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MANUAL OF DKILL

SWORD EXERCISE,

PREPARED FOR THE USE OF THE

COUNTY AND DISTRICT

CONSTABLES

Under 2nd and 3rd Vict., cap. 93,

IN THE SEVEKAL COUNTIES THROUGHOUT

ENGLAND AND WALES.

dmrrtjj (Sbitiott.

LONDON:

PRINTED AND PUBLISHED BT

W. CLOWES AND SONS, 14, CHARING CEOSS. ;

1868.

2 3-2 ./

The object of this Manual is to establish an uniform

practice of Drill, in the County Constabulary throughout

England and Wales. It consists of a selection made from

the lately revised book on the Drill of the Army, and

contains only those movements, the knowledge of which

seemed to the compiler indispensable, in a well-trained and

efficient Police Force.

WILLIAM C. HAEEIS,

Assist. Commissioner of the Police of the

Metropolis.

Metropolitan Police Office.

CONTENTS.

PAET I.—Eecru'it ok Squad Drill.

General Principles.

KOS. FAOK

I. Instruction of the Kecruit 1

II. Duration of Drills, &c 1

ILL Words of Command 1

Eecruit or Squad Drill Singly, or in Open Files.

SECTION

1. Position of the Constable 2

2. Standing at Ease 2

3. Dressing in Open Files 3

4. Extension Motions 3

5. Saluting 5

6. Facings '

Marching.

7. Length of Step 8

8. Cadence 8

9. Position in Marching 8

10. Balance Step 9

11. Slow Step 11

12. The Halt 11

13. Stepping out 11

14. Stepping short 12

15. Marking Time in the Slow Cadence 12

16. The Side or Closing Step 12

17. Stepping back in Slow Time 13

18. Changing Feet 13

19. The Quick Step 13

20. The Double March ' 13

21. Turning when on the March 14

Squad Drill, with Intervals of Six Inches.

22. Formation in Single Bank at Six Inches Distance 15

B 2

IV CONTENTS.

Squad Drill in Close Files.

section page

23. Single Rank in Close Files 15

24. Dressing when Halted 16

25. Marching to the Front and Hear 17

26. Wheeling of a Single Hank in Slow Time, from the Halt . . . . 17

27. Changing Direction by the wheel of a Single Bank on a movable

Pivot 18

28. The Diagonal March 19

29. File Marching 19

30. Wheeling in File 20

31. Files forming Squad 21

32. The Side or Closing Step 21

Squad Drill in Two Banks.

33. Formation of Squad in Two Ranks 22

34. Dressing in Two Ranks 22

35. Open Order from the Halt 22

36. Marching to the Front and Rear 23

37. Marching in Quick and Double Time 23

38. Marking Time, Stepping Out, Stepping Short, Changing Feet,

Stepping Back, and the Side Step 24

39. Wheeling from the Halt 24

40. The Diagonal March 24

41. File Marching 25

42. The Formation of Fours 25

43. Fours wheeling and forming Squad 27

44. A Squad formed in Fours closing on a Flank, and re-forming

TwoDeep 27

45. Breaking off Files 28

PAET II—Of the Company.

General Principles,

hob.

I. Constables to be formed in Company 29

II. Sizing a Company 29

III. Telling-off of a Company 29

IT. Supernumerary Rank 30

V. Relative Proportion of Paces to Files 30

VI. Application of Sqnad Drill 31

VII. Companies to be drilled as if with the Battalion 31

VIII. Companies to be exercised by their own Officers 31

CONTENTS. Y

SOS. I'M. I

IX. Company to exercise on Rough Ground 31

X. Assembling on Coverers 31

XI. Marching on Points, and judging Distance 32

XII. General Eules 32

A Company in Line and Column,

section

1. Formation of a Company in Line 33

2. Formation of a Company in Column 34

3. Marching to the Front and Bear ' 34

Wheeling from the Halt.

4. A Company wheeling, from the Halt, from Column into Line . . 35

5. A Company wheeling, from the Halt, from Line into Column .. 36

6. A Company wheeling a given Number of Paces, on either Flank,

from the Halt 37

7. Wheeling forward by Sub-divisions or Sections from Line . . . . 38

8. Wheeling backward by Sub-divisions or Sections from Line . . . . 38

9. An Open Column of Sub-divisions or Sections wheeling into

Line 39

Wheeling on a Movable Pivot.

10. Wheeling from Line into Column, and Column into Line .. .. 40

11. Columns changing Direction 41

12. The Echelon March of Sub-divisions or Sections 41

Miscellaneous Movements and Formations.

13. Marching on an Alignment in open Column of Sub-divisions .. 42

14. A Company in Column of Sub-divisions or Sections forming to

the Reverse Flank 43

15. Forming Company to the Reverse Flank, or to the Right or Left

about, from File Marching, or the Flank March in Fours . . 44

16. The Diagonal March 44

17. File Marching and wheeling in File 44

18. The Formation of Fours 45

19. Company formed in Fours closing on the Flank, or on the Centre,

and re-forming Two Deep 45

20. The Side or Closing Step 45

21. Countermarching 46

Increasing and Diminishing the Front of Columns.

22. A Company diminishing Front by forming Sub-divisions on the

March 47

23. Sub-divisions diminishing Front by forming Sections 47

VI CONTENTS.

24. Sections increasing Front by forming Sub-divisions on the March 48

25. Sub-divisions increasing Front by forming Company 48

26. Diminishing and increasing Front by breaking off Files, and

bringing them again to the Front 48

27. Increasing and diminishing Front by breaking into Fours, or

Files, and re-forming Sections, Sub-divisions, or Company .. 49

Proving.

28. Proving a Company 49

29. Dismissing a Company 50

PAET III.—Formation and Evolutions of a Battalion.

General Principles.

NOS.

I. Application of Squad and Company Drill 51

II. Battalions to move as component Parts of a Brigade 51

III. Words of Command 51

IV. Covering Serjeants 52

V. A Battalion dispersed, re-assembling 52

A Battalion on Parade.

SECTIOH

1. Formation of a Battalion on Parade, in open Column, Eight in

Front 52

2. Wheeling into Line from open Column 53

3. Advancing and Retiring in Line 54

4. Dressing a Battalion in Line 55

Column Movements.—General Principles.

SOS.

I. Dse and Advantages of Columns 56

II. Formation of Columns 56

III. Depth of Columns .' 56

Movements.

SECTION

5. Formation of a Battalion in open Column 57

6. Forming close or Quarter Distance Column from any more Open

Column 57

CONTENTS. Til

SECTION TJlG*

7. A close or Quarter Distance Column opening from the Front,

Bear, or from any named Company 58

8. An open Column changing Direction and Marching on an Align

ment, or moving into an Alignment by the Flank March of Fours tiO

9. A Column at Close or Quarter Distance, wheeling on a fixed or

movable Pivot 61

10. A close or Quarter Distance Column taking Ground to a Flank,

wheeling to the Eight or Left 63

11. Columns taking Ground to a Flank in Fours, Sub-divisions, or

Sections 63

12. Columns, when taking Ground to a Flank by Fours, closing to

less Distance or opening to greater Distance from any named

Company 63

13. Application of the Flank March of Columns by Fours 64

Formation of Column from Line.

14. A Line wheeling back into Open Column from the Halt . . . . 65

15. A Line wheeling into Open Column on the March . . .. .. .. 67

16. A Battalion formed in Line advancing from a Flank in Open

Column of Companies, Sub-divisions, or Sections 67

17. A Battalion in Line advancing in Double Column of Companies,

Sub-divisions, or Sections from the Centre 69

18. A Battalion in Line forming Open, Close, or Quarter Distance

Column 70

19. A Battalion in Line forming Sub-division Columns of Grand

Divisions 73

20. Grand Division Columns forming Square 74

Formation of Line from Column.

21. Forming Line to the Front from Open Column on any named

Company 76

22. A Battalion in Open Column forming Line to the Reverse Flank . . 78

Deployments.

23. A Battalion in Close or Quarter Distance Column, deploying into

Line on the leading Company . . 79

24. A Battalion in Close or Quarter Distance Column, deploying on

the Bear Company 81

Movements and Changes of Front Echelon.

25. A Battalion in Line advancing or retiring in direct Echelon of

Companies from either Flank 83

26. Re-forming Line from Direct Echelon 84

T1U CONTENTS.

PAET IY.—Light Drill.

TAOK

Detail of Formation 86

Skeleton, or Rope Drill 87

Funerals . .. 88

Past V.—Swokd Exebcise.

SECTION

Introductory Remarks 89

1. Extension Motions and Positions 89

2. Preparatory Instruction with the Sword, and Explanation of

Target 93

3. Review, or Inspection, Exercise 102

4. Attack and Defence 103

5. Stick Drill 105

6. General Observations and Directions 108

7. Officer's Salute, &c Ill

Words of Command 114

Instructions for the use of Adam's Breech-loading Revolver

Pistols 119

EXPLANATION OF PLATES.

1. Battalions are usually composed of eight or ten companies, but in

order that the figures might be drawn on as large a scale as possible, the

battalions in the plates of Part III. have been represented as having only

six companies.

2. In the plates of Part III. it has not been considered advisable to

represent the supernumerary rank in each figure, as too much detail would

have made them indistinct. The positions of the supernumerary officers and

serjeants are fully explained in Parts II. and III., and they are represented

in the Plates 3, 4, 5, 6, and 7 of Part III.

KEY TO PLATE S.

Officers, Sergeants, &o.

COMMANDING OFFICER j|l

DRILL INSTRUCTOR |j|

SENIOR MOUNTED OFFICER...rjl

. » COVERING SERJEANT ^

INSPECTORACTING AS I

ADJUTANT )

SERJEANT. \h

OFFICER COMMANDING)

*

COMPANY J CONSTABLE.FRONT BANK. ...■

SENIOR STJPERNUMERARY...(s)

CONSTABLE,REAR RANK a

JUNIOR SUPERNUMERARY. 6

ORIGINAL FORMATION j?™^113^Mloar Hank

INTERMEDIATE FORMA- (FrontRanlr

tiON. v RearRank

FINAL FORMATION I^0111?3?15I Bear Rank i

DIRECTION OF MOVEMENTS **+-

PART I.

GENERAL PRINCIPLES.

1. Instruction of the Recruit.—The instructors, to whom this

duty is entrusted, must be clear, firm, and concise in their mode of

conveying instruction, in order to command perfect attention to

their directions. They must allow for the capacity of the Recruit ;

and be patient, where endeavour and good-will are apparent ; for

quickness is the result of much practice, and ought not at first to

be expected. •

2. Becruits must be carried on progressively; they should

comprehend one thing before they proceed to another. They

should not be kept too long at any particular part of their exercise,

so as to fatigue or make them uneasy.

II.

Duration of Drills, &c.—Short and frequent drills are always to

be preferred to long lessons, which exhaust the attention both of

the instructor and Eecruit ; and too much pains cannot be taken

by those entrusted with the instruction of the constables to move

them on progressively, from squad to squad, according to their

merit, so that the quick, intelligent man may not be kept back by

those of inferior capacity. To arrive at the first squad should be

made an object of emulation.

III.

1. Words of Command.—Every command must be loud, and

distinctly pronounced as it is written.

2. Every command that consists of one word must be preceded

by a caution : the caution or cautionary part of a command must

be articulated slowly and distinctly, the last or executive part,

which, in general, should consist of only one word or syllable,

must be given sharply and quickly, as Company—Malt : Bight

Half—Face.

3. The foregoing rule does not apply to the words and numbers

I PART I.—SQUAD DRILL.

given in the Extension Motions and Balance Step, where the words

must be given sharply when the motion is to be quick, and slowly

and smoothly when the motion required is of that nature.

4. When the last word of a caution is the signal for any

preparatory movement, it will be given as an executive word, and

separated from the rest of the command by a pause, as, On the

Bight Backwards— Wheel. Quick—March, as though they were

two separate commands, each with its caution and executive word.

5. Officers and serjeants should frequently be practised in giving

words of command. It will be found a good plan to practise

several officers or serjeants together in giving words of command

simultaneously, the time and pitch being first given by the in

structor.

KECKUIT OE SQUAD DEILL, SINGLY, OE IN OPEN

FILES.

Sec. 1.—Position of the Constable.

The exact squareness of the shoulders and body to the front is

the first and great principle of the position of a constable. The

heels must be in line, and closed ; the knees straight ; the toes

turned out, so that the feet may form an angle of 60 degrees ; the

arms hanging easily from the shoulder, the elbows slightly turned

out ; the hands open, with the knuckles inclining to the front ;

the hips rather drawn back, and the breast advanced, but without

constraint ; the body straight, and inclining forward, so that the

weight of it may bear principally on the fore part of the feet ; , the

head to be erect, but not thrown back, the chin slightly drawn in,

and the eyes looking straight to the front.

N.B.—The words in the margin, which are printed in Balics,

are the words of command to be given by the instructor.

All words of command, and particularly the words Halt and

March, must be given distinctly and loudly.

Sec. 2.—Standing at Ease.

Stand at— On the word Stand at—Ease, the left foot will be

Ease. carried forward six inches, toes to the left front, feet

separated, the greatest part of the weight of the body

brought upon the right leg; the left knee a little

bent; the hands will be brought together before the

body, the palms being struck smartly together, and

SINGLY, OR IN OPEN FILES. 6

that of the right hand then slipped over the hack of

the left ; but the shoulders will be kept back and

square ; the head to the front, and the whole attitude

without constraint.

Squad—. On the word Attention, the hands will fall smartly

Attention, upon the outside of the thigh ; the left heel will be

brought back in a line with the right, and the proper

unconstrained position of a constable immediately

resumed.

If the command to Stand at—Ease is followed by the word Stand

Easy, the men will be permitted to move their limbs, but without

quitting their ground, so that upon the word Attention no one shall

have materially lost his dressing in line.

Before calling men to attention, when they are standing easy,

the caution Eyes—Front must be given, upon which every constable

will resume his position as described in the Stand at—Ease, and

remain steady.

Sec. 3.—Dressing in Open Files.

Eyes— On the words Eyes—Bight, the eyes will be directed

Bight. to the right with a slight turn of the head.

Dress. On the word Dress, each constable, except the

right-hand man, will extend his right arm, palm of

the hand upwards, nails touching the shoulder of the

man on his right; at the same time he will take up

his dressing in line by moving till he is just able to

distinguish the lower part of the face of the second

man beyond him ; in so doing, care must be taken

that he carries his body backward or forward with the

feet, moving to his dressing with short quick steps,

and that his squareness of position is retained

throughout.

Eyes— On the words Eyes—Front, the eyes and head are to

Front. be turned to the front, the arm dropped, and the first

position resumed.

Dressing by the left will be practised in like manner.

Sec. 4.—Extension Motions.

In order to open the chest, and give freedom to the muscles,

the following extension motions will be practised.

Men in squads at open order will be faced a half face to the

right, before commencing the following movements.

PART I.—SQUAD DRILL.

First Practice.

One. On the word One, bring the hands and arms to the

front till the fingers meet at the points, nails down

wards, then raise them in a circular direction over the

head, the ends of the fingers still touching and print

ing downwards so as- to touch the top of the helmet,

thumbs pointing to the rear, elbows pressed back,

shoulders kept down.

Two. On the word Two, throw the hands up, extending the

arms smartly upwards, palms of the hands inwards,

then force them obliquely back, and gradually let

them fall to the position of attention, endeavouring as

much as possible to elevate the neck and chest.

Three. On the word Three, raise the arms outwards from the

sides without bending the elbow, pressing the shoul

ders back, until the hands meet above the head, palms

to the front, fingers pointing upwards, thumbs locked,

left thumb in front.

Four. On the word Four, bend over until the hands touch

the feet, keeping the arms and knees straight, the head

being brought down in the same direction ; after a

slight pause raise the body gradually and bring the

arms to the sides, and resume the position of attention.

N.B.—The foregoing motions are to be done slowly, so that the

muscles will be exerted throughout.

Second Practice.

One. On the word One, raise the hands in front of the

body at the full extent of the arms, and in line with

the mouth, palms meeting but without noise, thumbs

close to the forefingers.

Two. On the word Two, separate the hands smartly,

throwing them well back, slanting downwards, at the

same time raise the body on the fore part of the feet.

One. On the word One, bring the arms forward to the

position above described, and so on.

Three. On the word Three, resume smartly the position of

attention.

In this practice the second motion may be continued without

SINGLY, OR IN OPEN FILES. 5

repeating the words One, Two, by giving the order Continue the

Motion ; the squad will then take the time from the right file ;

on the word Steady the men will remain at the second position,

and at the word Three resume the position of attention.

Third Practice.

The squad will make a half face to the right into file, previous

to commencing the third practice.

One. On the word One, raise the hands in front of the

body, as in the second practice, but with the hands

clenched.

Two. On the word Two, separate the hands smartly,

throwing the arms back in line with the shoulders,

back of the hands downwards.

Three. On the word Three, swing the arms round as quickly

as possible from front to rear.

Steady. On the word Steady, resume the second position.

Four. On the word Four, let the arms fall smartly to the

position of attention.

When necessary, the third practice may be performed with

clubs.

Sec. 5.—Saluting.

Constables will be practised in saluting, first by numbers, then

judging their own time ; if they are in squads, they will be faced to

the right for the right-hand salute, and to the left for the left-hand

salute.

Bight-hand Salute by Numbers.

One. On the word One, turn the head a little to the left,

and glance the eyes towards the person to be saluted ;

raise the right hand smartly, without bending the

elbow, as high as the shoulder, pointing in the same

direction as the right foot, knuckles upwards, thumb

close to the forefinger.

Two. On the word Two, bring the hand slowly round till

the point of the thumb and the side of the forefinger

touch the rim of the helmet, wrist and fingers slightly

bent, looking the person saluted straight in the face.

PART I.—SQUAD DRILL.

Three. On the word Three, bring the hand and arm slowly

to the position attained after the first motion, turning

the head and eyes to the front.

Four. On the word Four, bring the arm down smartly to

the position of attention, without bending the elbow.

Right-hand Salute, judging your own time.

Bight-hand On the word Salute, go through the two first motions

Salute. as described in one and two.

Attention. On the word Attention, come to the position of

attention, by the two motions described in three and

four.

Although constables are taught the motions of saluting at the

halt, it is not intended that they shall salute when standing still ;

if standing, when an officer approaches, they will face towards him

and come to attention ; if sitting, they will rise and stand at atten

tion. At all times when constables arc walking, they will salute

an officer when passing him (whether he is in uniform or not, pro

vided they know him to be an officer), commencing their salute six

paces before they come up to him.

Constables should therefore bo practised in marching two or

three together round the drill ground, saluting points placed on

either side of them, care being taken that they always salute with

the hand farthest from the point saluted ; when several men are

together, the man nearest to that point will give the time.

Sec. 0.—Facings. (Plate I.)

In going through the facings the left heel must never quit the

ground ; the body must rather incline forward, the knees being

kept straight.

To the On the word Face, place the hollow of the right

Bight— foot smartly against the left heel, keeping the shoulders

Face. square to the front.

Two. On the word Tico, raise the toes, and turn a quarter

circle to the right on both heels, which must be

pressed together.

To the On the word Face, place the right heel against the

Left—Face, hollow of the left foot, keeping the shoulders square

to the front.

TO Tin: LEFT-

TO THK HIGH!

FACE.

FACE.

MGHT ABOUT-FACE.

Fig. 3.

TWO THREE

Jig. 4.

RIGHT HALF-

FACE. TWO.

Fig. 5.

TWO.

LEFT HALF

FACE.

THREE.

Fig G.

TWO LEFT ABOUT THREE

QUARTERS-FACE,

SINGLY, OK IN OPEN FILES. 7

Two. On the word Two, raise the toes, and turn a quarter

circle to the left on both heels, which must be pressed

together.

Bight On the word Face, place the ball of the right toe

about—Face, against the left heel, keeping the shoulders square to

the front.

Two. On the word Two, raise the toes, and turn to the

right about on both heels.

Three. On the word Three, bring the right foot smartly

back in a line with the left.

Left On the word Face, place the right heel against the

about—Face, ball of the left toe, keeping the shoulders square to

the front.

Two. On the word Two, raise the toes, and turn to the left

about on both heels.

Three. On the word Three, bring up the right foot smartly

in a line with the left.

Bight (or On the word Face, draw back (or advance) the

Left) half— right foot one inch.

Face.

Two. On the word Two, raise the toes and turn an eighth

of a circle to the right (or left) on both heels.

Right (or When it is necessary to perform the diagonal march

Left) about, to the rear, the constable will receive the words Bight

three-quar- (or Left) about, three-quarters—Face, upon which he

ters—Face, will bring the ball of the right foot (not the ball of

the toe) to the left heel, or the right heel to the ball

of the left foot, and will make a three-quarters face in

the given direction, in the same manner as he faces

about.

Squad— When it is intended to resume the original front,

Front. after any of the foregoing facings, the word of com

mand Front may be given, on which the whole will

face, as accurately as possible, to their former front.

Whether the constable has previously faced to the

right or left about, he will always front by the right

about. But if he has faced to the right about three-

quarters, he will front by the left about three-quarters,

and vice versa.

At squad drill in open files the facings will always be done

by numbers, except when the word Front is given, in which case

8 PART I.—SQUAD DRILL.

the constable will judge his own time, which must be a pause of

slow time between each motion.

The foot in the first of the above motions is to be earned back

or brought forward without a jerk ; the movement being from the

hip, so that the body is kept perfectly steady until faced.

MAECHING.

Sec. 7.—Length of Step.

In slow or quick time the length of a pace is 30 inches, except

in " stepping out," when it is 33 inches, and in " stepping short " 10.

In " double time " the length of the pace is 36 inches.

The length of the side step, which is always taken in quick

time, is 12 inches.

N.B.—When a constable takes a side pace to clear or cover

another, as in forming four deep, which will be hereafter described,

the pace will be 24 inches.

In stepping back the pace is 30 inches.

See. 8.—Cadence.

In slow time 75 steps

In quick time 110 „

In double time 150 „

Sec. 9.—Position in Marching.

In marching, the constable must maintain the position of the

body as directed in Sec. 1. He must be well balanced on his limbs.

His arms and hands must be kept perfectly steady by his sides ;

care must be taken that the hand does not cling to the thigh, or

partake in the least degree of the movement of the limb. The

body must be kept erect and square to the front. The movement

of the leg must spring from the haunch, and be free and natural.

The foot must be raised sufficiently high to clear the ground with

out grazing it, carried straight to the front and without being

drawn back, placed softly on the ground, so as not to jerk or shake

the body in the slightest degree. The head to be kept well up,

and straight to the front, and the eyes not turned to the right or

left.

Before the squad is put in motion the instructor will take care

62 yards 18 inches 1 are taken

94 „ 16 „ > in a

150 „ - „ minute.

MARCHING. 9

that the men are not only square in their own persons, but in

correct line with each other. Each constable must be taught to

take up a straight line to his front by looking down the centre of

his body between his feet, then lifting his eyes and fixing them

upon some object on the ground straight to his front, at a distance

of about 150 yards ; he will then observe some nearer point in the

same straight line, such as a stone, tuft of grass, cr other casual

object, about 70 yards distant.

Sec. 10.—Balance Step.

The object of the balance step is to teach the constable the free

movement of his limbs, preserving at the same time perfect square

ness of shoulders and the utmost steadiness of body; and no labour

must be spared to attain this first and most essential object, which

forms, indeed, the very foundation of good marching. The in

structor must be careful that the constable does not contract a habit

of drooping or throwing back a shoulder during these motions.

Without gaining Ground.

The caution,—balance step without gaining ground, commencing

with the left FOOT, must first be given.

Front. On the word Front, the left foot will be raised from

the ground by a slight bend of the knee, and carried

gently to the front without a jerk ; the knee being

gradually straightened as the foot is brought forward,

the toe turned out at an angle of 30 degrees, the sole

of the foot kept about three inches from the ground

and parallel to it ; the left heel in line with the right

toe.

Hear. When steady, on the word Rear, the left foot will

be brought gently back (without a jerk), till the toe is

in line with the right heel, the left knee a little bent.

The left foot in this position will not be so flat as

when in front; the toe will be a little depressed.

Front. When steady, the words Front and Rear will be

Rear. repeated several times; and the motions performed

as above described.

Halt. On the word Halt, which should always be given

when the moving foot is in rear, that foot will be

brought to the ground in a line with the other.

o

10 PART I.—SQUAD DRILL.

The instructor will afterwards make the constable balance upon

the left foot carrying the right foot forward and backward.

Accustoming a recruit to stand on one leg and swing the other

backwards and forwards without constraint is an excellent practice.

Gaining Ground, First Practice.

Caution,—balance step, gaining ground by the word

FORWARD.

Front. On the word Front, the left foot will be carried to

the front, as described in the balance step, without

gaining ground.

Forward. As soon as the men are steady in the above position,

the word Forward will be given, on which the left foot

will be brought to the ground at 30 inches distance from

heel to heel, toes turned out at an angle of 30 degrees,

and the right foot will immediately be raised, and held

extended to the rear, the knee slightly bent. Great

care must be taken that the knees are kept perfectly

straight as long as both feet are touching the ground ;

that the toes remain throughout at the proper angles ;

that the body accompanies the leg, and that the inside

of the heel is placed on the imaginary straight line

that passes through the points on which the constable

is marching ; that the body remains straight, but in

clining forward ; the head erect and neither turned to

the right nor left.

Front. On the word Front the right foot is brought for

ward, and so on.

