Fundamental to any movement is turning the soldiers
within their files and ranks, and by turning they orient themselves
to specified directions in relation to their original direction. For
turning, Colonel Barriffe details: "...every man is to turn upon the ball
or center of the left foot, & move from the ground onely with
the right: The left foot being the keeper of rank...."*
Sergeant Subtlelus says:
Direction
provided in any command is by the unit's orientation. In
particular, "By the left hand" and "By the right hand" refer to the
left and right sides of the unit. For an officer or sergeant
facing the unit, "Face to the left" is to his right and "Face
to the right" is
to his left. Even in the heat of engagement, the officer must
always keep in mind his reference point to his unit. That
these persons do not become confused and disoriented by such seeming
contradictions is why they are officers and sergeants. |
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*Chapt 9, The Young Artilleryman... |
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