CONTENTdm
Volunteer manual
British Columbia Historical Books Collection
Sparshott, Edward C.
viii, 103 pages : scores ; 19 cm
application/pdf
MILITARY MANUAL OF INFANTRY DRILL: INCLUDING THE MANUAL AND PLATOON EXERCISES. DESIGNED FOR THE USE OF THE OFFICERS, NON-COMMISSIONED OFFICERS, AND PRIVATES OF THE VOLUNTEER FORCES OF VANCOUVER ISLAND AND BRITISH COLUMBIA. COMPILED BY 1st Lieut. E. 0. SPARSHOTT, ROYAL MARINES, (LT. INFANTRY. PRINTED FOR THE COMPILER, 1861. I TO HIS EXCELLENCY JAMES DOUGLAS, C. B„ 60YERN0R AND COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF OF THE COLONIES OF BRITISH COLUMBIA AND VANCOUVER ISLAND, AC., AC., AND COLONEL OF THE Wnntaxtbtx |slanb ©ohmtm ^lifljc Corpg, THIS LITTLE WORK IS MOST RESPECTFULLY DEDICATED BY HIS EXCELLENCY'S OBEDIENT SERVANT, EDWARD C. SPARSHOTT, R. M. Camp, San Juan Island, August, 1861. } 1ST LIEUT. R. M. L. I. CONTENTS- PART I. SQUAD DRILL WITHOUT ARMS. SECTION PAGE 1. Position of the Volunteer 1 2. Standingat Ease 2 3. Saluting 2 4. Facings ^ 3 5. Marching 5 6. Cadence 5 7. Balance Step 5 8. Slow Step 8 9. The Halt 8 10. Stepping Out 8 11. Stepping Short 8 12. Marking Time in the Slow Cadence 9 13. Stepping Back in Slow Time 9 14. Changing Feet 9 15. The Quick Step 10 16. The Double March 11 17. The Side or Closing Step 11 18. Turning when on the March 12 MANUAL EXERCISE 14 PLATOON EXERCISE 30 VI CONTENTS. PART II OF THE COMPANY. GENERAL PRINCIPLES. PAGE 1. Sizing a Company «.... 49 2. Formation and Telling Off a Company 49 3. Supernumerary Rank 50 4. Relative Proportion of Paces to Files 50 5. General Rules 50 SECTION PAGE 1. Formation of a Company in Line 51 2. Formation of a Company in Column 53 3. Marching to the Front and Rear 53 4. Open Order on the March 54 5. A Company Wheeling, from the Halt, from Column into Line 55 6. A Company Wheeling, from the Halt, from Line into Column 56 7. AXJompany Wheeling any given Number of Paces on either Flank from the Halt i 56 8. A Company Wheeling on the Centre from the Halt 57 9. Wheeling forward by Sub-divisions or Sections from Line 58 10. Wheeling backward by Sub-divisions or Sections from Line 59 11. An open Column of Sub-divisions or Sections Wheel ing into Line 60 CONTENTS. Yll SECTION. PAGE. 12. Wheeling from Line into Column, and Column into Line 61 13. Columns changing direction 63 14. The Echellon March of Sub-divisions or Sections...... 63 15. Marching on an Alignment in Open Column of Sub-di visions 63 16. A Company in Column of Sub-divisions forming to the Reverse Flank 64 17. Forming Company to the Reverse Flank, or to the Right or Left About, from File Marching, or the Flank March in Fours 65 18. The Diagonal March 65 19. File Marching and Wheeling in File 66 20. The Formation of Fours 66 21. Company formed in Fours closing on the Flank, or on Centre, and re-forming Two Deep 68 22. The Side or Closing Step 68 23. Countermarching 68 24. A Company diminishing Front by forming Sub-divi sions from the Halt 69 25. A Company diminishing Front by forming Sub-divi sions on the March 70 26. Sub-divisions diminishing Front by forming Sections... 71 27. Sections increasing Front by forming Sub-divisions from the Halt 71 28. Sections increasing Front by forming Sub-divisions on the March 72 29. Sub-divisions increasing Front by forming Company... 73 30. Diminishing and increasing Front by breaking off Files, and bringing them again to the Front 73 31. Increasing and diminishing Front by breaking into Fours, or Files, and re-forming Sections, Sub-divisions or Company 74 32. Forming Close Column of Sections and Company Square '. 74 33. Forming Rallying Squares 75 34. Proving a Company 76 35. Dismissing a Company 77 vm CONTENTS. PART III. LIGHT INFANTRY GENERAL PRINCIPLES. SECTION. PAGE 1. Object of Light Infantry Movements 79 2. Cover 79 3. Time of Movement 80 4. Points of Direction 80 5. How arms are carried 80 6. Officers and Connecting Links 80 7. Words of Command and Bugle Sounds 80 ..... MOVEMENTS OF A COMPANY. 1. Extending 84 2. Closing 86 3. Squares 86 4. Advancing in Skirmishing Order 87 5. Retiring in Skirmishing Order 87 6. Passing Obstacles in Skirmishing Order 88 7. Inclining to a Flank 88 8. Skirmishers changing Front or Direction from the Halt 89 9. Firing in Skirmishing Order 90 PART IV . MISCELLANEOUS SUBJECTS. PAGE Review Exercise 93 Independent or File Firing 95 Exercise to Receive Cavalry .• 96 Manner of Inspecting a Company on Parade 97 Directions for Funeral Parties 99 PART I. SQUAD DRILL, Without Arms, Single Rank, at Open Order. Open order is taken by each volunteer stretching out his right arm, and keeping that distance from his right hand man. Sec L—Position of the Volunteer, The exact squareness of the shoulders and body to the front is the first and great principle of the position ■of a volunteer* 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 j the arms hanging straight down from the shoulder, the elbows turned in and close to the sides; in open files the palms of the hands are to be turned full to the front, with the thumb close to the forefinger; 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, and the eyes looking straight to the ixont. When the volunteer falls in for instruction, he will be taught to place himself in the position above described, N. B. The words in the margin, which are printed in Italics, are the words of command to be .given by the instructor. B 2 PART I S. 2.—Standing at Ease. Stand at Ease. On the words Stand at Ease, the left foot will be 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 to-' gether, and that of the right hand then1 slipped over the back 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 fafl* Attention, smartly 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 volunteer 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 soldier will resume his position as de> scribed in the Stand at Ease, and remain steady. S. 3.—Saluting. Volunteers will be practiced in saluting, first by numbers,, then judging their own time; if they are in squads, they wiU be faced to the right for the right hand salute, and to the left for the left hand salute. Right Hand Salute by Numbers. One. On the word One, raise the right hand SQUAD DRILL. 3 smartly without bending the elbow, as high as the mouth, 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 df the forefinger touch the lower edge of the cap, wriSt and fingers slightly bent, at the same time turn the head a little to the left, and glance the eyes towards the person saluted. 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. Right Hand On the word Salute, go through the two Salute, fijst motions 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 volunteers are taught the motions of saluting at the halt, it is not intended 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 attention. At all times when Volunteers are walking they will salute an oflicer when passing him, commencing their salute four paces before they come up to him, care being taken that they always salute with the hand furthest from the point saluted. !'•- S. 4.—Facings. In going through the facings the left heel must never b2 PA&T t Two. To the Left Face. Two. quit the ground; the body must rather incline forward, the knees being kept straight. To the Right On the word Face, place the hollow of Face. the right foot smartly against the left heel, keeping the shoulders square to the front. On the word Two, raise the toes and turn a quarter circle to the right on both heels, which must be pressed together. On the word Face, place the right heel against the hollow of the left foot, keeping the shoulders square to the front. On the word two, raise the toes, and turn a quarter circle to the left on both heels, which must be pressed together. Right About On the word *Face, place the ball of the Face. right toe against the left heel, keeping the shoulders square to the front. On the word Two, raise the toes, and turn to the right about on both heels. On the word Three, bring the right foot smartly back in a line with the left. On the word Face, place the right heel against the ball of the left toe, keeping the shoulders square to the front. On the word Two, raise the toes and turn to the left about on both heels. On the word Three, bring up the right foot smartly on a line with the left. Right (or Left) On the word Face, draw back (or ad- Half Face, vance) the right foot one inch. Twor On the word Two, raise the toes and turn an eighth of a circle to the right (or left) on both heels. Right (or Left) When it is necessary to perform the diag- about, three- onal march to the rear, the volunteer will re- quarters face, ceive' the words Right (or Left) about, three-quarters face, upon which he will bring the ball of the right foot (not the ball of the Two. Three. Left About Face. Two. Three. SQUAD DRILL. . 5 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 abbut. Squad Front. When it is intended to resume the original front, after any of the foregoing facings, the word of command Front may be given, on which the whole will face, as accurately as possible, to their former front. Whether the volunteer 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 vtr&a. S. 5.—Marching. 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 10 inches- N. B. When a volunteer takes a side pace to clear or cover another, as in forming four deep, which will be hereafter described, the pace will be 21 inches. In stepping back the pace is 30 inches. S. 6.—Cadence. in slow time 75 steps ( 62 yds. 18 in's) In quick time 108 steps (90 " — " ) In <Fbl q'k time 150 steps (150 " — " ) are taken in a minute. S. 7.—Balance Step. The object of the balance step is to teach the volunteer the. free movement of his legs, preserving at the same time perfect squareness of shoulders, and the ut- 6 PART I Front. most steadiness of body; and no labor must be spared to attain this first and most essential object, which forms, indeed, the very foundation of good marching. Without Gaining Ground. The Caution, balance step without gaining ground, commencing with the left foot, must first be given. In 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. 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. When steady, the words Front and Rear will be repeated several times, and the motions performed as above described. In 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. Rear. Front- Rear. Halt. Gaining Groimd, 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* SQUAD DRILL. Forward. Front. 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 volunteer is marching; that the body remains straight, but inclining forward ; the head erect, and neither turned to the right or left. On the word Front, the right foot is brought forward, and so on. Gaining Ground, Second Practice. Caution. Balance step, gaining ground by the word Front. Front. On the word Front, the volunteer 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 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 volunteer becomes steady in this practice, he will be gradually carried on to the slow march, by repeating the word Front quicker and quicker; finally, 8 PART I. Slow. giving the word Slow, on which he will move on steadily in slow time. S. 8.—Slow Step. Slow March. On the word March, the left foot will be carried 30 inches to the front, and without being drawn back it will be placed softly on the ground so as not to jerk or shake the body; the right foot will be carried forward in like manner, and so on. S. 9.— The Halt. Squad—Halt. On the word Halt, the rear foot will be brought up in line with the advanced one, so as to finish the step which was being taken when the command was given; the word should be given as one foot is coming to the ground. After the word Halt, men will stand perfectly steady, in whatever position they may be, unless ordered to Dress. S. 10.—Stepping Out. Step—Out. When marching in slow time, on the words Step—Out, the volunteer must be taught to lengthen his pace 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; at the word Slow (or Quick) the pace of 30 inches will be resumed. S. 11.—Stepping Short. Step Short. On the words Step Short, the foot ad- Sgg: =»■» SQUAD DRILL. 9 vancing wili finish its pace, and afterwards each volunteer 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. S. 12.—Marking Time in the Slow Cadence. Mark Time. On the words Mark Time, the foot then advancing 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. S. 13.—Stepping Back in Slow Time. Step Back. In stepping back, the pace will be 30 inches, and the cadences the same as in the Slow March, slow march. Volunteers must be taught to move straight to the rear, preserving their shoulders square to the front and bodies Halt. 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. S. 14.—Changing Feet. Change Feet. To change feet in marching, the advanced foot will complete its pace, and the ball of the rear foot will be brought up quickly to the heel of the advanced one, which will *b3 10 PART I. instantly make another step forwards, so that the cadence will not be lost; in fact, two successive steps will be taken with the same foot. S. 15.— The Quick Step. Quick March. On the word March, the squad will move off in quick time. The arms and hands must be kept steady by the sides, and on no account suffered to vibrate; care must be taken that the hand does not cling to the thigh, or partake in the least degree of the movement of the leg. The body must be kept erect and square to the front. The movement of the leg must spriiig from the haunch and be free and natural. Both knees must be kept perfectly straight, except while the leg is being carried from the rear to the front, when the knee must necessarily be a little bent, to enable the foot to be raised sufficiently high to clear the ground without grazing it. The head to be kept well up, and straight to the front, and the eyes neither turned to the right nor left* Each volunteer 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 150 yards; he will then observe some nearer point in the same -straight line, such as a stone, tuft of grass, or other casual object, about 70 yards dis* tant. All the alterations of step laid down for the slow march must be practiced 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 simply moved up Mark Time. Quick. SQtTAD DRILL. 11 and down without bending the knee too much. From the halt, the word of command will be, Mark Time, Quick. S* 16,— The Double March. Double March. On the word Double March, the men will step off together with the left feet, keeping the heads erect, and the shoulders square to the front, the knees a little bent; the body being more advanced than in the other marches, the arms will hang with ease down the side of the thigh. The instructor will be careful to habituate the volunteer 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 Halt. As in -Section 8. The volunteer will be taught to mark time in the double cadence in the same manner as in quiok time. S. 17.— The Side or Closing Step. Volunteers will be taught the side step first by numbers, then judging their own time. Right close by numbers. On the word One, the right foot will be carried 10 inches to the right, and the eyes and head turned slightly to that flank, the shoulders kept perfectly square, and the knees straight. On the word Two, the left foot will be brought smartly up to the right, heels touching. The word One being repeated, the right foot wiB be carried on 10 inches as before described, and so on. Caution. One. Two. One. u PART I. Squad—Halt. When the word Halt is given, the left foot will be brought to the right, as on the word Two, and the head and eyes turned to the front. Caution. Right close, judging your own time* Right Close. On the words Quick March, eyes will be Quick March, turned slightly to the right, and each man will carry his right foot 10 inches directly to his right, and instantly bring up his left foot till the heel touches his right heel, and proceed to take the next step in the same manner; shoulders kept square, knees not bent, unless on rough or broken ground. The direction must be kept in a straight line to the flank, neither inclining to the front nor rear. Closing to the left by numbers, and judging their own time, will be practiced in like manner. Volunteers must also be practiced in taking any given number of paces to either flank, and then halting without word of command; the command to be given thus— Three paces, right close, quick march. S. 18.— Turning when on the March. Squad l. Turning to the right and then to the To the Right front. On the word Turn, which should —Turn, be given as the l«ft foot is coming to the ground, each volunteer 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 Front—Turn, given as the right foot is coming to the ground, each volunteer will turn again to the front and move on without checking the pace. Squad 2. Turning to the left and then to the SQUAD DRILL. 13 To the Left— front. Volunteers will turn to the left in Turn. like manner, the word being given as the right foot is coming to the ground; after Squad which they will turn to the front, the word Front—Turn, being given as the left foot is coming to the ground. Right (or left,) 3. Turning a half turn to right and left. Half Turn. Volunteers must also be practiced in making a half turn to the right and left, and then moving on without checking the pace, in a diagonal direction, taking up fresh points, at once, to march on. Right (or left,) 4. Turning to the right and left about. About— Volunteers will also be taught to turn about Turn. 0n the march, which must be done in three short paces, without losing the cadence. Having completed the turn, the soldier will at once move off in the opposite direction to that in which he was previously marching, the fourth paee being a full pace of 30 inches. THE MANUAL E&ERClSE FOR VOLUNTEERS ARMED WITH LONG RIFLES. Percussion arms require to be carefully handled, in order to prevent the cock being loosened, by which its direct fall on the nipple would be rendered uncertain-. They are at all times, when unloaded, to be used with the cock down on the nipple, and sentries may be permitted to carry their arms, when loaded, in the same manner, in order to secure the cap in its place; but, to avoid accidents, they are to be carried, on all other oc* casions, at half-cock after being loaded- Words of Command. 