Halt. On the word Salt, which should always be given

when the moving foot is to the front, that foot will

complete its pace, and the rear foot will be brought

up in line with it.

Gaining Ground, Second Practice.

Caution, —balance step, gaining ground by the word front.

Front. On the word Front, the constable will take a full

pace slowly with his left foot, raise his right foot and

carry it to the front ; heel in line with the left toe,

foot turned out at an angle of 30 degrees, and then

MARCHING. 11

pause till the word Front is repeated, on which the

right foot will be brought to the ground 30 inches to

the front, and the left immediately brought forward,

and so on.

When the constable becomes steady in this practice,

he will gradually be carried on to the slow march, by

repeating the word Front quicker and quicker, finally

Slow. giving the word Slow, on which he will move on

steadily in slow time.

In this practice great care must be taken that the body is kept

well forward, and that the constable does not contract a habit of

leaning or swinging backward.

Sec. 11.—Slow Step.

Slow— On the word March, the left foot is carried 30

March, inches to the front, and without being drawn back is

placed softly on the ground, so as not to jerk or shake

the body.

The recruit must be carefully trained, and thoroughly instructed

in this step, as an essential foundation for arriving at accuracy in

the paces of greater celerity.

Sec. 12.—The Halt.

Squad— On the word Halt, the moving foot will complete its

Halt. pace, and the rear foot be brought up in line with it.

After the word Halt, men will stand perfectly steady, in what

ever position they may be, unless ordered to Dress.

Sec. 13.—Stepping Out.

Step-out. When marching in slow time, on the words Step-

out, the constable must be taught to lengthen his step

to 33 inches, by leaning forward a little, but without

altering the cadence.

This step is necessary when a temporary exertion to the front

is required, and is applied, both to slow and quick time ; and at the

words Slow (or Quick) the pace of 30 inches will be resumed.

c 2

12 PART I.—SQUAD DRILL.

Sec. 14.—Stepping Short.

Step—short. On the words Step—short, the foot advancing will

finish its pace, and afterwards each constable will take

paces of 10 inches until the word Forward is given,

when the usual pace of 30 inches will be resumed.

This step is useful when a slight check is at any time required.

Sec. 15.—Marking Time in the Slow Cadence.

Mark— On the words Mark—Time, the foot then advancing

Time. will complete its pace, after which the cadence will

be continued, without gaining ground, by alternately

throwing out each foot and bringing it back square

with the other ; at the word Forward, the usual pace

of 30 inches will be resumed.

If men are required to mark time in the slow cadence from the

halt, the word of command will be Mark Time—slow.

Sec. 16.—The Side or Closing Step.

The side or closing step is performed from the halt in quick

time.

Bight In closing to the right, on the words Quick March

Close, each man will carry his right foot about 12 inches

Quick— directly to his right, and instantly close his left foot

March, to it, thus completing the pace ; and proceed to take

the next step in the same manner ; the whole with

perfect precision of time, shoulders kept square,

knees not bent (unless on rough or broken ground),

Squad— and in a straight line. At the word Halt, the men

Halt. will bring their heels together, turn their eyes to the

front, and remain steady.

Constables must also be practised in taking any given number

of paces to either flank, and then halting without word of com

mand ; the command to be given thus, Three paces right close,

Quick—March.

Time is of great importance in the side step, each pace should

be taken and the heels brought up together again, in the same time

that a pace is taken in the quick march.

MARCHING. 13

Sec. 17.—Stepping Back in Slow Time.

Step Back, In stepping back, the pace will be 30 inches, and

Slow— the cadences the same as in the slow march. Con-

March. stables must be taught to move straight to the real',

preserving their shoulders square to the front and

Halt. bodies erect. On the word Halt, the foot in front

must be brought back square with the other.

A few paces only of the step back can be necessary at a time.

Sec. 18.—Changing Feet.

Change— To change feet in marching, the advanced foot will

Feet. complete its pace, and the ball of the rear foot will be

brought up quickly to the heel of the advanced one,

which will instantly make another step forwards, so

that the cadence will not be lost ; in fact, two succes

sive steps will be taken with the same foot.

This may be required when any part of a company or a single

constable is stepping with a different foot from the rest.

Sec. 19.—The Quick Step.

The cadence of the slow march having become perfectly habi

tual to the constable, he will be taught to march in quick time.

Quick — On the word March, the squad will move off con-

March. forming to the directions given in Sec. 9.

When a constable is perfectly grounded in marching in quick

time, all the alterations of step laid down for the slow march must

be practised in quick time.

In marking time at the quick cadence, the feet will not be

thrown out and brought back as in slow time, but will simply be

raised alternately about three inches from the ground.

From the halt the word of command will be Mark Time—

Quick.

Sec. 20.—The Double March.

The directions for the march, in the preceding sections, apply

in a great degree to this step.

Double— On the words Double—March, the men will step off

March, together with the left feet ; at the same time raising

14 PAET T.—SQUAD DRILL,

their hands as high as the waist, carrying back the

elbows and clenching the fists, the flat part of the arm

to the side ; keeping the head erect, and the shoulders

square to the front ; the knees a little bent ; the body

being more advanced than in the other marches. The

instructor will be careful to habituate the constable to

the full pace of 36 inches, otherwise he will get into the

habit of a short trot, which would defeat the obvious

advantages of this degree of march.

Squad— As in Sec. 12, at the same time dropping the hands

Halt. and extending the fingers.

The constable will be taught to mark time in the double

eadence in the same manner as in quick time.

Sec. 21.—Turning when on the March.

Constables must be practised in turning to the right and left,

on the march, when in open files ; but they should not continue to

march in files longer than is necessary to enable them to get steady

before turning again to the front.

Squad. To 1. Turning to the Bight and then to the Front.—On

the Bight— the word Turn, which should be given as the left foot

Turn. is coming to the ground, each constable will turn his

body at right angles to the direction in which he has

been moving, and move on at once, without checking

his pace, in the new direction.

Squad. On the word Turn, which should be given as the

Front— right foot is coming to the ground, each constable

Turn. will turn again to the front and move on without

checking the pace.

Squad. 2. Turning to the Left and then to the Front. —

To the Left Constables will turn to the left in like manner, the

—Turn, word being given as the right foot is coming to

Squad. the ground—after which they will turn to the front,

Front— the word being given as the left foot is coming to the

Turn. ground.

A constable will always turn to the right, on the left foot < and

to the left, on the right foot. If the word Turn is not given as the

proper foot is coming to the ground, the constable will move on

one pace more, and then turn.

3. Making a Half Turn to the Bight or Left.—Constables must

also be practised in making a half turn to the right and left, and

WITH INTERVALS. 15

then moving on without checking the pace in a diagonal direction,

taking up fresh points at once, to march on.

4. Turning to the Bight awl Left about.—Constables will also be

taught to turn about on the march, which must be done in three

short paces, without losing the cadence. Having completed the

turn, the constable will at once move off in the opposite direction

to that in which he was previously marching, the fourth pace being

a full pace of 30 inches.

SQUAD DEILL, WITH INTEEVALS OF SIX INCHES.

Sec. 22.—Formation in Single Rank, at Six Inches

Distance.

When the foregoing sections have been practised, singly or in

squads at open order, a few men will be formed in single rank at

intervals of about six inches ; the distance will be taken from the

right by each one except the one on the right, placing his right

hand on his hip joint, the thumb in rear, and fingers in front of

the body, with the elbow out sideways, and then closing towards the

right file till the point of his elbow touches the arm of the man

on his right. This distance may in like manner be taken from

the left.

The squad thus formed will be practised in all the degrees of

march and varieties of step that have been taught in open order.

SQUAD DEILL IN CLOSE FILES.

Sec. 23.—Single Rank in Close Files.

At this stage of the drill a few constables will be formed in

single rank and be carefully instructed in the touch, which in close

files constitutes the principal guide and regulator in marching.

Each man, when properly in line, should feel his right or left

hand man (towards the pivot flank) at the thick part of the arm,

immediately below the elbow ; the body must be preserved in the

position described in Sec. 1 ; but in close files the palms of the

hands will be turned flat to the thighs ; the elbow must be close to

the side, the thumb as far back as the seams of the trousers, and

close to the forefinger.

The flank towards which men are ordered to touch, is called

the Pivot flank, the opposite flank is called the Eererse flank.

16 PART I.—SQUAD DKILL

Before a squad is ordered to march the pivot flank must be decided

by the caution, By the right, or By the left.

Sec. 24.—Dressing when Halted.

In dressing, each constable will cast his eye towards the flank

to which he is ordered to dress, with a slight turn of the head, as

directed in Sec. 3 ; he must carry his body backward or forward

with the feet, moving to his dressing with short quick steps;

bending backward or forward must be avoided ; his shoulders

must be kept perfectly square, and the correct position retained

throughout.

Twofiles on Preparatory to teaching a squad to dress to tho

the right right, the drill instructor must order the two files on

and one on the right and one on the left, to take a pace and a half

the left, a to the front ; having completed his pace and a half,

pace and a the right-hand man will take four side paces to his

half to the right ; and the three points thus placed will raise

front— their right arms from the elbow at right angles to

March. bodies.

File by file The instructor, having ascertained that the points

by the right are in line, will order his squad to dress up file by

—Dress up. file. The third file from the right will take one pace

to his front with the left foot, and shuffle up into line

in the manner already described ; as soon as he is

steady, the next file will proceed in like manner, and

so on to the left. The faces of the men, and not their

breasts or feet, are the line of dressing. Each man is

to be able just to distinguish the lower part of the face

of the second man beyond him.

Eyes— When the instructor is satisfied that the line is

Front. correct, he will give the words Eyes—Front, on which

the men will turn their heads and eyes to the front,

the three points will drop their right hands, and the

right-hand man will close on the squad.

In like manner the squad must be taught to dress up file by

file by the left ; also to dress back file by file by the right and

left.

The men must next be taught to dress forward and backward,

taking the pace together, but shuffling up or back in succession, the

same points being given as in dressing file by file. The words of

command will be Squad, By the Bight (or Left)—Dress Up, or By

the Bight (or Left)—Dress Back.

IN CLOSE FILES. 17

All dressing is performed on the foregoing principles. When

the men are on the alignment they have to occupy, and their dress

ing is simply to be corrected, the words Eyes Bight (or Left)—

Dress, or after the word Halt, the word Dress only will be given,

and they will shuffle up or back to their places successively, com

mencing with the man on the flank from which they are dressed.

When no man is placed for that purpose, the officer or instructor

should invariably fix upon some casual object on which to dress his

line.

Sec. 25 —Marching to the Front and Eear.

The general principles already laid down apply equally to the

inarch in close files.

During the march, care must be taken that neither the head

nor tho eyes are ever turned towards either flank (except when

wheeling), that the dressing is kept by the touch only, and that the

shoulders are kept perfectly square.

Squads will first be taught to march straight to the front in close

files, both by the right and left, in slow and quick time ; they will

then be practised in all the varieties of step and in marking time,

in both cadences ; they will also be exercised in the double time.

The instructor should occasionally remain halted in rear of the

pivot men, and by fixing his eyes on some distant object ascertain

if the squad is marching straight to its front.

When a constable loses his touch, or finds himself a little behind

or before the other men of his squad, he must be taught to recover

his place in the rank very gradually, and on no account to jump or

rush to it, which would necessarily make him unsteady, and spoil

the marching of the rest of the squad.

Sec. 26.—Wheeling of a Single Rank in Slow Time,

from the Halt.

Right— 1. Wheeling forwards —At the words Bight—Wheel

Wheel. the right-hand man will face to the right, on the word

Slow— March, the squad will step off, the whole turning their

March. eyes to the left (the wheeling or outward flank), except

the left-hand man, who will look inwards, and step

the usual pace of 30 inches, every other man shorten

ing his pace in proportion to his distance from the

standing flank on which the wheel is made. During

the wheel, each man must touch lightly towards the

pivot, or standing flank, keeping his shoulders square

in line ; crowding must be carefully avoided.

18 PART I.—SQUAD DRILL

Squad— On the word Rait, the men will halt and turn their

Halt. eyes to the front ; at the word Dress, they will take up

Dress. their dressing by the right, as already described.

Eyes— On the word Eyes—Front, the men will turn their

Front. heads and eyes to the front, and remain steady.

In like manner the men will be practised in wheeling to the left.

Nothing will tend sooner to enable the recruit to acquire the

proper step, according to his distance from the pivot, than con

tinuing the wheel without halting for several revolutions of the

circle.

On the 2. Wheeling backwards.—At the words On the Right,

Bight, backwards—wheel, the right-hand man will face to his

backwards— left. At the word March, the whole will step back,

wheel. turning their eyes towards the left or wheeling flank,

Sl''w—. except the left-hand man, who will look inwards and

March, step a full pace of 30 inches, every other man will

shorten his pace in proportion to his distance from

the standing flank, to which he keeps a light touch as

in wheeling forward.

Squad— On the word Halt, the men will halt and turn their

Halt. eyes to the front ; on the word Dress, they will look

Dress. to the pivot flank and dress.

In like manner squads will be taught to wheel backwards on

the left.

No rank nor ranks of more than 12 files should be wheeled

backwards ; they should be faced about and then wheeled forwards.

Wheeling to the right and left, on a halted pivot ; and wheeling

backwards, must be practised in quick as well as slow time.

Sec. 27.—Changing Direction by the Wheel of a

single Rank on a movable Pivot.

Bight— When the squad marching to the front is required

wheel. to change direction to the right, it will receive the

word Bight—Wheel ; upon which the men will wheel

to the right on the principle explained in Sec. 26, the

pivot man bringing his shoulders gradually round

with the squad, at the same time circling round the

wheeling point with very short paces.

Forward. On the word Forward, the whole will turn their

eyes to the front and step off at the full pace of 30

inches.

PLATE II.

Fig. 1 .

THE DIAGONAL MARCH

RIGHT HALF-FACE, QUICK MARCH. HALT-FROF*1*

ULI 111,1 I UJ.IJ, I, l'"

FILES FORMING SQUAD.

Fig. 2.

FRONT FORM-SQUAD,

m

Fig. 3.

IN DOUBLE TIME, FRJ

FORM-SQUAD.

L-L-L 1,1,1,1

Vl'luJt

Va ! i

m \

b .2

Fig. 4,

ON THE LEADING MAN

RIGHT FORM-SQUAD.

a □ a a □ a ^

i_i

Fig. 5.

ON THE LEADING MAN

RIGHT ABOUT FOHM-SQU.

c\ □ [j n n a

CZl

i Von

8,1 « be i°ne a «\il *• Mid* *

Sec-28- «k'^tt*i**»*^A^-^ "

PLATE II.

Pig.l.

THE DIAGONAL MARCH

RIGHT HALT-FACE, QUICK MARCH. HALT-FRONT.

I. I, I, I. Ij, I, I, I. I, I, I, I, I, I, I

/ / / / / / / /'/ .' ,'' / >'

/*

±±H

Fig. 2.

FRONT FORM-SQUAD,

FILES FORMING SQUAD.

Fig. 3.

IN DOUBLE TIME, FRONT

FORM-SQUAD.

1,1,1 1,1 l

\\Wq=rp

& ! i i 'A\i I i

\\V\\\ ;'^

w\tn

Fig. 4.

ON THE LEADING MAN

RLGHT FORM-SQUAD.

annaan *en

Fig. 5.

ON THE LEADING MAN,

RIGHT ABOUT FORM-SQUAD

^aanaaj

*C7 :P

IN CLOSE FILES. 19

The instructor will give his word Forward when he sees that

the rank is within one pace of the front on which he intends it to

move : which may be done at any degree of the circle.

In like manner, the squad will be taught to change direction to

the left.

After the wheels on a movable pivot have been taught in slow

time, they will be practised in quick and in double time.

Sec 28.—The Diagonal March. (Plate II.)

.tBight Half— This march will first be practised from the halt by

Face. facing the men a half face to the right ; on the word

Slow— March, they will move on the diagonal lines upon

March, which they are individually placed in echelon.

Halt— Upon this word the squad will halt, and face to its

Front. original front.

When the squad is marching to the front, and is

required to take an oblique direction to the right, the

Bight word Bight half—Turn, will be given, upon which the

Half— men will turn the eighth of a circle to the right and

Turn move diagonally in that direction as described from

the halt; and when it is intended to resume the

Front— original direction, the word Front—Turn, will be given,

Turn. on which every man will turn to his front and move

forward without checking the pace.

In like manner the diagonal march will be practised to the left,

from the halt and on the march. The diagonal march will also be

practised in quick, and double time.

During the diagonal march the leading flank will be the pivot

for the time being; for instance, when a squad or company is

moving diagonally to the right, the right-hand man will be the

pivot, and must, therefore, pay particular attention to his pace and

direction, as the accuracy of the movement will depend much upon

him. The other files must be careful that their right arms do not

got beyond the centre of the men's backs who precede them in

echelon; if they keep this position, their right feet will just clear

the left of the preceding file.

Sec. 29.—File Marching.

To the Constables must be first faced, and then be in-

Bight structed to cover each other, while marching, exactly

20 PART I.—SQUAD DRILL

(or Left)— in file, so that the head of the man immediately before

-Face. each constable will conceal the heads of all the others

in his front.

The strictest observance to all the rules for march

ing is particularly necessary in file marching.

Slow—. On the word March, the whole are immediately to

March. step off together, gaining at the first step 30 inches,

and will so continue to step without increasing or

diminishing the distance between the files, every man

placing his foot on the ground, in advance of the spot

from which his preceding man has taken up his foot.

No looking down, nor leaning backwards is to be

allowed. The leader is to be directed to march

straight forward on some distant objects.

Halt—Front. On the words Halt—Front, the men will halt, and

face to their original front, and if the file marching

has been properly performed, their dressing and touch

will be found correct.

When the constable is sufficiently practised in file

marching from the halt, he will be taught when march

ing to the front in line to turn into file ; the word

To the Turn should be given as the left foot is coming to the

Bight— ground, on which the cons: able will turn his body to

Turn. the right, and move on in file as already described.

Front— The original direction is resumed by giving the

Turn. words Front—Turn, on which the constable will turn

his body to the front, and then move on steadily in line.

The word Turn should here be given as the right foot

is coming to the ground.

In like manner the men will be taught to turn to the left from

line into file, and from file again to the front ; the last sound of the

words To the Left— Turn, being given as the right foot is coming to

the ground, and the last sound of the words Front—Turn, as the left

foot is coming to the ground.

Sec. 30.—Wheeling in File.

Bight (or The squad, when marching in file, must be taught

Left)— to wheel in either direction, files following successively

Wheel, without increasing or diminishing the distances from

each other ; in this movement each file will make its

separate wheel on a pivot movable in a small degree,

IN CLOSK FILES. 21

without altering the cadence of march, but lengthening

the pace a little with the outward foot.

The squad will also practise the march and the wheel in files in

quick time, but never in double time.

Sec. 31.—Files forming Squad.

Front 1. To the Front in Slow or Quick Time.—When the

Form— squad marching in files is ordered to form to the front,

Squad. the leading file will mark time ; the remaining files

when right is in front, will turn to the left, and wheel

to the right, looking to the outward flank and feeling

inwards, as described in Sec. 26 of this Part.

Forward, As soon as the quarter circle is completed, the word

or Halt— Forward will be given, if the march is to be continued,

Dress. or Halt—Dress if the squad is to be halted.

In Double 2. To the Front in Double Time.—When a squad

Time, Front marching in files, right in front, is required to form

Form— to the front, in double time, the leading file will move

Squad. on steadily in quick time, the remainder will make a

half turn to the left, double up to their places, and

take up the quick time successively as they arrive in

line with the leading file.

On the 3. To the Reverse Flank.—When marching in file,

Leading right in front, at this word of command, the leading

File, Might file will turn to the right, take two paces to his front,

Form — and halt ; the remainder of the squad will form on the

Squad. left of the right file in succession.

On the 4. To the Bight—About.—At this word the leading

Leading file will wheel to the right about, and take two paces

File, Right to the front after wheeling ; the remainder of the

about Form—squad will march on in files, wheeling to the right

Squad. on the spot where the leading file has wheeled, and

forming to the right by successive files, as already

described.

When marching in files, left in front, a squad will be formed to

the front, left, or left about, on the same principle as it is formed

to the front, right, or right about, when the right is in front.

Sec. 32.—The Side or Closing Step.

The side or closing step will now be practised in close files,

the men judging their own time, on the principles laid down in

Sec. 16, each man carrying his foot as far as the foot of the man

/

22 PART I.—SQUAD DRILL

next to him. Care must be taken that the shoulders are kept square,

and the paces made in a direct line to the flank. During the side

step, the touch must bo kept to the closing flank.

The men must be practised in changing the pace, without halt

ing, from slow to quick and double, and from quick to slow time,

as well as from quick to double, and from double to quick, but

never from double to slow time.

SQUAD DRILL IN TWO RANKS.

Sec. 33.—Formation of Squad in Two Ranks.

The squad will now be formed in two ranks. The men will fall

in, taking their places in succession, commencing from the flank on

which they are ordered to form ; each rear-rank man will be placed

one pace of 30 inches from his front-rank man, measuring from

heel to heel, and will cover him correctly, looking at the middle of

his neck.

Sec. 34.—Dressing.

The front-rank will dress as described in Sec. 24. The rear-

rank men will continue looking to thoir front, and will cover and

correct their distances as the front-rank men take up their dressing.

Sec. 35.—Taking Open Order.

Bear Bank From the Halt.—On the word Order, the flank men

take Open— on tho right and left of the rear rank will step back

Order. two paces, and face to the right.

March. On the word March, the flank men will front and

raise their right hands from tho elbow at right angles

to the body, and the rear rank will step back two

paces.

Bear Bank— On the word Dress, the rear rank will dress by the

Dress. right. Care must be taken not to move the flank men

when dressing the rear rank.

Eyes— On the word Front, the rear-rank men will turn

Front. their eyes to the front, and the pivot-men will drop

their hands.

IN TWO RANKS. 23

Rear Rank On the word March, the rear rank will step forward

take Close two paces, resuming the regular distance of close order

Order—. from the front rank.

March.

Rear Rank On the March.—Open order is taken only when

take Open— marching in slow time. On the word Order, the rear

Order. will mark time one pace, and then move on steadily.

Rear Rank On the word Order, the rear-rank men will lengthen

take Close— their pace until they regain their proper distance from

Order, the front rank.

The squad will always be ordered to march by the right before

taking open order.

Sec. 36.—Marching to the Front and Eear.

The squad, in two ranks, will be practised in marching to the

front and rear on the principles already laid down.

By the At the word March, the whole squad will step off

right (or together at the full pace, touching lightly towards the

left). Slow— pivot flank.

March.

Halt. On the word Halt, the squad will halt, and every

man will remain steady.

To the 2. To the Rear.—On the word Face, the squad will

Right— face about.

about Face.

By the On the word March, the whole will step off, rear

right (or rank leading.

left) Slow-

March.

Squad On the words Halt—Front, the squad will halt and

Halt—Front, face to the right about.

Sec. 37.—Marching in Quick and Double Time.

The squad will be practised in marching in quick and double

time, as described in Sees. 19 and 20.

24 PART I.—SQUAD DRILL

Sec. 38.—Marking Time, Stepping Out, Stepping

Short, Changing Feet, Stepping Back, and

the Side Step.

Constables in squads of two ranks must also be practised in

marking time at slow, quick, and double time; in stepping out,

stepping short, changing feet, and stepping back, both in slow and

quick time, and in the side step at quick time only.

Sec. 39.—Wheeling.

Bight— 1. Wheeling forward, from the Halt.—On the word

Wheel. Wheel, the right hand man of the front rank will face

to the right, and his rear-rank man will uncover by

taking a pace to his rear with his right foot and a pace

of 24 inches to his left with his left foot.

Slow or On the word March, the squad will wheel according

Quick— to the instructions laid down in Sec. 26, the rear-rank

March, man of the pivot file regaining his place during the

wheel.

Squad On the word Halt, the squad will halt, and at the

Salt— word Dress, the squad will dress by the pivot flank,

Dress. according to the principle already laid down.

In like manner the squad will be practised in wheeling to the

left, in slow and quick time.

2. Wheeling Backwards.—The squad will be practised in wheel

ing backwards in slow and quick time ; in this wheel the rear-rank

man of the pivot file will not uncover, nor will the pivot man raise

his arm.

3. Wheeling on a Movable Pivot.—The squad will be practised

in wheeling on a movable pivot to the right and left in slow,

quick, and double time, on the principles laid down in Sec. 27.

Sec. 40.—The Diagonal March.

The diagonal march will be practised in two ranks on the prin

ciples laid down in Sec. 29. When taking ground to a flank in

this manner, in addition to the instructions already given, the

rear-rank men must be cautioned to preserve their relative posi

tions with their front-rank men, in order that they may be found

to cover correctly when they are halted and fronted.

IN TWO RANKS. 25

Sec. 41.—File Marching, Wheeling in Files, and

Files forming Squad.

File Marching.—File marching in two ranks will be practised

on the principles laid down in Sec. 29, care being taken that the

rear-rank men dress correctly by their respective front-rank men.

Wheeling in File.—Wheeling in file will be performed on the

principles laid down in Sec. 30 ; the outward rank must step rather

longer during the wheel, especially with the outward foot.

1. Files forming to the Front.—A squad marching in files will

form to the front on the principles laid down in Sec. 31, the rear-

rank men following their front-rank men ; the front-rank man

only of the leading file will mark time, the rear-rank man will turn

with the rest, and move round into his place during the wheel.

