72. In either case, if the defile be opposite the centre of the battery, the flanks are broken off in this manner : The captain commands, 1. Attention. 2. By pieces-from flanks in rear of centre—pass the defile. 3. MARCH. (Pl. XLIV.) At the second command, the chief of the first section orders, First piece-in retreat—into column ; the chief of the third section, Sixth piece-in retreat—into column. At the word MARCH, repeated by the same chiefs, the pieces of these sections, in succession, form column in retreat. The first and sixth caissons are directed toward the defile, and pass it together. When the first and sixth pieces have reached the opening of the defile, the chief of the first section causes the first piece to wheel to the left, and the chief of the thir section causes the sixth piece to wheel to the right, and they immediately arrange the pieces of their sections in battery in rear of their first position, where they can at once commence firing, if it be necessary. During this time, the caissons continue to march under the guidance of their chiefs. When those at the head of the column have passed the defile about the length of a piece, the chief of the caissons of the first section causes the first caisson to wheel to the left, and the chief of the caissons of the third section causes the sixth caisson to wheel to the right. They are then arranged, each caisson in rear of its piece. When the captain thinks it proper, he commands, Second section-in retreat-MARCH. At this command, repeated by the chief of the second section, this section moves off, and takes position on a line with the first and third. 73. If the defile becomes too narrow to admit two carriages abreast, the double column is broken, in succession, in such a manner that the pieces of the same section shall not be separated: they will then be formed in the following order :-1, 2, 6, 5, 3, 4. If the captain perceives, at the entrance of the defile, that it will admit only one carriage in front, he will break off by pieces in the above order. Being thus arranged by pieces, he will re-form in battery, on the other side of the defile, as before directed. ARTICLE FOURTH. 74. Being in Line, halted or marching, to form in Battery. In foot-artillery, the battery being either halted or marching, the captain commands, 1. Attention. 2. Into battery. 3. MARCH. At the word MARCH, repeated by the chiefs of sections, the pieces and caissons halt, if they are marching; the pieces wheel to the left-about, and are aligned by their chiefs of sections, and always towards that side on which the piece, which serves as guide, is placed. The caissons are aligned in like manner. In horse-artillery, the battery being on a march, the captain commands, 1. Attention. 2. Front into battery. 3. MARCH. At the second command, the squads halt and dismount by command of their chiefs of squads. At the word MARCH, repeated by the chiefs of sections, when the pieces have advanced to the front about the length of a piece, the pieces wheel to the left-about, halt, and are immediately aligned by the chiefs of sections. To pass a defile in retreat. 1. Attention. 2. By pieces, from flanks, in rear of centre, pass the defile. 3. March. 子 PL.XLIV. |