1st. Two. Explanation. Seize the rifle with the right hand under the guard, turning the lock at the same time Secure Arms, to the front, but without moving the rifle from the shoulder j thumb and fingers round the stock; arm close to the body. Turn the rifle with the right hand, so as to bring the guard and sling to the front, and the cock close to the body; at the same time seize the rifle with the left hand, little finger as high as the shoulder; the left arm to be close to the rifle, which is to be per* pendicular* Bring the right hand smartly to the right side, after giving the butt a cant to the left rear with the fingers, to bring the rifle under the arm; the cock to be close up under the armpit, the barrel to be uppermost, slanting downwards and inclining to the right front, the rifle to be firmly grasped Tfrith the left hand, which is to be rather below the hip, Three, MANUAL EXERCISE. 15 2nd. Shoulder Arms. Two*. Three. the left elbow a little to the rear, the lock not to be visible. N. B.—In marching or standing at ease, the right hand is to grasp the rifle above the lower band, the sling or stock ^o rest on the left arm, and the left hand to lay hold of the right arm above the wrist* Raise the rifle to a perpendicular position with the left hand, bringing the sling and guard to the front, and seize it with the right hand under the guard, the left arm to be close to the rifle, the right arm to the body. Turn the rifle without moving it from the shoulder, with the right hand, so as to bring the lock plate full to the front, and grasp the butt with the left hand, knuckles to the front, forefinger half an inch from the heel, and the thumb upon it. Bring the right hand smartly to the right side, and turn the rifle with the left hanaso as to bring the barrel to the front, but without moving it from the shoulder. Seize the rifle with the right hand above Order Arms, the lower band, keeping the elbow as close to the body as possible. Bring the rifle down to the right side, al* lowing the little finger to slip behind on the barrel in doing so, and place the butt quietly on the ground, the toe of the butt to be in a line with the toe of right foot. Bring the thumb of the right hand on the sling, and place the muzzle in the hollow of the shoulder; the hand to be flat on the side of the stock. ±th. At the word Fix, place the thumb of the Fix Bayonets, right hand as quickly as possible behind the barrel, and grasp the rifle; at the same time seize the socket of the bayonet with the left hand, knuckles to the front, thumb to the rear, fingers pointing to the ground, keeping r\ 3d. Two. Three. 16 MANUAL EXERCISE. 6th. Shoulder Arms. Two. 6th. Present Arms. Two. the elbow close to the side. At the word Bayonets, push the muzzle of the rifle a little forward, and draw the bayonet towards it, raising the blade as soon as the point clears the scabbard, (bringing the arm close to the body in doing so,) and with th$ utmost celerity fix it, by placing the socket on the muzzle with the flat part of the blade to the front, and when it falls on the block of the foresight, turning it with the thumb (which is to be shifted to the left side of the neck or bend of bayonet) from left to right, after which turn the locking ring in the same direction under the block of the foresight with the thumb, then quit the left hand, and bring the rifle as quickly as possible to the Order, as above detailed, and stand perfectly steady. At the word Shoulder, place the thumb of the right hand behind the barrel, and seize the rifle. At the word Arms, give the rifle a smart cant with the right hand, and grasp it below the lower band, keeping the barrel close to the shoulder. Carry the rifle as quickly as possible to the left side, (quitting the right hand immediately,) and seize it with the left hand at the full extent of the arm, grasping the butt on the inner side with the two first joints of the fingers, the forefinger half an inch from the heel, the thumb upon it in front, the wrist turned out a little so as to embrace the butt. Seize the rifle with the right hand under the guard, turning the lock to the front, but without moving it from the shoulder, thumb and fingers round the stock. Raise the rifle with the right hand perpendicularly from the shoulder to the poise, bringing it in front of the centre of the body, MANUAL EXERCISE. 17 Three. 1th. Shoulder Arms. Two. 8th. Fort Arms. Too. at the same time place the left hand smartly on the sling, with the fingers pointing upwards, the thumb close to the forefinger, the point in a line with the mouth, the wrist on the trigger guard, the left elbow close to the butt, the right elbow and butt close to the body. Bring the rifle down with a quick motion as low as the right hand will admit without constraint, and grasp it with the left hand, the little finger touching the projection above' the lock plate, thumb between stock and barrel, and draw back the right foot at the same instant, so that the hollow of it may touch the left heel; the right hand lightly holding the small of the butt, fingers under the guard, rather pointing downwards. The rifle in this position (guard to the front) to be totally supported with the left hand close in front of, and opposite the centre of the body. By a turn of the right wrist, bring the rifle to the left side, meeting it with the left hand at the full extent of the arm, and grasp the butt with the fingers, as in No. 5; fingers of the right hand to be under the cock and close to the lock side of stock, thumb between stock and barrel, arm close in to the body; and bring up the right foot at the same instant to its original position. Bring the right hand smartly to the right side. Seize the small of the butt with the right hand, fingers round the stock, thumb under the guard, without moving the rifle from the shoulder; arm close in to the body. Bring the rifle to a diagonal position across the body, lock to the front, meeting it at once with the left hand immediately below the lower band, thumb and fingers round 18 MANUAL EXERCISE. mt 10&. Shoulder Arms. j if the piece; the left wrist to be opposite the left breast, both elbows close in to the body, the muzzle slanting upwards, so that the barrel may cross opposite the point of the left shoulder. 9*A. Make a right half face by raising the toes Charge and turning upon the heels, the right toes to Bayonets, point to the right, the left full to the front, and bring down the rifle to nearly a horizontal position at the right side, with the muzzle inclining a little upward; the right wrist to rest against the hollow of the thigh below the hip, the right hand to grasp the small of the butt, and the thumb of left hand to point to the muzzle. Bring the rifle up to the left side, and seize it with the left hand at the full extent of the arm, fingers grasping the butt, as in No. 5, and face to the front; the fingers of the right hand to be under the cock and close to the lock side of stock, thumb between stock and barrel, elbow close in to the body. Bring the right hand smartly to the right side. " Seize the rifle with the right hand under the guard, turning the lock to the front, but without moving it from the shoulder, thumb and fingers round the stock. Two. Brine: the rifle to the right side with the right hand, and hold it with the forefinger round the guard, (remaining fingers under the cock,) at the full extent of the arm without constraint, seizing it at the same time with the left hand in line with the elbow to steady it in the shoulder, arm close to the body. Three. Bring the left hand smartly to the left side. Two. nth. Advance Arms. ttrih MANUAL EXERCISE. 19 12th. Order Arms. Two. Three. 13th. Advance Arms. Two. Uth. Shoulder Arms. Twp. Seize the rifle with the left hand, little finger in line with the point of the right shoulder, arm close to the body, barrel of rifle close to the shoulder. Bring the rifle down in the left hand as low as the left arm will admit, (keeping the arm close to the body,) letting it slip through the fingers of the right hand until it touches the ground. Bring the left hand smartly to the left side. At the word Advance, place the thumb of the right hand as quickly as possible behind the barrel and seize the rifle. At the word Arms, raise the rifle by a smart cant of the right hand, and seize it with the forefinger and thumb round the trigger guard at the full extent of the arm without constraint, remaining fingers under the cock, at the same time bring the left hand smartly across the body and seize the rifle also in line with the elbow to steady it in the shoulder, arm close to the body. Bring the left hand smartly to the left side. Seize the rifle with the left hand, little finger in line with the right elbow, and raise it about one inch, without moving the barrel from the shoulder, at the same time slip the thumb of the right hand under the cock, bringing the fingers under the guard to the front, and slanting downwards, left arm close to the body. By a turn of the right wrist, throw the rifle up to the left side, seizing it with the left hand, at the full extent of the arm, and grasp the butt with the fingers, thumb on the heel of it in front; the fingers of the right hand to be under the cock and close to the lock side of stock, thumb between stock and barrel, arm close in to the body. J 20 MANUAL EXERCISE. Three. \Uh. Support Arms. Two. Three. 16th. Stand at Ease, 11th* Attention. 18th. Carry Arms, Two. Three. 19th. Slope Arms. Bring the right hand smartly to the right side. Seize the small of the butt with the right hand, finger and thumb round the stock, arm close in to the body, and raise the rifle about one inch. Bring the left arm under the cock, fingers extended with the thumb close to the forefinger ; the cock to rest on the arm midway between the wrist and elbow, which is to be kept close to the body. Bring the right hand smartly to the right side. Seize the small of the butt with the right hand, fingers and thumb round the stock, arm close in to the body, fingers of the left hand between the body and right elbow; at the same time move the left foot six inches to the front, with the toes pointing to the left front (feet separated,) the left knee to be slightly bent, the greater part of the weight of the body to be brought on the right leg, the butt to be thrown a little forward. Bring the right hand smartly to the right side, and the left foot back in line with the right. Seize the small of the butt as in the first motion of the " support." Drop the left hand smartly and grasp the butt with the fingers on the inside, thumb on the heel in front. Bring the right hand smartly to the right side, allowing the left arm to sink to the full extent at the same time. Raise the rifle until the guard is pressed gently against the hollow of the shoulder, without moving the upper part of the arm, bringing the left hand in a line with the elbow, and the toe of the butt opposite the centre of the left thigh. -OH* rtBfa : MANUAL fiXfiRCISfi. Si ZQth. Stand at Ease. 21 st. Attention. 22nd. Carry Arms. Two. 23rd. Order Arms 2Uh. tfnfix— Bayonets* Bring the right hand smartly across the body and place it on the left hand, thumbs of both hands to be on the heel of the butt, that of the left nearest to the lock, at the same time move the left foot six inches to the front, etc., as detailed at No. 16. Bring the right hand smartly to the right side, and the left foot back in line with the right* Drop the left arm to the full extent, and bring the right hand at the same time across the body (elbow close,) placing the fingers under the cock and close to the lock side of stock, thumb between stock and barrel, to steady the rifle to the shoulder* Bring the right hand smartly to the right side. l As detailed in No. 3. At the word Unfix, place the thumb of the right hand as quickly as possible behind the barrel, and grasp the rifle. At the word Bayonet, push the muzzle a little forward* and seize the rifle with the left hand immediately above the top band, thumb and fin* gers round the stock and barrel, arm close to the body, as also the socket of the bayonet between the forefinger and thumb of the right hand, fingers closed in the hand, knuckles to the front, arm close to the body; then with the second joint of the forefinger turn the locking ring to the left, after which extend the fingers under the "bend" to raise the bayonet, and again turn it to the left, then remove it from the muzzle, and drop the point towards the scabbard, inclining the palm of the hand to the front in doing so, and place the little finger on the top of the socket; at the same time force the muzzle 22 25th. Stand at Ease. MANUAL EXERCISE. of the rifle back to its proper position with the left hand, which is to he immediately removed, and placed on the top of the scabbard to guide the bayonet into it, the elbow to the rear and as close to the body as possible ; this being done, come smartly to the position of Ordered Arms. As detailed in Part 1, Sec. 2. »-»■ THE MANtJAL EXERCISE FOR VOLUNTEERS ARMED WITH THE SHORT RIFLE. The rifle at " Shoulder Arms " to be carried in the right hand at the full extent of the arm, close in to the side; guard to the front, with the forefinger and thumb round it, the remaining fingers under the cock; the upper part of the barrel close in to the hollow of the shoulder. Seize the rifle with the left hand at the lower band, raising it a few inches by slightly bending the right arm, but without moving the barrel from the shoulder, and slip the thumb of the right hand under the cock, bringing the fingers under the guard to the front and slanting downwards, both arms close to the body; left hand square with the left elbow. Pass the rifle smartly to the left side, and cant the butt to the left rear with the right hand, to bring the rifle under the arm, quifc 1st. Secure Arms. Two. MANUAL EXfiRCISfi. 23 Arms. ting the right hand immediately to the right side; the cock to be close up under the armpit, the barrel to be uppermost, Slanting downwards and inclining to the right front; the rifle to be firmly grasped With the left hand, which is to be rather below the hip, the left elbow a little to the rear, the lock not to be visible. N. B.—In marching or standing at ease the right hand is to grasp the rifle above the lower band, the sling or stock to rest on the left arm, and the left hand to lay hold of the right arm above the wrist. 2nd. Carry the rifle to the right side with the Shoulder left hand, and seize it with the forefinger and thumb of the right hand, round the guard (remaining fingers under the cock,) at the full extent of the arm without constraint, the left hand to steady it in the shoulder, arm close to the body. Bring the left hancf smartly to the left side. Seize the rifle with the left hand, thumb and fingers round the piece, the little finger in line with the point of the right shoulder, but without moving the barrel therefrom, arm close in to the body. Bring the rifle down in the left hand as low as the left arm will admit, keeping the arm and rifle close to the body, and with the right hand, which is to seize the rifle between the bands, place the butt quietly on the ground even with the toe of right foot, bringing the left hand at the same instant smartly to the left side; the right arm to be slightly bent, the thumb pressed against the thigh, fingers slanting towards the ground. Place the rifle with the right hand smartly between the knees, guard to the front, and immediately seize the handle o~f the sword 3rd. Order Arms. Fix Swords. §4 MANUAL EXERCISE. &ih. Shoulder Arms. Two. with the right hand, (the left hand holding the scabbard,) and draw it towards the muzzle, raising the point upwards when clear of the scabbard, and seize the rifle with the left hand at the " nose cap," then place the back part of the handle against the lock side of the barrel, knuckles to the right, aim close to the body, and slide the spring on to the catch, and the ring on to the muzzle; when this is done, seize the rifle with the right hand between the bands, bring the left hand smartly to the left side, and come to the position of " Order Arms." Raise the rifle with a smart cant of the right hand, and seize the trigger guard between the forefinger and thumb at the full extent of the arm, the remaining fingers under the cock, at the same time seize the rifle also with the left hand in line with the elbow, to steady it in the shoulder, arm close to the body. Bring the left hand smartly to the left side. 6th. Seize the rifle With the left hand, as in Present Arms, the first motion of Secure Arms. Two. Raise the rifle with the right hand per* pendicularly from the shoulder to the poise, bringing it in front of the centre of the body, lock to the front, at the same time place the left hand smartly on the stock, with the fingers pointing upwards, the thumb close to the forefinger, the point in line with the mouth, the wrist on the trigger guard, the left elbow close to the butt, the right elbow and butt close to the body. Bring the rifle down with a quick motion as low as the right hand will admit without constraint, guard to the front, and grasp it with the left hand, the little finger touching the projec- • — «■ MANUAL EXERCISE. £5 7th. Shoulder Arms. Two. &th. Port Arms. Two. 9th. Charge 8words. tion above the lock-plate, thumb between stock and barrel; at the same time draw back the right foot so that the hollow of it may touch the left heel; lightly holding the small of the butt with the right hand, fingers pointing rather downwards; the rifle in this position to be totally supported with the left hand, close in front of and opposite the centre of the body. Bring the rifle to the right side, and seize it with the right hand, the thumb and forefinger round the guard at the full extent of the arm, remaining fingers under the cock, bringing the left hand square with the left elbow, and the right foot to its original posi- sition, both arms close to the body. Bring the left hand smartly to the left side. W Seize the rifle with the left hand, as in the first motion of Secure Arms. Bring the rifle in the left hand to a diagonal position across the body, lock to the front, and seize the small of the butt at once with the right hand, thumb and fingers round the stock, the left wrist to be opposite the left breast, both elbows close to the body, the muzzle slanting upwards, so that the barrel may cross opposite the point of the left shoulder. Make a right half face by raising the toes and turning upon the heels, the right toes to point to the right, the left full to the front, and bring down the rifle to nearly a horizontal position at the right side, with the muzzle inclining a little upwards, the right wrist to rest against the hollow of the thigh below the hip, the thumb of right hand pointing to the muzzle* c 26 MANUAL EXERCISE. ft 10th. Raise the rifle to a perpendicular position Shoulder at the right side, and seize it with the right Arms, hand, the thumb and forefinger round the guard at the full extent of the arm, the remaining fingers under the cock, the left hand holding the piece above the lower band square with the left elbow, both arms close in to the body. Two. Bring the left hand smartly to the left side. llth. Seize the rifle with the left hand as in the Slope Arms, first motion of " Secure Arms." Bring the rifle to the left side, and seize it Two. at once with the left hand, the two first joints of the fingers grasping the butt, the thumb alone to be on the heel of it, the muzzle to slant to the rear, and the guard pressed gently against the hollow of the shoulder; the upper part of the left arm to be close in to the side, the hand in a line with the elbow, the toe of the butt opposite the centre of the left thigh; the right hand holding the small, thumb and fingers round the stock, arm close in to the body. Three. Bring the right hand smartly to the right side. 12th. Bring the right hand smartly across the Stand at Ease, body and place it on the left hand, thumbs of both hands to be on the heel of the butt, that of the left nearest to the lock; at the same time move the left foot six inehes to the front, with the toes pointing to the left front, (feet separated,) the left knee to be slightly bent, the greater part of the weight of the body to be brought on the right leg; no constraint. 