2. Files forming to the Reverse Flank, or to the Bight or Left

About, or to the Pivot Flank.—When a squad, marching in files, is

required to form to the reverse flank, or to the right or left about,

the rear rank will form as described in Sec. 31. The front-rank

men will move round their respective rear-rank men, and form

successively in front of them. A squad will form to the pivot flank

simply by halting and fronting.

Sec. 42.—The Formation of Fours.

The squad should now be made up to eight or nine files, and

numbered off from right to left ; and it must be explained to the

men that odd numbers are right files, and even numbers left files,

except when there happens to be an odd number on the left of the

company, in which case, the left file but one, although an even

number, will act as a right file, and the left file of the squad, though

an odd number, will act as a left file, so that there will be two

right files together. Should there be a blank file, that is, a file

without a rear-rank man, it will always be the third file from the

left.

Squad— 1. On the Halt.—On the word Fours, the rear rank

Fours. will step back one pace of 18 inches.

Deep. On the word Deep, the left files will double behind

the right files, by taking a pace of 24 inches to the

rear with their left feet, and a pace of 24 inches to

the right with their right feet.

Squad— On the word Front, the left files will move up in

Front. line with the right files, by taking a pace of 24 inchesy

26 PART I.—SQUAD DRILL

to the left with their left feet, and a pace of 24 inches

to the front with their right feet ; the whole of the

rear-rank men will then close up to their proper dis

tances from the front rank by taking a pace of 18

inches to the front with their left feet.

As already described.

On the word Bight, the squad will face to the right,

and the left files will form on the right of the right

files, by taking one pace of 24 inohes to the right with

the right feet, and one pace of 24 inches to the front

with their left feet.

On the word Front, the squad will face to the left

and re-form two deep, as already described.

As already described.

On the word Left, the squad will face to the left

and the left files will form on the left of the right

files by taking one pace of 24 inches to the left with

their left feet, and one pace of 24 inches to their rear

with the right feet.

On the word Front, the squad will face to the right,

and re-form two deep, as already described.

2. On the March.—The squad will be practised to form fours to

the right or left on the march ; on the word Fours the rear rank

will mark time one pace ; on the word Bight or Left the squad will

turn to the named flank ; the right files will mark time two paces,

while the left files move to their places as when halted ; the whole

squad will then move on in the new direction. On the word Front

—Turn, the squad will form to the front ; the right files will mark

time two paces for the left files to resume their places, and the

rear rank to regain its distance, the whole squad will then march

steadily to the front. The squad when retiring may form fours

in like manner to the right or left, in which case the proper front

rank will mark time one pace on the word Fours.

A squad moving to a flank in fours may be ordered to Form

Two deep, on which the left files will fall back or step up to their

places in file, and the rear rank will close on the front rank ; and

at the word Be-form Four deep the rear rank will incline from the

front rank, and the left files will resume their places in fours.

Squad-

Fours.

Bight.

Squad-

Front.

Squad—

Fours.

Left.

Squad—

Front.

IN TWO BANKS. 27

Sec. 43.—Fours Wheeling and Forming Squad.

1. Wheeling.—A squad taking ground to a flank by fours, will

wheel to the right or left, in the same manner as it wheels in files,

each four wheeling successively round the same point.

3. Farming to the Front.—When a squad taking ground to a

flank by fours is ordered to form to the front, the leading file will

mark time, the remainder will turn, if right is in front, to the left,

if left is in front, to the right, form two deep, and proceed as

described in Sects. 41 and 31 of this Part.

3. Forming to the Reverse Flank or to the Bight or Left About.—

When a squad is ordered to form to the reverse flank, or to the

right or left about, it will at once form two deep, and then proceed

as described in Sects. 41 and 31 of this Part.

Sec. 44.—A Squad formed in Fours closing on a

Flank, and re-forming Two deep.

For the following practices 10 or 12 files should be put together.

On the Bight A squad having formed four deep must be taught

(or Left) to close on the right or left ; the four men on the

Close. Quick named flank standing fast, the remainder closing on

—March, them by the side step.

From the In re-forming two deep, on the words Quick—March,

Bight (or the four men on the named flank will stand fast, the

Left) Be- remainder will open out from them by the side step,

form Two and the left files will move up to their places in line

Deep. in succession as the intervals are opened for them;

Quick— the rear-rank men will step up to their proper dis-

March. tances at the same time.

These formations must also be practised during the march ; on

the words On the Bight (or Left) close, the files on the named flank

will continue to march straight to their front, with a short pace,

the remainder will close on them by the diagonal march.

On the words From the Bight (or Left) Be-form Two Deep, the

four men on the named flank will continue to march to the front

with a short pace, the remainder will incline outwards, and the left

files will move up into the intervals, in succession, as they are

opened for them, the rear-rank men regaining their proper dis

tances at the same time.

d 2

28 PART I.—SQUAD DRILL IN TWO RANKS.

Sec. 45.—Breaking off Files.

A squad must be taught to reduce the breadth of its front by

breaking off files ; files will always be broken off from the pivot

flank. A certain number of files (suppose three) will be broken off,

when left is the pivot, as follows :

Three files on On the word Tarn, the named files will turn to the

the Left, to right, and on the word Wheel, they will wheel to the

the Bight— left, following the left flank of the squad.

Turn. Left—

Wheel.

The front of the squad may be further reduced by any number

of files ; suppose two.

Two Files on On the word Turn, two more files will turn to the

the Left, to right, and on the word Wheel, they will wheel to

the Right— the left, following the left flank of the remainder of the

Turn. Left— squad ; the three files already in rear will mark time,

Wheel. and then incline to the right, and follow close in rear

of the two files now broken off.

Any number of files that have been broken off may be again

ordered to the front, suppose three.

Three FVes On the word Front, the named files will make a

to the—Front, half turn towards the pivot flank, and move up into

their places in line by lengthening their pace, the

remaining files in the rear will incline to the left, with

a lengthened pace till they cover the two files on the

pivot flank.

Two Files to On the word Front, the two remaining files will

the—Front, make a half turn to the left, and move up into line

by lengthening their pace.

All the files may be brought to the front at once by the words

Files to the front.

Files that are broken off must lock well up, so as not to inter

fere with men who may be in their rear.

( 29 )

PART II.

OF THE COMPANY.

GENERAL PRINCIPLES.

Constables to he formed in a Company.—The constables baying

been thoroughly grounded in all the preceding parts of the drill,

are now to be instructed in the movements of the company ; for

this purpose from 18 to 20 files will be formed and told off as a

company.

II.

Sizing a Company.—The company falls-in in single rank, and

will in the first instance be sized from right to left ; the tallest

man being on the right, the shortest on the left. It then numbers

off and forms two deep, the left files taking a pace to the rear with

their left feet, and a pace to the right with their right feet; the

whole are then closed and dressed on the right file. The rear

rank will then be faced to the left and formed to the right on the

leading file. By this mode of sizing, the tallest man is on the

right, the second tallest man on the left, the third tallest the second

from the right, the fourth second from the left, and so on. The

company is then again told off and forms two deep, the left files of

the right sub-division taking one pace to the rear, and one to the

right ; the left files of the left sub-division taking one pace to

the front and one pace to their right ; the left-hand man of the

company, if a right file, must also take a pace to the front ; lastly,

the whole must close and dress on the right file, the rear rank

covering correctly, leaving the blank file, if there is one, the third

from the left.

HI.

Telling-off of a Company.—The company having been formed

two deep, will be told off in sub-divisions and four sections. If

four officers are present, the senior (when the company is in

30 PART II.—COMPANY.

column of sections) takes the leading section, the next in seniority

the third section, the third in rank the fourth section, and the

junior officer the second. The covering serjeant will cover the

second file from the pivot of the leading section. When there are

only two supernumeraries present, including officers and serjeants,

the covering serjeant will take the second section from the head of

the column.

Should there be a blank file in telling off the company in line,

it will invariably be the third file from the left.

If there are 16 files, number 8 will be the left-hand man of

the right sub-division ; 9 the right of the left sub-division. If

17 files, number 9 the left-hand man of right sub-division ; 10 the

right of left sub-division.

If there are 16 files 4, 8, 12, 16)| Will be the

„ 17 „ 5, 9, 13, 17 | Left-hand

18 „ 5, 9, 13, 18 | Men of

„ 19 „ 5, 10, 14, 19| Sections.

On the number of each file being called, it will be acknow

ledged by raising the right hand in line with the elbow, and

dropping it again instantly.

If the number of men be even, they are equally divided in the

four sections.

If one file over, it goes with the first section.

If two files over, one goes with the first, the other with the

fourth section; thus equalizing the sub-divisions, and making

their flank sections strongest.

If three files over, one goes with the first, another with the

fourth, and the third with the second section ; so that the right

sub-division may be the stronger when both sub-divisions cannot

be made alike.

IV.

Supernumerary Bank.—The junior officers and serjeants will

be formed in a third or supernumerary rank, as will hereafter be

described. Their principal duty in this situation is to keep the

rear rank closed up to the front, and to correct any mistakes that

may occur during the movements of a company or battalion. Too

much attention cannot be paid to these important points.

V.

Relative Proportion of Paces to Files.—Each man occupies a

space of about 24 inches ; therefore, to ascertain the number of

paces of 30 inches required for a given number of files, multiply

GENERAL PRINCIPLES. 31

by 8 and divide by 10, the latter operation being accomplished by

cutting off the last figure, which multiplied by 3 will designate the

odd inches. It will be useful to remember, that 10 files require 8

paces, 20 files 16, and so on—one hundred files 80 paces, a thousand

files 800.

VI.

Applicaiion of Squad Drill.—All the principles laid down for

the instruction of a squad in two ranks, are equally applicable to

the movements of a company ; it is therefore only necessary here to

describe the positions of the officers and serjeants during these

movements, and to add the different movements and formations of

the sub-divisions and sections of a company that have not hitherto

been explained.

VII.

Companies to be drilled as if with the Battalion.—When a com

pany falls-in alone, it will be formed as a company in line, but in

order to teach officers and serjeants as far as possible the different

positions they will occupy in battalion drill, a company will be

drilled as though it were with a battalion. The instructor must

state previous to each movement the supposed formation of the

battalion, upon which the officers and serjeants must be taught to

move at once to their proper places.

vm.

Companies to be exercised by their own Officers.—Every company

must be frequently exercised by its own officers, the senior acting

as drill instructor, one of the others taking his place. On a space

of 70 or 80 yards square, every movement and formation may be

practised that is necessary to qualify the company for the operations

of the battalion.

IX.

Company to exercise on Bough Ground.—A company must be

exercised on rough and broken ground, as well as on smooth and

level ground, and the rank which is in front during one drill should

be in rear during the next, in order that every man may be equally

well drilled.

Assembling on Coverers.—Men should frequently be practised in

assembling, and forming company on their covering serjeants ; for

this purpose, the company should be dispersed, and when the men

''

/

32 PART II.—COMPANY.

are scattered over the exercise ground, the word Close will be given,

on which they will run in and form company (as in column right

in front) on the covering serjeant, who will previously be placed

for that purpose.

XI.

Marching on Points, andjudging Distance.—In order that officers

and serjeants may be thoroughly trained in those important parts

of their duty, they should frequently be practised separately, in

marching on points, and judging distances ; in the former exercise,

the instructor must remain standing in rear of the officer or serjeant

while he is marching, to see that he moves perfectly straight to his

front. In the latter exercise, the instructor must make use of a

measuring line to prove the distances, which may be taken by a

number of officers or serjeants, on the same alignment one beyond

another. The instructor must name the number of files for which

they are to take up distance.

XII.

General Bules.—The following general rules will be observed,

in the movements of a company, whether alone or with the battalion ;

although they may not be repeated in the description of each

manoeuvre.

1. At all times, when a company, sub-division, or section wheels

forward, the rear-rank man of the pivot file will uncover by taking

a pace to his rear, and a pace of 24 inches to his side, so as to cover

the rear-rank man of the file next to him.

2. When a company, sub-division, or section wheels back,

whether it is faced about to wheel, or not, the rear-rank man of the

pivot file will remain in his place, and will not uncover.

3. Serjeants marking points for their companies to dress upon,

when deploying into or forming line, will stand facing towards the

point of appui ; they will be placed at arm's length in front of

the alignment, and when the men approach them they will hold

out their inner arms at right angles to their bodies with their

fists clenched, on which the line will dress. Thus all lines will be

dressed at arm's length in rear of the line of coverers. A serjeant

marking a point will drop his arm as soon as his company are

dressed.

4. When the officer commanding a company is required to

change his flank, whether his company be in column or in line,

halted or on the march, he will pass by the rear in double time.

In wheeling, however, on a movable pivot, from a column right

IN LINE AND COLUMN. 33

in front into line, and vice versa, and in forming company to the

front from files or fours, the officer commanding the company

will move across the front, as explained in Sees. 10 and 17 of

this Fart ; these cases may he considered exceptions to the above

rule. When a company, sub-division, or section is in files or fours,

its leader, if required to change his flank, will pass by the shortest

line.

5. "When the senior officer of a company changes his flank the

coverer, if not required to take a point, will change with him ;

the next in seniority will also make a corresponding change.

6. When the leader of a company, sub-division, or section

changes his flank on the march, he will give the words, By the

right, or By the left, as he falls-in in his new place ; if he changes

during a wheel, the above words will_ immediately follow the word,

Forward.

7. Commanders of companies, previously to giving a word of

command, should call out the number of their companies thus,

No. 1—Halt. When in motion, executive words must be given as

the men are commencing the pace, which will bring them to the

spot on which the command ha^ to be executed. The cautionary

part of the word must, therefore, be commenced accordingly.

N.B.—In Parts II. and III., in order to distinguish the words

of command given by the instructor of the drill or the commander of

the battalion, from those given by the commander of the company

or its sub-divisions or sections, the commands of the former are in

capital letters, those of the latter in italic.

A COMPANY IN LINE AND COLUMN.

Sec. 1.—Formation of a Company in Line.

Caution,—as a company in line.

1. Formation in Close Order.— On the above caution, the senior

officer will place himself on the right of the front rank, covered by

his covering serjeant, who will be on the right of the rear rank ;

the remaining officers and serjeants will place themselves, in a

third or supernumerary rank, three paces from the rear rank ; the

next in seniority in rear of the second file from the left, the third

in rank in rear of the centre of the company, the third super

34 PART II.—COMPANY.

numerary in rear of the left sub-division, the fourth in rear of the

right, the fifth in rear of the left, and so on. The serjeant on

the right of the supernumerary rank will dress the rear and

supernumerary ranks, and will give the words Eyes—Front, as the

dressing of each is completed.

When a company is formed in line, if the senior officer is

required to change his flank he will pass by the rear, except when

it is preparatory to closing to the right or left, and in a few move

ments, which will hereafter be explained. The covering serjeants

and supernumeraries will always pass by the rear.

Sec. 2.—Formation of a Company in Column.

Caution,—as a company in column right (or left) in fbont.

On the caution, the senior officer will place himself on the

pivot flank of the front rank to lead his company, the next in

seniority will place himself one pace in rear of the second file

from the reverse flank, and the covering serjeant, one pace in rear

of the second file from the pivot flank. The places of the re

maining supernumeraries will be the same as in line, but at one

pace distance from the rear rank.

When the column is right in front, that is when the company

that stands on the right, when in line, is in front, the left will be

the pivot flank of each company ; when the column is left in front,

the right will be the pivot flank of each company.

When a company is in column, either halted or on the march,

and the senior officer is required to change his flank, he will

always pass by the rear, except during some wheels from line to

column, and column to line, which will hereafter be explained.

The covering serjeant and the supernumeraries will also cross by

the rear.

Sec. 3.—Marching to the Front and Bear.

1. Marching, to the Front.—The instructor, having stated the

supposed order of the battalion, will proceed as follows.

the line (or On the word advance the senior officer will care-

coltjmn) fully select points to march upon.

will—

ADVANCE.

slow (quick As described in Part I.

or double)

—MARCH.

WHEELING FROM THE HALT. 35

2. Marching to the Bear.—When the company is to retire, the

cantion, the link (or column) will betibe, will be given ; the men

will then be faced about, and the blank files will step up in line

with the proper rear rank. The senior officer, if the company is

in column, will also step up in line with the proper rear and select

points to march on ; but if the company is in line, he will remain

on the flank of the proper front rank.

WHEELING FKOM THE HALT.

Sec. 4.—A Company Wheeling, from the Halt,

from Column into Line.

A company will wheel from column into line, and line into

column, on the principles laid down in Section 39, Part L The

officers and serjeants will move as follows.

Caution,—a company in column bight in fbont.

left wheel On the word line, the senior officer will place

into—line, himself one pace in front of the second file from the

left ; the covering serjeant will run to the front, and

mark the spot on which the right of the company will

rest, when the wheel is completed ; he will stand

facing in the direction of the new front, and will raise

his right arm from his elbow, looking to his left, and

aligning himself with the pivot man, who will face on

this caution and raise his right arm.

quick— On the word maech, the company will commence

march. its wheel, the senior officer turning towards his men

and moving back round the pivot man to be ready to

dress his company from the left, the next in seniority

moving across to his place in line, and the super

numerary rank gaining its distance from the rear

rank, during the wheel.

Company. The senior officer will give his word Halt, when the

Halt— wheeling flank of his company is two paces from

Dress. the covering serjeant, and immediately follow it by the

word Dress, on which he will dress his men from

the pivot flank.

Eyes— Having completed the dressing, the senior officer

Front. will give the words Eyes-Front, and fall in on the

right of his company, the covering serjeant falling

36 PART il. COMPANY.

back to his place on the right of the rear rank, and

the pivot man dropping his right arm.

A company in column, left in front, will be taught to wheel

into line in a similar manner, on the command bight wheel into

line, &c.

Sec. 5.—A Company Wheeling, from the Halt,

from Line into Column.

Caution,—as a company in line.

open On the word front, the senior officer will move

column, out in quick time and place himself one pace in front

bight in— of the centre of his company, facing to the front, and

front, the covering serjeant will run to the rear, and mark

the spot on which the right of the company will rest,

when the wheel is completed ; he will stand facing in

the direction that the column will face, and raise his

right arm. The pivot man, that is, the left hand

man of the front rank of the company, will face to

the right.

bight On the word face, the company will face about;

about— the pivot man and covering serjeant remaining

face. steady.

bight On the word mabch, the company will commence

wheel, its wheel, the senior officer moving to the pivot flank,

quick— and the next in seniority moving across to his place

makch. in column during the wheel.

Company. The senior officer having given the words Halt,

Halt—Front, Front, Dress, will fall in at once on the left flank of

Dress. his company looking to his front, the covering serjeant

will at the same time move to his proper place in

column, and the supernumerary rank will step up to its

proper distance from the rear rank. Having com

pleted their dressing, the men will turn their eyes to

the front without further word of command.

A company in line will also be taught to wheel into an open

column left in front in like manner, in which case the right hand

man will face to his left on the caution, and the company having

been faced about, will wheel to the left.

WHEELING FROM THE HALT. 37

Sec. 6.—A Company Wheeling a given Number of

Paces, on either Flank, from the Halt.

A company in line or in column may be required to wheel

backward or forward any named number of paces on either flank,

which flank for the time being will be considered the pivot.

— On the word wheel, the covering serjeant will place

faces himself with his back to the seventh file from the

right (or pivot, either in front or rear of it, according to the

left) direction in which the wheel is to be made, and will

wheel, take the number of paces named on the circumference

or — of the circle of which the pivot is the centre, and then

paces on halt ; if the paces are taken to the rear he will halt

the eight and front, the pivot man will face in the direction that

(or left) the company is to face when the wheel is completed,

backwards the senior officer will place himself on the pivot flank

wheel, facing inwards, and correct the position of the pivot

man.

quick On the word march, the company will wheel for-

march. wards or backwards as directed.

Halt— The senior officer will halt his company, as the

Dress. seventh file reaches the covering serjeant, and then

dress it from the pivot flank, taking care not to move

either the seventh or the pivot file.

Eyes— On the word Eyes—Front, the senior officer will take

Front. post on the pivot flank, and the covering serjeant on

the reverse flank of the front rank.

The positions of officers and serjeants during echelon move

ments will hereafter be explained in Part III.

The seventh file wheeling eight paces will complete the quarter

circle, four paces the eighth of a circle, and two paces the sixteenth

of a circle.

No company should be wheeled backwards more than the eighth

of a circle, but should be faced about and wheeled forwards ; the

caution, — paces on the right (or left) backwards— wheel,

should however be first given, on which the pivot man will face,

and the covering serjeant will take his paces, halt, and face about ;

the company will then be faced about, and the words quick—march

will be given.

2. When a company is to remain facing to the rear, and to move

rear rank in front, after wheeling either forward or backward to its

coverer, the movement will be performed in every respect as if the

company were standing front rank in front.

38 PART II.—COMPANY.

Sec. 7.—Wheeling forward by Sub-divisions or

Sections from Line.

BY BUB-

DIVIsIONs

RIGHT—

WHEEL.

QUICK

MARCH.

Caution,—as a company in line.

1. Wheeling forward by Sub-divisions.—On the word

wheel, the senior officer will place himself one pace

in front of the centre of the right sub-division ; at

the same time, the man on the right of the front rank

of each sub-division will face to the right, and their

rear-rank man will uncover.

At the word mabch, each sub-division will step off

and wheel as directed in Sec. 39, Part I., the senior

officer turning towards the men of the leading sub

division, and inclining to its left ; the rear-rank men

of the pivot files regaining their places, and the super

numerary rank closing to one pace from the rear rank

during the wheel.

As the leading sub-division is taking the last step

that completes the wheel of a quarter of a circle,

the senior officer will give the words Halt—Dress,

to the whole company, and post himself on the left,

the proper pivot flank of the right sub-division ; the

covering serjeant passing by the rear, will take his

place in column, one pace in rear of the second file

from the pivot flank of the same sub-division, the

second senior officer will take his post on the pivot

flank of the rear sub-division, the third in rank in

rear of the second file from the reverse flank of the

rear sub-division.

A company will wheel by sub-divisions to the left in like

manner, the senior officer placing himself in front of the left sub

division in the first instance, and falling in on its right flank when

the wheel is completed ; the next in seniority taking post on the

right, and the third in rank in rear of the second file from the left

of the rear sub-division.

halt—.

DREss.

Sec. 8.—Wheeling backwards by Sub-divisions or

Sections, from Line.

by sub- 1. Wheeling back on the Left.—On the word wheel,

divisions the senior officer will place himself one pace in front

(or sections) of the centre of the right sub-division, or section ; the

WHEELING FROM THE HALT. 39

on the left covering serjeant will move back, and mark the spot

backward— on which the right of the leading sub-division or

wheel, section will rest, raising his right arm ; the left-hand

men of the front rank of each sub-division (or section)

facing to the right.

quick— On the word March, the sub-divisions (or sections)

march, will wheel backwards as described in Sec. 39, Part I.,

the senior officer inclining to the left.

Halt— The senior officer will give the words Halt—Dress,

Dress. and take his place on the left of the leading sub-division

(or section), the covering serjeant and supernumeraries

will take their places as described in the preceding

section at the same time.

2. Wheeling bach on the Bight.—In like manner sub-divisions or

sections will wheel backwards on the right.

Sec. 9.—An Open Column of Sub-divisions or

Sections Wheeling into Line.

left 1. A Column Bight in Front, wheeling to the Left into

wheel Line.—On the word line the senior officer will fall

into—line, back and place himself one pace in front of the second

file from the left of the rear sub-division (or section),

in column. The pivot men will face to the left, and

raise their right arms, their rear-rank men will un

cover, the leaders of the rear sub-division (or sections)

will fall back into the supernumerary rank, and the

covering serjeant will move out and mark the spot on

which the right of the company will rest, and will

raise his right arm.

quick— On the word march, the sub-divisions or sections

march, will step off and wheel into line as described in See.

39, Part I. ; the senior officer turning towards his

men, and moving back round the pivot man to be

ready to dress his company from the left. The super

numeraries will move to their places during the

wheel.

Halt— On the words Halt—Dress, the men will halt, and

Dress. the senior officer will dress them from the left.

Eyes— On the words Eyes—Front, the whole will turn their

Front. eyes to the front, the pivot men will drop their right

arms, and the senior officer and covering serjeant

40 PAST II.—COMPANY.

take their places in the line, the former passing by

the rear.

2. A Column Left in Front wheeling to the Bight into Line.—In

like manner a company in column of sub-divisions or sections left

in front, will wheel into line on the command, bight wheel into

line, &c.

WHEELING ON A MOVABLE PIVOT.

Sec. 10.—Wheeling from Line into Column, and

Column into Line.

1. From Column into Line.—While on the march, companies,

sub-divisions, or sections in open column, maybe wheeled into line

on movable pivots by the words bight (or left) wheel into line.

When a company in column right in front wheels into line, the

senior officer will move straight on to his front at a short pace

during the wheel, so as to meet the right of his company as it com

pletes the quarter circle, taking his post on the word forward ; the

next in seniority and covering serjeant at the same time moving to

their places by the rear ; but when a company in column left in

front wheels into line, the senior officer will remain on the right,

the covering serjeant, during the wheel, moving up to his post in

rear of him.

When sub-divisions or sections in open column right in front

wheel into line, the senior officer and covering serjeant will move

as described in the preceding paragraph ; but when sub-divisions

or sections in open column left in front wheel into line, the senior

officer will turn to the right-about on the command, and move

straight back to the right of the company, the coverer moving to

his place round the reverse flank or flanks of the rear sub-division

or sections ; in both cases the rear sub-division leader or rear

section leaders will fall back on the command, and will move,

during the wheel, to their places in the supernumerary rank.

