or sections were to advance in single file, the columns would be too long, and it would be next to impossible to maintain the intervals. The six or eight small columns of files of a platoon are, on the other hand, close enough together to keep each other in view; besides, they are easily and quickly deployed for firing and charging, and can meander through the woods more readily than an organization in close order. Moreover, the leaders can exercise better control over the men than in skirmish line, which invariably bunches up at the places that are most easily passed, while connection is not maintained at all at other points and march direction and cohesion is lost. (See the passage of the Bois de Givodeau during the battle of Beaumont).[1]
2. THE RENCONTRE.[2]
(Pars. 315-317 and 352-361 German I. D. R.).
"Uncertainty and haziness of the situation are the rule in war. During marches in campaign the opponents will frequently not gain detailed information of each other until they come into actual contact. Thus the rencontre develops out of a collision of route columns." (Par. 352 German I. D. R.).
Both forces are marching toward each other, and the collision occurs frequently at a point not intended by either; as every minute brings the heads of the two columns closer together no time is to be lost. The commander who desires to wait until he can come to a decision consonant with the results of the reconnaissance will arrive too late. The tactical situation in its entirety determines whether or not an attack should
- ↑ See Taktik, VI, p. 125, with sketch. Hopffgarten-Heidler, Beaumont, p. 112, et seq. Examples: The conduct of the infantry of the IXth Army Corps in passing through the Niederwald of Wörth, may serve as a model. Kunz, Kriegsgeschichtliche Beispiele, 13, p. 108, et seq. Engagement of La Landrière on January 11th, 1871. Geschichte des Regiments Nr. 20, p. 292. Wald und Ortsgefecht, p. 109.
- ↑ See also Taktik, V, p. 192, et seq.
