precedes it; the chief, on arriving at the point where the left of his subdivision is to rest, halts, let it file past him, and when the last file has passed, halts it, faces it to the front, (the left guide placing himself on the direction,) and aligns it by the left.
In changing direction by the left flank, the same means are observed, substituting in the commands the word LEFT for RIGHT. Each chief conducts his subdivision until the leading file arrives at the point where it is to rest, when the subdivision is halted and aligned as already described.
The lieutenant-colonel in front, assures the guides as they successively arrive on the direction; the major follows abreast with the last subdivision.
PART I. OF THE BATTALION.
Movement No. 6, from Close Column.
Countermarch. (FIG. 21.)
COUNTERMARCH. BATTALION, RIGHT AND LEFT-FACE.
At the word FACE, the odd divisions, counting from the head of the column, face to the right, the even divisions, to the left; the right and left guides of all divisions face about; each chief goes to the head of his division, breaks two files to the rear, and places himself by the side of his leading front-rank man.
BY FILE LEFT AND RIGHT. QUICK-MARCH.
At the word MARCH, each division conducted by its chief, steps off, the guides standing fast; each odd division wheels by file to the left around its right guide; each even division wheels by file to the right around its left guide, each division so directing its march as to arrive behind its opposite guide, and when its head is up with this guide, the chief halts the division, faces it to the front, and aligns it by the right, the chiefs of the even divisions shifting to the right for that purpose. As each division is aligned, its chief gives the word front, and the guides shift to their proper flanks.
A column left in front, is countermarched by the same commands and means, except that the divisions are aligned by the left.
The movement ended, the lieutenant-colonel places himself abreast with the leading; and the major abreast with the rearmost division
A close column by company is countermarched by the same means and commands.
Movement No. 7, from Close Column.
To form divisions from close column of companies. (FIG. 22.)
FORM DIVISIONS, LEFT COMPANIES, LEFT-FACE,
The left companies face to the left, and their captains place themselves by the side of their left guides. The right companies stand fast, the right and left guides of each place themselves before the right and left files of their respective companies, the guides facing so as to rest the right arm against the breast of the front-rank man of the file.
QUICK-MARCH.-The left companies only are put in march, their captains standing fast; each captain as the left file of his company has cleared the right company, gives the words; (such) company halt, front-face, and places himself on the left of the right company of his division; the left guide at the same time places himself before the left file of his company, faces to the right and covers the guides of the right company; the captain then gives the words right-dress, and aligns his company on the left guide; which being done, he adds front, and remains in his position.
GUIDES-POSTS.-The captains and guides take their places in column, the left guide of each right company passing through the interval in the centre of the division.
A column at full or half distance, forms divisions in the same manner; but the captains of the left companies, after commanding front-face, give the words: company, forward, guide-right-march, followed by halt, front, right-dress.
If the left be in front, these movements are executed by inverse means; the right companies conform themselves to what is prescribed for the left companies, and the guides in front of the left companies face to the left.