2. From Line into Column.—A line may be wheeled on mov

able pivots, either from the halt, or while on the march, into

column of companies, sub-divisions, or sections, by the words, com

panies (sub-divisions or sections) right (or left) wheel, or if

from the halt on the move, by companies, sub-divisions, &c.

When the wheel is by companies to the right, the senior officer

will move across to the left of his company, as explained in the

preceding number, the next in seniority and coverer changing

their flanks by the rear as usual ; but when the wheel is to the left,

the senior officer will remain on the right flank and wheel with the

WHEELING ON A MOVABLE PIVOT. 41

company, the coverer falling back, during the wheel, to his place

in column.

When the wheel is to the right by sub-divisions or sections, the

senior officer and coverer will move to their places on tho left of

the leading sub-division or section, in the same manner as in

wheeling by companies ; when the wheel is to the left, the senior

officer will wheel with the right sub-division or section, and on

the word forward, will double up to the pivot flank of the leading

sub-division or section ; in both cases the leader of the rear sub

division, or leaders of the rear sections, will take post on the word

FORWARD.

In all these movements the supernumerary rank will gain its

proper distance from the rear rank during the wheel.

Sec. 11.—Columns changing Direction.

A column, on the caution change direction to the right (or

left) from the instructor, will change its direction, each company,

sub-division, or section wheeling in succession, by command of its

leader, on a movable pivot ; in this case the officers do not change

their positions.

It may be useful here to remark, that if a company wheels

the same number of paces that it contains files, it will complete

the quarter circle ; if half that number of paces, it will complete the

eighth of a circle ; and if a quarter of the number, it will com

plete the sixteenth of a circle.

Sec. 12.—The Echelon March of Sub-divisions or

Sections.

take ground On the word march, the sub-divisions (or sections)

to the right win wheel towards the named flank.

(or left) in

ECHELON.

OS THE MOVE,

BY sUB

DIVISIONs (or

SECTIONs)

BIGHT (or

left) wheel,

quick—march.

roBWABD. Having completed the eighth of a circle, on the

word forward, the sub-divisions (or sections) will

move to their front in echelon. If the movement is

42 PART II.—COMPANY.

to the right, each sub-division or section will march

by the right ; if to the left, they will march by the

left.

In this movement, the officers and serjeants will retain the

places they occupied previously to the company being wheeled into

echelon, except when a company in column takes ground to the

reverse flank in echelon, when the second senior officer will move

up and lead the leading section, unless the senior is ordered to

change his flank ; thus, when a company in open column right in

front is ordered to take ground to the right in echelon of sections,

the senior officer will remain on the left or reverse flank of the left

section, the second senior officer will lead the right or leading

section, by the right, and the remaining sections will be led by

their respective pivot men, each keeping his distance from the

pivot flank of the section next to him, in the direction towards

which the company is inclining. The leaders of sections must

also keep their dressing in a line parallel to their original posi

tion. When a company in line takes ground to the left in echelon

of sections, all the sections will bo led by their pivot men, the

senior officer remaining on the right of the right section. This

rule applies equally to sub-divisions.

A company on the march will take ground to a flank in echelon

in the same manner, the command being by sub-divisions (or sec

tions) eight (or left) wheel, forward.

re-form On the word company, the sub-divisions or sections

company, will wheel back into line on the pivot flanks.

forward. On the word forward, the company will advance

by the proper pivot flank.

On even ground, where the sub-divisions or sections are not

broken, they may, if required, wheel up into line on the reverse

flank, by the words, by sub-divisions (or sections), eight (or left)

WHEEL.

MISCELLANEOUS MOVEMENTS AND FOEMATIONS.

Sec. 13.—Marching on an Alignment in Open Column

of Sub-divisions.

An alignment is the imaginary straight lino that lies between

any two given points, on which a line may be formed, or the pivot

flanks of a column dressed.

The company having wheeled backwards by sub-divisions from

line, as directed in Sec. 8 of this Part, and a distant object in the

MISCELLANEOUS MOVEMENTS. 43

prolongation of the two pivot flanks having been taken, the com

mander of the company, who will be on the pivot flank of the

leading sub-division, will immedialtely fix on some intermediate

point between himself and the distant point to march on.

On the word march, given by the instructor of the drill, both

sub-divisions will step off at the same instant ; the leader of the

first sub-division will march with the utmost steadiness and

equality of pace on the points he has taken ; and the commander

of the second sub-division will preserve the leader of the first in

the exact line with the distant object, at the same timo keeping

the distance necessary for wheeling into line from the preceding

sub-division, which distance must of course be taken from front

rank to front rank.

The same principle applies to companies and sections marching

in column on an alignment.

Sec. 14.—A Company in Column of Sub-divisions or

Sections forming to the Reverse Flank.

A company in column of sub-divisions, right in front, will form

to the right as follows :—

eight form On the word company, the leaders of sub-divisions

—company, will change to the right flanks by the rear ; the senior

Leading officer will then command his sub-division to wheel to

Sub-Divi- the right, Double, and when it has wheeled the quarter

sion Bight circle he will give the word Forward ; the sub-division

Wheel, having gained three paces, the senior officer will halt

Double, and dress it from the right. When the second sub-

Forward, division arrives at the left of the first, its leader will

Halt—Dress, fall to the rear and give the word Left Sub-division

Left Sub- Sight Wheel, Double, and when square, Forward, then

Division Halt—Dress up, taking care to halt his sub-division in

Bight Wheel, rear of the sub-division on its right, so that the men

Double, may dress up into line.

Forward,

Halt-

Dress up.

Eyes—Front. The senior officer having dressed the whole com

pany, will give the words Eyes—Front, and fall in, the

covering serjeant resuming his post at the same time.

A column of sub-divisions left in front will form company to

the left in like manner. A column of sections will form company

to the reverse flank on similar principles.

■ 2

44 PART II.—COMPANY.

When not required to form at right angles to the direction in

which the column is marching, the leading section or sub-division

will be ordered to change its direction till it is at right angles with

the future alignment, and then the order will be given, bight (or

left) form company ; the remaining sub-divisions or sections will

change direction as they arrive at the spot where the leading sub

divisions or sections changed direction, and then form in succession,

as already described.

Sec. 15.—Forming Company to the Reverse Flank,

or to the Eight or Left about, from File March

ing, or the Flank March in Fours.

These formations will be made as described in Sees. 41 and 43,

Part I., the word company being substituted for the word Squad, in

the command. When forming to the front, the senior officer will

move across the front, turning towards his company during the

formation, and take his place on the pivot flank when it is com

pleted : the covering serjeant passing by the rear. The next in

seniority will also move to his place during the formation.

When forming to the right or left, the covering serjeant will

mark the outward flank of the company, facing towards the pivot

flank ; when forming to the right or left about, the covering serjeant

will place himself on the inner flank, facing to the new front; in

either case the senior officer will dress his men file by file as they

come up ; and when the company is formed, he will give the words

Eyes—Front, and fell-in in his place, the covering serjeant taking

post at the same time. The supernumerary rank will form with

the company, correcting their distances from the rear rank, if

necessary, when cleared by the rest of the company.

Sec. 16.—The Diagonal March.

As in Sec. 28, Part I.

In column, when a company inclines towards the pivot flank,

the senior officer will lead ; when towards the reverse flank, the

senior supernumerary will move up and lead, unless the senior

officer is ordered to change his flank.

Sec. 17.—File Marching and Wheeling in File.

As in Sees. 29, 30, 39, and 41, Part I.

For the positions of the officers, sec the nest Sec.

If a company is halted or ordered to mark time when only part

MISCELLANEOUS MOVEMENTS. 45

of the files have wheeled into the new direction, the remainder

should be taught, if required, to cover off in rear by the side step,

on the words, Rear files cover off ; if the word Front :s to follow

the word Halt, the rear files need not be ordered to cover off, but

will move to their places on the word Dress.

Sec. 18.—The Formation of Fours.

In forming fours the men will move as explained in Sec. 42,

Part I., and the supernumerary rank on the word Fours will step

back one pace. Both in file marching and the flank march by

fours, the senior officer will lead the company, placing himself

next to the front-rank man of the leading file or four ; the covering

serjeant will place himself at the head of the front rank, the senior

supernumerary will be on the reverse flank of the second file or

four from the rear, the other supernumeraries will simply face with

the company, and retain their positions.

When a company in close column takes ground to a flank by

fours, the leader will place himself in front of the front-rank man

of the leading four, the covering serjeant next to him in front of the

second rank.

Sec. 19.—Company Formed in Fours closing on the

Flank, or on the Centre, and re-forming Two

Deep.

A company having formed four deep will be practised in closing

on the flanks and re-forming two deep, both on the halt and march

as described in Sec. 42, Part I. ; it will also be taught to close on

the centre, and re-form two deep from the centre in the same

manner. The left file of the right sub-division will always be con

sidered the centre. The officers will close and open out with the

company.

Sec. 20.—The Side or Closing Step.

A company will be practised in the side step, as it is explained

in Sec. 32, Part I. When a company in line is ordered to close a

given number of paces, the senior officer will remain in this place

and close with the company ; but if no number of paces is named,

the senior officer, on the caution, will place himself three paces in

front of the flank of his company nearest to the centre of the line,

facing towards his men ; should that flank be the left, he will cross

46 PART II.—COMPANY.

by the front, and having given his word Halt, will return by the

rear to his post. In column the commander will always remain on

the flank of his company, and close with it, unless he has previously

taken up fresh covering, in which case he will stand fast, and order

his company to close to him.

Before a company drilling singly is ordered to close, as in line,

no number of paces being named, a point will b« placed to show

where it is to be halted.

Sec. 21.—Countermarching.

A company in column right or left in front, will be taught to

countermarch as follows :—

counter- On the word files, the covering serjeant will step

march by up and cover the senior officer.

FILES.

to the riqht ^n *ne wor& face, the company will face as ordered,

(or left") *^e covel'ing serjeant will face to the right about, the

face senior officer will take one pace outwards and face

inwards, and then take one long side pace in the

direction in which the covering serjeant is facing ;

the senior supernumerary will move up and place

himself one pace from the reverse flank of the front

rank, facing inwards.

left (or Qn ^ wor(j march, the company will step off, the

eight) leading file wheeling short round on the front-rank

counter- maQ, £}j0 remainder of the company following in file

march, quick ^\ it reaches the covering serjeant, when on the words

MAJJ0H. Halt—Front, Dress, from the senior officer, it will halt,

Ualt, front fron+ an(j <jregs in the new direction.

Dress.

In countermarching the files must be careful to move up to the

senior supernumerary as they wheel at the reverse flank, and to

lengthen their pace during the wheel, in order not to check the

rest of the company.

In both cases, the supernumerary rank will face towards the

reverse flank, and will countermarch round that flank, each man

marking time successively as he arrives at his place and halting

and fronting with the company.

A company in line may also be countermarched.

When a company is to countermarch it will always be faced

from the future pivot flank, and will be marched up to it.

When a company is to countermarch and continue its march it

may move in fours.

MISCELLANEOUS MOVEMENTS. 47

Sec. 22.—A Company diminishing Front by forming

Sub-divisions on the March.

Caution,—as a company in column right (or left) in front.

form—sub- If the company is marching as a company in column

divisions, right in front, on the cautionary command from tho

Left Sub- instructor form sub-divisions, the senior officer will

division give the words, Left Sub-division, mark—time, and when

Mark— the reverse flank of that sub-division is clear of the

Time, other, Bight half—turn, on which it will make a half-

Right Half turn to the right and move on at once in the diagonal,

—Turn, direction, without the word forward. The left sub-

Front— division having moved completely behind the right,

Turn, the senior supernumerary will give the words, Front—

turn, and place himself on its pivot flank.

During the movement, the senior officer and cover

ing serjeant will move across to their places on the

left of the right sub-division, and the senior supernu

merary will move across between the sub-divisions, so

as to meet the pivot flank of the left sub-division as it

arrives in column.

The foregoing principles equally apply to a company in column

left in front, in which case the right sub-division will move to the

rear of the left.

Sec. 23.—Sub-divisions diminishing Front by

forming Sections.

The directions that apply to the formation of sub-divisions from

a company, apply equally to the formation of sections from sub

divisions ; if the company is halted the drill instructor will give

the words, left (or right) sections, right (or left) about three

quabters face, quick—march ; but if on the march the senior officer

will give the words Left (or Right-) Sections, Mark—time. Bight (or

Left) half—turn to both sections. The section leaders giving the

words Halt—Front—Dress, or Front—turn. In advancing, the senior

supernumerary will move in the same manner as the senior officer ;

the third in rank will take the command of the rear section, and

senior Serjeant that of the second section from the front.

48 PART II.—COMPANY.

Sec. 24.—Sections increasing Front by forming Sub

divisions on the March.

form sub- A company marching in quick time in open column

divisions, of sections (suppose right in front) will receive from

Left the instructor of the drill the cautionary word of com-

Sections, mand form sub-divisions, on which the senior officer

Left Half-— will turn inwards, give the words, Left Sections Left,

Turn, Half—Turn, Double, and then move outwards (tie

Double, senior supernumerary inclining outwards at the sane

Front— time). As soon as the right flanks of the left sections

Turn, are clear of the left flanks of the right sections, the

Quick. senior officer and senior supernumerary will give the

words Front—Turn, and when they are in line, Quick,

falling-in on the pivot flanks of their respective sub

divisions ; the leaders of the second and fourth sections

will take their places in the supernumerary rank on the

caution.

A column of sections left in front, will form sub-divisions in

like manner, both from the halt and on the march.

Sec. 25.—Sub-divisions increasing Front by forming

Company.

The directions that apply to the formation of sub-divisions

from sections, apply equally to the formation of a company from

sub-divisions.

Sec. 26.—Diminishing and increasing Front by

breaking off Files, and bringing them again to

the Front.

Files will be broken off as described in Sec. 45, Part I. The

senior officer will move to the flank of the remainder of his front

rank, as the files drop to the rear ; the covering serjeant will move

up and remain covering the senior officer, as long as there is a file

in rear. The instructor will give the caution, break off ,

files, and the senior officer or sub-division leaders will give the

executive words.

PROVING. 49

Sec. 27.—Increasing and diminishing Front by break

ing into Fours, or Files, and re-forming Sections,

Sub-divisions, or Companies.

A company or open column of sub-divisions or sections right in

front, may advance from the right in files or fours by the words

EIGHT-FACE (or FOURs-RIGHT), LEFT-WHEEL, QUICK-MARCH; if the

column is left in front, the fours or files will advance from the left

in like manner. These movements may also be done when the

column is on the march, the commands then being fours-right—

left-wheel; fours-left, right-wheel, or right (or left),—turn,

left (or right)-wheel.

A company marching in files or fours will form sections, sub

divisions, or company to the front, as explained in Sees. 41 and

43, Part I., the senior officer moving across the leading sub-division

or section to his place, and the leaders of the remaining sub

divisions or sections taking their places on the word forward.

PEOVING.

Sec. 28.—Proving a Company.

After a company has been told off on parade, it will be proved

in the following manner.

Bight Sections—first and third—Stand at Ease.

Left Sections—Second and Fourth—Stand at Ease.

Bight Sub-division—Attention.

Left Sub-division—Attention.

Fours Deep—Front.

Fours Bight—Front.

Fours Left—Front.

Mark Time—Quick.

Fours Deep—Front Turn.

Fours Bight—Front Turn.

Fours Left—Front Turn.

Sub-divisions, Bight Wheel (when the quarter circle is completed)

Mark Time. Be-form Company.

Sub-divisions, Left Wheel (when the quarter circle is completed)

Mark Time. Be-form Company.

Sections, Bight Wheel (when the quarter circle is completed)

Mark Time. Be-form Company.

Sections, Left Wheel (when the quarter circle is completed)

1 Mark Time. Be-form Company.

50 PART II.—COMPANY.

Sec. 29.—Dismissing a Company.

To the As described in Part I.

Hight Face.

Break. At this word the front rank will take a side pace to

the left, and the rear rank will take a side pace to the

right, and after a pause the company will break off

and quit the parade without noise. ■

( 51 )

PART III.

FOKMATION AND EVOLUTIONS OF A

BATTALION.

GENERAL PRINCIPLES.

I.

Application of Squad and Company Drill.—The evolutions of a

battalion are effected by a combination of the minor movements,

that have been described in the squad and company drill. The

rules already laid down in Parts I. and II. for the positions and

movements of the different ranks are applicable, with very few

exceptions, to all the movements of a company when in battalion.

As they have been fully explained, it will not be necessary to

repeat them in this Part, but any deviation from them will be

distinctly specified.

II.

Battalions to move as component Parts of a Brigade.—The forma

tions and movements of a company are explained in Part II. as

having reference to the evolutions of a battalion ; in like manner

the evolutions of a battalion should be performed with a constant

view to the more extended movements of a brigade. Commanding

officers should therefore, when drilling their battalions singly,

accustom themselves to make their changes of position, and their

formations, on fixed battalion points, dressed on previously deter

mined alignments.

m.

Words of Command.—Words of command must be given as

described in the general principles of Part I. Every commanding

officer of a battalion must give his commands loud enough to be

heard by the leaders of other corps, who may be dependent on his

movements.

52 PAKT III.—BATTALION.

IV.

Covering Serjeants.—As a general rule whenever the officer com

manding the company moves from the front rank, the covering

serjeant will take his place and preserve it till he returns ; when

both move out during a formation in line, the rear-rank man of the

pivot file will move up and keep the place for the officer.

A Battalion dispersed, re-assembling.—A battalion should fre

quently be practised in assembling when dispersed or in confusion ;

for this purpose the covering serjeants should first be placed at

quarter distance right in front ; the bugle will then sound the

assemble, or the words pobm on the coveeebs will be given, on

which each company will form on its covering serjeant, as described

in the general principles of Part II.

Sec. 1.—Formation of a Battalion on Parade, in

Open Column, Right in Front. (Plate III.)

As a general rule, a battalion will assemble on parade in open

column right in front, that is, the company that stands on the

right when in line will be in front.

Companies may be equalized in point of numbers when the

battalion is formed for field movement ; but it is also desirable

that a battalion should be accustomed to exercise with companies

of unequal strength.

The companies having been told off and proved, as directed in

Part II., on their private parades, the covering serjeants, under

the direction of one of the inspectors acting as adjutant, will mark

the spots on which the pivot flanks of their respective companies

are to rest in column, on any given alignment ; each taking suffi

cient distance from the serjeant in front of him to allow of his

company being wheeled into line.

The companies will then be marched upon their covering

serjeants into column, and the men directed to stand at ease.

The usual post of the commanding officer in open column is on

the pivot flank of the leading company ; that of the next in seniority

(who will hereafter be called the " senior mounted officer ") two

paces from the reverse flank of the centre of the right wing, and

that of the third in seniority (who will hereafter be called the

"junior mounted officer"), two paces from the reverse flank of the

centre of the left wing. The acting adjutant, two paces from the

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WHEELING INTO LINE. 53

reverse flank of the right centre company. When a column is

ordered to advance, the mounted officer of the leading wing will

place himself in rear of the pivot flank of the second company from

the front, to superintend the direction, taking care not to get in

front of the officer in command of the third company.

When a battalion is assembled for the purpose of exercise it

will be told off into wings, and the companies numbered from front

to rear, odd numbers being right companies, even numbers left.

TELL OFF THE On the WOrds TELL OFF THE BATTALION frOHl

battalion. the commanding officer, the officers in command

of companies will take one pace to the front,

face inwards, and number thus; the officer of

the leading company will call out number One,

Bight company. The officer of number two,

number Two, Left company ; and so on to the

rear of the column.

Nos. 1, 2, 3, 4, The commanding officer will next name the

5, bight wing, companies which are to form the right wing,

Nos. 6, 7, 8, 9, and those which are to form the left. He will

10, left wing, then give the words eyes—front, upon which

etes—fbont. the officers will resume their places.

When companies in column are required to take open order for

inspection, they will be considered as independent companies ; and

on the words rear ranks take open order, from the commanding

officer, the company officers and covering serjeants will place

themselves as if taking open order in line, namely, the senior officer

in front of the second file from the right, &c.

On the word march, open order will be taken, the supernume

rary rank stepping back four paces. Each officer in command of a

company will receive the inspecting officer with a salute, and follow

him during the inspection of his company, the men standing at

attention. As the inspection of each company is completed, the

officer in command will close his ranks and direct his men to stand

at ease, the officers and covering serjeant resuming their proper

places in column.

Sec. 2.—Wheeling into Line from Open Column.

left (or On the words left (or right) wheel into line,

right) each company will proceed as described in Part II.,

wheel into Sec. 4, except that the covering serjeant of the leading

line. company only will run out, and placing himself in a

line with the pivot men, mark the spot where the

54 PART III.—BATTALION.

right (or left) of his company is to rest when the wheel

is completed ; the covering serjeants of the other com

panies, if the column is right in front, wili place

themselves on the right of their companies ; but if

the column is left in front they will remain steady ;

a mounted officer will dress the pivots from the rear

Steady, of the column, and give the word Steady, when they

are in line.

quick— . On the words quick—march, the companies will

march. wheel as directed in Part II., Sec. 4 ; the covering

serjeants of all but the leading company, if right is in

front, will wheel with their companies ; but if left is

in front, they will move up to the right of their com

panies during the wheel, and preserve the place of the

company officer.

Each officer in command of a company will call the

No. —, number of his company and give the word Halt, fol-

Halt, lowed by the word Dress, when the wheeling man is

Dress. two paces from the flank of the company next in line.

Eyes— Having dressed his men, he will give the words Eyes—

Front. Front, and take post on the right of his front rank.

The pivot man of each company must keep up his

right arm until the company that has wheeled up to

him receives the words Eyes—Front.

A battalion in line may be told off from the right in the same

manner as it is told off in column, the officers in command of com

panies taking a pace to the front and facing to the left.

Sec. 3.—Advancing and Retiring in Line.

the line 1. Advancing in Line.—On the caution from the

will commanding officer, the leader of the left centre com-

advance. pany will select points to march on, under the super

intendence of the senior mounted officer, who will give

the word steady as a signal, when the line of direction

is determined.

quick— On the word march, the whole battalion will step

march. off, the files touching lightly towards the centre, the

officer of the left centre company directing.

A serjeant under the direction of a mounted officer

will remain, halted in the rear of the centre, until the

line has advanced 20 or 30 paces, to ascertain if the

A BATTALION IN LINK. 55

direction of the officer leading is correct. He will

then follow in rear.

battalion— On the word halt, the battalion will halt, and

halt. every man will remain perfectly steady.

the line 2. Retiring in Line.—On the word retire, the

will retire centre serjeant will select points to march on, and a

—right mounted officer passing through the ranks will place

about— himself behind it to superintend the direction of the '

face. centre serjeant ; the former giving the word steady

when the line of direction is determined. On the

word face, the battalion will face about.

quick— On the word march, the battalion will step off,

march, rear rank leading, files touching lightly to the centre,

the serjeant in the centre of the rear rank directing.

battalion. On the words halt—front, the battalion will halt

halt— and front ; the mounted officer returning to the proper

front. rear through the line, the two left files of the right

centre company taking two paces to the rear, and one

pace outwards from each other, to make way for him,

and resuming their places as soon as he has passed.

Sec. 4.—Dressing a Battalion in Line.

-When it is necessary to dress a battalion after an advance, or

retreat in line, the commanding officer will give the words dress

by the right (or left), on which the officers in command of com

panies, if the battalion is to dress by the right, will take one pace

to their front and one pace to their left, the coverers moving np to

their places ; if by the left, the officers in command of companies

will change their flanks, the coverers making way for them by falling

to the rear, and then moving up into the places they have left as soon

as they have passed. The company leaders will remain in rear till

the coverers have moved to the front ; in both cases the officer on

the left of the line will take one pace to his left, to make room for

his coverer to move up into the front rank.

On the words, coverers—paces, quick—march, the covering

sergeants, including the coverer of the officer on the left of the

line, will move out straight to their front the given number of

paces, the officers in command of companies and the senior super

numerary officer on the left of the line taking post as soon as they

have moved, the coverers will then face towards the named flank

and cover ; when they are in a line, the senior mounted officer

who has dressed them will give the word steady.

56 PAKT III.—BATTALION.

The commanding officer will then give the words quick—march,

and each company leader, when within two paces of the alignment,

will halt his company, move out, and dress it from the named flank.

This done, he will give the words, No. —, eyes—front, and

fall in.

When all have completed their dressing, the senior mounted

officer will give a second word steady, on which the coverers will

resume their places in line, the officers commanding companies

making way for them as above described.

COLUMN MOVEMENTS.

GENERAL PRINCIPLES.

I.

Use and Advantages of Columns.—Columns are formed from

line for convenience of movement. Their chief advantage is the

easy formation of a line to the flank.

II.

Formation of Columns.—1. Every column must consist of a

succession of companies, sub-divisions, or sections, each arranged

in the same manner.

2. Columns may be single, that is, formed of a succession of

single companies or parts of companies ; or double, that is, formed

of two separate successions or rows of companies, or parts of com

panies, one on the flank of the other.

III.

Depth of Columns.—In open column each company, sub-division,

or section, is placed at a distance equal to its own breadth from

the one immediately in front of it, measuring from the heels of the

front rank of the one to the heels of the front rank of the other.

Consequently a battalion in open column occupies the same extent

of ground that it would cover in line, less the front of the leading

company. A quarter distance column occupies one fourth the

space of an open column. A close column is formed with the com

panies at two paces distance from each other, measuring from the

heels of the rear-rank men of one company to the heels of the front-

rank men of the next.

