e will use his supporting platoons to push
through where the resistance is weak in order to turn the flank of
those portions of the enemy which are holding up the advance. As soon
as this temporary phase has been brought to a successful conclusion the
company commander must reorganise his platoons and secure their advance
on the objective. When the objective has been gained the position must
be consolidated and patrols sent out to prevent surprise.

THE BATTALION.--The distribution of the battalion depends entirely upon
the nature of the task allotted to it. Where the enemy's dispositions
are known and considerable resistance is anticipated in the earlier
stages of the Attack, the battalion will normally be distributed with
two companies forward, one in support and one in reserve. The forward
body should thus be strong enough to develop the Attack to such a point
that a decisive blow can be delivered by the supports against the main
resistance, and the reserve company is in hand for the completing
stages of the action or for stabilising the local battle. Where the
enemy's dispositions and the degree of resistance are still the subject
of conjecture, one company only may be forward, with two in support, so
that the main strength of the battalion will not be committed to any
definite _role_ before it is needed and before the situation of the
enemy is discovered.

{74}

THE BATTALION COMMANDER.--"The powers of personal control of a
battalion commander upon the field of battle are limited, and success
will depend, in a great measure, on the clearness of the orders which
commit his leading companies to the Attack" ("Infantry Training,
1921"). The battalion commander should be supplied with any details
concerning the enemy and of co-operating troops. He must understand
his objective, the limits of his frontage, and the extent of help which
he will receive from the other arms. In addition to such information
as is supplied regarding the enemy's strength and dispositions,
particularly with regard to wire (or other obstacles) and machine guns,
he must ascertain the best positions of assembly for his companies, the
best lines of approach to the objective, the most covered line of
advance for his supports and reserves, and the best position for his
own headquarters during each stage of the Attack. In his orders for
the Attack he will reveal all information concerning the movements and
dispositions of the enemy and of c