t should tell him nothing which he can and
should arrange for himself, and, especially in the case of large
forces, will only enter into details when details are absolutely
necessary. Any attempt to prescribe to a subordinate at a distance
anything which he, with a fuller knowledge of local conditions, should
be better able to decide on the spot, is likely to cramp his initiative
in dealing with unforeseen developments, and will be avoided. In {179}
particular, such expressions as 'Will await further orders' should be
avoided" ("Field Service Regulations," vol. ii. (1921)).

Apart from the standing rules as to the printing of names of places in
block type, including a reference to the map used, dating and signing
the orders, numbering the copies, and stating the time and method of
issue, etc., the general tenour of all operation orders will always be:
_The enemy are. . . . My intention is. . . . You will. . . ._ In
other words, all that is known about the enemy, and of our own troops,
that is essential for the purposes of the order, should be revealed;
then the general intention of the commander who issues the orders; then
the part in the operations that is to be played by the recipient. But
the method of attaining the object will be left to the utmost extent
possible to the recipient, with due regard to his personal
characteristics. "It is essential that subordinates should not only be
able to work intelligently and resolutely in accordance with brief
orders or instructions, but should also be able to take upon
themselves, whenever necessary, the responsibility of departing from,
or of varying, the orders they may have received" ("Field Service
Regulations," vol. ii. (1921)).

{181}

INDEX

Active defence, the, 86-91
Adowa, battle of, (_note_) 22
Advanced guard, the, 102-113
distance, 103
information, 107-108
in advances, 103
in retreats, 104-105, 124
main guard, 105-106
Nachod, 77
night, 145
problems, 110-113
strategical, 103
strength of, 102-103
tactical, 103
tactics of, 103-104, 105-113
training, 105
vanguard, 105-106
Advances, night, 147-148
Advancing under fire, 39-44
Aerial observation, (_note_) 22, 98-99
photographs, 99
Aircraft, characteristics of, 169, 171, 175-176
advanced guard, 107
communication by, 37, 107, 115
flank guard, 115
gas, 176
outposts, 129-130, 137
position warfare