13th. Bring the left foot back in line with the Attention, right, and the right hand smartly to the right side. MANUAL EXERCISE. 27 \£th. Seize the small of the butt with the right ifarry Arms, hand, fingers and thumb round the stock, arm close in to the body. Two, Bring the rifle to the right side, and seize it with the forefinger and thumb round the guard, the remaining fingers under the cock, at the full extent of the right arm; the left hand to be brought across the body with the fingers extended on the rifle in line with the elbow to steady it to the shoulder; thumb close to the forefinger. Three. Bring the left hand smartly to the left side* i As detailed in No. &. 15^. ' "Order Arms 16th. Place the rifle with the right hand smartly Vnfix Swords, between the knees, guard to the front, and seize it with the left hand at the " nose cap," as also the handle of the sword with the right hand, knuckles to the front, fingers pointing downwards; then with the forefinger press the spring inwards, raise the sword upwards, and drop the point, with the edge to the front, towards the scabbard, raising the right elbow in doing so, at the same time move the left hand smartly, and seize the scabbard to guide the sword into it; this being done, seize the rifle with the right hand, and come to the position of " Order Arms." 17^. Push the muzzle of the rifle to the front Stand at Ease, with the right hand, arm close to the side ; at the same time move the left foot six inches to the front, &c., as detailed at No. 12. * j Time. The motions in the manual exercise are to be performed having one pause of the slow time of march be* c2 28 MANUAL EXERCISE". tween each, except that of "fixing bayonets or swords,'9 in which a longer time must be given; one pause should also be made between the first and last parts of the words of command. The manual is not to be executed by one word or signal, but each separate word of command is to be given by the officer who commands the body performing it^ Trailing Arms. From the order with long and short rifle. Trail Bring the rifle to a horizontal position af Amu. the right side, holding it with the right hand below the lower band (thumb and fingers round the piece,) at the full extent of the arm; the muzzle of the rear rank man's rifle to be just in front and clear of the wrist of his front rank man. From the shoulder with long rifle. Trail Seize the rifle with the right hand under Arms. the lower band, arm elose in to the body, thumb and fingers round the piece. Two. Bring the rifle in the right hand to a hor izontal position at the right side, and hold it at the full extent of the arm; the muzzle of the rear rank man's rifle to be just in front and clear of the wrist of his front rank man. "JFVotw the advance or shoulder with the short rifle. Trail Seize the rifle with the left hand, little Arms. finger in line with the elbow, arm close in to the body. Ttoo, Bring the rifle to a horizontal position at the right side, seizing it at once with the right hand behind the lower band (thumb and fingers round the piece,) at the full extent of the arm, bringing the left hand smartly to the left side. Change Arms. Bring the rifle to a perpendicular position at the right side, and seize it with the left MANUAL EXERCISE. 29 hand close above the sight, and'carry it round to the left side, bringing it to a horizontal position at the full extent of the arm. When moving with trailed arms, at the word Halt, arms are to be ordered, l In rifle corps, at the word March, arms are to be trailed without any command to that effect. Order Arms, Bring the rifle at once to a perpendicular (from the position at the right side, and place the trail.) butt quietly on the ground, and come to&he position of " Order Arms." Method of Piling Arms. The company to stand in close order with ordered arms, and to be numbered from right to left. Pile— At the word Pile, the rear rank will take Arms. a pace of 10 inches "to the rear, and the front rank draw back their right feet in order to face to the right about; at the word Arms, the front rank will face about bringing their rifles with them to ordered arms; the front and rear rank men will then place the butts, locks inwards, against the inside of their outer feet as close to the heel as possible, after which the right file rear rank and the left file front rank will incline their rifles towards each other, and cross ramrods; the right file front rank will at once place his left hand round the muzzle of his left file, bearing it from him, and with his right hand lock ramrods by passing his by the left of the ramrods and to the right of the muzzles=of the other rifles, the left file rear rank will .then lodge his rifle between the muzzles of the rifles of the front rank, sling uppermost. When there is an odd file, the front and rear rank man will lodge his rifle against the pile nearest his right hand. 30 PLATOON EXERCISE. Stand to. UnpUe*— Arms. Stand Clear* Ranks take a pace of ten inches backwards and face towards the pivot flank. Ranks faeing towards the pivot flank will face inwards and close on their arms by taking a pace of 10 inches forward. At the word Unpile, seize the rifle with the right hand under the top band, front rank at the same time drawing back their right feet in order to face to the right about; at the word Arms, unlock the ramrods without hurry, by inclining the butts inwards, and come to ordered arms; the front rank will then " Front," and the rear rank close on it hy taking a pace of ten inches forward. PLATOON EXERCISE. THE PLATOON EXERCISE AND DIFFERENT FIRINGS FOR THE LONG AND SHORT RIFLE. The volunteer having a thorough knowledge of the several motions of the firelock, as detailed in the Manual Exercise, will now be taught the Platoon Exercise as follows: For this purpose a squad of eight or ten men will be formed in a single rank at close files. 1st. To load and fire standing. 2d. To load and fire as a front rank kneeling. 3d. To load and fire as a rear rank kneeling. PLATOON EXERCISE. 31 Words of Command. Platoon Exercise by motions, standing. Explanations. To serve as a caution. Prepare to Load. Two. From Shouldered Arms. Seize the rifle above the lower band with the right hand as in the first motion of " Order Arms," at the same time make a right half face by raising the toes and turning upon the heels, left toes to point to the front, right toes to the right, eyes to the front. As a Front Rank, carry the left foot 10 inches to the left front, (viz., 6 to the front and 8 to the left,) moving the body with it; as a Rear Rank, carry the left foot 6 inches to the front, moving the body with it also, toes in both cases to point direct to the front; at the same time square the shoulders to the front from the hip, and bring the rifle down perpendicularly in the right hand opposite the left breast, to the full extent of the arm, and seize it with the left hand at the " nose cap," thumb and fingers round the stock and barrel, and place the butt without noise on the ground, close against the inside of the left foot, the heel of it to be in a line with the ball of the big toe, barrel to the front and perpendicular, left arm close to the side; carrying the right hand at once to the pouch, (elbow to the rear,) and take up a cartridge, holding it with the forefinger and thumb close to the top, with the bullet in the palm of the hand. From Advanced Arms or Shouldered Arms, with Short Rifles. Seize the rifle with the left hand, the little finger in line with the right shoulder, left arm close in to the body, at the same time Prepare to Load, 32 PLATOON EXERCISE. Two. Prepare to Load. Two. make a right half face by raising the toes and turning upon the heels, the left toes to point to the front, the right toes to the right, eyes to the front. As a Front Rank, carry the left foot 10 inches to the left front, (viz., 6 to the front and 8 to the left) moving the body with it; as a Rear Rank, carry the left foot 6 inches to the front, moving the body with it also; at the same time square the shoulders to the front from the hip, and bring the rifle down in the left hand and place the butt without noise on the ground close against the inside of the left foot, the heel of it to be in a line with the ball of the big toe, barrel to the front and perpendicular, and slip the left hand smartly to the I nose cap," thumb and fingers round the stock and barrel, left arm close to the side carrying the right hand at once to the pouch, (elbow to the rear,) and take up a cartridge, holding it with the forefinger and thumb close to the top, with the bullet in the palm of the hand. From Ordered Arms. Make a right half face by raising the toes and turning upon the heels, the left toes to point to the front, the right to the right, carrying the rifle round with the body, eyes to the front. As a Front Rank, carry the left foot 10 inches to the left front, (viz., 6 to the front and 8 to the left,) moving the body with it; as a Rear Rank, carry the left foot 6 inches to the front, moving the body with it also; and at the same time square the shoulders to the front from the hip, and pass the rifle smartly to the left hand, which will seize it at the "nose cap," thumb and finger round the stock, and place the butt without noise on the ground, close against the inside of the -s- I PLATOON EXERCISE. 33 left foot, the heel of it to be in a line with the ball of the big toe, barrel to the front and perpendicular, left arm close to the side, carrying the right hand at once to the pouch (elbow to the rear,) and take up a cartridge, holding it with the forefinger and thumb close to the top, with the bullet in the palm of the hand. Load. Bring the cartridge to the forefinger and thumb of left hand, and, with the arm close in to the body, tear off the end of it with care, so as not to lose any of the powder; any motion which may be necessary to be from the wrist only. Two. Bring the cartridge to the muzzle of the rifle, and pour the powder into the barrel, inclining the palm of the hand to the front, and bringing the right elbow square with the wrist in doing so. Three. Reverse the cartridge by dropping the hand over the muzzle, bringing the fingers round the barrel, and the knuckles to the front, and put the bullet into the barrel nearly as far as the top, holding the paper above the point of the bullet between the forefinger and thumb, still keeping the right elbow square with the wrist. Four. By a turn of the wrist from left to right, pressing the little finger against the barrel, and dropping the right elbow into the side, tear off the paper which is held between the forefinger and thumb ; when this motion is completed, the little finger to rest against the side of the barrel, the knuckles inclined towards the ground. live. Seize the head of the ramrod between the second joint of the forefinger and thumb, knuckles towards the body. Rod. Force the ramrod smartly out of the stock, so as to seize it exactly in the middle be- *c3 34 PLATOON EXERCISE. tween the first two fingers and thumb of the right hand, the forefinger to be in aline with the muzzle of the rifle, the knuckles towards the body, the remaining fingers closed in the hand, the elbow square with the wrist, the thumb of left hand to point to the muzzle. Two. Draw the ramrod entirely out with a straight arm, turn it, (dropping the head to the front, the point to pass close by the aide of the left ear,)- and place it on the top of the bullet; the ramrod to be perpendicular, and held in the middle between the first two fingers and thumb of the right hand, the remaining fingers closed in the palm of it, the knuckles full to the front, the arm to be kept as close to the ramrod as possible without constraint, and without altering the squareness of the shoulders. Home. Force the bullet straight down the barrel until the second finger touches the muzzle of the rifle, bringing the elbow down close in to the body at the same time, and inclining the knuckles to the right. Two. Move the right hand smartly to the point of the ramrod, and seize it between the first two fingers and thumb, the remaining fingers to be closed in the hand, the knuckles full to the front, the arm to be kept as close to the ramrod as possible without constraint, and without altering the squareness of the shoulders. Three. Force the bullet steadily straight down to the bottom, bringing the elbow down close in to the body at the same time, and inclining the knuckles to the right. Four. By two steady and firm pressures (raising the ramrod about one inch on each occasion) ascertain that the bullet is resting on the PLATOON EXERCIS& af powder; all strokes which maj^indent the point of the bullet to be avoided. Return. Draw the ramrod smartly out of the barrel, so as to seize it in the middle between the first two fingers and thumb of the right hand, the forefinger to be in a line with the muzzle of the rifle, the knuckles towards the body, the remaining fingers closed in the hand, the elbow square with the wrist. Two. Draw the ramrod entirely out with a straight arm, turn it, (dropping the point to the front, the head to pass close hy the side of the left ear,) and put it into its place at once, pressing the ramrod towards the body in doing so, to prevent the point catching the band or otherwise doing injury to the stock; move the right hand smartly at the same time, and place the second joint of the forefinger (the remaining fingers to be closed in the hand) on the head of the ramrod and force it home, then seize it between the second joint of forefinger and thumb, and drop the left hand smartly at the same instant to its full extent and seize the rifle; the arm to be close in to the body. Oap. Let the shoulders resume the half face, and bring the rifle to a horizontal position at the right side with the left hand, which is to grasp it firmly behind the lower band, but not nearer to the nipple than the projection in front of the lock-plate, against which the little finger may rest, the thumb between stock and barrel, the left arm to be close in to the body as a support, at the same time meet the " small of the butt" with the right hand, elbow to the rear, and hold it lightly with the fingers behind the trigger guard and half cock the rifle, the thumb to remain on the cock ; as a front rartk the " small of 36 PLATOON EXERCISE. Two., Three. Four. Five'. Six. As a Front (or the butt" to be pressed against the hip * a# a rear rank, four inches above it* Advance the fingers to the nipple, and with the forefinger throw off the old cap. Carry the hand to the cap pocket, and take up a cap between the forefinger and thumb, the remaining fingers to be closed in the hand, elbow to the rear, Pat the cap straight upon the nipple, look" ing to the front after doing so. Press the cap home with the flat part of the thumb, with the fingers closed in the hand and against the lock-plate. Bring the hand to the "small of the butt," and hold it lightly, with the fingers behind the trigger guard, thumb pointing to the muzzle* Carry the right hand to the sight, and with the forefinger and thumb adjust the Rear) Rank, sliding bar, placing the top even with the at line, or to the place that indicates the eleva- —yds. ready, tion necessary for the distance named, then raise the flap without a jerk from the top if required, after which bring the hand back to the small of the butt, and full cock the rifle, and hold it lightly with the fingers be- • hind the trigger guard, thumb pointing to the muzzle, and fix the eye steadfastly on some object in front. From Shouldered Arms. As a Front Make a right half face by raising the toes (or and turning upon the heels; the left foot to Rear) Rank, point direet to the front, the right foot to the at right, at the same time seize the rifle with —yds, Ready, the right hand at the small of the butt/ thumb pointing to the muzzle.- Bring the rifle to a horizontal position at the right side, meeting it with the left hand, which is to grasp the stock firmly behind PLATOON EXERCISE. 37 the lower band, but not nearer to the nipple than the projection in front of the lock-plate, against which the little finger may rest, the thumb between stock and barrel, the left arm to be close in to the body as a support; the small of the butt, as a front rank, pressed against the hip; as a rear rank, 4 inches above it; then, as a front rank, carry the left foot 10 inches to the left front, (viz., 6 inches to the front and eight to the left,) moving the body with it; as a rear rank, carry the left foot 6 inches to the front, moving the body with it also; toes in both cases to point direct to the front, and proceed as before detailed. From Advanced Arms or Shouldered Arms, with Short Rifles. As a Front Make a right half face by raising the toes (or and turning upon the heels, the left foot to Rear) Rank, point to the front, the right foot to the right, at at the same time seize the rifle with the left -^ydsj Ready, hand, the little finger in line with the right elbow. Two. Bring the rifle to a horizontal position at the right side, grasping it with the left hand firmly behind the lower band, but not nearer to the nipple than the projection in front of the lock-plate, against which the little finger may rest, the thumb between stock and barrel, the left arm close in to the body as a support; the small of the butt as a front rank, pressed against the hip; as a rear rank, four inches above it; then carry the left foot, as a front rank, 10 inches to the left front, (viz., 6 to the front and 8 to the left,) moving the body with it also ; toes in both cases to point direct to the front, and proceed as before detailed. 