COLUMN MOVEMENTS. '-57

MOVEMENTS.

Sec. 5.—Formation of a Battalion in Open Column.

The rules laid down for the formation of an open column, right

in front, in Part III., Sec. 1, are equally applicable to the formation

of an open column left in front.

Sec. 6.—Forming Close or Quarter Distance Column

from any more Open Column.

1. Closing from the Halt.—A column may

be closed to the front, rear, or on any named

company. If to the rear, or on a central com

pany, the companies in front will be ordered

to face about.

When the column is being closed to the

front, the covering serjeant of the leading

company will give a base point, placing him

self six paces in front of his company officer,

facing towards him, and covering on the line

of officers. If it is to be closed to the rear,

the covering serjeant of the rear company will

place himself six paces in rear of his company

officer, covering in like manner. If on the

central company, no point will be required,

as the officers in front and rear of the officer

in command of the named company will be a

sufficient guide to each other. In each case

a mounted officer will superintend the cover

ing of the officers from the battalion point of

appui.

On the word march, the named company

will stand fast, the remaining companies will

close on it to the distance required, and halt

as they arrive at their places, by command

from their officers. Those which have faced

about, if forming on a rear or central company,

will be fronted. On the word Dress, the men

will take up their dressing by themselves, the

officers looking to their covering.

When the movement is completed, the field

officer who has superintended the covering will

THE COLUMN WILL

CLOsE TO THE

FRONT (or TO

QUARTER DIsTANCE

ON THE FRONT) ;

Or THE COLUMN

WILL CLOsE TO

THE REAR (or TO

QUARTER DIsTANCE

ON THE REAR),

REMAINING COM

PANIEs RIGHT

ABOUT—FACE ; Or

THE COLUMN WILL

CLOsE ON (or TO

quarter distance

on) No. —

COMPANY.

COMPANIEs IN

FRONT RIGHT

ABOUT-FACE.

QUICK MARCH.

No. —, Halt-

Dress.

No. —, Halt-

Front, Dress.

58 PART III.—BATTALION.

Steady. give the word Steady, and move to his place ;

the covering serjeant who has given the base

point, if one has been required, taking post at

the same time.

2. Formation of a Close or Quarter Distance Column. — The

arrangement of a close or quarter distance column will be the same

as that of an open column, the distances only being different.

3. A Column on the March Closing to the

Front.—When a column on the march is

ordered to close to the front, the officer in

command of the leading company, on the

caution, will give the words No. 1, Halt—

Dress. The column will then be formed as

already described.

4. Closing to the Front without Halting.—

When a column is required to close without

front (or close to halting, the leading company will move on

quarter distance) steadily in quick time, the remaining com-

on the leading panies will close up in double time, resuming

company. the quick step in succession as they gain the

remaining com- distance required, by word of command from

panies double, their officers.

No. —, Quick.

close to the

FRONT Or CLOsE TO

QUARTER distance

ON THE LEADING

COMPANY.

No. —, Halt-

Dress.

ON THE MARCH

CLOSE TO THE

Sec. 7.—A Close or Quarter Distance Column opening

from the Front, Rear, or from any named

Company.

open out to 1. From the Front.—If from the front, on

quarter (or the caution, the covering serjeant of the leading

wheeling) company will place himself six paces in front

distance from of his officer, facing towards him, and covering

the—front. on the line of company leaders.

remaining com- The front company will stand fast, the

panies right remaining companies will be faced about.

about—FACE.

quick—march. On the word march the companies facing to

the rear will step off, the leader of the rear

No. —■, Halt— company marching upon any casual object he

Front, Dress. may select at arm's length from the rear bat

talion aide, who will be at his appointed post.

The officer in command of the second company

COLUMN MOVEMENTS. 59

will count his paces, and having gained the

distance required, will give the words Halt—

Front, Dress. The other officers will commence

to count the requisite number of paces, as the

previous company receives the word Halt.

Each company leader, the moment he has

fronted, will correct his covering and remain

steady, the company touching lightly to him,

and taking up its dressing.

When the ground is rough the officers in command of companies

may be assisted by their covering serjeants, who will run out in

succession, and mark the proper distances clear of the flank of the

column, the officers halting and fronting their companies when in

line with their serjeants, who will instantly resume their places in

the column.

open out to 2. Opening from the Rear.—If the column is

quarter to open from the rear, on the caution, the cover-

(or wheeling) ing serjeant of the rear company will place

distance from himself six paces in rear of his officer, covering

the rear. on him and the other company leaders.

remaining On the "word march, all but the rear company

companies will step off, the officer of the leading company

quick—march, marching on any casual object, at arm's length

from the front battalion aide ; each officer in

No. —, Halt. succession will halt the company in front of

him, when it has gained its proper distance.

He will then face about, correct his covering on

No. —, Dress, the base points, front, and give the word Dress

to his company.

3. Openingfrom a Central Company.—If the column is required

to open from a central company, the leader of the named company

will be the point of appui for the battalion, and the companies in

front and rear of it will proceed as already described.

In each case a mounted officer will superintend the covering

of the officers in command of companies from the battalion point

of appui.

4. Advancing in Succession from the Front.—When a battalion

standing in close or quarter distance column is required to advance

in a more open column, it will receive the command advance by

successive companies from the front, at quarter (or wheeling)

distance, No. —, quick—marcii. When the leading company has

gained the required distance, the leader of the second company will

give the words, No.—, Quick—March, and so on in succession to the

f 2

60 PART III.—BATTALION.

rear. A column may be faced about, and the companies marched

off in like manner, commencing with the rear company.

5. Opening on the March without Halting.—A close or quarter

distance column on the march may open out from the front by the

WOrds, OPEN OUT TO QUARTER (or WHEELING) DIsTANCE FROM TEI

front ; remaining companies MARK time. Each company in suc

cession, when it has gained the required distance, will receive the

word Forward from its leader.

6. Opening on the March by Halting the Bear Company.—When

a close or quarter distance column on the march is required to

open out from the rear, on the caution, open out to quarter (o:

wheeling) distance from the rear, the rear company will be

halted by the officer in command. The movement will then

proceed as described from the halt. After it is completed the

column may again be put in motion if required.

Sec. 8.—An Open Column changing Direction and

Marching on an Alignment, or moving into

an Alignment by the Flank March of Fours.

(Plate IV.)

1. Changing Direction.—A battalion marching in column may

change direction by the successive wheel of its companies on

movable pivots round the same point. Should the wheel be to

the reverse flank, the senior supernumeraries will move up and lead

during the change of direction ; but it is not necessary that they

should all cover or wheel on the same spot. They will retain the

relative positions that were held by the reverse flanks when the

column was marching by the pivot flank, and weak companies will

march a little past the wheeling point before they wheel ; strong

companies will wheel a little before they come up to it, so that on

the word Forward the pivot flanks will still he in line.

The word forward will be given to the leading company by

the commanding officer, but each company that follows will receive

that word from its own leader, as its front becomes perpendiculai

to the new direction.

2. Changing Direction into a new Alignment.—If the change o:

direction is to bring the pivot flank of the column on an alignmen

previous to forming line, the officer commanding the leading com

pany on entering the alignment must at once look to the points o

formation, and march steadily upon them, selecting intermedial

points, if necessary. The remaining company leaders, as the^

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PLATE V

A QUARTER DISTANCE COLUMN WHEELING TO A FLANK.

COLUMN MOVEMENTS. 61

enter the alignment, must be careful to cover on him and the base

point.

If the column is halted before all the companies have changed

their direction into the alignment, the rear companies will move

into it by the flank march of fours, their covering serjeants running

out to mark the spots on which their pivot flanks are to rest.

3. Moving into an Alignment by the Flank March of Fours.—A

battalion in column marching in an oblique direction (b a), Plate

IV., on that point in an alignment where the outward flank of its

leading company is to rest when in line, will move up till it

arrives at rather more than wheeling distance (p) from the point ;

it will there receive the words, form fours left (or bight), march

on your covbrbrs, from the commander.

All the companies will then move across into the new alignment,

each covering serjeant running out in succession to take up the

distance and covering for the pivot flank of his company, the senior

mounted officer (c) covering them from the front ; the coverer of

the leading company will take his distance from the point (a), on

which the column originally marched.

Sec. 9.—A Column at Close or Quarter Distance,

wheeling on a Fixed or Movable Pivot. (Plate V.)

column— 1. Wheeling on a Fixed Pivot.—Upon the

left (or right) caution (supposing a column right in front is

—wheel. to wheel to the left, Plate V.), the left-hand

man of the front rank of the leading company

will face to the left, and his rear-rank man will

uncover, the covering serjeant will run out to

mark the spot where the outward flank of the

column will rest when the wheel is completed,

and will raise his right arm ; the remaining

companies will make a half face to the right,

the second senior company officers moving up

on their reverse flanks.

quick or Upon the words quick or double march, the

double—march, front company will wheel as usual, except that

the pace must be much shorter, and so regulated

as to give the remaining companies time to

circle round. The remaining companies will

step off at the same moment, each man moving

round on the circumference of a circle, of which

the pivot man who has faced to the left is the

62 PART III.—BATTALION.

centre ; the men nearest the pivot flank of each

company must keep up their left shoulders as

much as possible at the commencement of the

wheel, so as to gain sufficient ground to the

flank and to avoid diminishing the distance

between companies. The officer commanding

the leading company will move back to his

place during the wheel.

column—halt. The commanding officer will give the word

halt when he sees that the leading company

is completing the wheel, at which time the

rear companies should also have circled round

into the new position ; the second company

officers will resume their places in column, the

men will face to their proper front, and remain

steady unless the word dress is given, in which

case, they will take up their dressing by the

pivot flank.

column— 2. Wheeling on a Movable Pivot.—A column

right or left on the march will change its direction on a

—wheel. movable pivot on exactly the same principles

as it wheels on a fixed pivot, the rear com

panies making a half turn instead of a half face

towards the outward flank, and the pivot man of

the column moving with a very short pace round

the wheeling point, keeping his shoulders square

with his company. The covering serjeant of the

leading company will not move out.

column— On the word forward, every man will turn

forward. to his front and move on by the pivot flank.

During these wheels, the outward flank directs (whether on a

halted or movable pivot), and to ensure the proper execution of

the wheel, it is indispensably requisite that the outward files of

companies should carefully preserve throughout the wheel their

distances, and the same relative positions and covering on the

leading company, that they held previous to being put in motion ;

the remaining files will be guided by the outward files of their

respective companies and will conform to them during the wheels.

These wheels should frequently be practised in double time.

COLUMN MOVEMENTS. 63

Sec. 10.—A Close or Quarter Distance Column

taking Ground to a Flank, wheeling to the

Right or Left.

A column taking ground to a flank will wheel to the right or

left, on the principles laid down in the preceding section, the

leading files of all the companies wheeling round the pivot in the

same manner as the leading company of a column is therein

directed to wheel, the men on the outward or wheeling flank of

the column preserving their distances and covering as therein

described, the remaining men of the column being guided during

the wheel by them. The officer leading each company, if not

there already, will place himself on the flank of the leading file or

four nearest to the pivot, in order that he may be able to keep his

distance from that point.

Sec. 11.—Columns taking Ground to a Flank in

Fours, Sub-divisions, or Sections.

take ground After the caution, the commanding officer will

to the right give the words fours—right (or left) and, if

(or left) in halted, quick—march ; on which the companies

fours. will move to the flank in fours. Any company

fours—right may be named as the company of direction ; but

(or left). if no company is specified, the leading company

quick—march, of the column will direct. The officers will

always lead on that flank of their companies

which is nearest to the company of direction,

keeping their distances from it, and dressing

upon it.

Companies in open column may, when required, take ground to

a flank by sub-divisions or sections.

Sec. 12.—Columns, when taking Ground to a Flank

by Fours, closing to less Distance or opening

to greater Distance from any named Company.

close on No. — 1. Closing to less Distance.—When an open

company (or or quarter-distance column is taking ground to

close to quarter a flank by fours, on the command close on

DIsTANCE ON No. COMPANY (or CLOsE TO QUARTER DIsTANCE

No. — company), on No. — company), the named company will

64 PART III.—BATTALION.

continue to move on with a short pace, the

remaining companies will wheel their leading

fours the eighth of a circle towards it, the rest

following ; their leaders, if not there already,

will change to that flank of their leading fours

which is nearest the named company.

Each company in succession, as it gains the required distance,

will change its direction parallel to that of the named company,

and move with a short pace.

column—forward. When the movement is completed the com

manding officer will give the word forward, on

which the whole column will move on with a

full pace.

open to quarter 2. Opening to greater Distance. — When a

(or wheeling) close or quarter-distance column is taking

distance from ground to a flank by fours, on the command

No. COMPANY. OPEN TO QUARTER (or WHEELING) DIsTANCE FROM

No. — company, the named company will con

tinue to move on with a short pace ; the

remaining companies will wheel outwards the

eighth of a circle, and their leaders, if not

there already, will change to that flank of the

leading fours which is nearest the named

company.

Each company in succession, as it gains the distance required,

will change its direction parallel to that of the named company,

and move with a short pace.

column—forward. When the movement is completed the com

manding officer will give the word forward,

on which the whole column will move on with

a full pace.

On open ground, the companies in these movements may close

or open by the diagonal march ; the commands will then be by the

DIAGONAL MARCH CLOsE (or OPEN), &C ; REMAINING COMPANIEs,

inwards (or outwards)—half-turn ; No. —, Bight half-turn ;

No. —, Left half-turn.

Sec. 13.—Application of the Flank March of Columns

by Fours.

The flank march of columns by fours will be found most useful

in the advance of large bodies of troops.

A battalion in line may advance by fours from the right or left

of companies, thereby becoming an open column taking ground to

FORMATION OF COLUMN FROM LINE. 65

a flank. In this formation it may pass any obstacles or broken

ground without risk of disorder or material loss of distance in the

general line.

If a defile or bridge presents itself, the battalion may close on

the company opposite to it ; if a further reduction of front is required,

when the column is right in front, the right companies may be

ordered to mark time, the left companies moving on and closing on

the centre, the right following ; in like manner, when the column is

left in front, the left companies may be ordered to mark time, the

right moving on ; or one wing may move on, the other following ;

if necessary, one of the flank companies may be ordered to move

on in fours, the remainder following in succession.

When the defile is passed, the leading companies may be

ordered to mark time or halt, while the others resume their places

if the column has been broken ; or, if necessary, the rear companies

may be ordered to double instead of the leading ones marking

time.

The column may then be ordered to open again to wheeling

distance ; or, while moving by the flank march of fours, may be

wheeled in any direction, and then be opened.

Companies may afterwards be formed to the front, into line, in

quick or double time, as described in Parts I. and II.

Police in this formation will be found flexible in the greatest

degree, and as the companies move independently, they will not

be liable to disorder, and the battalion will at all times be ready to

form line, if required.—(See Sec. 17 of this Part.)

FOEMATION OF COLUMN FROM LINE.

Sec. 14.—A Line wheeling back into Open Column

from the Halt.

open column 1. By Companies into Open Column, Bight in

right in front. Front.—On the caution, the officers in command

of companies and pivot files of all the companies,

and the covering serjeant of the leading com

pany will move as described in Part II., Sec. 5,

the remaining covering serjeants will stand fast,

the officer on the left of the line will fall back

GO PART III.—BATTALION.

into the supernumerary rank, and the senior

mounted officer will move to the right of the

line.

eight about—■ On the word face, the pivot men and cover-

pacb. ing serjeant of the leading division will stand

fast, the remainder of the battalion will face

about, the junior mounted officer and inspector

acting as adjutant, turning their horses' heads

to the rear.

eight—wheel. On the words quick—march, the companies

quick—march, will wheel, as described in Part II., Sec. 5, the

mounted officers moving to the places, in column,

described in Sec. 1 of this Part.

Halt—Front, On the words Halt— Front, Dress, from the

Dress. officers in command of companies, the companies

will halt, front, and dress : the senior mounted

officer will correct the covering of the officers

commanding companies from the head of the

column, and then move to his place.

2. By Companies into Open Column, Left in Front. — Open

column, left in front, will be formed in like manner, the junior

mounted officer moving to the left of the line to correct the cover

ing of the officers in command of companies.

3. By Subdivisions or Sections into Column,

Right in Front.—On the caution, the officers in

command of companies, pivot files, and the

covering serjeant of the leading company will

move as described in Part II., Sec. H, the

remaining covering serjeants will stand fast,

and the senior mounted officer will move to

the right of the line ; the junior mounted

officer and inspector acting as adjutant will

turn their horses' heads to the rear.

On the words quick—march, the sub-divi6ions

or sections will wheel back, and will be halted

as described in Part II., Sec. 8, the senior

mounted officer dressing the leaders of sub

divisions or sections from the head of the

column, and the mounted officers moving as in

the wheel of companies into column.

i. By Sub-divisions or Sections into Column, Left in Front.—Sub

divisions and sections will wheel back on their right in like manner,

BY sUBDIVIsIONs

(or sections)

ON THE LEFT

BACKWARD

WHEEL.

QUICK MARCH.

Halt—Dress.

FORMATION OF COLUMN FROM LINE. 67

the junior mounted officer moving on the caution to the left of the

line, to be ready to dress the sub-division or section leaders.

When the sub-divisions or sections exceed twelve files they

should always be faced about and wheeled rear rank in front. The

word of command will then be open column or sub-divisions or

sECTIONs RIGHT (or LEFT) IN FRONT, KIGHT ABOUT—FACE, &C, and

they will wheel in the same manner as companies wheel.

Sec. 15.—A Line wheeling into Open Column on

the March.

by companies A battalion advancing or retiring in line

(sub-divisions may wheel by companies, sub-divisions, or

or sections) sections into column on movable pivots, as

(bight or left) described in Part II., Sec. 10, the mounted

wheel. officers moving to their places in column

forward. during the wheel.

When a battalion is required to wheel on movable pivots from

the halt, the caution must be given thus : on the move by com

panies, sub-divisions, or sections, bight (or left) wheel, quick

—march.

Sec. 16.—A Battalion formed in Line advancing from

a Flank in Open Column of Companies, Sub

divisions, or Sections.

bight (or left) 1. Advancing from a Flank by Companies.—

company to the The caution will specify from which flank the

front, remaining advance is to be made, and on the word march,

companies on the named company will move to the front at a

the move. short pace, receiving the word Forward from its

bight (or left) officer, at such time during the second wheel of

wheel. the next company as will prevent distance being

quick—maboh.- lost between them when the latter receives that

forward, word. The other companies will wheel towards

No*—, Left (or the flank whence the advance is made, the com-

Bight)— Wheel, manding officer giving the word forward when

Leading Com- they are square in column ; this word will imme-

pany—Forward, diately be followed by the word Left (or Bight)

No.*—. For- Wheel from the officer in command of the corn-

word, dec. pany next the leading one, which will follow the

first in column, the remaining companies wheel

68 PAET III.—BATTALION.

ing successively as they arrive on the ground

where the second company wheeled. The offi

cers in command of companies must take care

to preserve their distances.

If the advance is from the right, the officer in command of the

named company, followed by his covering serjeant, will change his

flank on the caution ; the remaining officers in command of com

panies on the words quick — march will move straight to the front,

and fall-in on the pivot flanks of their companies on the word

forward, the covering serjeants, during the wheel, moving by the

rear to their places in column. If the advance is from the left,

the company leaders will remain in their places, and move with

their companies, the covering serjeants falling back to their places

in column on the words quick—march.

right (or left) 2. Advancing from a Flank by Sub-divisions

sub-division (or or Sections.—A battalion in line will advance in

section) to the column of sub-divisions or sections from a flank

front, in the same manner as it advances by companies.

remaining sub- The officer who is to lead the column, followed

divisions (or by his coverer, changing on the caution to the

sections) on rear of the inner flank of the outward sub-divi-

the move, sion or section, and moving up to his place in

right (or left) column immediately after the words quick—

—wheel, march. The remaining leaders and covering

quick—march serjeants moving to their places during the

forward, Ac. wheel.

3. Advancing from a Flank by Companies, Sub-divisions, or

Sections on the March.—These movements may be done in like

manner when the line is advancing, by the words right (or left)

company, sub-division, or section, to the front, remaining com

panies, sub-divisions, or sections, right (or left) wheel, &c.

4. Moving to the Flank in Fours or Files.—When from want

of space the advance cannot be effected by the wheel of com

panies, sub-divisions, or sections, it may be performed by moving

them to the flank in fours or files, each in succession receiving from

its leader as it arrives in column the words Front turn. When

this method is adopted, as soon as all the companies are in column

the battalion should be directed to mark time, that the distances

which have been lost may be corrected.

FORMATION OF COLUMN FROM LINE. G9

Sec. 17.—A Battalion in Line advancing in Double

Column of Companies, Sub-divisions, or Sec

tions from the Centre.

A battalion may advance from the centre in double column of

companies, sub-divisions, or sections, according to the nature of the

movement required. The following description of an advance by

sub-divisions will apply equally to an advance by companies or

sections, with the exceptions that will hereafter be mentioned.

two centbe 1. Advancing by Sub-divisions.—On the cau-

sub-divisions tion, the supernumerary rank will take two

to the front, paces to the front, the officers commanding

remaining the right and left centre companies will move

sub-divisions out, and place themselves, the former in front

on the move, of the left file of his right sub-division, the

inwards— latter in front of the right file of his left sub-

wheel. division, the remaining company leaders and

senior supernumerary officers will stand fast.

The coverers of the flank companies will mark the points (ee)

facing towards the line for the sub-divisions to wheel on, the

coverer of No. 1 making allowance for the distance the right-centre

sub-division will have to incline to the left to join the left-

centre sub-division.

quick—march. On the word march, the whole battalion will

step off, the two centre sub-divisions moving

to the front at a short pace, the right-centre

sub- division closing on the left as it advances;

the remaining sub-divisions will wheel inwards,

the officers in command of companies and the

senior supernumerary officers moving as directed

in Part II., Sec. 10, No. 2 ; when the sub-divi

sions are square in column the commanding

officer will give the word forward, on which

each wing will move in the same manner as a

battalion when advancing from a flank, explained

in the preceding section, the corresponding sub

divisions meeting and following the two centre

Left Sub-divisions sub-divisions in double column ; the commander

Left—. Wheel.* of the left centre company will give the word

Forward to both the centre sub-divisions when

the two following sub-divisions have commenced

their second wheel, on which they will move on

at a full pace.

forward.

Right Sub

division Right-

Wheel.^

70 PART III.—BATTALION.

Two Centre The officers in command of companies will

Sub-Divisions lead the leading sub-divisions of their companies,

Forward. the second company officers, the rear sub-divi-

By the Left. sions. The column will move by the left unless

"Forward. ordered to the contrary, the junior mounted

^Forward, officer placing himself in rear of the pivot flank

of the second sub-division from the front of the

left wing, to superintend the direction, the

senior mounted officer and inspector acting as

adjutant, after having superintended the second

wheels of all the sub-divisions, will follow in

rear of the column.

When the advance is to be in double column of companies on

the caution, the leader of the left centre company only will change

his flank, the remaining officers will stand fast; on the words

quick—march, the officers in command of companies of the right

wing (except the leader of the right centre company) will wheel

with their companies, and the officers in command of companies

of the left wing (except the leader of the left centre company) will

move across to the outward flanks of the companies, by the front

during the wheel; the second company officers of the left wing

will also move to their places during the wheel.

All words of command that are intended to apply to two com

panies, sub-divisions, or sections, that are moving together in

double column, will be given to both by the leader who belongs to

the left wing.

Sec. 18.—A Battalion in Line forming Open, Close,

or Quarter Distance Column.

open (close or 1. Forming Open, Close, or Quarter Distance

quabter Column in Bear of the Bight Company.—On the

distance) column caution, the supernumerary rank will take two

in bear of paces to the front, the leader of No. 1 company

No. 1. will change by the rear to his future pivot flank

(the leader and coverer of No. 2 falling to the

rear), the covering serjeant of No. 1 will move

across by the front, and place himself six paces

in front of his officer, facing towards him. The

senior mounted officer will move to the head of

the column to superintend the covering of the

coverers and company leaders.

remaining On the word right, each company, except

companies No. 1, will form fours to the right and disengage

FORMATION OP COLUMN FROM LINE. 71

FOURS—RIGHT.

QUICK—MARCH.

to the rear, the covering serjeant of No. 2 will

step back and mark the spot on which the left

of his company is to rest, covering on the

leader and coverer of No. 1.

On the word march, all the companies in

fours will step off, each covering serjeant in

succession running on when within 20 paces

of the column, and taking up the covering and

distance for his company in rear of the pivot

flank of the last formed company.

Each leader will halt as he reaches his coverer,

his company moving on past the rear of that

serjeant, in a line parallel to the leading com

pany.

Halt—Front, As the pivot flank of each company reaches

Dress. the covering serjeant, the officer in command

will give the words Halt—Front, Dress, on

which the company will halt, front, and take up

its own dressing, the coverer falling back to his

place in column, and the leader taking post on

the exact spot vacated by him.

Steady. When the formation is completed, the senior

mounted officer will give the word Steady, and

move to his place ; the covering serjeant of

No. 1 company taking post at the same time.

open (close or 2. Forming Open, Close, or Quarter Distance

quarter distance) Column in Front of No. 1 Company.—On the

column in front caution, the supernumerary rank will take two

of No. 1.

REMAINING

COMPANIEs

FOURs RIGHT.

