Зображення сторінки
PDF
ePub

resistance, but rather a short and sharp attack, a separate dismounted reserve may, in the generality of cases, be dispensed with. The fighting of dismounted cavalry is conducted on the same principles as that of skirmishing infantry: closed bodies are never formed; the men assemble in groups (swarms) behind their commanders. The original sub-division of the section into 3 patrols holds good, the patrols forming the fighting swarms. The commanders of patrols move forward at once to gain the points or objects which they are directed to occupy, the sections remaining together or being dispersed in swarms according to the nature of the ground. The swarms of one section must on no account be mixed up with the swarms of another. One section, dispersed in 3 swarms, must not cover a front of over 100 paces. Important points-for instance, in defence, those against which the main effort will probably be directed, in offence, those from which the objective points of the attack may be most effectually commanded-must be occupied by thick swarms; the less important must be thinly occupied. In other respects, conditions of ground, the available force, the intentions of the commander, and the conduct of the enemy must decide the correct extension and method of occupation. At all times, the section and swarm leaders go in front, and seek to reach the points, which must be selected with reference to the obtainable cover, first. Defiles, or narrow passes, which are to be defended, must be blocked up as rapidly as possible. Where no

cover is obtainable, and the conditions require it, riflepits must be dug.

DUTIES OF CAVALRY FIGHTING ON FOOT.

The individual man is called a skirmisher, as in the infantry. All signals and commands, more especially those for the 'Commence' and 'Cease firing,' must be unhesitatingly and immediately obeyed, since the strictest fighting and fire discipline is indispensable to unity of command in a body fighting in skirmishing order. Unless the Commence firing' has been given, the skirmishers must never fire excepting when necessary to give the alarm in the case of a surprise or for their own safety. The carbine must be carried in a slanting position, with the muzzle pointing upwards, ready for use; the man must not fire on the move; he must utilise all available cover, and not expose himself uselessly; he must not, however, at the same time shy the enemy's fire if it is necessary to increase the effect of his own arm. The skirmishing bodies are directed by verbal orders, pre-concerted signals, or by messages carried by orderlies, the commander retaining with him several intelligent men for this duty; trumpet calls must only be used when absolutely necessary; they not unfrequently betray your own intentions to the enemy. The most important signal is the 'Attention' (a prolonged note on the whistle), by which the commander attracts the attention of all to himself. Section and swarm leaders, with a view to preventing

any waste of ammunition, must maintain the strictest order, quiet, and attention in their subordinate commands during the course of the fighting; they must call out to their skirmishers the points to aim at and the range, and therefore post themselves where they can best watch the ground in front and the enemy's movements, and where they may easily be found. Any important occurrence discovered on the side of the enemy must be at once reported to the officer in command of the party, who is responsible for the maintenance of direct communication with the detached reserve. A fresh supply of ammunition, if required, is carried up to the front from the reserve by single men. The mounted reserve must be so placed to the flank and rear of the exposed flank, as close as possible to the firing line while obtaining cover or shelter, as to be able to join in the fight at the opportune moment, or if necessary to gallop to the front in order to cover the mounting of the skirmishers; it is responsible for the safety of the flanks, for maintaining the touch with the enemy, during the fighting, by small patrols sent out in the proper directions, and for keeping up the communication with the commander of the entire force, as well as with the parties holding the horses, by means of individual horsemen. The commander of the reserve must watch the course of the fighting from a carefully selected point, so as to be ready to act in accordance with the general situation, and, if the ground admits of the employment of a mounted body, to join in the

fight at the opportune moment-i.e. should the sudden demonstration of a mounted body appear likely to check the enemy's advance under the most effective fire of the skirmishers, and thus repel him, or, when the fighting is broken off, in order to cover the mounting of the skirmishers.

The reserve must always act so that it may not interfere with the firing of the dismounted men. Should the enemy's advance be arrested by the appearance of the cavalry, the required result is already attained, and it should disappear as promptly as it appeared; should he refuse to be arrested in his attack by the demonstration only of a mounted body, the reserve must proceed to an actual attack. If repulsed, the retreating enemy must be followed by the fire of the skirmishers only, who should not on any account leave their positions; the mounted body should only follow up in an exceptional case, e.g. if the enemy's attack were made with dismounted cavalry, and a rush on the horses might be undertaken with fair chances of success.

THE BREAKING-OFF OF THE FIGHTING.

Should it become impossible to maintain the occupied points any longer, the fight must be broken off. If the terrain admits of the employment of a mounted body, the reserve must advance and cover the mounting of the skirmishers, which may then be performed without any special difficulties; if a mounted body cannot be employed, the conditions will be less

favourable; the fight must then be broken off by the firing skirmishers in successive bodies, the men seeking to regain their horses as rapidly as possible. At the signal 'Rally,' the skirmishers must run back in all haste, assemble and reform on their leaders, and follow the instructions given by the latter.

SECTION IX.-PARADE MOVEMENTS.

RECEIVING OF THE REVIEWING OFFICER.

The Section.

The commander places himself 10 paces in front of the centre of the section, facing it; when the reviewing officer arrives at about 100 paces from the flank, swords are drawn or lances carried, and, at the order Eyes right (left),' every man turns the head accordingly.

The commander rides to meet the reviewing officer; if an officer, he salutes, and, reining in his horse 3 paces in front of him, reports the parade state. When the reviewing officer rides down the front to inspect the ranks, every man must look him in the face and follow him with the eyes as he passes by, turning the head accordingly. The commander rides on the far side, at such a distance behind as will allow him to understand any order given. After the inspection of the front rank, the commander places himself in front of the flank of the line and gives the

« НазадПродовжити »