38 PLATOON EXERCISE. From Ordered Arms* As a Front Make the right half face by raising the (or toes, etc., as before directed, carrying the Rear) Rank, rifle round with the body, and place the at thumb of the right hand smartly behind the —yds, Ready, barrel and seize the rifle. Two. Present. Two. Three. Bring the rifle to a horizontal position at the right side, grasping it with the left hand, as before detailed, etc. Bring the rifle to the shoulder at once, carrying it to the front so as to clear the body in doing so, but without moving the left hand from the place at whieh it grasps the stock at the capping position, or stooping the body, or raising the heels off the ground, (the rifle to rest solidly in the palm of the left hand,) at the same time raise the right elbow nearly square with and bring it well to the front of the right shoulder, so as to form a bed for tbe butt, the centre of which press firmly to the shoulder with the left hand, and bring the left elbow well under the rifle to form a support; the right hand to lightly hold the small of the butt, with the thumb pointing to the muzzle, which is to be a few inches below the object the right eye is fixed upon, the forefinger to be along the outside of the trigger guard, and the left eye closed; the arm of the front rank man is not to be raised too high, as he will thereby prevent his rear rank man taking aim. Place the forefinger round the trigger like a hook, that part of it between the first and second joint to rest flat on the trigger, and restrain the breathing. Raise the muzzle steadily until the top of the foresight is brought in a line with the object through the bottom of the notch of the back sight. PLATOON EXERCISE. 39 Four. Press the trigger without the least jerk or motion of the hand, eye or arm, until the cock falls upon the nipple, keeping the eye still firmly fixed upon the object. Five. Bring the rifle to the capping position, and shut down the flap, but without moving the sliding bar, and immediately seize the rifle with the right hand close in front of the left, fore arm close to the barrel; and after a pause of the slow time, taking the time from the right, turn the barrel at once downwards, and bring the rifle to a perpendicular position opposite the right breast in the right hand, then seize it with the left hand at the "nose cap," and come to the position of " Prepare to Load," second motion. Note.—Particular attention is to be given to the following points in the "Present." The body is to be firm and upright, the butt to be pressed firmly into the hollow of the shoulder, so as to avoid the kick which will otherwise take place from the recoil on the explosion of the powder; the rifle to rest solidly in the palm of the left hand, and to be firmly grasped, but without rigidity of muscle, the sight to be upraised, and in aiming, the muzzle to be steadily raised until the top of the fore-sight is aligned upon the object on which the right eye is fixed, through the bottom of the notch of the backsight, the left eye being closed and the breathing restrained. In delivering the fire, the trigger is to be moved by pressure alone, without any motion of the hand, eye or elbow; the right eye to continue fixed on the object after firing, to ascertain if the aim has been deranged by the movement of trigger or body. Load. As before detailed, by motions, and so continue exercising until the volunteer has attained such a knowledge of the various motions as to be capable of combining them in regular order. 40 PLATOON EXERCISE. From the Capping Position. Shoulder— At the word Shoulder, bring the left foot Arms. back to the right, (placing the heel behind that of the right foot,) and at the Word Arms, face to the front by raising the toes and turning upon the heels; at the same time throw the rifle with the right hand on to the left shoulder, and grasp the butt with the left hand at the full extent of the arm, the fingers of the right hand to be under the cock, and close to the lock side of stock, thumb pointing to the muzzle. Bring the right hand smartly to the right side. From the Capping Position. Advance— At the word Advance or Shoulder, bring Arms, the left foot back to the right, (placing the or heel behind that of the right foot;) and at Shoulder-*- the Word Arms, face to the front by raising Arms, the toes and turning upon the heels; at the with same time bring the rifle to a perpendicular Short Rifle, position at the right side with the left hand, and seize it with the forefinger and thumb round the trigger guard, the remaining fingers under the cock. Two. Bring the left hand smartly to the left side. From the Capping Position. Order Arms* At the word Order, bring the left foot back to the right, (placing the heel behind that of the right foot,) and seize the rifle with the right hand close in front of the left fore arm close to the barrel; at the word Arms, face to the front by raising the toes and turning upon the heels, and with the right hand place the butt quietly on the ground at the right side, even with the toe of the right foot, &c, as detailed in the manual exercise. PLATOON EXERCISE. 41 To "Order Arms" from the Position of "Prepare to Load." Order Arms. At the word Order, bring the left foot back to the right, and the shoulders to the half face; and at the word Arms, face to the front by turning on both heels, and pass the rifle smartly to the right side with the left hand, and drop the right arm to its proper extent, quitting the left hand immediately. To Load and Fire Kneeling. Platooon Exercise by Motions as a front (or rear) rank kneeling. To serve as a caution. Prepare to Load. Two. Three. From Shouldered Arms. Seize the small of the butt with the right hand, and at the same time make a right half face by raising the toes and turning upon the heels, the left toes to point to the front, right toes to the right. Grasp the rifle with the left hand, the little finger as high as the shoulder, the elbow close in to the lock plate ; at the same time carry the right foot twelve inches to the rear, and place the toe of the boot on the ground as much to the left of the left heel as will bring the right knee of the front rank six inches to the right when on the ground, and that of the rear rank twelve inches to the right; the foot to be nearly perpendicular, the left leg straight. As a Front Rank. Sink down at once on the right knee, six inches to the right and twelve inches to the rear of the left heel, and square with the 42 PLATOON EXERCISE. right foot, which is to be under the body and upright; the left leg to be as perpendicular as possible; at the same time bring the rifle down in the left hand, close in to the body, and pass the butt to the left rear over the right heel to the extent of the left arm, sling upwards, meeting the barrel with the right hand, the thumb in a line with the muzzle, the right arm to be close in to the body, the hand in front of the left breast, the shoulders to be brought nearly square to the front. Four. Seize the rifle with the left hand at the " nose cap," the elbow to be close in to the left side, hand in front of the left breast, the rifle to be close in to the hollow of the left side and as upright as possible; at the same time carry the hand to the pouch and take up a cartridge, holding it between the forefinger and thumb close to the top, with the bullet in the palm of the hand. As a Rear Rank. Three. "Sink down at once on the right knee, twelve inches to the right, and twelve inches to the rear of the left heel, and square with the right foot, which is to be under the body and upright, bringing the body nearly to the right about three quarters face in doing so; (the left leg inclining to the right,) and at the same time carry the rifle in the left hand and place the butt on the ground (lock uppermost) under the shin of the right leg of the front rank man of the file on the right, meeting the barrel with the right hand, the thumb in a line with the muzzle, the right arm close in to the side, the muzzle of the rifle as high, and in a line with the right shoulder, eyes to the right rear. PLATOON EXERCISE. 43 Four. Seize the rifle with the left hand at the "nose cap," the elbow to be close in to the body, hand in front of the right breast; at the same time carry the right hand to the pouch and take up a cartridge, holding it between the forefinger and thumb, close to the top, with the bullet in the palm of the hand. Load. In five motions, as detailed when loading standing; in seizing the head of the ramrod in the fifth motion, the front rank to incline the ramrod to the right, to facilitate the drawing of it. Rod. In two motions, as detailed when loading standing. Home. In four motions, as detailed when load ing standing. Return. Draw the ramrod smartly out of the barrel, so as to seize it in the middle, between the first two fingers and thumb of the right hand, the forefinger to be in a line with the muzzle, the knuckles towards the body, the remaining fingers closed in the hand, the elbow square with the wrist. Two. Draw the ramrod entirely out with a straight arm, turn it, (dropping the point towards the ground,) put it into its place at once, pressing the ramrod towards the body in doing so, to prevent the point catching the band or otherwise doing injury to the stock; move the right hand smartly at the same time, and place the second joint of the forefinger (the remaining fingers to be closed in the hand) on the head of the ramrod and force it home, then seize it between the second joint of the forefinger and thumb, arm to be close in to the body, and slip the left hand to the fall extent, and seize the rifle immediately below the lower band. 44 PLATOON EXERCISE. Cap. Cap. Two, Three, Four, Five, Six. As a Front Front Rank. Willi the left hand raise the butt over the right heel, close by the body, in a slanting direction, until the left elbow is brought in front of the hip, at the same time quitting the right hand to the right side; then bring the rifle round in front of the left leg to a horizontal position at the right side, and the shoulders to the right half face, placing the left fore arm at once square on the thigh, six inches behind the knee, and meeting the small of the butt with the right hand, which is to hold it lightly, with the fingers behind the trigger guard, and half cock the rifle, the thumb to remain on the cock; the rifle to be grasped with the left hand as detailed when capping standing; the butt to be pressed against the side. Rear Rank. With the left hand bring the rifle to a horizontal position at the right side, muzzle to the front, and let the body resume the right half face, place the left arm at once square on the left knee, at the same time meet the small of the butt with the right hand, and hold it lightly with the fingers behind the trigger guard, and half cock the rifle, the thumb to remain on the cock; the rifle to be grasped with the left hand, as detailed when capping standing, the butt to be pressed against the side. As detailed when capping standing. Bring the weight of the body on to the (or Rear) right heel, then adjust the sight as before Rank, explained, after which bring the hand back PLATOON EXERCISE. 45 at —yds, to the small of the butt and full cock the Ready. rifle, and hold it lightly, with the fingers behind the guard, thumb pointing to the muzzle, and G.x the eye steadfastly on an object in front. From Shouldered Arms. As detailed in the first motion of Ready from the shoulder standing. Two. Bring the rifle to a horizontal position at the right side, as explained in the second motion of Ready from the shoulder standing ; at the same time carry the right foot 12 inches to the rear, and place the toe of the boot as much to the left of the left heel as will bring the knee of the front rank 6 Inches to the right when on the ground, and that of the rear rank 12 inches to the right; the foot to be nearly perpendicular, the left leg straight. From Advanced Arms or Shouldered Arms, with Short Rifles. As detailed in the first motion of Ready from advanced arms standing. Two. Drop the rifle to a horizontal position at the right side, as explained in the second motion of Ready from advanced arms standing ; at the same time carry the right foot 12 inches to the rear, and place the toe of the boot as much to the left of the left heel as will bring the knee of the front rank 6 inches to the right when on the ground, and that of the rear rank 12 inches to the right; the foot to be nearly perpendicular, the left leg straight. From Ordered Arms. As detailed in the first motion of Ready from ordered arms. Two. Bring the rifle to a horizontal position at 46 PLATOON EXERCISE. Three. Present. Two. Three. Four. Five. the right side, as explained in the second motion of Ready from ordered arms stand* ing; at the same time carry the right foot 12 inches to the rear, etc., as previously ex* plained. Sink down at once on the right knee, 12 inches to the rear, as a front rank 6 inches to the right, as a rear rank 12 inches to the right of the left heel, and square with the right foot, and bring the weight of the body Immediately on to the right heel; the left forearm to be placed on the left leg, and the butt pressed against the right side as when capping; then proceed to adjust the sight as before explained, and full cock the rifle, and fix the eye steadfastly on an object in front; the thumb of the right hand to be placed on the stock pointing to the muzzle. As detailed when coming to this position standing, without raising the body off the heel, and place the left elbow at once over the left knee to form a support. As detailed when firing standing. Front Rankk Bring therifledown to thecapping position, at the same time raise the body off the right heel, and place the left fore arm square on the left thigh six inches behind the knee; then shut down the flap without a jerk, and return the hand to the small of the butt, count a pause of slow time, and come to the position of Prepare to Load by carrying the rifle in both hands round in front of the left leg, turning the barrel downwards at the same time, and with the left hand passing the butt close by the body over the right heel to the left rear, to the extent of the left arm, meeting it at the same time with the PLATOON EXERCISE. 47 right hand, the thumb in line with the muzzle; then seize the rifle with the left hand at the "nose cap," detailed in the fourth motion of Prepare to Load as a front rank kneeling, etc. Rear Rank* Five. Bring the rifle down to the capping posi tion, at the same time raise the body off the right heel, and place the left fore arm square on the left knee; then shut down the flap Without a jerk, and return the hand to the small of the butt, count a pause of the slow time and come to the position of Prepare to Load, by turning the rifle over in the left hand and placing the butt on the ground, lock uppermost, under the shin of the right leg of the front rank man of the file on the right, meeting the barrel with the right hand thumb in line with the muzzle, which is to be as high and in a line with the right shoulder; then seize the rifle with the left hand at the "nose cap," etc., as detailed in the fourth motion of Prepare to Load as a rear rank kneeling. Load. As before detailed, by motions, and so continue exercising until the volunteer has attained such a proficiency as to be capable of combining the several motions in regular order. From the Capping Position Kneeling. Shoulder— At the word Shoulder, spring smartly to Arms. attention at the halfcface, bringing the right heel in front of the left, still keeping the rifle in a horizontal position at the right side ; at the word Arms, proceed as detailed, when coming to the shoulder from the capping position standing. Two. Bring the right hand smartly to the right side. 48 PLATOON EXERCISE. Advance— At the word Advance or Shoulder, spring Arms, smartly to attention at the half-face, bring- or ' ing the right heel in front of the left, still Shoulder— keeping the rifle in a horizontal position at Arms, the right side. At the word Arms, face to with the front, %etc, as detailed, when coming to Short Rifle, the advance from the capping position standing. Two. Bring the left hand smartly to the left side. Order—Arms. At the word Order, spring smartly to attention at the half face, bringing the right heel in front of the left, still keeping the rifle in a horizontal position at the right side, and at the same time seize the rifle with the right hand close in front of the left, fore arm close to the barrel; at the word Arms, face to the front, etc*, as detailed, when coming to the order from the capping position standing. Volunteers armed with the short rifle will always fire %ont rank kneeling. PART II. OF THE COMPANY GENERAL PRINCIPLES. 1. Sixing a Company.—A company will be sized from flanks to centre, the front and rear rank men being as nearly as possible the same height. When a company is first sized, the following method will be adopted: Place the tallest man on the right, the second tallest on the left, leaving suflicient room between them for the company to form in single rank; then place the third tallest man on the inner side of the right hand man, the fourth on the inner side of the left hand man, and so on alternately till they meet in the centre; after which number off and form two deep, by causing the left files of the right subdivision to take one pace to the rear and one to the right, and the left files of the left sub-division to take 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, cause the whole to close and dress on the right file, the rear rank covering correctly, leaving the Mank file, if there is one, the third from the left. 2. Formation and Telling-off of a Company.— The company will fall in in two ranks, at close order, with shouldered arms, files lightly touching, and will be told off from right to left, odd numbers being right files and even numbers left files; it will then be divided into two subdivisions and four sections. D 50 part n. 3. Supernumerary RANK.«—The subaltern officers and sergeants will be formed in a third or supernumerary rank, as will hereafter be described. 4. Relative Proportion of Paces to Files.—- Each man occupies a space of about 21 inches; therefore to ascertain the number of paces of 30 inches required for a given number of files, multiply the number of files by 21, and divide the product by 30; or use the multiples of these numbers, that is, multiply by 7 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 remem* ber that 10 files require 7 paces, 20 files 14, and so on; 100 files 70 paces, 1000 files 700. 