QUICK—MARCH.

paces to the front, and the senior supernumerary

serjeant of No. 1 company will place himself

six paces in rear of his company leader, the

senior mounted officer will place himself in rear

of the supernumerary, ready to superintend the

covering of the coverers and company leaders.

On the word right, all the companies will

form fours to the right and disengage to the

front ; the coverer of No. 1 will take up his own

distance in front of his officer, cover on him and

the supernumerary, and then face to the right

about, marking the spot on which the pivot

flank of No. 2 is to rest.

On the word march, all the companies in

fours will step off. Each coverer in succession

72 PAKT III.—BATTALION.

will run on, when within 20 paces of the line

of coverers, and will mark the spot on which the

right flank of the company that is to form in

front of his own is to rest, covering on the rear

base, and then facing to the right about. Each

officer in command of a company will lead his

company to the spot where its left is to rest in

column, and then change direction and lead on

the covering serjeant, who is marking the spot

for his pivot flank ; he will thus march his

company into column in a line parallel to the

company of formation.

Halt—Front, On the words Halt—Front, Dress, from the

Dress. officer, each company will halt, front, and take

up its own dressing, the covering serjeant

moving back to his place in rear of his own

' company, and the officer taking post on the

exact spot vacated by him.

Steady. When the formation is completed, the senior

mounted officer will give the word Steady, and

move to his place in column, the supernumerary

serjeant of No. 1 company taking post at the

same time.

3. Forming Open, Close, or Quarter Distance Column in Front or

Bear on the Left Company.—A battalion in line will be formed in

column on the left company, in the same manner as it is so formed

on the right company, the remaining companies forming fours to

the left, the officers commanding companies, except the leader of

the company of formation, changing their flanks by the original

front on the word fours—left ; the junior mounted officer super

intending the covering of the coverers and leaders.

When the column is formed in front of the left company, the

leader of that company will change to the left flank on the caution,

and his senior supernumerary serjeant will mark the base point in

rear of him. When it is formed in rear of the left company, the

leader will stand fast, and his coverer will mark the base point in

front of him.

open (close or 4. Forming Open, Close, or Quarter Distance

quarter dis- Column on a Central Company.—In this formation

tance) column, the companies will form fours inwards, and

right or left move into column in front and rear of the named

in front on company, in precisely the same manner as they

No. —. form on the flank companies.

FORMATION OF COLUMN FROM LINE. 73

fours— If the column is to be right in front, the

inwards. leader of the named company will change his

quick—mabch. flank on the caution. If left is to be in front,

he will stand fast. In either case the covering

Halt—Front— serjeant will mark the spot on which the pivot

Dress. flank of that company is to rest, which is to

Steady. form in front of his own ; he will cover on his

leader, placing himself square with the line, and

then face about.

If the battalion is to be formed in close or

quarter-distance column, the senior mounted

officer will superintend the covering from the

front ; but if it is to be in open column, he will

place himself on the pivot flank of the com

pany of formation.

Sec. 19.—A Battalion in Line forming Sub-division

Columns of Grand Divisions.

OPEN (CLOsE

Or QUARTEB

DIsTANCE).

COLUMNs IN REAR

OF THE RIGHT

sUB-DIVIsIONs OF

RIGHT COMPANIEs.

REMAINING

sUB-DIVIsIONs

RIGHT FACE.

QUICK—MARCH.

Forming Close Sub-division Columns of Grand

Divisions, in Bear of Bight Sub-divisions.—On

the caution, the supernumerary rank will take

two paces to the front, the officers commanding

the right companies of grand divisions will

change by the rear to their future pivot flank :

the covering serjeant moving across by the

front, and placing himself six paces in front of

his leader, facing towards him.

On the word face, each sub-division will face

to the right, and disengage to the rear, except

the sub-divisions on which the formation is

made ; the senior supernumerary serjeant will

mark the spot on which the left sub-division is

to rest, covering on the officer commanding the

company and the coverer.

On the word maboh, all the companies will

step off, each covering serjeant and senior super

numerary serjeant in succession running on to

take up their covering and distance in rear of

the pivot flank of the last formed sub-division.

Each officer commanding a company, and the

senior supernumerary officer, will halt as he

reaches his coverer, his sub-division moving on

G

74 PART III.— BATTALION.

past the rear of the serjeant in a line parallel

to the leading sub-division.

As the pivot flank of each sub-division

reaches the covering serjeant, the officer com

manding the ' sub-division will give the words

Halt- Front, Halt—Front, Dress, on which the sub-division

Dress. will halt, front, and take up its own dressing,

the coverer falling back to his place in column,

and the officer commanding the sub-division

taking post on the exact spot vacated by him.

When the formation is completed, the com-

steady. manding officer will give the word Steady, upon

which the covering serjeants will take their

places in rear of their company leaders.

This formation will prove useful in breaking up crowds or

dispersing large assemblages of people. Should a column be

broken, other columns can proceed to its support, and cover it.

Should prisoners be apprehended, it will be found that the best

mode of conveying them to a place of security will be in the centre

of a hollow square.

Sec. 20.—Grand Division Columns forming Square.

on the leading Forming Squares two deep on the leading Sub-

sub-divisions divisions of Open Columns.—On the word mabch,

form squaue. the whole of the sub-divisions will step off

quick (or double) except the leading ones (the flank files of which

—march. will face outwards), the company leader, cover

ing serjeants, and supernumeraries forming in

rear of their own sub-division.

No. — Sections The second and third sub-divisions will wheel

—Outwards. outwards by sections, at the command of their

respective leaders, as they arrive successively

at quarter distance from the sub-division in

front of them; when they have wheeled the

quarter circle, the flank sections will halt

without word of command, touching towards

the leading sub-division, which will now be

considered the front of the square ; the leaders

and supernumeraries will form in rear of their

sections. The rear sub-division will close up,

and form the rear of the square, being halted

FORMATION OP COLUMN PROM LINE. 75

and faced to the right-about by its leader, who

will run into square the moment the third sub

division receives the words Sections outwards.

the square A Square marching in any Direction.—A

will advance column of sub-divisions formed in square

(retire or hove may be ordered to march in any direction.

TO THE RIGHT

or left).

inwards face. On the word inwards face, the face that is to

lead stands fast, and those on either side of it

face to the right and left, in the direction

named ; the face in rear of it will face to the

right about.

quick—march. On the word march, the square will step off,

great care being taken tbat the men of the

faces that are moving in files remain properly

closed up.

When the square advances it will march by

the left, when it retires it will march by the

right ; when it moves to the right it will march

by the left, and when to the left, it will march

by the right.

halt. On the word halt, the square will halt, and

face outwards, every man standing perfectly

steady, unless ordered to close in any direction,

or to dress.

Should it be necessary to apprehend prisoners, the left files of

the front rank of the leading sub-division will advance for this

purpose, the rear-rank men immediately filling their places. Should

this force be insufficient, the left files of the front rank of the flank

faces will be directed to advance, the rear-rank men filling their

places in like manner.

Note.—Should it not be considered advisable to break the

formation of the square, by detaching men to apprehend prisoners,

a certain number of constables might be appointed to each column

for this purpose ; and, if need be, the square might be moved to

their support.

The square should be practised when advancing to take ground

to the right, or left, by the diagonal march ; the word Eight half-

tukn, or Left half-turn, being given.

Prisoners may likewise be secured in the centre of a close

column of sub-divisions, or sections ; a file or two from each flank

being told off to guard the prisoners.

o 2

76 PART III.—BATTALION.

FOEMATION OF LINE FKOM COLUMN.

Wheeling into line has already been described in Sec. 2 of this

Part ; a column may also wheel into line on the march, each

company wheeling as described in Part II., Sec. 10.

See. 21.- -Forming Line to the Front from Open

Column on any named Company.

form line on 1. Forming Line on the Leading Companyfrom

the leading the Halt.—If right is in front, on the caution,

company. the officers commanding companies will change

their flanks. The coverer and senior supernu

merary serjeant of the leading company will

mark the base lioints, the former in front of the

left flank, and the latter in front of the right

flank of that company, both facing to the right,

the senior mounted officer moving up to dress

them.

remaining com- On the word wheel, the covering serjeants of

panies four the remaining companies will place themselves

paces on the in rear of the seventh files from the right of

right back- their respective companies, facing to the rear,

wards—wheel, and will take their four paces to the rear, as

directed in Part II., Sec. 6 ; the pivot men and

the leaders will also face as described in that

Section.

quick-march. On the word march, the companies, except the

No. 1, Eyes leading one, will wheel back as described in

Right—Dress, Part II., Sec. 6, and the officer commanding the

Eyes—Front. leading company will give the word Eyes Right

No.—, Halt— —Dress ; on which his company will dress ;

Dress. when the dressing is completed he will give the

Eyes—Front. words Eyes—Front, and fall-in on the right.

Each leader will halt and dress his own com

pany in echelon and then give the words Eyes

—Front, on which he will take post on the

right flank and the covering serjeant on the left.

form line. On the word march, the companies in echelon

quick—march, will step off and march by the right, the coverers

FORMATION OF LINE FROM COLUMN. 77

when they arrive within 20 paces of the align

ment running out and covering on the base, at

the point on which the left of their companies

are to rest.

No. —, As each company in succession comes up to

Bight— Wheel, the rear-rank of the last halted company, it will

receive the words Bight—Wheel and Malt—

Eyes—Front. Dress up, from its leader, who will dress his

men from the second file beyond the coverer of

the company on his right ; he will give the

words Eyes—Front when his company is dressed

and take post in his place in line.

Halt—Dress up. The supernumerary rank of each company

will step back to its proper distance as the

company next on its left receives the words

Bight—Wheel; except the supernumerary rank

of the left company, which will step back on the

words Halt—Dress up, from its leader.

Steady. When the formation is completed, the senior

mounted officer will give the word Steady, and

move to his place, the base points taking post

at the same time.

When the column is left in front, line will be formed in the

same manner as when right is in front ; the base points facing to

the left, the covering serjeant on the right of the front company,

the supernumerary serjeant on the left ; the remaining companies

wheeling backwards on their left.

2. Forming Line on the Bear Company from the Halt.—Line

may also be formed on the rear company of a column, the remaining

companies first being faced to the right about, and then wheeled

four paces on their right backwards, if right is in front, and on

their left backwards if left is in front, the officers commanding

companies remaining on the pivot flank.

The movement will be performed in all respects as described in

No. 1 of this Section, except that each company will move rear-rank

in front, and after it has wheeled into the alignment, it will receive

the word forward from its company leader, move to the rear until

its proper front rank is in line with the rear-rank of the halted

company, and then be halted and fronted, before dressing up into

line.

form line on No.* 3. Forming Line on a Central Company.—

companies in front, Line may be formed on any central company,

right about—f^ce. those in rear of it forming to the front as

78 PART III.—BATTALION.

described in No. 1, and those in front of it

forming as described in No. 2 of this

Section.

The base points will face inwards, the

covering serjeant being on the left and the

supernumerary serjeant on the right of the

named company ; the officer commanding

that company dressing his men from the

right, whichever flank of the column may be

in front.

The senior mounted officer will dress the

coverers from the right of the company of

formation.

FOUR PACEs ON THE

EIGHT (or LEFT) BAOK-

WARDs-WHEEL.-j-

QUICK—MARCH.

No.* Eyes

Bight—Dress.

Eyes—Front.

No.^, Halt—Dress—

Eyes—Front.

FORM LINE.

QUICK MARCH.

Left (or Bight)

Wheel. Forward.

Halt—Front—

Dress up.

Left (or Bight) Wheel.

Malt—Dress up.

Eyes—Front.

Sec. 22.—A Battalion in Open Column forming Line

to the Reverse Plank.

On the caution, the officers commanding com

panies will change their flanks, their covering

serjeants taking the places they leave, and the

inspector acting as adjutant will move out to

mark the distant flank of the line.

FORM LINE TO THE

REVERsE FLANK.

No. — Bight The officer commanding the leading company

(or Left) Wheel, will at once give the word Bight (or Left)

Double, Forward. Wheel, Double ; on which his coverer and super-

Halt—Dress up. numerary serjeant will run out and mark the

base, the former taking the flank farthest from

the company leader, and both facing towards

him ; the leading company will wheel on a

movable pivot, and when parallel to the align

ment will receive the word Forward, advance

three paces, and will then be halted and dressed

on the base points by the officer commanding

the company ; the second company will continue

to advance along the rear of the first, and on

Bight or Left— reaching its outward flank will receive the

Wheel, Double, words Bight (or Left)—Wheel, Double, Forward,

Halt—Dress up. Halt—Dress up, from its company leader ; each

company in succession will form in like manner

FORMATION OF LINE FROM COLUMN. 79

on the outward flank of the last halted company,

the covering serjeants running out when within

20 paces of their ground, to mark the outward

flank of their companies.

If the line is formed from column, right in front, the senior

mounted officer will dress the coverers from the right ; if from

column, left in front, the junior mounted officer will dress them

from the left.

The supernumeraries in succession will step back to their three

paces distance as the rear of the column passes clear of them.

Steady. When the formation is completed, the mounted

officer who has dressed the coverers will give

the word Steady, and move to his place, the

adjutant and the base points taking post at the

same time.

When this movement is performed from the halt, the officers

commanding companies will change their flanks on the caution, and

on the words quick march the whole will move as above directed.

In this evolution the line may be formed at any angle to the

direction of the column, but if the leading company is required to

wheel less than the quarter circle, the officer commanding the second

company must be previously warned in order that he may change his

direction on the caution, and march on a line parallel to the new

alignment, the following company leaders changing their directions

in succession as they arrive at the same spot. In this case the

company leaders will remain on their original pivot flanks until

their companies change direction, when they will move across by

the rear during the wheel.

Columns of sub-divisions or sections will be formed to the

reverse flank in like manner, the instructions laid down in Part II.,

Section 14, being also observed.

80 PART III.—BATTALION.

DEPLOYMENTS.

Sec. 23.—A Battalion in Close or Quarter Distance

Column, deploying into Line on the leading

Company. (Plate VI.)

Deployments will invariably be made on a front base, and by

the flank march of fours, unless the ground should render it

necessary to move in files.

deploy on the 1. From Column Bight in Front.—On the

leading caution the officer in command of the front

company. company will change his flank, and the cover

ing and senior supernumerary serjeant of that

company will mark the base points, the former

in front of its left flank, the latter in front of its

right flank. The senior mounted officer will

place himself on the right of the base points to

dress the coverers.

remaining com- On the words fours—left, the remaining

panies, companies will form fours to the left, the leader

fours—left. of No. 2 company will take a pace to his front,

and face to the right about, and his covering

serjeant will run out to mark the outward flank

of the company, covering on the base points.

quick—march. On the word march, the companies in fours

No. 1. will step off. The leader of No. 1 will dress his

Bight—Dress, company, and then take post. The officer com

ixes—Front, manding No. 2, as the right of his company

No. 2. clears the left of No. 1, will give the words

Front—Turn, Front— Turn, and when at two paces from the

Halt—Dress up. alignment Halt—Dress up ; he will dress his

Eyes—Front. men from the second file beyond the coverer of

Front—Turn, the front company, give his word Eyes—Front,

Halt—Dress up. and fall-in in his place in the line. Each of the

Eyes—Front. remaining leaders in succession, as the company

that will precede him into line receives the

words Front—Turn, will halt and allow his

company to pass him, and when its inner flank

reaches him he will give the words Front—Turn,

and when at two paces from the alignment Halt

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FORMATION OP LINE FHOM COLUMN. 81

—Dress up ; the covering serjeants running out

in succession to mark the left of their com

panies as they get within twenty paces of their

ground.

Steady. When the formation is completed, the senior

mounted officer will give the word Steady, and

move to his place, the base points taking post

at the same time.

As the rear of each company is cleared by those which are

deploying, its supernumerary rank will step back to its proper

distance.

Each officer in command of a company will dress the men from

coverer to coverer, whether they belong to his company or not,

placing himself opposite the second file from the coverer of the

company next to his own towards the base point.

2. From Column Left in Front.—A column left in front will

deploy on the leading company in precisely the same manner as a

column right in front, the junior mounted officer dressing the points

from the left, the covering serjeants marking the right of their com

panies, and the companies forming fours to the right.

Sec. 24.—A Battalion in Close or Quarter Distance

Column, deploying on the Rear Company.

deploy on 1. From Column Bight in Front.—Supposing

the rear the battalion to consist of six companies, on the

company. caution the coverer and supernumerary serjeant

of No. 6 will move up to the front of the

column and give the base points close in front

of No. 1, facing to the left, the coverer on the

outer or reverse flank; the junior mounted

officer placing himself on the left to dress the

coverers. The officer commanding No. 6 com

pany will stand fast, the remaining company

leaders and covering serjeants changing their

flanks.

remaining On the word fours—right the companies,

companies except No. 8, will form fours to the right, and

fours—right, the leader of No. 5 company will take one pace

to his front and face to the right about to be

ready to halt his men.

82 PART III.—BATTALION.

quick—march. On the word quick-—march the companies in

fours will step off. As soon as the left of No. 5

company is clear of the right of No. 6, the

former will be halted, fronted, and ordered to

No. 5, Halt— dress by its leader, who will fall-in on the left ;

Front—Dress, the latter will then receive the words No. 6 by the

No. 6, by the Left, Double—March, and when at two paces

Left, Double from the alignment, Halt—Dress up, from its

March. No. 6, leader, who will dress his company from the left,

Malt—Dress up. give the word Eyes—Front, and change to bis

Eyes—Front, proper place in line.

The moment No. 5 company is halted, the

leader of No. 4 will halt and allow his company

to pass him, and as soon as its left flank is clear

No. 4, Halt— of the right of No. 5, No. 4 will be halted,

Front—Dress, fronted, and ordered to dress by its officer, on

No. 5, by the which No. 5 will receive the words By the Left,

Left, Quick— Quick—March, &vd when at two paces from the

March. No. 5, alignment it will be halted and dressed up into

Malt—Dress up, line by its leader, who will run out for that

&c. purpose ; and thus each company in succession

will be halted and fronted, and then brought up

into line as soon as its front is clear.

The supernumerary rank will gain its distance as it halts in

line.

2. From Column Left in Front.—A battalion in column left in

front will deploy on its rear company on the same principles as a

battalion in column right in front ; the coverer and supernumerary

serjeant of No. 1 company giving the base points facing to the right,

the senior mounted officer dressing the coverers (who will mark the

left of their companies) from the right, and the companies, except

No. 1, forming fours to the left.

PLATE VII.

V. BATTALION ADVANCING IN DIRECT ECHELLON OF COMPANIES FROM THE

LEET.AND CHANGING DIRECTION TO THE RIGHT PREPARATORY TO FORMING

LINE. AT RIGHT ANGLES TO THE FORMER ALIGNMENT.

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MOVEMENTS IN ECHELON. 83

MOVEMENTS AND CHANGES OF FRONT

IN ECHELON.

GENERAL PRINCIPLES.

Echelons.—There are two descriptions of echelon formed from

line, the direct echelon, and the oblique echelon.

II.

Direct Echelon.—The direct echelon is formed by companies

or parts of companies marching successively direct to the front or

rear, commencing from either flank of the battalion, at any distance

from each other that may be named by the commanding officer. A

direct echelon may be re-formed into a line parallel to that from

which it moved by the successive formation of its component parts,

on any named and halted part ; but a line cannot be formed from

a direct echelon at an angle to the original alignment, without a

fresh adjustment of the distances between the pivot flanks of its

component parts.

III.

Companies or parts of Companies in Echelon to be parallel to each

ether.—Each company or part of a company will move on a line

perpendicular to its own front ; therefore, when moving towards a

flank, all the component parts of an echelon must be parallel to

each other, in order that their lines of direction may also be

parallel.

Sec. 25.—A Battalion in Line advancing or retiring

in direct Echelon of Companies from either

Flank. (Plate VII.)

If it is intended to re-form line parallel to the original align

ment, the companies may be ordered to march off at any named

distance from each other, but if it is intended to change front to

cither flank at right angles, they must be marched off at wheeling

distance from each other.

SI PART III.—BATTALION.

On the caution, if the movement is to be from

the left, the officers commanding companies will

change their flanks, if from the right they will

stand fast. The leader of the company on the

named flank, if the battalion is to advance, will

then give his word Quick—March, and will move

straight to his front ; when he has gained the

ordered distance, the next company will receive

the words Quick—March from its leader, and so

on in succession till all are in motion. If the

movement is to be made to the rear, the com

panies will be faced about in succession, and

marched off one after the other at the ordered

distance as above described.

THE BATTALION

WILL ADVANCE

(or retire) in

DIRECT ECHELON

OF COMPANIEs

AT WHEELING (or

PACEs) DIs

TANCE, FROM THE

RIGHT (or LEFT).

No.—By the Bight

(or Left), Quick-

March. No.—

Bight about—Face.

By the Bight (or

Left) Quick—

March.

The coverers, when it is necessary, will change their flanks on

the caution, but they will invariably remain in the proper rear

until their respective companies move out clear of the rest of the

line, they will then take post on their reverse flanks. The officers

commanding companies will move in line with the proper rear

rank when retiring.

Sec. 26.—Re-forming Line from Direct Echelon.

RE-FORM LINE

ON THE LEADING

COMPANY.

REMAINING COM

PANIEs.

QUICK MARCH

RE-FORM LINE ON

THE REAR COM

PANY. REMAINING

COMPANIEs RIGHT

ABOUT FACE.

QUICK—MARCH.

1. Forming Line on the Front Company.—If

the line is to be formed on the leading company,

the coverer and the senior supernumerary ser

jeant of that company will give the base points.

On the word march, the remaining companies

will move up in succession into line, the cover

ing serjeants marking their outward flank.

2. Forming Line on the Bear Company.—If

line is to be formed on the rear company, the

coverer and senior supernumerary serjeant of

that company will give the base points, and the

company will be dressed. The remaining com

panies will then be faced to the right about ; the

officers commanding companies and coverers

changing flanks.

On the word march, the companies facing to

the rear will step off and form in succession on the

rear company, each receiving the words Halt—

MOVEMENTS IN ECHELON. 85

Halt—Front-

Dress up.

\Eyes—Front.

Front—Dress up, when its proper front rank is

in line with the rear rank of the last halted

company, the coverers running out to mark the

outward flanks of their respective companies in

the usual manner.

re-form line 3. Forming Line on a Central Company.—

on No. — com- When line is to be formed on a central company,

pant, companies the coverer and senior supernumerary serjeant

in front, bight of that company will give the base points as

about—face, usual, facing inwards. The companies in front

form line— of the named company will then be faced to the

quick—march, right about, their company leaders and coverers

Halt—Front— changing flanks, and on the word quick march,

Dress. line will be formed, as described in the two

Eyes—Front— first numbers of this section.

Halt—Dress.

Eyes Front.

4. Forming on the March.—A battalion in direct echelon on the

march may form line in like manner ; if to the front, the leading

company will be halted on the caution ; if on the rear or a central

company, the named company will be halted on the words

remaining companies, or companies in front, right about turn.

form line to 5. Forming Line at Bight Angles to the original

the right. Alignment.—If the battalion has advanced in

by companies, direct * echelon of companies from the left, at

right-wheel, wheeling distance, and is required to form line

forward, &c. to the right, the companies will be wheeled the

quarter circle to that flank, the officers com

manding companies changing their flanks during

the wheel, after which line will be formed on

the leading company as already described.

When the advance has been made from the right, line may be

formed to the left in like manner.

( 86 )

PART IV.

LIGHT DEILL FOEMATION.

Detail of Formation.

When constables are drilled by word of command, they move

at the last word, which should be given short :—

Paces—From the Eight—Extend.

Paces—From the Centre—Extend, &c.

To the Eight—Close, &c.

Advance—Halt—Eetibe, &c.

to extend As soon as the order is given (either by word of

from the command or by bugle), the officers drop to the rear;

halt. the senior officer places himself in rear of the

centre ; the second in command in rear of the right,

the third in rear of the left ; the fourth remains

with the senior, ready to receive his orders. The

serjeants fall likewise to the rear. At the last sound

of the bugle, the named file stand fast : the re

mainder face, and extend in quick time, unless

ordered to move at the double march.

2. The front-rank men of files move straight

before them, covering correctly on the march ;

their respective rear-rank men cast their eye over

the inward shoulder, and tap their front-rank men,

at the distance of two, four, six, or any other given

number of paces, as a signal for them to halt and

front.

Distance of files. 3. The paces are indicated by the previous

caution of the commanding officer ; but if no num

ber is specified, six paces is the regulated distance

between the files. If the left-hand file, who leads

on this occasion, be a steady man, and has moved

correctly on his front, the line will require little

SKELETON, OR EOPE DKILL. 87

TO EXTEND

WHILE A

COMPANY Is

ADVANCING ;

FROM THE

CENTRE—

FROM THE

RIGHT—Or

FROM THE

LEFT.

TO INCLINE TO

THE RIGHT.

INCLINE TO

THE LEFT.

ADVANCE.

TO HALT FROM

THE INCLINE.

dressing ; too much attention to which, in extended

order, is to be carefully avoided. If the distance

between the files be not correct, it must not be

altered by closing or opening out : this can only be

done upon the march.

4. In all these cases, the files from which the

extension takes place move straight forward in quick

time ; the others make a half-turn to the flank to

which they are ordered to extend, and move off in

double time. As soon as each file has got its regular

distance, it will turn to the front and advance,

resuming the quick time ; rear-rank men covering

their front-rank men, and keeping in line with the

directing file.

