ations, no
greater rate than 1 mile an hour can be counted on. When several
objectives are in view a corresponding series of Positions of Assembly
and Deployment will be required, and care must be taken that the various
advancing forces do not converge.

Owing to the difficulty of recognition, a distinguishing mark will
usually be worn by the troops engaged, a watchword will usually be
adopted and made known to all ranks, and the commander and staff should
wear easily distinguishable badges. If hostile patrols are encountered
it is essential that they should be silenced, and any one encountered who
is deficient of the badge and ignorant of the watchword should be
similarly treated.

The risk of an assault being held up by unforeseen obstacles must also be
provided against, and Engineers or Pioneer Infantry should be present for
removing such obstacles. If fire is opened by the enemy it is clear that
all hope of surprise has vanished, and the troops must then press on at
all costs; for if they advance as rapidly as possible they have a
reasonable prospect of achieving their object, whereas a halt will
increase the enemy's power of resistance, and withdrawal will almost
certainly end in disaster.

In order that secrecy may be observed, details of the assault will
usually be withheld from all except superior commanders from whom action
is required, until the Position of Assembly is reached; but before the
troops leave that position all ranks must be made to understand the
objective in general, the particular task of the unit, and the formation
to be adopted at the Position of Deployment. In addition to this
information, and to a knowledge of the general tactical principles
involved, {154} there are certain axioms which must become "rules of
thumb" with all ranks:--

Fire must not be opened without orders.

Magazines must be charged but no cartridge placed in the chamber.

Until daylight the bayonet only to be used.

Absolute silence to be maintained until the signal for the assault is
given.

No smoking; no lights.

If obstacles are encountered each man will lie down in his place until
they are removed.

If hostile fire is opened, all ranks must press on at once with the
utmost spirit and determination and overpower the enemy with the bayonet.

{155}

FIGHTING IN CLOSE COUNTRY

Close country has a marked influence on Tactics owing to the
restrictions it imposes on view and on movement. Forest,