5. General Rules.—The following general rules wiU 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 21 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. The front rank man of the pivot file is usually called " the pivot man." 4. When the captain of a company changes his flank, the coverer, if not required to take a point, will change with him; the lieutenant will also make a corresponding change. 5. 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. 6. Captains of companies, previously to giving a word ft m m m THE COMPANY. 51 of command, should call out the numbers 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 has to be executed. The cautionary part of the word must therefore be commenced accordingly. Sec 1.—Formation of a Company in Squares. Caution—As a Company in Line. 1. Formation in Close Order.—On the above caution, the captain will place himself on the right of thef front rank, covered by his covering sergeant, who will be on the right of the rear rank; the remaining officers and sergeants-will place themselves in a third or supernumerary rank, three paces from the rear rank, the lieutenant in rear of the second file from the left, the ensign in rear of the centre of the company, the third supernumerary in rear of the left sub-division, the fourth in rear of the right, the fifth in rear of the left, and so on. When a company is formed singly, or when it is manoeuvring, the drummers and pioneers will also be in the supernumerary rank, the former in rear of the second section, the latter in rear of the third section; the lieutenant and ensign will always retain their places$» the sergeants and men composing the rest of the supef^" numerary rank will divide the space in rear of their respective sub-divisions and sections. Rear Rank 2. TAKING OPEN ORDER.—On the word take Order, the officers will recover their swords, Open Order, the captain will move out and place himself one pace in front of the second file from the right; the lieutenant and ensign, passing round the left flank of the company, will place themselves one pace from the front rank, the former in front of the- second file from the left, and the latter in fiont of the centre of the company. The flank men D2 7 52 PART IL Mb March. of the rear rank will step back two paces and face to their right, and the covering sergeant will take one pace of 21 inches to his left, thus occupying the space vacated by the right hand man of the rear rank. On the word March, the officers will take two paces to the front, look to their right and dress, the covering sergeant will take one pace to his right with his right foot, and one pace to his front with his left foot, thus filling up the place vacated by the captain; the rear and supernumerary ranks will step back two paces, the flank men of the rear rank will come to their front and raise their right arms. On the word Dress, the rear and supernumerary ranks will look to their right and dress. On the words Eyes—Front, they will turn their eyes to the front, and the flank men of the rear rank will drop their right arms. On the word Steady, the officers will port their swords and look to their front. When a company is formed singly, the captain will dress the officers and give the word Steady; the sergeant 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. Rear Rank 3. RESUMING CLOSE ORDER.— On the take- word Order, the officers will recover their Close Order, swords and face to the right. March. On the word March, the rear and super numerary ranks will take two paces to their front, the covering sergeant will take two paces to his rear and one to his left, to make room for the officers to pass; the lieutenant and ensign will move to their places in the Rear Rank Dress. Eyes—Front. Supernumerary Rank— Dress. Eyes—Front. Steady. mmm THE COMPANY. 53 supernumerary rank, round the left flank of the company; the captain will then resume his place on the right of the front rank, all the officers carrying their swords as they take post; lastly, the covering sergeant will move up to his place on the right of the rear rank. When a company is formed in line, if the captain 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 movements, which will hereafter be explained. The covering sergeants and supernumeraries will always pass by the rear.- S. 2.—Formation of a Company in Column. Caution.—As a Company in Column, Right (or Left) in Front. On the caution, the captain will place himself on the pivot flank of the front rank to lead his company, the lieutenant will place himself one pace in rear of the second file from the reverse flank, and the covering sergeant one pace in rear of the second file from the pivot flank. The places of the remaining 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. S. 3.—Marching to the Front and Rear. 1. Marching to the Front.—The instructor having stated the supposed order of the battalion, will proceed as follows: The Line J (Column or f On the word Advance, the captain will Company) will \ carefully select points to march upon. Advance. \ 54 PART II. Slow (Quick or Double) March. As described in Part 1. 2. Marching to the Rear.—When the company is to retire, the caution, The Line (Column or Company) will retire, 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 captain, if the company is in column, will also step up in line with the proper rear rank and select points to march on; but if the company is in line, he will remain on the flank of the proper front rank. S. 4.—Open Order on the March. Before taking Open Order, the officer commanding a company in column, right in front, will be ordered to change his flank, and the company directed to march by the right, the covering sergeant and lieutenant changing their flanks at the same time. A company in column right in front, marching in slow time, in taking Open Order, the officers will recover their swords and move out in double time to their places in front of the company, porting their swords as they take up the slow time ; the captain will be in front of the second file from the right, the lieutenant in front of the second file from the left, the ensign in front of the centre, at three paces distance as in line; the covering sergeant will move up to the place vacated by the captain, and will lead the company; the supernumerary rank will mark time three paces. The company will resume close order, by the rear rank men lengthening their pace until they regain their proper distance from the front rank, the officers recovering their swords, and moving to their proper places on the word Order, carrying their swords and taking up the step as they arrive at their respective posts. ■Sfii «i THE COMPANY. 55 S. 5.—A Company Wheeling^ from the Halt, from Column into Line. Caution.—As a Company in Column Right in Front. Left Wheel On the word Line, the captain will place Into—lane, himself one pace in front of the second file from the left; the covering sergeant 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 with shouldered arms, facing in the direction of the new front, and will raise his left arm from his elbow, looking to his left, and aligning himself with the pivot man, who, when he faces, will raise his right arm. Quick—March On the word March, the company wiU step off and wheel, the captain turning towards his men, and moving back round the pivot man to be ready to dress his company from the left, the lieutenant moving across to his place in line, and the supernumerary rank gaining its distance from the rear rank during the wheel. Company— The captain will give his word Halt when Halt— the wheeling flank of his company is two Dress. paces in rear of the covering sergeant, and immediately follow it by the word Dress, on which he will dress his men from the pivot flank. Eyes—Front. Having completed the dressing, the captain will give the words Eyes—Front, and fall in on the right of his company, the covering sergeant will fall back to his place on the right of the rear rank, the remainder will turn their eyes to the front, and the pivot man will drop his right arm. A company in column, left in front, will be taught to 56 PART If. wheel in a similar manner, on the command, Right Wheel into Line, etcV' 8. 6.—A Company Wheeling} from the Halt> from Line into Column. Caution.—As a Company in Line. Open Column, On the word Front, the captain will move Right in out in quick time and place himself one Front. pace in front of the centre of his company, facing to the front, and the covering sergeant 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 with shouldered arms, facing in the direction that the column will face, and raise his left arm. Right About— On the word Face, the company will face Face. about; the pivot man and covering sergeant remaining steady. Right Wheel— On the word March, the company will Quick March, step off and wheel, the captain moving to the pivot flank, and the lieutenant moving across to his place in column during the wheel. The captain having given the words Halt—Front—Dress, will fall in at once on the left flank ofr his company looking to his front, the covering sergeant 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 completed their dressing the men will turn their eyes to the front without further word of command. Company— Halt—Front —Dress. S. 7.—A Company Wheeling any given Number of Paces on either Flank, from the Halt. —Paces On the word Wheel, the covering ser- I » THE GOMPANY. 57 Right (or Left geant will place himself with his back to the Wheel, right file from the pivot, either in front or or rear of it, according to the direction in which —Paces on the wheel is to be made, and will take the the Right (or number of paces named, on the circumfer- Left) Back- ence of the circle, of which the pivot is the wards— centre, and then halt; if the paces are taken Wheel. to the rear he will halt and front, the pivot man will face in the direction that the company is to face when the wheel is completed, the captain will place himself on the pivot flank facing inwards, and correct the position of the pivot man. Quick March. On the word March, the company will wheel forwards or backwards as directed. Halt—Dress. The captain will halt his company as the right file reaches the covering sergeant, and then dress it from the pivot flank, taking care not to move either the eighth or pivot file. ;| 1 I Eyes—FronU On the word Eyes-*-Front, the captain and covering sergeant wiU return to the places they occupied, previous to the caution. 8. 8.—A Company Wheeling on the Centre from the Halt. In this wheel the man on the inner flank of the front rank of the sub-division that wheels forward, will be the pivot man. On the Centre, On the word Wheel, the pivot man will Right (or Left )face to the direction named, and his rear Wheel, rank man will uncover; the captain will place himself one pace to the front of the centre of the sub-division that wheels forward, the covering sergeant will move out and align himself with the pivot man, with *D3 58 PART fit. shouldered arms, marking the place on which the outer flank of the sub-division that wheels forward is to rest; this flank will in most cases become the pivot. Quick—March On the word March, the company will wheel half forward, half backward; the man on the outward flank of the sub-division that wheels forward, will look inwards and regulate his pace so as to keep the company in line; the outward man of the sub-division that wheels backward, will stop a full pace of 30 inches; the captain will turn towards his company and move to the flank marked by the covering sergeant. The wheel being completed, the captain will give the words Halt—Dress. If the wheel brings his company into line, he will dress it, give the words, Eyes—Front, and then take his place on its right flank. But if the wheel brings his company into column, he will give his command, Halt—Dress, and fall in at once, and correct his covering. Company— Halt-*-Dres8. S. 9.— Wheeling Forward by Sub-Divisions or Sections from Line. Caution.—As a Company in Line. By Sub-Dims- 1. WHEELING FORWARD BY SuB-DlVIS- ions— ions.—On the word Wheel, the captain will Right Wheel, place himself one pace in front of the centre of the right sub-division; at the same time, the man on the rigtft of the front rank of each sub-division will face to the right, and their rear rank men will uncover. Quick—March At the word March, each sub-division will step off and wheel, the captain turning towards the men%f the leading sub-division, and inclining to its left; the rear rank men 9 V THE COMPANY. 59 of the pivot files regaining their places, and the supernumerary 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 captain will give the Halt—Dress, words, Halt—Dress, to the whole company, and post himself on the left, the proper pivot flank of the right sub-division; the covering sergeant 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 lieutenant will take his post on the pivot flank of the rear sub-division; the ensign in rear of the second file from the reverse flank of the rear subdivisions. A company will wheel by sub-divisions to the left in like manner. 2. Wheeling Forward by Sections.—A company in line will wheel forward by sections in the same manner that it wheels forward by sub-divisions; the captain, in the first instance, will place himself one pace in front of the centre of the right or left section, and on the words, Halt—Dress, he will post himself on the pivot flank of the leading section; the lieutenant will place himself on the pivot flank of the third section from the front; the ensign on the pivot flank of the fourth section from the frbnt; the senior sergeant, if no other officer is present, on the pivot flank of the second section from the front; and the covering sergeant one pace in rear of the second file from the pivot flank of the leading section, unless there are only two other supernumeraries, counting subalterns and sergeants, in which case he will lead the second section from the front. S. 10.— Wheeling Backward by Sub-Divisions or Sections, from Line. 1. Wheeling Back on the Left.—On 60 PART II. By Sub-Divis-the word Wheel, the captain will place him* ions (or self one pace in front of the centre of the Sections) on right sub-division (or section); the cover- the left-Back- ing sergeant will move back, and mark, ward Wheel, with shouldered arms, the spot on which the right of the leading sub-division or section will rest; the left hand men of the front rank of each sub-division (or section) will face to the right. Quick—March On the word March, the sub-divisions (or sections) will wheel backwards, the captain inclining to the left. Halt—Dress. The captain will give the words Halt*-*> Dress, and take his place on the left of the leading sub-division (or section,) the covering sergeant and supernumeraries will take their places as described in the preceding section at the same time* 2. Wheeling Back on the Right.—In like manner sub-divisions or sections will wheel backwards on the right. S. 11.—An Open Column of Sub-Divisions or Sections Wheeling into Line. Left Wheel A COLUMN RlGHT IN FRONT WHEELING into—Line. TO THE LEFT INTO LlNE.—On the WOrd Line, the captain will fall 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 uncover, the leaders of the rear sub-divisions (or sections,) will fall back into the supernumerary rank, and the covering sergeant will move out and mark the spot on which the right of the company will rest, with shouldered arms,, and will raise his left arm. THE COMPANY. 61 Quick—March On the word March, the sub-divisions (or sections) will step off and wheel into line, the captain turning towards his men, and moving back round the pivot man to be ready to dress his company from the left. The supernumeraries will move to their places during the wheeL Halt—Dress. On the Words Halt—Dress, the men will halt, and the captain will dress them from the left. Eyes—Front. On the words, Eyes—-Front, the whole will turn their eyes to the front, the pivot men will drop their right arms, and the captain and covering sergeant will take their places in the line, the former passing by the rear. 2. A Column Left in Front Wheeling to the Right into Line.—In like manner a company in column of sub-divisions or sections, left in front, will wheel into line on the commands Right Wheel into Line, fyc. S. 12.— 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, may be wheeled into line on moveable pivots by the words Right (or Left) Wheel into Line. When a company in column right in front wheels into line, the captain 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 completes the quarter circle, taking his post on the word Forward; the lieutenant and covering sergeant at the same time moving to their places by the rear; but when a company in column left in front wheels into line, the captain Will remain On the right, the covering sergeant, during the wheel, moving up to his post in rear of him. When sub-divisions or sections in open column right 62 PART tt. in front wheels into Kne, the captain and covering sergeant will move as described in the preceding paragraph ; but when sub-divisions or sections in open column left m front wheel into line, the captain will turn to the right about on the command, and move straight across 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 subdivision 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 moveable pivots, either from the halt or while on the march, into column of companies, sub-divisions, or sections, by the words, Companies (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 captain will move across to the left of his company, the lieutenant and coverer changing their flanks by the rear as usual; but when the wneeT is to the left, the captain will remain on the right flank and wheel with the company, the coverer falling back, during the whee^Mto 4us place in column. When the wheel is to the right by subdivisions or sections, the captain and coverer will move to their places on the left of the leading sub-division or section, in the same manner as in wheeling by companies; but when the wheel is to the left, the captain will wheel with the right sub-division or section, and on the word Forward, will move up to the pivot flank of the leading subdivision or section in double time ; 'in Both cases the leader of the rear sub-division, or leaders of the rear sections, will take their posts on the word Forward. S.%§.—Columns Changing Direction. A colunM, on the catftion Change Direction to the Right (or Left) from the instructor, will change its direction, each company,%ib-division, or section wheeling KBi THE COMPANY. in succession, by command of its leader, on a moveable pivot; in this case the officers do not change their positions. S. 14.