The deep column is employed for assembling troops if the terrain necessitates a formation on a narrow front. If sufficient distance is allowed between companies, line may be formed to a flank, but this increases the depth of the column to such an extent that movements at attention are impossible. The deep column may be used as a route formation in addition to the column of squads. During the change from route formation to that of action, the deep column formation may be retained so long as the depth of the whole column does not have to be further reduced. When necessary, the deep column may be replaced by a formation in which the four companies, each in route column, are placed abreast of each other.
The broad column finds proper employment, aside from parades, in cases where the terrain or the contemplated deployment requires more front than depth. It is also advisable to assemble the widely scattered troops in a broad column after an action. The broad column does not lend itself, however, to the execution of changes of front by battalion; but should such changes of front become necessary, they are always to be executed by company.
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The color is posted between the right and
left center companies, in broad column, and on
the right flank of the third company, in deep
column. In action the color remains with the
company with which it happens to be at the moment.[1]
Should this company also join the firing
line, the color accompanies it; but under all circumstances
one squad must remain with the
color. (Par. 236 German I. D. R.). It has been
contended that this is a disadvantage, as the
enemy can direct his fire on the color and the
men in its vicinity. If the colors, upon which
the soldiers have been sworn, are taken into the
field, it is always better to endure the unavoidable
losses incidental to carrying them, and even to expose
them to capture, than to send them back to a
- ↑ In Japan the color joins the battalion commander. British troops leave their colors in their garrisons. In Russia and France the color is carried only by one battalion of each regiment.