5. The party extended make a half-turn to the

flanks to which they are ordered to incline (rear-rank

men covering their front-rank men), and continue in

the diagonal direction, until the " Advance " is given

or sounded, when they will return to their original

front, and move forwards as before. If, when the

party extended have made the half-turn, the word

should be given, or bugle should sound the "Incline"

a second time, the men's shoulders should be brought

up, so as to complete the face, and march in file.

6. At this signal, the whole front.

SKELETON, OE EOPE DEILL.

To provide for the due instruction of the Inspectors and

Serjeants, the following system of Skeleton or Eope Drill is in

troduced, by means of which they may, without harassing the

constables, be made practically conversant in the command of a

company ; while the serjeant may acquire that promptitude and

accuracy in giving points, and taking up covering, without which

no body of men can move correctly.

A battalion of eight divisions may be formed by sixteen, thirty-

two, or sixty-four men. With sixteen men, divisions only can be

formed ; with thirty-two, sub-divisions ; but with sixty-four, sections

can be formed.

The ropes may be made to represent any number of files, the

space for each (namely twenty-four inches) being marked by a piece

PART IV.—LIGHT DRILL.

of red cloth ; and to the end of each rope a small piece of wood

must be attached, so that the men may hold it : and care must be

taken that they are always kept to their full extent.

FUNEKALS.

Directions for Funeral Parties.

1. The funeral of a superintendent is preceded by 100 men,

with officers in proportion, under the command of a superintendent.

2. An inspector, by 60 men, with officers in proportion, under

the command of an inspector.

3. A serjeant, by 40 men, under the command of a serjeant.

4. A constable, by 24 men, under the command of a serjeant.

5. Officers attending funerals wear black crape three inches

wide round the left arm above the elbow.

6. The pall is supported by officers of the same rank with that

of the deceased.

7. The party preceding the corpse march in file at open order,

six paces apart.

8. The band precedes the corpse, and immediately in front

of it.

9. Mourners follow the corpse, and the procession is closed by

a body of police marching in fours at intervals of six paces.

10. On approaching the cemetery, the party in advance with the

band halt, and face inwards, without closing ; allow the body and

mourners to pass through their ranks, and cease to play when all

have passed. They then follow into the cemetery.

11. On returning the men fall in, number afresh, and march

home in fours without music.

The party appointed for the escort, according

to the rank of the deceased, will be drawn up

two deep, with opened ranks, facing the house

where the corpse is lodged. When the corpse

is brought out, the officer commanding will call

attention. the men to attention. After the corpse is placed

rear rank take in the hearse (if a hearse is used) close order will

close okder. be taken, and the men will be simply faced to

to the right— the right, and moved to the head of the pro-

face. cession.

When all is ready, the party will move off in

slow march slow time, followed by the band, with drums

muffled, playing the Dead March.

First Position. Second Poaition in 2 Motions.

3 2

Balance Motions

1'bird Position in Two Motions.

econd Extension Motions.

THIRD "TOINT

MODEL OF THE TAKGET,

to he used in the Places of Exercise.

The Sectional Lines of Figures show the Preparatory Movements.

( 89 )

PAKT V.

SWORD EXERCISE.

INTKODUCTOKY EEMAEKS.

The following instructions are laid down as the surest and

quickest mode of forming swordsmen ; and the drill instructors

are to understand clearly, that when recruits have completed their

Preparatory and Drill Practices, without and with the sword, they

need no longer be required to remember the precise order in which

they are here given ; nor to repeat them, if sufficiently instructed

to go through the Review Exercise effectively, where every cut,

point, and parry is shown ; and the swordsman ought to be made

so perfect in each, as to be able to give any one separately, or such

of them combined, as the drill instructor may require.

Sec. 1.—Extension Motions and Positions.

These motions tend to expand the chest, raise the head, throw

back the shoulders, and strengthen the muscles of the back.

The squad being at " Attention," the caution is given :

First Extension Motions.

One—Bring the hands, arms, and shoulders to the front, the

fingers lightly touching at the points, and the nails downwards ;

then raise them in a circular direction well above the head, the end,

of the fingers still touching, the thumbs pointing to the rear, the

elbows pressed back, and tho shoulders kept down.

Two—Separate and extend the arms and fingers upwards,

forcing them obliquely back, until they come extended on a line

with the shoulders ; and as they fall gradually from thence to the

original position of " Attention," endeavour, as much as possible

to elevate the neck and chest.

90 PART V.—SAVORD EXERCISE.

Three—Turn the palms of the hands to the front, and press

back the thumbs with the arms extended, and raise them to the

rear until they meet above the head ; the fingers pointing upwards,

and the thumbs locked with the left in front.

Four—Keep the arms and knees straight, and bend over until

the hands touch the feet, the head being brought down in the same

direction, and resume the " Third Motion " by raising the arms to

the front.

Five — Eesume the position of " Attention," as directed in

" Second Motion."

The whole of these motions should be done slowly, so as to

feel the exertion of the muscles throughout : and the " First " and

" Second " occasionally practised with the head turned, as much as

possible, to the right or left : all the motions may be performed

also without any pause or separate word of command, so as to make

them lead into each other, and occasionally varying them.

First Position in Three Motions.

One—Move the hands smartly to the rear, the left grasping the

right arm just above the elbow, and the right supporting the left

arm under the elbow.

Two—Half face to the left, turning on the heels, so that the

back of the left touches the inside of the right heel, the head

retaining its position to the front.

Three—Bring the right .heel before the left, the feet at right

angles, the right foot pointing to the front, and the weight of the

body resting on the left leg.

Second Position in Two Motions.

One—Bend the knees gradually, keeping them as much apart

as possible, without raising the heels, or changing the erect position

of the body.

Two—Step out smartly with the right foot about eighteen

inches, in line with the left heel, the weight of the body remaining

on the left leg, the right knee easy and flexible.

Balance Motions.

One—Move the right foot about eight inches to the rear of the

left heel, the toe lightly touching the ground, with the heel per

pendicular to it, keeping the knees well apart.

Two—Eaise the body gradually by the extension of the left leg.

EXTENSION MOTIONS AND POSITIONS. 91

Three—Bend the left knee, resuming the position made previous

to the " Second Motion."

Four—Advance the right leg, with a smart beat of the foot,

resuming the " Second Position," from which the "Balance Motions"

commenced.

First Position—Extending both knees, bring the right heel up

to the left.

Third Position in Two Motions.

One—Incline the right side to the front, so that the shoulder

and knee are perpendicular to the point of the foot, keeping the

body erect.

Two—Step out smartly to the front, about thirty-six inches,

the knee perpendicular to the instep ; the left knee and foot kept

straight and firm, the heels in a line, the body upright, and the

shoulders square to the left.

Second Extension Motions.

One—Bring the arms to the front of the body, with the hands

closed and the knuckles uppermost, touching each other below the

lower button of the coat ; raise them gradually until the wrists, by

bearing inwards, touch the breast, the elbows being kept up ; then

by forcing back the shoulders, the hands will be drawn apart, and

the motion is completed by sinking the elbows, and smartly ex

tending the arms and fingers in a diagonal line, with the right

wrist as high as the head, the shoulders kept down, and the thumbs

inclined to the right.

For beginners, this motion may be divided by giving the word

Prepare for the first part, and remaining perfectly steady when the

hands are brought to the breast, ready to separate ; then give the

word One for the motion to be completed.

Two—Eaise the body by extending the right leg.

Three—-Bend the right knee, and advance the body so as to

resume the " First Motion."

First Position—Spring up with the arms to the rear, and the

right heel close to the left, which forms the " First Position," as

before described.

Front—Come smartly to the position of " Attention ; " bringing

the hands and feet, in one motion, to their proper places.

In the foregoing instructions, the positions and movements,

preparatory to using the sword, have been explained, giving a

separate word of command, for each motion respectively. The

same positions must now be gone through, naming, only (in the

word of command) the position required in order to practise the

h 2

92 PART V.—SWORD EXERCISE.

recruit in changing the positions readily, without losing his

balance, and in quick time,—distinguishing them by the words of

command, First, Second, and Third.

Positions.

First—Raising the arms to the rear, and the right heel to the

front, come at once to the " First Position."

Second—Come to " Second Position."

First „ " First Position."

Third „ " Third Position."

First „ " First Position."

Second „ " Second Position."

Third „ " Third Position."

Second „ " Second Position."

Single Attack—Raise the right foot, and beat it smartly on the

ground.

Double Attack—Raise the right foot as before, and beat it twice

on the ground—first with the heel, then with the flat of the foot.

Advance—Move forward the right foot about sis inches, and

place it smartly on the ground ; then bring up the left lightly

about the same distance.

Single Attack—As before.

Iiitire—Move the left foot lightly to the rear about six inches,

the weight and balance of the body being, and continuing to rest,

upon it ; then move the right foot back the same distance, and

place it smartly upon the ground.

Double Attack—As before.

Front—Resume the position of " Attention."

The object of the preceding portion of the drill, as positions

and movements preparatory to using the sword, is to give a free

and active use of the limbs ; a thorough command of which, with

the knowledge of the best mode of applying the force of the mus

cular powers, will facilitate and give great advantage in the use of

the sword, and ensure a proper efficacy to the cuts and guards ;

enabling the beginner to gain more easily that pliability of strength

in his positien which is required cither for attack or defence.

The instructor should prove the firmness of the positions by

bearing equally and firmly upon the shoulders of the recruit in

each position, anil during the changes in forming the "Second

Position" and "Balance Motions;" also when in the "First" of

the " Secend Extension Motions ; " by taking hold of the right

PREPARATORY SWORD INSTRUCTION. 93

wrist with both hands, and bearing upon it in the direction of the

left leg, upon the line of which the right arm should be, if properly

placed ; and making him also in each position move the toe up and

down, without its motion aifecting the body, which must generally

be balanced, and rest upon the left leg, thereby giving greater flexi

bility to the right leg in moving forward to gain distance upon an

adversary—or in retiring from his reach. No precise length can

be assigned in moving the riglit leg to the front in the " Third

Position," as it depends upon the length and stride of the person ;

but it should not be beyond what may allow of his returning to the

" First " or " Second Position " with quickness and perfect facility

to himself.

When this section is practised as a drill for the limbs only, it

should be performed with the left shoulder and left foot to the front

as well as with the right.

Sec. 2.—Preparatory Instruction with the Sword.

Explanation and Use of the Target.

The following instructions with the sword accord with the

target, which is to be placed so as to have its centre the height of a

man's breast ; from below this centre a line is drawn on the ground

directly to the front, and at the distance of about ten feet the

recruit should be placed in the position of " Attention," with his

left heel on the line, so that when he turns to the " First Position,"

his right foot may cover it.

The circular figure shows the seven " Cuts " and " Guards."

The " Cuts " are directed through the centre, distinguished by lines,

and named according to that number from which each cut com

mences.

The " Guards " are formed by holding the sword opposite to,

and in the inclination of, the dotted lines which have sword-hilts

attached to them ; and supposing the circular figure to be about the

height of a man's body, the "Cuts" and "Guards" will be regulated

according to the lines described upon the circle; nor should the

recruit be practised in any other mode, until he has gained the

proper direction of the " Cuts," as well as the inclination of

the blade, and position of the wrist, in forming the " Guards."

The " Points " or thrusts should be directed as marked in the

target, with the wrist towards No. 1, and the edge of the sword

upwards to the right, in the " First Point ; " towards No. 2, with

the edge upwards to the left, in the " Second Point ; " and in the

" Third Point," with the wrist rising to the centre, the edge up

94 PART V.—SWORD EXERCISE.

wards to the right, and the point directed as marked on the bottom

of the circle.

The sectional lines of the figures over the target represent the

" Preparatory Positions."

The target is also a guide for the instructors in regard to the

elevation of the " Cuts," " Guards," and " Parry " for the Eeview

Exercise, as the recruit must be made to understand clearly that

the target merely directs him how to form the " Cuts," &c, not

exactly where, as that will depend upon how the parties act when

attacking each other,—as the Cuts 1, 3, and 5 can be directed at

any part from head to foot on the left ; and the Cuts 2, 4, and 6,

equally so on the right, the former being termed Inside, and the

latter Outside, Cuts. The "First," "Third," and "Fifth," are

the corresponding Inside Guards ; and the " Second," " Fourth,"

and " Sixth," are the Outside Guards. When the object of being

placed before the target is well impressed upon the mind of the

recruit he need no longer be practised in front of it, but the in

structor should consider it as a sure guide or reference for correctly

forming the guards, and giving a proper direction of the edge in

making the cuts.

In order to admit of several recruits being exercised at the

same time, circles, with the interior lines, as shown in the accom

panying plate of the target, should be delineated in the places of

exercise ; their centres being about four feet from the ground, and

fourteen inches in diameter.

Cuts—Guards—Points—Parry.

(On Foot, and in Front of the Target.)

The recruit, being perfectly instructed in the preparatory move

ments, may now take the sword, making him perfectly acquainted

with the strong and weak parts of it ; the " Fort " (strong) being

the half of the blade near the hilt, the " Feeble " (weak) the half

towards the point; indeed, a knowledge of these distinctions is very

material either in giving or guarding a cut, as much depends npon

their proper application. From the hilt upwards, in opposing the

blade of an adversary, the strength of the defence decreases in pro

portion as the cut is received towards the point ; and, vice versa, it

increases from the point downwards. The " Fort " ought always

to gain the "Feeble" of the opponent's weapon, and the cuts

should be given within eight inches of the point, so that the sword

may clear itself. In delivering a cut, it is advantageous if the

" Fort " meets the adversary's " Feeble," as it will of course force

his guard.

CUTS—GUARDS—POINTS—PABBY. 95

Draw Swords.—Take hold of the scabbard of the sword with

the left hand just below the hilt, which should be raised as high

as the hip; then bring the right hand smartly across the body,

grasping the hilt and turning it at the same time to the rear ; raise

the hand the height of the elbow, the arm being close to the body.

By a second motion, draw the sword from the scabbard with an

extended arm, the edge being to the rear, and lower the hand until

the hilt is just below the chin, the blade perpendicular, the edge to

the left, with the thumb extended on the side of the handle, and

elbow close to the body, which forms the position of " Recover

Swords." By a third motion, lower the wrist below, and in line

with, the right hip, the elbow being drawn back, and the arm ex

tended as much as it can be with ease, the hand slightly grasping

the sword, but ready by the contraction of the fingers to resume a

firm hold. The upper part of the sword will then be in the hollow

of the right shoulder, with the edge to the front, which brings it to

the position of "Carry Swords;" the left hand resumes the position

of " Attention," directly the sword is drawn. It is good drill prac

tice to give the words " Two " and " Three " for the second and

third motions in drawing and returning swords.

Slope Swords—Move the hand to the front in line with the

elbow, which is brought close to the body, with the sword resting

upon the shoulder, and edge to the front.

Return Swords—Carry the hilt to the hollow of the left shoulder

(the left hand as before, raising the scabbard), with the blade per

pendicular, and the back of the hand to the front : then, by a quick

turn of the wrist, drop the point into the scabbard, turning the edge

to the rear, until the hand and elbow are in a line with each other

square across the body. By a second motion, replace the sword in

the scabbard, keeping the hand upon the hilt. By a third motion

the hands are brought back to the position of " Attention."

Draw Swords—As before.

Slope Swords—As before.

Stand at Ease—When at Close Order, the sword remains at the

Slope ; at Extended Order, the hands are brought together, the left

supporting the right, the back of the sword resting upon the inside

of the left arm, and in both the right foot moved back, with the left

knee bent as usual.

Attention—Come to the position of " Slope Swords."

Prepare for Sword Exercise—Turn the body and feet to the

"First Position," with the left hand resting upon the hip, and

thumb to the rear.

yc PART V.—SWORD EXERCISE.

Bight Prove Distance—" Beeover Swords " with the fore-finger

and thumb stretched along the handle, the thumb being upon the

back, with the end of the hilt in the palm of the hand. By a

second motion, extend the arm to the right, and lower the sword

in a horizontal direction from the shoulder, with the edge to the

rear, and left shoulder square to the front.

In this, and throughout the instructions, where a second motion

is required, the word Two must be given, unless the practice is

carried on by a fugleman.

Slope Swords—As before.

Front Prove Distance—Baise the sword, as before, then by a

second motion, step out to the " Third Position," and extend the

arm, lowering the point of the sword towards the centre of the

target, with the edge to the right.

CUTS—GUARDS—POINTS—PARRY. 97

Slope Swords—As before.

Assault—Raise the arm to the front, with the wrist opposite

No. 1, the elbow rather bent towards the centre of the Circular

Figure, and the back of the sword, near the point, resting on the

shoulder, with the edge inclined to the right.

One—Extending the arm, direct the cut to the front in a diagonal

line from right to left, as shown from No. 1 to No. 4 ; and, as the

point clears the circle, turn the knuckles upwards and continue

the sweep of the sword so as to bring the point to the rear of the

left shoulder, upon which it rests with the edge inclined to the left,

and the wrist opposite No. 2.

Two—Direct the cut from No. 2 to No. 3, and turn the wrist

so that the sword continues its motion until the point is below the

right hip, the edge downwards, the elbow bent inwards, and wrist

towards No. 2.

Three—Cut diagonally upwards from No. 3 to No. 2, and con

tinue the motion of the wrist until the point of the sword is below

the left hip, the edge downwards, the elbow bent and raised with

the wrist towards No. 1.

Four—Cut diagonally upwards from No. 4 to No. 1, and turn the

knuckles downwards, with the edge of the sword to the right, and

the point to the rear over the right shoulder, the elbow bent, and

the wrist towards No. 5.

98 PART V.—SWORD EXERCISE.

Five—Cut horizontally from No. 5 to No. 6, and turn the

knuckles up, with the edge of the sword to the left, and the point to

the rear, over the left shoulder, the elbow bent, and the wrist

towards No. 6.

Six—Cut horizontally from No. 6 to No. 5, and bring the hand

in the direction of No. 7, the sword being on the same line over the

head, with the point lowered to the rear, and the edge uppermost.

Seven—Cut vertically downwards from No. 7 to the centre of

the circle, and remain with the arm extended, placing the thumb

along the back of the handle, and the left shoulder pressed well

back.

Point—Draw in the arm until the wrist touches the upper part

of the hip, the thumb on the left of the handle, the edge raised to

the right, the left shoulder advanced, and the hips well thrown

back. By a second motion, deliver the point in the direction as

marked in the target, and raise the wrist towards the centre.

Defend—Form the " First Guard " by turning the edge to the

left, the thumb resuming its grasp of the handle, and draw in

the elbow close to the body ; the wrist being kept to the front, and

the sword placed opposite the dotted diagonal line, as shown in the

target, from the hilt marked " First Guard." In this and the fol

lowing " Guards," distinguished as " Second," " Third," &c, the

point should be advanced rather to the front, the left shoulder

being well kept back in the guards to the left, but rather brought

forward in forming those to the right, as also in the " Seventh

Guard "and "Parry."

Second—Turn the wrist, with the knuckles uppermost, and the

edge of the sword to the right, the sword being placed opposite

the diagonal line, &c, marked "Second Guard."

Third—Turn the wrist and edge to the left, nearly as high as

the shoulder, with the point lowered to the right, the sword placed,

&c, as marked " Third Guard."

Fourth—Baise the elbow, and turn the wrist and edge to the

right with point to the left, the sword, &c, as marked "Fourth

Guard."

Fifth—Turn the edge to the left, with the wrist as high as the

shoulder, to the front and left of the body, the sword being placed

opposite the perpendicular line from the hilt marked " Fifth

Guard."

Sixth—Bend the wrist and turn the edge to the right so as to

bring the sword opposite the perpendicular line, &c, marked

" Sixth Guard."

Seventh—Baise the wrist above, and in advance of, the right

ear, the elbow up, and well kept back, and the sword directed, &c,

as marked " Seventh Guard."

CUTS—GUARDS—POINTS—PARRY. 99

Parry—Lower the wrist nearly close to the right shoulder, the

edge to the right, the hips well pressed back, and the hilt of the

sword opposite No. 1. By a second motion, turn the wrist so that

the point falls towards the left rear, and forming a circle from left

to right of the body, returns to its former position.

Slope Swords—As before.

The seven cuts and three points should also be practised as

follows : — At the command " Assault," they are combined in

regular succession, without any material pause between each, as by

the proper and timely turn of the wrist the cuts will lead into each

other. They should be given strong with the edge leading forwards,

the wrist retaining its direction to the front as much as possible ;

and in returning to prepare for another cut, the edge should be

drawn back nearly in the same line, the arm being a little bent so

as to allow a free play of the wrist, elbow, and shoulder in giving

effective force to the cut, and then extended to the utmost in the

delivery of it. Whenever the recruit fails to carry the edge well

in making the assault, he should be practised in combining the

cuts One and Four, repeating them several times ; also Two and

TJiree and Five and Six, taking care that the edge leads on the

respective lines of the target, the wrist being darted towards the

centre in each cut.

The three Engaging Guards are now shown (the recruit being

still placed before the target), and the " Cuts " and " Guards "

combined respectively, so as to impress upon his recollection the

guard for each cut. The cuts and points should be given from

the wrist to the full extent of the arm, to the front, and in the

" Third Position," with each cut directed no farther than the

centre of the circle ; the guards and parry formed in the " First

Position," in which also prepare for each point.

Guard—Advance the point of the sword, extending the arm

towards the centre of the target, with the edge downwards ; then,

without pause bending the body, drawing in the chest and neck,

and bringing the left shoulder a little forward, step out smartly to

the " Second Position," with elbow bent, so as to have the hand

nearly over the right foot ; the edge of the sword turned upwards,

with the point lowered, and inclined to the left, the target seen

over the arm and sword, the hilt being inclined to No. 1, and the

point directed below, and to the left of No. 4.

100 PART V.—SWOKD EXERCISE.

Inside Guard—Eaise the head and body, lowering the wrist

with the knuckles down, and over the foot, the point of the sword

to the front, the edge to the left, and the hand as low as the elbow,

CUTS—GUARDS—POINTS PARRY. 101

a little above, and in front of, the hip, at the same time making the

" Single Attack ; " the wrist is here inclined towards No. 4, the

point towards No. 1.

Outside Guard —Turn the wrist with the knuckles upwards, and

the edge of the sword to the right, repeating the " Single Attack,"

the hand inclining to Xu. 3, the point towards No. 2.

Cut One—Cut One and Third Position.

First Guard—First Guard and First Position.

Cut Two—Cut Two and Third Position.

Second Guard—Second Guard and First Position.

Cut Three—Cut Three and Third Position.

Third Guard—Third Guard and First Position.

Cut Four—Cut Four and Third Position.

Fourth Guard—Fourth Guard and First Position.

Cut Fire—Cut Five and TLird Position.

Fifth Guard—Fifth Guard and First Position.

Cut Six—Cut Six and Third Position.

Sixth Guard—Six Guard and First Position.

Cut Seven—Cut Seven and Third Position.

Seventh Guard—Seventh Guard and First Position.

Point—Prepare for Point in First Position.

Two—Point and Third Position.

Parry—Prepare to Parry in First Position.

102 PART V.—SWORD EXERCISE.

Two—Parry.

Guard—As before.

Slope Swords—As before.

Thus far may be considered as merely Drill Practice, and the

recruit need not be required to remember the precise order of it,

after it is ascertained that he understands the object of, and can go

through it correctly, and consequently is qualified to perform the

" Review Exercise," as in the following section.

Sec. 3.—Review, or Inspection, Exercise.

The following exercise is similar to the latter part of the Drill

Practices, and only varies by each guard being formed after its

respective cut, without waiting for a second word of command,

and after each movement of attack, springing up at once to its

corresponding defensive position.

Guard—As before.

Inside Guard—As before.

Outside Guard—As before.

One—Cut " One " and " First Guard," delivering the cut (as

before directed) in the Third Position, and spring up to the First

Position, in forming the guard ; and so on throughout the remaining

" Cuts " and " Guards : " the same in regard to the " Points " and

" Parry."

Two—Cut " Two " and " Second Guard."

Three—Cut " Three " and " Third Guard."

Four—Cut " Four " and " Fourth Guard."

Five—Cut " Five " and " Fifth Guard."

Six—Cut " Six" and " Sixth Guard."

Seven—Cut " Seven " and " Seventh Guard."

Point—Point and prepare for " Parry."

Parry—As before.

Guard—As before.

Slope Swords—As before.

Although the cuts and guards are in the regular order from

One to Seven, the recruit should be practised to make any change

of them according to the command of the instructor, which will

enable him to form more readily, and quickly, any defensive position ;

or to vary the movements of his attack, for which the caution

" Sword Practice " should be given, commencing with the Guard,

and delivering the Inside and Outside Cuts from One to Six, but

returning to Guard after each Cut, and in the same manner the

" Outside Cuts " to be given from the Inside Guard, and the " Inside

Cuts " from the Outside Guard. Or when any single cut and its

ATTACK AND DEFENCE. 103

corresponding guard is required, the number is to be given, and

performed as in the Review Exercise ; but when the cut is to be

directed for the leg—viz. Three or Tour—the caution " For the

Leg " must be given previous to the number ; and the guard formed

low accordingly.

Sec. 4.—Attack and Defence.

The recruit, being now complete in giving the cuts and forming

their respective guards, must bring them into practice, according

to the two following modes of exercise ; the Cut3 and Points being

given in the Third Position ; and the Guards and Parry in the

First Position.

The squads are formed in two, four, or more ranks, at the

" Slope Swords," and well under the eye of the instructor, with a

distance of four paces between ranks and files ; and in this form

ation the whole of the drill, as shown in Sections 2 and 3, may

be gone through, either by separate words of command, or by a

fugleman ; the former being the best mode, as the swordsman isj

then enabled to keep his view fixed in the direction he is supposed

to act.