— The Echellon March of Sub-Divisions or Sections. On the word March, the sub-division > (or sections) will wheel towards the named flank. \ Take Ground to the Right (or Lefi) in EcheUon. On the move by Sub-Divisions (or Sections) Right (or Left) wheel. Quick March. Foruatd. Having completed the eighth of a circle, on the word Forward, the subdivisions (or sections) will move to their front. If the movement is to the right, each subdivision or section will marqh by the right; if to the left, they will march by the left* A company on the march will take ground to a flank in echellon in the saine manner, the command being By Sub-Divisions (or Sections) Right (or Left) Wheel, Forward. On the word company; the subdivisions or sections will wheel back into line on the pivot flanks. • On the word Forward, the company will advance by the proper pivot flank. Re-Form Company. Forward. S. 15.—Marching on'an alignment in Open Column of Sub-Divisions. An alignment is thej imaginary straight line that Mes 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 subdivisions $kom line7, and a distant marked objedHn the M 64 PART II. prolongation of the two pivot flanks having been taken, the commander of the company, who will be on the pivot flank Of the leading sub-division, will immediately fix on some intermediate point to march on. On the word March given by the instructor of the drill, both subdivisions will step off at the same instant; the leader of the first sub-division wiU march with the Utmost steadiness and equality of pace on the points he has taken; and the leader of the second sub-division will preserve the leader of the first in the exact line with the distant object; at the same time 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. % 8. 16*—~Jt Company in Column of Sub-Divisions Forming to the Reverse Flank. A company in column of sub-divisions right in front, wiU form to the right as follows : Right Form On the Word Company, the leaders of sub- Company. divisions iHll change to the right flanks by the rear; the captain will then command his Leading Sub- sub-division to wheel to the right, and when Division it has wheeled the quarter circle, he will Right Wheel, give the word Forward; the sub-division Forward, having gained three paces, the captain will Halt—Dress, halt and dress it from the right, the covering sergeant running out to mark the left of the company, facing towards the pivot flank and recovering his arms. When the second sub-division arrives at the left of the first, its leader will fall to the rear and give the Left Sub- word Left Sub-Division Right Wheel, and Division Right when square, Forward, then Halt—Dress Wheel, For- top, taking care to halt his sub-division in ward, Halt— rear of the sub-division on its right, so that Dress up. the men may dress up into line. The captain having dressed the whole Eyes—Front, company, will give the words Eyes—Front, A THE COMPANY. 65 and fall in, the covering sergeant 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 to the reverse flank on similar principles. S. 17.—Forming ^Company to the Reverse Flank, or to the Right or Left About, from File Marching, or the Flank March in Fours. When forming to the front, the captain will move across the front, turning towards his company during the formation, and take his place on the pivot flank when it is completed : the covering sergeant passing by the rear. The lieutenant will also move to his place during the formation. When forming to the right or left, the covering sergeant will mark the outward flank of the company, facing towards the pivot flank and recovering his arms; when forming to the right or left about, the covering sergeant will place himself on the inner flank, facing to the new front with shouldered arms ; in either case the captain 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 fall in in his place, the covering sergeant 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. S. 18.— The Diagonal March. Right Half-- When the company is marching to the Turn. front, and is required to take an oblique direction to the right, the words Right Half-— Turn, will be given, upon which the men will turn the eighth of a circle to the right and move diagonally in that direction; and 66 PART IL when it is intended to resume the original Front—Turn, direction, the words Front—Turn, will be given, on which every man will turn to his front and move forward without checking the pace. In column, when a company inclines towards the pivot flank, the captain will lead; when towards the reverse flank, the senior supernumerary will move up and lead, unless the captain is ordered to change his flank. S. 19.—File Marching and Wheeling in File. For the position of the officers see the next section. If a company is halted or ordered to mark time when only part 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 is 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. 8. 20.— The Formation of Fours. Company— On the word Fours, the rear rank wiP Fours, step back one short space of 12 inches. Deep. On the word Deep, the left files will double behind the right files, by taking a pace to the rear with their left feet, and a pace to the right with their right feet. Front. On the word Front, the left files will move up in line with the right files, by taking a pace to the left with their left feet, and a pace to the front with their right feet; the whole of the rear rank men will then close up to their proper distances from the front rank by taking a short pace to the front with their left feet. Fours. As already described. THE COMPANY. 67 About. On the word About, the whole company Will face to the right about, and the left files will double in the proper rear of the right files, by taking a pace to the front with the right feet, and a pace to the left with their left feet. Front. On the word Front, the whole company will face to the right about, and reform two deep as already described. Right. On the word Right, the company will face to the right, and the left files will form on the right of the right files, by taking one pace to the right with the right feet, and one pace to the front with the left feet. Front. On the word Front, the company will face to the left, and re-form two deep, as already described. Fours. As already described. Left. On the word Left, the company wiR face to the left, and the left files will form on the left of the right files by taking one pace to the left with their left feet, and one pace to the rear with their right feet. Front. On the word Front, the squad will face to the right, and re-form two deep, as already described. A company 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 Reform Four Deep, the rear rank will incline from the front rank, and the left files will resume their places in fours. Both in file marching and the flank march by fours, the captain will lead the company, placing himself next to the front rank man of the leading file or four ; the covering sergeant will place himself at the head of the front rank; the lieutenant will be on the reverse flank of the I 63 PART II. second file or four from the rear, the other supernumeraries will simply face with the company, and retain their positions. 8. 21.—Company Formed in Fours Closing on the Flank, or on the Centre, and Re-forming Two Steps. A company having formed four deep will be practiced in closing on the flanks and re-forming two deep both on the halt and march; 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 considered the centre, The officers will close and open out with the company. S. 22.— The Side or Closing Step. A company will be practiced in the side step, as it is explained in Section 17, Part 1. When a company in line is ordered to close a given number of paces, the captain will remain in his place and close with the company ; but if no number of paces is named, the captain, 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 by the front, and having given his word Halt, will return by the rear to his post. In column, the captain 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 orderliis company to close to him. S. 23.—Counter-marching. A company in column, right or left in front, will be taught to counter-march as follows : Counter-March 1. By Ranks.—On the word ranks, the by Ranks, covering sergeant will step up, and cover his captain. THE, COMPANY. 63 Quick-March. Company Right and On the word Face, whether Right or Left Left Face, is in front, the front rank man will face to the right, the rear rank to the left, the covering sergeant will face to the right about- the captain will take one pace outwards and face inwards, and then take one long side pace in the direction in which the covering sergeant is facing; the lieutenant will move up and place himself one pace from the reverse flank of the front rank, facing inwards. On the word March, the whole will step off together, each rank wheeling close round to its right, till the pivot man of the front rank comes to the covering sergeant. On the words Halt*—Front Dress, from Halt—Front the captain, the company will halt, front and Dress. dress, the covering sergeant will drop back to his place, and the captain and lieutenant will fall in, the former looking to his covering. Counter-March 2. By Files.—On the word Files, the by Files, covering sergeant will step up and cover his captain. On the word Face, the company will face as ordered, the captain, lieutenant, and covering sergeant moving as directed in No. 1 of this section. Left (or Right) On the word March, the company will Counter- step off, the leading file wheeling snort round March, Quick on the front rank man, the remainder of the March. company following in file till it reaches the Halt—-Front covering sergeant, when on the words Halt Dress. —Front Dress from the captain, it will halt, front and dress in the new direction. To the Right (or Left) —Face. S. 24.—A Company Diminishing Front by Forming Sub-Divisions from the Halt. Caution—As a Company in Column Right (or Left) in Front. 70 PART II. form Subr Divisions. If right is in front, on the command Form Sub-Divisions from the instructor of the drill, the lieutenant will fall back to mark the spot where the pivot flank of the left sub-division will rest. Left Sub- On the word Face from the instructor, the DivisionRightleft sub-division will face as ordered, the about three- captain will take a pace to the front and guarters-Facelace inwards, and the rear rank man of the left file of the right sub-division will fall back and cover the third file from the left of his sub-division, in order to leave room for the flank of the left sub-division to pass. Quick-March. On the words Quick—March from the instructor, the left sub-division will march diagonally to the rear, until the pivot file reaches the lieutenant, who will give the word Halt—Front Dress, remaining steady on the left of his sub-division. During this movement the captain and covering sergeant will move across to their places on the left of the leading sub-division, and the rear rank man of the pivot file of that sub-division, as soon as the other subdivision has passed him, will resume his place. The captain may occasionally have to give the words Left (or Right) Sub-division, Right (or left) about three- quarters—Face, in which case he will first take his pace to the front and face inwards. Halt- Front Dress. S. 25.—A Company Diminishing Front by Forming Sub-Divisions on the March. Caution—As a Company in Column Right (or Left) in Front. Form Sub- A company marching in quick time as a divisions, company in open column (suppose right in front) will receive the cautionary command 4ft THE COMPANY. 71 from the instructor of the drill, Form Sub- Left Sub- Divisions, on which the captain will give Division the words, Left Sub-Division Mark Time, Mark Time, and when the reverse flank of that sub- Right Half division is clear of the other, Right half— -—Turn, Turn, on which it will make a half turn to the right, and move on at once in the diagonal direction without the word Forward* The left sub-division having doubled properly behind the right, the lieutenant will Front Turn, give the words Front Turn, and place himself on its pivot flank. During the movement, the captain and covering sergeant will move across to their places on the left of the right sub-division, and the lieutenant will move across between the sub-divisions, so as to meet the pivot flank of the left sub-division as it arrives in column. 8. 26.—Sub-Divisions Diminishing Front by Forming Sections, The directions that apply to the formation of subdivisions 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, Bight (or Left) about Three Quarters Faee, Quick March ; but if on the march the captain will give the words, Left (or Right) Sections, Mark Time, Right (or Left) half- Turn, to both sections. The section leaders giving the words Halt—Front—Dress, or Front—* Turn. The lieutenant will move in the same manner as the captain; the ensign will take command of the rear section, and the senior sergeant that of the second section from the front. S. 27.—Sections Increasing Front by Forming Sub-Divisions from the Halt. A company standing in open column of —*' ■ ■-" ' w: 72 PART It Form Sub- sections (suppose right in front) will receive Divisions, from the instructor of the drill the cautionary word of command, Form Sub-Divisions, on which the covering sergeant will move out to mark the left of the leading sub-division, the lieutenant will move out to mark the left of the rear sub-division, and the leaders of the second and fourth sections will take their places in the supernumerary rank. Left Sections On the words Left Sections Left half-face^ Left half-fact, from the instructor, those sections will face as ordered, and the rear rank men of the pivot files of the right sections will fall back and cover the third files from the left of their sections. Quick—March On the words Quick March, the left sections wiU step off in the diagonal direction, the captain moving across to the covering sergeant. As the left sections come up to the rear ranks of the right, the captain and Halt—Front lieutenant will give the words, Halt*—Front —Dress. —Dress, to their respective sub-divisions, and fall in at once on their pivot flank, the covering sergeant and the rear rank men of the pivot files of the right sections taking their places at the same time. When the captain has to give the words, Left (or Right) Sections, Left (or Right) Half Face, he wiU first face inwards* jl § m |>. Hi tf i* •» 8. 28.—Sections Increasing Front by Forming Sub-Divisions on the March. Form Sub- Divisions. A company marching in quick time in open column of sections (suppose right in ^ront,) will receive from the instructor of the drill the cautiona^r word of command, Form Sub-Divisions; on which the captain wiU m-mz. *& f he company. 73 Left Sections, turn inwards, give the words, Left Sections, Left Half- Left Ha^Wurn, Double, and then move Wurn, Double, outwards, (the lieutenant inclining outwards at the same time.) As soon as the right flanks of the* left sections are clear of the left flanks of the right sections, the captain Front—Turn and lieutenant will give the words, Front— **-Quicks 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* uivisions in like manner, both from the halt and on the march* S. 29.—8ub-Divisions Increasing Front by Formmg Company* The directions that apply to the formation of subdivisions from sections, apply equally to the formation of a company from sub-divisions. S. 30,—Diminishing and Increasing Front by Breaking off Files, find bringing them again to the Front, Files will be broken off as follows -t Three Files on On the word Turn, the named files will the Left, to the turn to the right, and on the word Wheel, Right—Turn, they wheel to the left, following the left Left—Wheel, flank of the company. Three Files On the word Front, the named files will to the Front, make a 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,. E 74 PART n. The captain will move to the flank of fhe remainder of his front rank, as the files drop to the rear; the covering sergeant will move up and remain covering the captain, as long as there is a file in rear. The instructor will give the caution, Break Off*—Files, and the captain or sub-division leaders will give the executive words. S. 31.—Increasing and Diminishing Front by breaking into Fours, or Files, and reforming Sections, Sub-Divisions, or Company. 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 Right 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. S. 32.—Forming Close Column of Sections and Company Square. For this formation, the company will stand with fixed bavonets and shouldered arms. ■IF Form Close On the word Sections, the right section Column of will face to the left, and disengage to the Sections, front by the leading file closing two paces to the right, the front rank man inclining rather back; the third and fourth sections will face to the right and disengage to the rear, in the same manner. Quick—March On the word March, they will step off and form close column on the second section, halting and fronting without word of command as they arrive in column; the i THE COMPANY. 75 Prepare for Cavalry. Ready. distance between the sections will be one pace; the captain will place himself on the left of the front rank of the leading section, covered by his covering sergeant, the supernumeraries will be on the reverse flank of their respective sections. On the words Prepare for Cavalry, the officers and non-commissioned officers will move into the centre of the column; the men will then face outwards, so as to show a front of equal strength in every direction. On the word Ready, if the square is two or three deep, the front rank only will kneel; if four deep, the two front ranks will kneel. The remainder will come to the Ready. The company will be re-formed as follows: On the word Column, the men will face to their proper front in column, and touch into the pivot flanks, the captain and supernumeraries will return to their places on the flanks. On the word Company, the leading section will face to the right, the third and fourth to the left. March On the word March, they will move out, the right section will turn to the rear when clear of the second section, will halt, front, and dress upon it; the third and fourth sections will turn to the front in succession, when clear, and dress up into line with the second section without word of command. Re-Form Column. Re-Form Company. Quick- 8. 33.