Infantry Training | Project Gutenberg

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

SKIRMISHING.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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:—

(a) To draw attention to a signal about to be made—“a short blast.”

(b) To denote “Cease fire”—“a long drawn out blast.”

(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.

No other calls are to be used. For the Cease Fire the whistle only is to be used.

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.

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.

(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.

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.

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.

(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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

At the Halt. Right—Form (or Half Right—Form).	1. From the Halt.—On the word Form, the right-hand man will make a full turn, and the remainder a partial turn in the required direction.
Quick—March.	On the word March, all except the 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.

Right—Turn.	1. From the halt.—Soldiers, when standing as in file, must be instructed to cover each other 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.
Quick—March.	On the word March, the whole will step off together, and will continue to step a full pace, without increasing or diminishing the distance 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.
Squad, Halt, Left—Turn.	On the words Halt, Left (or Right) Turn, the soldiers will halt, and turn in the required direction. If the marching has been properly performed, their dressing will be found correct.
Right—Turn.	2. On the march.—On the word Turn, the soldier will turn to the right, and move on as in file.
Left—Turn.	On the word Left (or Right) Turn, the soldier will turn in the required direction, and then move on in line.

On the Right (or Left), Form—Squad.	1. Forming up into Squad.—When the squad, marching as in file to the left or right, is ordered to form up either to the right or left, the leading man 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, by the Left (or Right).	As soon as the squad is formed, the command Forward will be given.

Form—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 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.
Form—Two-deep.	On the word Two-deep the left files will move to their original position in line by 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.

Form—Fours.	As already described.
Right (or Left).	The squad will turn as ordered.
Left (or Right)—Turn.	The squad will turn as ordered, and then form two-deep, as already described.

Signal.	To Indicate
(a) Arm swung from rear to front below the shoulder	“Advance” or “Forward.”
(b) Arm circled above the head	“Retire.”
(c) Hand raised in line with the shoulder, elbow bent	“Quick time.”
(d) Clenched hand moved up and down between thigh and shoulder	“Double.”
(e) Arm raised at full extent above the head	“Halt.”
(f) Body or horse turned in the required direction and arm extended in line with the shoulder	“Incline.”
(g) Circular movement of the extended arm in line with the shoulder in the required direction	“Wheel.”
(h) Two or three slight movements of the open hand towards the ground	“Lie down.”
(i) Arm at full extent over head and waved a 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]	“Extend.”[2]
(k) Hand placed on the top of the head, the elbow to be square to the right or left, according to which hand is used[4]	“Close.”
(l) Arm swung from rear to front above the shoulder	“Reinforce.”
(m) Weapon held up above, and as if guarding the head	“Enemy in sight in small numbers.”
(n) As in (m), but weapon raised and lowered frequently	“Enemy in sight in large numbers.”
(o) Weapon held up at full extent of arm, point, or muzzle, uppermost	“No enemy in sight.”