- attack is rendered impossible by the strength of
the frontal attack.
When touch has been gained by the contact squadrons and the enemy found in force, they will either be compelled by superior numbers to fall back or they must be at once supported; in either case the advanced guard will now become engaged and will endeavour to break through the advanced guard of the enemy, or, if in touch with the main body of the enemy's cavalry, will endeavour to prevent him breaking through till their own Cavalry Division comes up.
If it is decided to attack, the action will follow much the same lines as that of the contact squadrons, but on a larger scale and with the addition of artillery; and the machine guns will be used in much the same way to support the mounted attack up to the moment of the charge, for which purpose the machine guns working in pairs on the opposite flank to the artillery must be pushed forward to occupy positions from which to bring fire to bear on the hostile squadrons while manœuvring prior to the attack. The whole battery may be used for this purpose if the ground favours their action; or a single section only, while the remainder are held back as a reserve to complete a successful charge or to cover the retirement of the brigade in the event of failure.
The officer commanding the machine-gun battery will remain with the brigadier and must be perfectly acquainted with his plans, and will