—Forming Rallying Squares. Form Rally- The instructor of the drill, having caused ing Square, the company to disperse to a certain distance, will give the word Form Rallying Square, at the same time placing an officer as a rally- e2 76 PART 1L ing point, who will hold up his sword and face the supposed enemy; the men will has* ten to the person so posted, fixing bayonets and ordering arms as they reach him* The two first who join him form on his right and left facing outwards, the three next place; themselves in front of those posted, and three others in rear, facing to the rear, thus forming a square. The instructor will cause the next four men to take post at the several angles; and others as they come up will complete the different faces between these angles. The Square When the square is required to march, will Advance the instructor, previously to putting it in (Retire, or motion, will cause the leading face to be Move to the dressed, in order that it may move with the Right or £e/*,)necessary regularity. After the caution, he Inwards Face, will give the words Inwards Face, on which Quick* March, the square will face in the named direction^ and will step off at the words Quick-—March* Halt. To Resist Cavalry.-—Upon the word Prepare for Halt, the square will halt and face outwards, Cavalry, when it is to Prepare for Cavalry; upon Ready. the word Ready, the front rank only (if the square is two or three deep,) will kneel; if four deep, the two front ranks will kneel. If required to fire, the standing ranks will fire by files and the kneeling ranks in vollies, by command of the commanding officer. Re-form When the square is to be reduced, the Company, covering sergeant will mark the pivot flank (Sub-division of the company, facing the supposed enemy, or Section.) and the men will form company upon him. 8. 34.—P?'oving a Company. After a company has been told off on parade, it wilk be proved in the following manner: I I THE COMPANY. 77 Mark Time—Quick. Sub-divisions, Right Wheel (when in echellon,) Mark Time, Reform Company. Sub-divisions, Left Wheel (when in echellon,) Mark Time, Reform Company. Sections, Right Wheel (when in echellon,) Mark Time, Reform Company. Sections, Left Wheel (when in echellon,) Mark Time, Reform Company. The company will then be turned to the right about and proved in the same manner, rear rank in front. Halt—Front. Fours—Deep, Front. ||| Fours—Right, Front. Fours—Left, Front. The company will also be proved, rear rank in front, in forming fours to the right and left on the march, as follows: Mark Time—Quick. Right About—Turn. Fours—Right, Rear—Turn. Fours—Left, Rear—Turn. Halt—Front. Form close column of Sections, Quick—March, Reform; Company, Quick—March. Square on the leading Company, Quick—March. Sections Outwards, Reform Column, Quick—March, Halt, Dress; or according to the position it is to take in column. Right Sections, first and third, Order—Arms. Left Sections, second and fourth, Order—Arms. Right Sub-division, Stand at Ease. Left Sub-division, Stand at Ease. S. 35.—Dismissing a Company. e W l As described in Part 1. Face. ) Lodge—Arms. At this word the men will port arms, and 78 PART H. in so doing 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. N.B.—In turning in a guard or piquet the same mode is to be observed. 'if: 1L* )HHitMi&i fete== PART III. LIGHT INFANTRY. GENERAL PRINCIPLES. 1. Object of Light Infantry Movements.—The duties of troops employed as light infantry in the field, are both varied and important. To them the safeguard of the camp is usually entrusted, and by them the cantonments of the army are protected from the sudden or unexpected approach of the enemy. When the army is in motion, the light infantry reconnoitre the country in its front, feel for the enemy, or clear the way for the column when advancing, and protect them from being too closely pressed upon or harassed when retreating. They conceal and cover the movements and manoeuvres of the line, watch the motions of the enemy, and ascertain, the nature of the ground and country in advance of the main body. Upon their efficiency the General often very much depends for the necessary information to enable him to regulate and direct his columns. 2. Cover.—When under fire, skirmishers, whether halted or in motion, must take advantage of all cover, and although they are not required to preserve their distance and dressing while so doing, they must, when advancing or retiring, take care that they never get in front of each other, and that they never retain their places of cover so long as to interfere either with their own fire or with that of their comrades. 7w 80 PART HI. 3. Time of Movement.—Light infantry movements will usually be performed in quick time, except extensions or closings on the march, the formation of company or rallying squares, and changes of front from the halt, which will be in double time. When more than usual rapidity is required in other movements, the men may be directed to double by word of command or bugle sound. 4. Points of Direction.—All lines of skirmishers move by their centre, except when inclining to a flank, in which case they move by the flank to which they are inclining. 5. How Arms are to be Carried.—The skirmishers and supports move with trailed arms, except in close column of sections, or in files, when they move with advanced arms; reserves move with sloped arms. 6*. Officers and Connecting Links.—When a company is extended, the captain should generally be at a convenient distance in rear of the centre; the supernumeraries must be placed at equal distances along the rear of the line of skirmishers, the lieutenant being always near the outer flank of a flank company. When a company is in support, the captain should be in its proper front; whether it is advancing or retiring, he will thus lead his company when it advances, and follow it when it retires. The supernumeraries of a support will be in the rear. The officers of a reserve will always be placed as in column, right in front. 7. Words of Command and Bugle Sounds.—Light Infantry movements must in general be regulated by words of command. Commands must be repeated by the captains and every supernumerary belonging to the line of skirmishers. The connecting links may be employed, when necessary, to pass words of command, or convey intelligence backwards and forwards between the reserve and supports, and between the supports and skirmishers. When, on account of the distance, or from noise or wind, the voice cannot be distinctly heard, the i if -»'* LIGHT INFANTRY. 81 connecting links should run up and deliver their orders to the officers for whom they are intended, and then resume their places. Calls on the bugle may occasionally be necessary as substitutes for the voice; but as they are liable to be misunderstood, and as they reveal intended movements to the enemy, who will soon become acquainted with them, they should seldom be used, unless for purposes of drill. Bugle sounds must be as few and simple as possible. None but the following sounds must ever be used in light drill: One G sounded on the bugle denotes the right of the line. Two G's the centre. Three G's the left. The G's preceding any sound denote the part of the line to which it applies. For instance : Two G's before the Extend signifies to extend from the centre. One G followed by the Close, to close to the right. One G followed by the Incline, to incline to the right. Three G's followed by the Wheel, to wheel to the left. I. Extend. # • e I—J r i I. Close. ~3—^ -p .# &—*■ ~J9' ssa 1*4, _•! -Fn m III. Advance. ffn Pffn rrh rmi wnezrs$& 82 PART lit it I ill 1 s IV. Halt. «u & V. Commence Firing. 1 g~ a ^ ?-F3 VI. Cease Firing. S '»" £ VII. Retire. 1 -^SSS^S^-StS- ®-&^m-&m-€>~4- w j T I i "| I . j ' \ 0 """ ~ # . 3 #i 3-; d & 0 . 4 Ck & ^ VIII. • • Assembly. /—3-\ /— 3-s /-"3-*\ y i * jK \ \ 0 1 0 f* ^« 0 0* 0 0* ffts j r i ^r ~ ' 4S> A > W A \S\J • i " 1 H 1* 1 p F 4V aks CS LL3 £2 _ 1 0 1 - F Q 1 1 <f> 0 - 1- 1 rz-~J r r 1 i * i r This sound will be used to turn out troops in cases of alarm by day or night. Neither the whole call or any LIGHT INFANTRY. 83 part of it must ever be used either in camp or barracks for any purpose but that above stated. IX. Incline. w±~\ w 0 ?j f rrTTT 3—i—4—4 r\ P **P X. Wheel. y r i r 4 i r vs * # i i "i a i rim "r^ # fVtY "^ 1 — L r mJ 1 . r The calls IX and X must be preceded by the distinguishing G's. XI. The Alarm, or Look out for Cavalry. __ ^> JSK3S- 1 oBI—wP it -®-4- rr i 0 XII. The Officers' Call. 0* 0 0 0 0* 0 01 0 0 .0 £• I I XIII. The Quick Time. "^ _#_£. 0 0 0 r |_ r ^ 1 > L_#" & « 0 j0« *r _^ ° 0 ° 84 PART III. XIV. The Double Quick. The Advance or the Retire sounded when inclining to the flank, indicates that the original direction is to be resumed. When moving by sound of bugle, men will wait tUl the bugle has ceased before they move. When the Fire is combined with any other call, it should always he the last sounded, for if the men commenced firing they would not hear the second call. LIGHT INFANTRY MOVEMENTS OF A COMPANY- The following generaLrules are laid down for the guidance of troops employed as light infantry, but all movements in extended order must depend so much upon circumstances, which are ever varying, and the nature of the ground, that officers and non-commissioned officers must depend to a great extent on their own intelligence and judgment for the effectual performance of the duties required of them. j i l|fc,. S. 1.—Extending. In extending, as a general rule, it is the business of the rear rank man,of each file to regulate the distance, and of the front rank man to look to the direction. The number of paces that files are to extend from each other may be specified in the caution by the commander, thus : Three Paces from the Right—Extend. When no number is mentioned, six paces will be the regulated distance between files =££rf LIGHT INFANTRY. 85 No —, FOe) Extend. Bugle CaU No-. L From the 1. From the Halt.—On the word Ex- Right (Left, tend, or on the last sound of the bugle, the captain Will place himself in rear of the centre of the company, the senior supernume'- rary in rear of the right, and the second senior in rear of the left. The file on the named flank, or the centre, or named file, will kneel down, the remainder will advance arms (or shoulder with short rifles) face outwards, and extend in quick time. The front rank man will move direct to the flank, covering correctly on the march; the rear rank men will cast their eyes over the inward shoulder, and tap their respective front rank men as a signal to halt, front and kneel, when they have gained their proper, distances. Men must be taught to extend from any file of a close column of sections, without previously re-forming company ; the named file will kneel, and the remainder will face outwards and extend as already described. From the 2. On the March.—On the word Ex- Right (Left tend, or on the last sound of the bugle, the Centre or file on the named flank, on the centre or Ho. — File) named file, will continue to move straight Extend. forward in quick time ; the remainder will Bugle Call make a half turn to the flank to which they No. I. are ordered to extend, and move off in double time. As soon as each file has extended to its proper distance, it will turn to its front and resume the quick time; the rear rank men covering their front rank men, and the whole keeping in line with the directing file. Men in extended order may be directed to increase the distance between their files any given number of paces from either flank, the centre, or any named file. The command will be given thus, To Eight Paces from the Right—Extend; if no number of paces is specified, or if the bugle sound the Extend, the skirmishers will open 86 PART IH. I out one half more than their original extension; thus, if they are at six paces distance, they will open to nine. When a company, extending on the march, is halted Jbefore all the files are extended, the remainder will make a half turn outward into file, break into quick time, advance arms, and complete their extension as from the halt. S. 2.—Closing. On the Right 1. On THE Halt.—On the word Close, (Left, Centre, or on the last sound of the bugle, the file on or No.— FUe) the named flank, or the centre, or named file, —Close, will rise, order arms, and stand at ease; the Bugle Call remainder will rise, face towards it, and No. II. close at quick time, halting, fronting, ordering arms, and standing at ease in succession as they arrive at their places; the officers will remain in the rear unless directed to take post. The file on which the skirmishers close may be faced in any direction; the remainder will form upon it, facing in the same direction. On the Right 2. On THE March.—On the word Close, (Left, Centre or on the last sound of the bugle, the file on or No.— FUe) the named flank or centre, or on the named —Close, file, will move steadily on in quick time, the Bugle CaU remainder will make a half turn towards it, No. II. and close in double time, turning to the front and resuming the quick time as they arrive at their places. When a company, closing on the march, is halted before all the files are closed, the remainder will make a half turn inwards into file, break into quick time, and complete the formation as from the halt. ' If! S. 3.—Squares. In light infantry movements, company squares will be formed as laid down in Part 2, Section 32, except Bit LIGHT INFANTRY. 87 that the men when forming from close order will move into column with their arms advanced, the second section fixing bayonets on the word March^ the remaining sections as they halt and front; and when they run in from extended order, they will order arms and Hx bayonets independently as they halt and front in their places. A company must be practiced in closing from extended order into close column of sections on any named file; when no file is named they will close on the left file of the second section. If much pressed by cav- <alry, the first section formed may commence firing and the remainder form in rear of it, the sections passing each other, left arm to left arm. The Rallying Square. When the men of different companies are mixed together in extended order, or when detached skirmishers are overtaken by cavalry, they will form rallying squares, as explained in Part 2, Section 33. Two men placed back to back can keep off several cavalry soldiers; half a dozen stout-hearted men formed into a rallying square would be safe against a body of cavalry. When skirmishers, of different companies mixed together, are ordered to form rallying squares, they will run to the nearest officer standing as a rallying point, whether he belongs to their own company or not. !l S. 4.—Advancing in Skirmishing Order. Company— On the word Advance, or on the last Advance, sound of the bugle, the men will rise and Bugle Call step off in quick time with trailed arms, No. III. keeping their distance from the centre. S. 5.—Retiring in Skirmishing Order. Company— On the word Retire, or on the last sound Retire. of the bugle, the men will rise, face to the Bugle CaU right about, and step off in quick time, rear No. VII. rank in front, keeping their distance from the centre. I 88 PART III. Men in extended order will invariably face or turn to the right about, whether they are advancing, retiring firing, or not firing. S. 6-^Passing Obstacles in Skirmishing Order. Men in extended order must frequently be practiced in passing obstacles both in advancing and retiring. When an obstacle, such as a pond or a marsh, presents itself in front of a line of skirmishers, the files opposite to it will open out gradually as they approach, and wifl pass oh either side of it, closing upon the remaining files, which will continue moving straight to their front. Having passed the obstacle, the files that have been diverted from their direction, will again extend and fill up the interval in the line. A company advancing or retiring in skirmishing order, should also be practiced in closing on the centre files of sub-divisions or sections, those files continuing to march straight to their front; after which, the company should be again extended from the same files, and if the direction has been properly kept, the intervals between files will still be found correct. To the Right (or Left) Incline. Bugle Call. One G (or Three G's,) Followed By No. IX. Advance. Bugle Call No. III. Retire. Bugle Call No. VII. S. 7.—Inclining to a Flank. On the word Incline, or on the last sound of the bugle, the skirmishers will make a half turn to the flank to which they are ordered to incline, and move in a diagonal direction, until they are ordered to resume their original direction to the front or rear, by the word or sound Advance or Retire. If the skirmishers have made a half turn, and are.again ordered to turn in the same direction, or the bugle sounds the Incline a second time, they will complete the turn by making a second half turn, and will take ground to the flank in file. w ufc m LIGHT INFANTRY. 89 ■Matt. If the halt sounds when men are inclin ing, they halt, front, and kneel. S. 8.—Skirmishers changing Front or Direction from the Halt. A line of skirmishers halted, can change front on any two named files that may be placed as a base for the rest to form upon. A change of front in this manner may be made at any angle, but it is not likely to be required to a greater extent than the sixteenth, or, at most, the eighth of a circle. Change Front To the Right (or Left) on the Two Centre (or on No—$No—) Files. Double— March. 1. From the Halt.—On the caution, the two named files will rise, and the captain of the company will dress them in the direction required; as soon as they are placed they will again kneel. On the word March, the whole will rise, and if all the files are to be thrown forward on a flank, they will make a half face inwards, and move across by the shortest way to their places in the new line, dressing on the two base files, as they successively halt, and then kneeling. If all the files are to be thrown back on either flank, they will make a three-quarters face in the direction of the base files, then move across and halt, front and kneel successively as they arrive at their places in the new line. If the change is on two central files, part of the company will be thrown forward and the rest back, as above described. Skirmishers 2. On the March.—A line of skir- (Rightor mishers on the march may change their Left) Wheel, direction gradually, on the same principles Bugle CcM, as a company wheels on a moveable pivot. One G (or On the word Wheel, or on the last sound of 90 PART in. ■ 1 - Three G's) the bugle, the pivot file wiU halt, and the followed by remainder will circle round it, the front rank No. X. men looking outwards for the dressing, and the rear rank men keeping the distances from the pivot flank. Forward. On the word Forward the whole line wiU advance by the centre. S. 9.