e, by the compass. (See
Chapter VIII., "Manual of Map Reading.")

II. _Protection_ against surprise attacks must be provided by Advanced,
Flank, and Rear Guards, but (except in the obvious case of columns of
mounted troops only) mounted troops will not be employed in this service.
The Advanced Guard will be small, and will usually consist of Patrols
within 100 yards of the column, followed by connecting files, with the
rest of the Advanced Guard in collective formation. The Rear Guard will
also be smaller and nearer than during a daylight march. Flanks will
usually be protected by small bodies holding tactical positions, posted
by the Advanced Guard, and withdrawn by the Rear Guard.

III. _Secrecy_ must be maintained, and orders issued as late as
possible, and the preparations carried on without ostentation. The march
{146} itself must be conducted in absolute silence and without lights of
any kind. Care must be taken to prevent or muffle sounds, and horses
likely to neigh must be left with the train. In the case of a march to
elude the enemy, Outposts will remain in position until daylight and will
be secretly withdrawn, to rejoin the column at the first opportunity, and
bivouac fires, etc., will be kept burning.

IV. _Connection_.--Every commander must have and must maintain a fixed
place in the column, and an orderly officer must be detached from each
unit to headquarters, so that instructions may be conveyed to such
commanders at all times. Units must be closed up, and the usual
distances lessened or dispensed with, and connection must be maintained
between units and their sub-divisions. The pace should be uniform, but
not more than 2 miles an hour can be expected on a dark night, including
halts. The time and periods of halts should be arranged before starting,
and units must regain any distance lost before halting. After crossing
or clearing an obstacle the column should advance its own length and then
be halted until reported to be closed up again, and staff officers should
be detailed to superintend these matters. In addition to these general
principles there are certain axioms, which must become "rules of thumb"
with all concerned:--

An officer must march in rear of each unit.

All ranks must be informed what to do in case of alarm or attack.

Fire will not be opened without orders.

Magazines will be charged, but no cartridge placed in the chamber.

There must be absolute silence, no smo