Front Hank, Right about Face—The files face to the right

about.

Prepare for Attack and Defence—Files oppose each other in

" First Position."

Prove Distance—Files prove distance, as before directed, but

remaining in " First Position."

Strict attention should be paid that the opposing files take

their proper distance, by the point of each sword touching the

guard of the other, the hips being well drawn back, the front rank

having their swords uppermost, and the rear rank giving way, or

advancing up, according to the required measure ; the instructor

will consequently not give the word " Slope Swords," until all

remain steady at their proper distances.

Slope Swords—As before.

Guard—As before.

Inside Guard—With the " Single Attack," the files engage on the

Inside Guard, the swords joining about eight inches from the point.

Outside Guard—Change to the Outside Guard, with the " Single

Attack," the swords, &c. :

Front Bank. Bear Bank.

Left Cheek Cut One First Guard.

Bight Cheek Second Guard Cut Two.

Wrist Cut Three Third Guard.

Leg Fourth Guard Cut Four.

104 PAET V.—SWOBD EXERCISE.

Rear Rank.

Fifth Guard.

Cut Six.

Seventh Guard.

Parry, and prepare for

Point.

Front Rank.

Left Side Cut Five

Bight Side Sixth Guard

Head Cut Seven

Point Point, and prepare for

Parry.

Guard As before.

Slope Swords As before.

On the command for each of the above points, the defending

file should spring up to the First Position, and the attacking file

wait for the word "Two" to deliver it: but in the "Stick Practice"

the point is to be at once given.

The movements of Attack and Defence in this practice, are in

the same rotation as the Review Exercise ; and as they show the

application of the cuts and guards, both (particularly the cuts)

should be made with the same precision as at the target; nor

should one sword bear upon the other, but the wrist be kept well

up, and ready to renew any requisite movement. Strict attention

should be observed that, after proving distance, the files do not

move their left feet, unless ordered otherwise. The front rank

invariably commences, but equal practice should be given to both.

The " Second Point " is omitted in this practice, as the " Parry "

would probably disarm the opponent.

The following practice is intended to exercise the drill in

giving, defending, and returning the " Point " quickly, and may be

continued eight or ten times, by a quick successive word of com

mand, according to the abilities of the parties engaged ; it is also

the most effectual defence against the pike or bayonet.

Guard

Point

Point

Guard

Point and Parry.

Front Rank. Rear Rank.

As before.

Prepare to give Point. Prepare to Parry.

Advance the body by

extending the left leg,

giving Point, and when

parried, draw back the

arm ready to " Parry."

Draw back the body

by nearly extending the

right leg, Parry, &c.

As before.

Parry, and prepare for

Point.

Point, &c.

Slope Swords As before.

STICK DRILL. 105

Equal practice may be given to all by the caution which, rank

is to commence, the front rank always doing so (as above men

tioned), unless otherwise directed. The squads here also should

occasionally be formed rank entire, and put through the guards

and points in each position, particularly in the First, and change

frequently from the " First " to the " Third," and from the

" Second " to the " Third," in giving point.

Sec. 5.—Stick Drill.

As no exercise with the sword can be properly attained without

some mode of loose or independent practice, sticks should be

substituted for swords, as, in fencing, foils are used for the

acquirement of that art ; but before such practice is allowed,

the following five combinations of Attack and Defence are to be

well practised and executed. The sticks are to be about forty

inches long, and not so weak as to bend, the leather hilts being

merely large enough to cover the hand, without confining it ; and

on no account are the masks to be omitted, as they enable those

who practise to cut or thrust with more confidence. The same

formation is continued as for the " Attack and Defence ;" also the

proving distance ; and the two First Practices are to be the same as

previously gone through with swords in Sect. 4. In the Third

Practice the cuts at the leg are given with the Third Position ;

those at the head and neck in the First, but with caution and

lightly, as both cuts being given at the same time, the file giving

the cut at the leg has not the power of defending himself; thus

showing the advantage of shifting the leg when engaged at the

proper distance. In the Fourth and Fifth Practices, the Attack is

made as usual with the Third, and the Defence in the First,

Position.

First Practice.

Guard—Continuing the same words of command and movements

as in the " Attack and Defence " in Sec. 4.

Second Practice.

Guard—Continuing, &c, as the " Point and Parry."

Third Practice.

Front Sank. Bear Rank.

Guard As before.

Leg Cut Four at Leg Cut Seven at Head.

Inside Guard As before.

i

106 PAET V.—SWORD EXERCISE.

Leg _

Outside Guard

Leg

Guard

Slope Swords

Guard

Head

Head

Leg

Leg

Head

Head

Guard

Slope Swords

Front Rank. Bear Bank.

Cut Six at Leg Cut Six at Neck.

As before.

Cut Five at Leg Cut Five at Neck.

As before.

As before.

Fourth Practice.

Cut Seven

Seventh Guard

Cut Four

Seventh Guard

Cut Seven

Seventh Guard

As before.

Seventh Guard.

Cut Seven

Seventh Guard.

Cut Four.

Seventh Guard.

Cut Seven.

As before.

As before.

Fifth Practice.

Guard

Head Cut Seven

Head Seventh Guard

Arm Cut Two

Head Seventh Guard

Head Cut Seven

Arm Second Guard

Head Cut Seven

Head Seventh Guard

Bight Side Cut Six

Head Seventh Guard

Head Cut Seven

Bight Side Sixth Guard

Guard

Slope Swords

Particular attention should be paid, that in the attack the wrist

preserves, as much as possible, the line of the direction in which

the cut is given ; and, in each position of defence, that it only

deviates from it sufficiently to form the guard ; taking care to have

the wrist, elbow, and shoulder supple and easy, so as to be ready

to deliver a cut, thrust, or perform any other movement of attack

or defence.

It is good practice in the drill with sticks, for each movement

of attack and defence to be first performed in two motions, by the

As before.

Seventh Guard.

Cut Seven.

Second Guard.

Cut Seven.

Seventh Guard.

Cut Two.

Seventh Guard.

Cut Seven.

Sixth Guard.

Cut Seven.

Seventh Guard.

Cut Six.

As before.

As before.

INDEPENDENT PRACTICE WITH STICKS. 107

stick slightly touching the part to which it is directed, and the

defence only formed at the word " Two : " this enables the in

structor to see that the attacking files give their cuts and thrusts

fully home, and according to rule ; and that the files on the

defensive come to a firm and correct position ; it also greatly

assists in judging exactly where the weapons should cross each

other.

As in the preceding Section, the whole should be reversed by

the rear rank commencing instead of the front ; and, when

perfect by word of command, in all the practices, they are to be

performed in quick time, the instructor naming only the practice

required, previously giving the caution, " Stick Drill by Practice

Divisions."

The point, being generally the most effective, should occasion

ally be substituted for the cut, when an opportunity offers of giving

it, either in the attack, or in a quick return from a defensive

guard,—the " First Point " being more speedily given from the

Second, Fifth, and Seventh Guards ; the " Second Point " from the

First and Third Guards ; the " Third Point " from the Fourth and

Sixth Guards : and the point, so given, may be defended by the

same guard as against the cut, the thrust being delivered by an

immediate extension of the arm at the moment the point is in the

proper line of direction.

A feint is a half cut, or thrust, menacing an attack at one part,

whilst the intention is to direct it at another ; and the true cut, or

thrust, should be given as the opponent answers to the feint.

When perfectly exercised and complete in the above drill, the

independent practice may be tried (under proper control) by the

files attacking each other, as in single combat with sword, and

delivering such cuts or thrusts as their judgment directs, but

paying strict attention to the following rules as their guidance.

Rules for the Independent Practice with Sticks.

The cuts and thrusts must not be given too strongly, or so as

to cause anger or irritation.

Each cut or thrust to be acknowledged on the party receiving

it, by his passing the stick into the left hand, the opponent at the

same time recovering to an engaging guard.

The combat to be renewed out of distance, the parties coming

within it cautiously, so that neither is taken by surprise.

No two cuts or thrusts to be made upon the same lunge, or the

i2

108 PART V.—feWORD EXERCISE.

opponents making either at the same time ; in such case the cut

given in the third position to be considered effective.

No shifting from any cut or thrust, unless it can be effected

with security.

All cuts being made from a defensive position, great attention

should be paid in immediately returning to such, as soon as the

cut or thrust is delivered.

N*o practice to be allowed without masks ; and as the stick is

the substitute for the sword, the cut can only be considered fair

and effective when given with that part which corresponds with the

edge : nor should any movement of attack or defence be attempted

with the stick, which could not be performed, or would not be

risked, in a combat with swords.

Sec. 6.—General Observations and Directions.

The exercise of the sword consists of seven cuts or directions

of the edge ; the same number of guards or defensive positions ;

the point (or thrust) given with the nails up or down ; and a

circular motion of the blade, termed the parry : therefore, whatever

may be the attack or defence, it can only bo formed by having

recourse to some of the above movements, or a combination of them.

By engaging, which is generally the action of joining swords

with an opponent, previous to the attack, there should be only a

slight pressure on his blade, so that the hand or wrist may be more

susceptible of any motion ; and although the guard, as also the

Inside or Outside Guard, affords protection at the moment, they

are merely considered as preparatory to any offensive or defensive

movements, varying the latter according to the points liable to be

attacked.

In all attacks, whether cuts or thrusts, the motion ought to

increase in velocity, the greatest force being given at the last : the

same rule should be observed in stepping out to the Second and

Third Positions ; but, in recovering, the reverse is to be attended

to, as the first part is the quickest ; and nothing is of more im

portance than that the eye should follow that of the opponent, still

watching the movement of his wrist, and slightly glancing at the

part where you intend to cut or thrust ; taking care never to look

at your own sword, which will invariably follow the eye wherever

you direct it.

Although each cut has its guard, according to the number, yet

it does not follow that the file on the defensive is always to have

recourse to it, as he may frequently be enabled to secure himself

more effectually and quicker, by forming some other guard ; if, for

GENERAL OBSERVATIONS AND DIRECTIONS. 109

example, he makes the cut Six at the body, and his opponent, after

defending by the Sixth Guard, returns the cut One at the breast,

then the Fifth Guard becomes the quickest movement of defence ;

but if the opponent has defended by the Second Guard previous to

his return of the Cut One, then the First Guard is the quickest

formed ; consequently the First and Fifth Guards each defend the

cuts One or Five, the Second and Sixth Guards each defend the

cuts Two or Six, according as they may be given high or low ; and

if the Third or Fourth Guards are required for the defence of the

leg, the arm must be extended, so that the Fort of the blade may

receive the Feeble of the opponent's weapon ; bearing well in mind,

however, that in all cuts at the leg, when at the proper distance,

the shifting of your own leg, and delivering a cut at the same

moment, becomes the most effective and advantageous defence ;

particularly to a tall man (even in every part of the body), when

engaged with another of lesser stature, or length of arm, as he will

be out of his opponent's reach, whilst the latter may be within his.

The art of defence does not, in fact, so much consist in your

own strength of position, as in effecting a decidedly quick movement

in that direction where your opponent has the least means of

resistance, especially in defending against the Point, when the

First, Third, and Fifth Guards are the most effective against the

First and Third Points ; and the Second, Fourth, and Sixth Guards

against the Second Point ; provided the wrist happens to be so

previously placed, that the requisite guards may be quickly formed :

and the First Point is more speedily given in return from the

Second, Fifth, and Seventh Guards ; the Second Point from the

First and Third Guards ; and the Third Point from the Fourth and

Fifth Guards.

If opposed to the small sword, have recourse to the cuts Three

and Four, directing them at the arm, by which means there is every

probability of the cuts taking effect, as it must always come within

range of the edge, before the point can be sufficiently advanced to

reach your body : if the above cuts are quickly given and continued,

they will always be found advantageous in advancing against the

small sword, as they constitute an attack and form a defence at

the same moment ; but should the opponent be the most skilful and

quickest in his movements, then it is best to retire whilst giving

them, cautiously preserving the proper distance, so that each cut

may just reach the fore part of his arm.

The Second Point, if delivered as a first movement, should be

given with great caution, the wrist being then in a position so liable

to the disarm ; it should be resorted to chiefly in the return, or

after a feint from the Outside or Inside Guards ; if from the former,

feint Third Point under, and deliver Second Point over, the arm ;

110 PART V.—SWORD EXERCISE.

if from the latter, feint cut Two, and continue the sweep of the

sword until the point is sufficiently lowered to deliver without

pause the Second Point at the body under the arm.

Cutting within the sword may be resorted to, if an adversary

does not form sufficient opposition in making his attack, when, by

a quick turn of the wrist, on the side you defend, the Inside Cuts

may be given from the Outside Guards, and the Outside Cuts from

the Inside Guards. The two most effective are after the Second

and Fourth Guards, viz. the cut Five at the neck from the former,

and at the leg from the latter ; the Drawing Cut, as according to

the mode laid down ; and the Thrusting Cut, by forcing the edge

forward from the Feeble to the Fort of the blade, either after a weak

defence of an adversary, or by his laying himself sufficiently open

for you to deliver it.

The line of direction is, in a general sense, the position of the

feet, body, and arms kept invariably in a straight line on the proper

position of " Guard ; " it is sometimes towards the arm and point

of the sword, in guarding, parrying, and thrusting : if you form

your guards too wide, you are said to deviate from the line of

direction, and consequently leave some part of your body un

guarded ; if you make a thrust at an adversary without covering

yourself and resisting his blade, you are also said to deviate from

the line of direction ; your point too deviates from the line of

direction when not steadily directed at your adversary's body.

Lunge is the act of extending yourself on the line of direction,

the full distance of your stride, in order to make your approaches

to an adversary's body in delivering a cut or thrust.

Eecovering is the act of resuming the position of guard, after

having made a lunge at your adversary; a quick and easy recovery

to guard is very essential to your own safety.

If opposed to the bayonet or pike, your adversary from the

length of those weapons can keep you at a distance as to be out of

your reach, whilst you are within his : you must therefore en

deavour to assail his advanced wrist, or close upon him by forcing

his weapon aside, by the "Parry" or "Fourth Guard." The "Fifth

Guard" is, however, more effective, as he has less power of re

sistance, or of clearing his weapon, which may be thrown out of

his hand, or you may seize it with your left hand, which is not so

easily done if it had been warded off to the right, as your defence

is always more effective on the left, than on the right ; but although

he wields it with both hands, you will find it easier to bear it off to

the right ; and he has less power of resistance, or of clearing him

self, if you force it to the left ; besides, you have then the additional

advantage of seizing it with the left hand, which you cannot so

easily do on the right.

officer's salute. Ill

Against a mounted opponent you should endeavour to gain his

left side, where he has less power of defending himself or his horse,

and cannot reach so far on attacking as on the right. In assailing

the horse also, you may make him unruly, and less under command

of his rider, upon which his safety very materially depends ; bearing

in mind the advantage you havo in the power of being in, and out

of, reach nearly at the same instant; whilst the motions of the

horse being too slow and cumbersome for that purpose, afford the

dismounted swordsman (if he possesses proper nerve) a decided

advantage over his mounted opponent.

Although a regular mode is laid down for drawing the sword,

yet occasional practice should be given to come to the Guard im

mediately, and at any required point, without going through the

Parade Motions, &c, thereby preparing the swordsman for any

sudden attack of an enemy.

Many similar remarks will naturally occur to those who have

practical experience ; and the instructors should endeavour, as

much as possible, in their directions to the recruit, to impress

them upon his mind by such occasional observations as they be

come most applicable. Opportunities of thus explaining may often

be taken during the pauses of rest, as no squad should be kept too

long either in the positions or movements; and where recruits are

more deficient than the others, the whole should be made to cease

for the moment, and those who have gone wrong be corrected.

Sec. 7.—Officer's Salute.

The officers to be formed in line at four paces distant from each

other, " Standing at Ease " with the point of the sword lowered

between the feet, the edge to the right, and left hand covering the

right.

Attention—Carry swords as before.

Hear Bank take Open Order—" Recover Swords," and move

forward an oblique pace to the left, so as to be placed in front and

just clear, of the first file.

112 PART V.—SWORD EXERCISE.

March —Advance three paces to the front, and bring the sword

to the " Port," the blade being diagonally across the body, the edge

upwards, and arm nearly extended ; the left elbow bent with the

hand as high, and in front of the shoulder ; holding the blade

between the fore-finger and thumb, the knuckles to the front, and

elbows close to the side.

Present Arms—" Recover Swords " at the second motion of the

firelock, and at the third motion lower the sword (to the full

extent of the arm) to the right, with the edge to the left and point

in the direction of the right foot, the elbow close to the side, at

the same time raising the left arm, bringing the hand to the! peak

of the helmet, knuckles turned outwards, fingers extended and

pointing upwards.

officer's salute. 113

Shoulder Arms—" Kecover Swords " at the first motion of the

firelock and at the second motion " Port Swords."

Bear Bank take Close Order—" Eight Face," and as the right

foot is drawn to the rear " Eecover Swords."

March—Move back into the front rank, " Front," and " Carry

Swords."

The salute on the march is to commence when at ten paces from

the reviewing officer, the officer on the right giving the signal to

prepare the other officers by raising the fingers of the left hand

two paces previous to saluting ; the sword is then raised by ex

tending the arm to the right, and by a circular motion brought to

the recover ; and continuing the motion to the right shoulder, from

whence the sword is lowered, and the left hand is then gradually

raised over the peak of the cap in the manner before directed. The

time for completing the salute is six paces, commencing with the

left foot, and may be divided (for drill practice) as follows :—

first pace, the sword raised to the right ; second pace, to the

recover ; third pace, to the right shoulder ; fourth pace, the sword

lowered to the right ; fifth pace, the left arm raised ; sixth pace,

hand brought to the peak of the cap.

The head should be slightly turned towards the reviewing

officer whilst passing him ; and, having done so, six paces, and

given the signal (as before) " Eecover Swords " one pace, and

" Port " in the following pace.

On the march, or when manoeuvring, the sword may be carried

to the full extent of the arm, the guard of the hilt resting upon the

inside of the fingers, the back of the blade being against the hollow

of the shoulder.

( 114 )

WOEDS OF COMMAND

THROUGHOUT THE

PEOGEESSIVE INSTRUCTIONS OF THE DEILL.

Those words printed in Italics are to serve as a caution only.

Section I.

EXTENSION MOTIONS AND POSITIONS.

Attention.

First Extension Motions.

One—Two—Three—Four—Five.

First Position in Three Motions.

One—Two—Three.

Second Position in Two Motions.

One—Two.

Balance Motions.

One—Two—Three—Four.

First Position.

Third Position in Two Motions.

One—Two.

Second Extension Motions.

One—Two—Three.

First Position.

Front.

Stand at Ease.

WORDS OF COMMAND. 115

Attention.

Positions.

First—Second—First—Third.

First—Second—Third—Second.

Single Attack—Double Attack.

Advance—Single Attack.

Eetire—Double Attack.

Front—Stand at Ease.

Sec. 2.—Preparatory Instruction with the Sword.

Attention.

Draw Swords—Eeturn Swords.

Draw Swords—Slope Swords.

Stand at Ease.

Attention.

Prepare for Sword Exercise.

Eight Prove Distance—Slope Swords.

Front Prove Distance—Slope Swords.

Assault.

One—Two—Three—Four—Five—Six—Seven .

Point—Two.

Defend.

Second—Third—Fourth—Fifth—Sixth—Sixth.

Parry—Two.

Slope Swords.

Stand at Ease.

Attention.

Guard—Inside Guard—Outside Guard.

Cut One First Guard.

Cut Two Second Guard.

116 PART V.—SWORD EXERCISE.

Cut Three Third Guard.

Cut Four Fourth Guard.

Cut Five Fifth Guard.

Cut Six Sixth Guard.

Cut Seven Seventh Guard.

First Point Two.

Second Point Two.

Third Point Two.

Parry Two.

Guard Slope Swords.

Stand at Ease.

This completes the Drill Practices, which need not be kept

up or repeated when the recruit is able to go through the Review

Exercise effectively, as shown in the following Section 3.

Sec. 3.—Review, or Inspection, Exercise.

Attention.

Prepare for Sword Exercise.

Eight Prove Distance—Slope Swords.

Front Prove Distance—Slope Swords.

Guard—Inside Guard—Outside Guard.

One—Two—Three—Four—Five—Six—Seven.

Points—First—Second—Third—Parry.

Guard—Slope Swords.

Sword Practice.

Guard.

Inside and Outside Cuts.

One—Two—Three—Four—Five—Six.

Inside Guard.

Outside Cuts.

Two—Four—Six.

Outside Guard.

WORDS OF COMMAND. 117

Inside Ciiis.

One—Three—Five.

Guard—Slope Swords.

Stand at Ease.

Sec. 4.—Attack and Defence.

Attention.

Front Rank, Right about Face.

Prepare for Attack and Defence.

Prove Distance—Slope Swords.

Guard—Inside Guard—Outside Guard.

Left Cheek—Right Cheek—Wrist—Leg.

Left Side—Right Side—Head.

First Point—Two—Third Point—Two.

Guard—Slope Swords.

Point and Parry.

Guard—Third Point—Point.

Point (continuing as long as requisite).

Guard—Slope Swords.

Stand at Ease.

Sec. 5.—Stick Drill.

First Practice.

Guard—Continuing the same words of command and move

ments, as in the " Attack and Defence," in Section 4, omitting the

word " Two " in the delivery of each point.

Second Practice.

Guard—Continuing, &c. as the " Point and Parry." but not

exceeding Six Points.

118 PART V.—SWOKD EXERCISE.

Third Practice.

Guard—Leg—Inside Guard—Leg.

Outside Guard—Leg—Guard.

Slope Swords.

Fourth Practice.

Guard—Head—Head—Leg.

Leg—Head—Head-Guard.

Slope Swords.

Fifth Practice.

Head—Head—Arm.

- Head—Head—Arm.

Head—Head—Eight Side.

Head—Head—Eight Side.

Slope Swords.

When perfect by word of command, the whole of this Section

is to be performed in quick time, by the drill instructor naming

only the practice required, but first giving the caution—Stick Drill,

by Practice Divisions.

( 119 )

INSTEUCTIONS

FOR THE USE OP

ADAMS'S BEEECH-LOADING EEVOLVEE PISTOLS.

Handle Carry the right hand to the holster and draw the

Arms. pistol.

Prepare to Eaise the hammer to half-cock with the thumb of

Load. the right hand : pass the pistol to left hand (muzzle

pointing to the ground) extending the fore-finger

along the cylinder, raise the shield as high as it will

go, and carry the right hand to pouch for cartridge.

Load. Draw a cartridge from pouch between fore-finger

and thumb of right hand, and turn cylinder with left

fore-finger till a chamber comes directly opposite the

groove under shield : place cartridge in chamber, and

again turn cylinder with left fore-finger, at same time

drawing another cartridge from pouch with right hand,

and so on, till all the chambers are loaded. Shut down

shield and repass to right hand.

Ready. Place the fore-finger lightly on trigger (remaining

fingers grasping the butt firmly) and fix the eye on

the object to be fired at.

Present. Place the second joint of fore-finger well round

trigger, level the pistol at the object with arm slightly

bent {muzzle low), bring the foresight in a line with

notch of the backsight, 'and press firmly until the

pistol explodes ; the other chambers are discharged by

releasing the trigger after each shot, and again press

ing upon it.

Note.—The trigger should be pressed steadily, without jerking :

the first joint of the finger does not give sufficient power to fire with

effect, great care should therefore be taken to get the second joint

round the trigger.

In the event of a " miss-fire," continue the firing, and remove

the defective cartridge when opportunity offers.

120 INSTRUCTIONS FOR BREECH-LOADING PISTOLS.

Should great steadiness be required, the pistol may be fired by

passing to left hand between each round, and full-cocking with

right.

Unload Pass pistol to left hand, muzzle pointing to right,

Pistoh. raise shield, turn bolt, at right angles to barrel (with

right hand), and move a chamber opposite rod with

left fore-finger, seize end of ejector rod with fore

finger and thumb of right hand, and press it into

chamber (turning it slightly towards the body), and

allow cartridges to drop into left hand—lower shield,

and return pistol to holster.

Extract After firing, empty cartridge cases are removed by

Cases. the same motions as in unloading.

Lock Pass to left hand, turn bolt to right angles, slide

Cylinders ejector into chamber, until first notch just clears the

guide, and the second notch is opposite bolt, and

replace bolt.

Unlock Pass to left hand, depress bolt, withdraw ejector,

Cylinders, and replace bolt.

Dismount. In cleaning, the cylinder is dismounted thus, half-

cock, pass to left hand (muzzle pointing to right),

press bolt back as far as it will go, with right hand,

and remove cylinder rod with the thumb.

N.B.—In the foregoing exercise, the pistol need never be put

at full-cock ; when half-cocking, it is not necessary to touch the

trigger at all ; except when actually firing, the fingers should in all

cases grasp the butt outside the trigger guard.

Should the pistol be accidentally placed on full-cock, the

hammer must be eased gently down by placing the thumb of right

hand on the comb of the hammer (muzzle pointing to the ground)

and drawing back the trigger with fore-finger, until the hammer is

released, it is then eased down and brought back to half-cock.

In loading, or half-cocking, the pistol is never to be allowed to

point towards any person, the muzzle must invariably point to the

ground in the above motions.

LONDON : PRINTED BY W. CLOWES & SONS, STAMFORD STREET AND CHARING CROSS.

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