—Firing in Skirmishing Order. The men of a file must always work together. Both men should never be unloaded at the same time; they should always load when practicable under cover—before moving to the front when advancing, and after falling back when retiring. Commence 1. FIRING ON THE Halt.—On the words Firing. Commence Firing, or on the last sound of Bugle Sound the bugle, the front rank men wiU make No. V. ready, fire and load; the rear rank men, when their front rank men are in the act of capping, will make ready, fire, and then load. A line of skirmishers may be ordered to lie down, or single volunteers may lie down for the sake of cover. When firing in this position, both elbows must rest on the ground to support the body and rifle; the men will load on their knees. Rifleman may fire on their backs in favorable situations.; in this position the feet are to be crossed, the right foot passed through the sling of the rifle,_and the piece supported by it. If in very exposed situations a volunteer wishes to load lying, he will roU over on his back, and place the butt of his firelock between his legs, the lock upwards, and the muzzle a little elevated. Commence 2. FIRING WHEN ADVANCING.—On the Firing. words Commence Firing, or on the last sound Bugle Sound of the bugle, the whole of the skirmishers No. V. will make a momentary halt, the front rank LIGHT INFANTRY. 91 man of each file will fire, (kneeling if preferred,) and take a side pace to his left; the rear rank man will then pass on, and the front rank man will follow close behind him, loading on the march; when in the act of capping he will give the word Ready in an under tone of voice, on which the proper rear rank man will fire, and both men wiU proceed as above described. When men find difficulty in loading on the march, they may halt and load, and then double up to their file leaders. When cover presents itself, the men must be taught to take advantage of it by running forward from place to place as soon as they are loaded; when any large object, affording considerable cover, comes in their way, several files may run up behind it, fire, load, and then move on and regain their distances and places in the general line. Commence 3. FIRING WHEN RETIRING.—On the Firing. words Commence Firing, or on the last Bugle Sound sound of the bugle, both ranks will halt and No. V. front, the front rank man of each file will fire, face to the right about, and retire in quick time, passing by the left of his rear rank, man (who will follow close behind him,) and loading as he retires; when his loading is completed, both ranks will halt and front, the rear rank man will fire and proceed in the manner described for the front rank man. On rough ground, files will run back from one place of cover to another, taking care before they leave one station, to select another to fall back upon. One man of each file should fire previous to moving, and re-load when he is again under cover. As the principal object is to keep the enemy in check, skirmishers, when retiring, should hold each station as long as possible without risk of being cut off by the enemy, or of being shot by their comrades. 92 part in. When a line of skirmishers halted, is ordered to advance or retire firing, the front rank men wiU first fire, the whole wiU then rise and proceed as already described. 4. Firing while inclining to a Flank, or taking Ground to a Flank in Files.—When skirmishers are ordered to fire, or the bugle sounds the fire, while they are inclining to the right or left, or taking ground to a flank in files, the front rank man will halt, take steady aim and fire, the rear rank men moving on; having fired, the front rank men will double up to the proper rear of their rear rank men, and then load on the march, or load at the halt and then double up. When their loading is completed, the rear rank men will proceed in like manner. When skirmishers either halted or on the march, are directed to cease firing, they will complete their loading, and the rear rank men will resume their places in the proper rear of their front rank men, if not there already. Whenever skirmishers are directed to halt, by word of command or bugle sound, they wiU halt and kneel, facing to their proper front, and if firing, they will continue firing. t ?Mfc. C .A' PART IV. MISCELLANEOUS SUBJECTS; Platoon Exercise in slow time. Prepare to Load. Load. Rod. Home. Return. Capt Fire a Volley at —yds. Ready. Present. In Quick Time Load. EEflEW EXERCISE. At this caution, the rear rank will take a pace of nine inches to the front. In two motions, observing a pause of the slow time between each; In five motions, observing a pause of the slow time between each. In two motions, observing a pause of the slow time between each. In four motions, observing a pause of the slow time between each. In two motions, observing a pause of the slow time between each. In six motions, observing a pause of the slow time between each. One motion, the sight to be adjusted with care and without hurry* In live motions. There is to be no hurry in the performance of the third and fourth motions of the present on any occasion. Each man will now perform the motions of loading with the greatest celerity, but with the same correctness as if exercising in 94 PART IV. Shoulder— Arms. Company, Ready. Present. I the slow time; after returning the ramrods, the whole line to remain perfectly steady; after a pause of the slow time, taking the time from the right, come to the capping position, and proceed to cap, which must always be done after loading. As before detailed, the rear rank taking a short pace of nine inches to the rear when quitting the right hand. At this caution, the rear rank will take a Fire a Volley, pace of nine inches to the front. > As before detailed. As before detailed. After firing, make a pause, (taking the time from the right,) come down to the capping position, put down the flap, and immediately seize the rifle with the right hand close in front of the left, fore arm close to the barrel, and after another pause, come to the position of Prepare to Load, and go on with the loading in the quick time, without any command to do so. Cease Firing. At the close of the " general," or at the command Cease Firing, the company having completed its loading and capped, will receive the command, Shoulder Arms. If the company is at the ready when the Cease Firing sounds, it will be commanded to Half Cock Arms, to be performed as follows: Place the thumb of the right hand on the comb of the cock, and the forefinger on the trigger, and draw both back until the sear is disengaged from the " full bent of tumbler," then let the cock gently down, (removing the forefinger from the trigger,) and when it passes the "half bent," draw it back to half cock; after which, put down the flap, and carry the right hand to the small of Hatf—Cock Arms. ■ ilH ■j sM* I HI;*- MISCELLANEOUS. 95 the butt, thumb pointing to the muzzle, fingers behind the guard. When it is not intended to reload after firing, the command will be Fire a Volley and Shoulder. At — yfe—Ready. After delivering the volley make a pause, and take the time from the right, come down to the capping position, shut down the flap, bring back the right hand to the " small of the butt," and in doing so, close the heels; then, after another pause*, taking the time from the right also, come to the shoulder, as before detailed. Independent or File Firing. At this caution, the rear rank will take a pace of nine inches to the front. FUe Firing from the right or left, or from both flanks of companies. Commence Firing. 1 The flank file will at once make ready and come to the present, the front rank man delivering his fire first, to be immediately followed by that of the rear rank man; both men will then return to the capping position, and from thence go on with their loading in the quick time, performing their motions together and without loss of time. When the flank file is bringing the rifle to the present, the next file is to make ready, coming to the present when the flank file is in the act of returning to the capping position; the next file to proceed likewise, and so continue by files in succession for the first round, after which, each file, as soon as loaded, will fire independently, i. e., without reference to the files on the right or left. Each file, as it completes its loading, will " shoulder arms." Files that may have made "ready" when this command is given, will half cock their rifles and "shoulder arms. », N. B.—Each man before full cocking his rifle is to 1 5» 1*1 v. <!■' L PART 1Y> I adjust his sight for the distance he estimates the object at which he intends to fire to be from him. In file and .volley firing, it is to be impressed upon the men, that the front rank must remain perfectly steady after delivering their fire, otherwise the aim of the rear rank will be deranged* Exercise to Receive Cavalry* < The Volunteers may now be formed into four ranks and practiced at to receive cavalry, as it is necessary to do, in square, four deep. Prepare At this caution, the second and fourtn to Resist ranks will take a pace of nine inches to the Cavalry, front. At this command, the first and second rank will sink down at once upon the right knee as a front and rear rank,*kneeling in the manner prescribed when at the capping position, and at the same time place the butts of their rifles on the ground against the inside of their right knees, locks turned uppermost, the muzzle slanting up*- Wards, so that the point of the bayonet will be about the height of a horse's nose; the left hand to have a firm grasp of the rifle immediately above the third band, the right hand holding the small of the butt, the left arm to rest upon the thigh about si± inches in rear of the left knee* The third and fourth ranks to make ready as a front and rear rank standing* Muzzles of rifles to be inclined upwards. t The standing ranks to commence file firing in the order before detailed. Commence Firing from the right (or left or from both flanks) of Faces. Cease Firing. Each file as it completes its loading will shoulder, arms. Kneeling "] Ranks (orfront { A caution should it be deemed neces* face, etc.,) Fire j sary to fire a volley. a Volley. J MISCELLANEOUS. 97 At —yds. Ready. Present. Load. Gome to the capping position, at the same time bring the weight of the body on the right heel, then adjust the sight for the distance named, full cock the rifle, and fix the eye steadfastly on an object in front. After delivering the fire, count a pause of the slow time, and as quickly as possible raise the body off the heel, and bring the rifle down to resist cavalry, as before directed, remaining perfectly steady. Spring to attention at the half face, and bring the rifle to a horizontal position at the right side, seizing it at the same instant with the right hand close in front of the left, and from thence come to the position of prepare to load as standing ranks, and go on with the loading in quick time. Manner of Inspecting a Company on Parade. Attention. As per regulation. tix Bayonets. As per regulation. Shoulder Arms As per regulation. Rear Rank ~\ taken Open j-As per regulation. Order, March, j Port Arms. As per regulation. Place the thumb of the right hand on the comb of the cock, and the fingers behind the trigger guard; then draw back the cock until the sear catches in the half bent of the tumbler, and remove the snap cap from the nipple; afterwards resume the hold of the small of the butt. The inspecting officer will now pass down the ranks to ascertain that the locks and sight are serviceable and perfectly clean, and that the nipples are free from rust, each soldier replacing his snap cap when the officer has passed the second file from him. Shoulder Arms As per regulation. F Half Cock Arms. 98 PART IV. I Order Arms. Examine Arms. Rod. Home. As per regulation. Pass the rifle smartly to the left hand, which is to grasp it at the nose cap, and place the butt quietly on the ground between the feet, the tbe of it to be in line with the toes of the boots, barrel to the front, and perpendicular, the left arm close to the body; then withdraw the muzzle stopper, and place it instantly in the left hand between the fore-finger and thumb. As per regulation, placing the head of the ramroad in the muzzle. As per regulation, except that in the fourth motion, raise the ramrod about six inches instead of one; and when completed, bring the right hand smartly to the right side. The officer will now proceed to ascertain if the in- sides of the barrels are clean or otherwise. Each volunteer, as the officer approaches within two files of him, will draw the ramrod from the barrel, as in the "Return" of the platoon exercise, and, holding the ramrod in the middle, place it under the right arm, and on the upper brass or nose cap to the left of the barrel, with the head of it to the left front, arm close to the side, knuckles of the right hand towards the ground. Return. As per regulation, and afterwards pass the rifle smartly to the right side, and resume the position of Order Arms. An inspection of the appointments, clothing, etc., is now to be made. > As per regulation. As per regulation. Unfix Bayonets, Rear Rank take close Order, March. Stand at Base. As per regulation. km MISCELLANEOUS. 99 DIRECTIONS FOR FUNERAL PARTIES. The party appointed for the escort, according to the rank of the deceased, is to be drawn up two deep, with open ranks and unfixed bayonets, facing the house or marquee where the corpse is lodged; and when it is brought out, the officer commanding will give the follew- words of command: Present Arms. As per regulation. Reverse Arms. Throw the rifle out to the front to the full extent of the left arm, give the butt a cant with the right hand towards the body, bringing the butt outside of the left arm, and turning the muzzle straight over to the front, and seize the rifle with the right hand under the lower band, barrel to the front, muzzle pointing down, guard as high as the chin, and seize the cock with the left hand without moving the rifle, arms close to the body. Give the rifle a cant under the left arm, bringing the muzzle to the rear, sling uppermost, and with the right hand behind the body seize the rifle. The officers' swords are reversed under the right arm, the point of the sword downwards, the hilt beinsr ffrasned with the right hand. 8 6 F The sergeants' rifles are reversed also under the left arm. Rear Ranks The party will then wheel forwards or take close backwards by divisions or sub-divisions, as Order, March, circumstances may require, and will stand as a column, the left in front, until the procession is ready, when the ranks will be opened by word of command. 100 PART IV. Slow March. The party will move off in slow time, followed by the music, with drums muffled, playing the Dead March. ®jje Corpse. pall-bearers op equal rank with the deceased ON each side of the corpse. CHIEF MOURNER8. OFFICERS TWO AND TWO, According to Rank, the Juniors in Front. When the first division of the funeral party arrives near the burial ground, the word of command Halt is given, and the officer commanding will order the ranks of the divisions to wheel to the right and left, having been previously told off for that purpose, and facing inwards, forming a lane for the corpse to pass through. Rest upon The firelock will be quitted by the right your Arms hand and brought to a perpendicular posi- Reversed. tion; the muzzle placed upon the toes of the left foot. The right and left hands open, placed upon the butt of the firelock. Stand at Base. The volunteers' heads lean on the back of the left hand, so as to look towards the corpse. The corpse and the remainder of the procession having passed through the lane, the word Attention is given, on which the volunteers raise their heads. Reverse Arms. Grasp the rifle with the right hand under the lower band, fingers round the barrel, and raise it under the left arm, muzzle slanting to the rear, and seize the cock at the same instant with the left hand, and move the right hand smartly to the rear of the body, and grasp the rifle. Ranks, Right The ranks will then be faced towards the and Left grave, and will move in slow time, the front Face—Slow rank inclining towards the rear rank till at March. two paces distant from it; the escort will be MISCELLANEOUS. 101 Halt—Front, halted and fronted, in open order, near the grave and facing towards it. Rest upon Reversed.' " As before described. Stand at Ease. Siae funeral service will be performed, after which the escort will proceed as follows: Attention. As already described. Present Arms. 1st. Seize the rifle with the left hand at the swell, thumb in front, back of the hands towards the body. 2d. Seize the small of the butt with the right hand, the back of it to the left, thumb pointing down. 3d. Turn the_rifle with the butt close to the outside of right arm, inclining the muzzle to the front, to the position of presented arms. Shoulder Arms According to regulation. With Blank ] Cartridge. ^According to regulation. Load. Fire Three 1 Volleys in the V According to regulation. Air—Ready. J Present. Elevated in the air. Load. According to regulation. After firing three rounds, the men will be directed to order arms, fix bayonets, shoulder arms, and the ranks will be closed. The escort will then be marched back to camp or barracks, in fours, sub-divisions or sections, right in front in quick time. In marching back the music is not to play, or the drums to beat, until the party is entirely clear of the burying ground. i MUSTER ROLL OF JStompirag, Captain COMPANY. NAMES. RANK. NO. OF ARMS ..— • iHJ MUSTER ROLL. 103 COMPANY. NAMES. RANK. NO. OF ARMS
Other Copies: http://www.worldcat.org/oclc/9488282
Manuals (Handbooks)
Books
English
Vancouver : University of British Columbia Library
[New Westminster] : [publisher not identified]
Images provided for research and reference use only. For permission to publish, copy, or otherwise distribute these images please contact digital.initiatives@ubc.ca.
Original Format: University of British Columbia. Library. Rare Books and Special Collections. UD155.C3 S68 1861
Great Britain. Army
Drill and minor tactics--Handbooks, manuals, etc
Infantry drill and tactics--Handbooks, manuals, etc
A military manual of infantry drill : including the manual and platoon exercises. Designed for the use of the officers, non-commissioned officers, and privates of the volunteer forces of Vancouver Island and British Columbia
Text