French Drill and Ecole Du Soldat

Much of Napoleon’s success was down to his soldiers. Fundamental to victory was the need for properly trained soldiers who were capable of manoeuvring quickly and able to handle their muskets effectively. The French army therefore placed great emphasis on updating and perfecting its drill. Numerous drills were published from the army with the last Ordonnance du Roi, prior to the French Revolution, being published in 1779. Once the Revolution began the need to update and revise the drill manual quickly became apparent. In August 1791, Rhglement Concernant Exercise et les Manouvres De Infanterie was published. This new drill manual became the bible of exercises and manoeuvres for the French Army until after the fall of Napoleon in 1815.

In 1803, John MacDonald published a complete English translation of the 1791 manual entitled Rules and Regulations for the Field Exercise and Manoeuvres of the French Infantry. The loading and firing information reproduced below is taken from that work.

 

Almost immediately after the 1791 Reglement was published, the words of command went through a slight evolution. During the 1790s every effort was made to shorten the process of firing and to improve its timing. Each command had two parts. The first part was the imperative word or words which prepared the soldier to move. The second part was the executive word of command upon which the soldier moves. A uniform movement of the unit was achieved by shortening the words of command and stressing a last syllable of the command. This evolution in words of command illustrates the need for the use of one syllable for the executive part of the command. This happened as early as 1793. Here are how the French commands were changed:

 

• Chargez-vos armes Chargez-armes
• Ouvrez-le bassinet Ouvrez-net
• Prenez-la cartouche Prenez-touche
• Amorcez (no change)
• Fermez-le bassinet Fermez-net
• L'arme a gauche l'arme-gauche
• Cartouche-dans le canon Cartouche-non
• Tirez la baguette Tirez-guette
• Bourrez (no change)
• Remettez-la baguette Remettez-guette
• Portez vos armes Portez-armes
• Appretez-vos armes Appretez armes
• Joue (no change. Sometimes shown as En Joue in later manuals)
• Feu (no change)

 

The following is the 1791 loading and firing drill for the French. In the manual all the paragraphs are numbered. The load and firing sequence begins in the manual at paragraph 54.

 

A copy of the Ecole Du Soldat is shown below.

 

The Platoon Exercise

 

54. The platoon exercise shall be taught three men in a rank, with their elbows touching, and to the same afterwards in file.

55. The execution of each command shall be in consequence of one time, denoting the word of command divided into distinct motions, in order to impress the component parts more strongly on the minds of the recruits.

56. On hearing the last syllable of the word of command, the recruit shall execute the intended motion lively and smartly. On hearing the respective words two, and three, the remaining motions shall be gone through. When the recruits shall know thoroughly the position relating to each motion included in a word of command, they shall be instructed how to execute them, without dwelling on each separately; but they must observe the mechanism of the motions, to be confirmed in the use of arms; and to avoid the inconvenience resulting from what is termed an unseen shifting of the firelock, as if by slight of hand, from the proper into an inaccurate position.

57. The platoon exercise shall be taught in the following order of arrangement. The instructor shall give the words of command,

 

 

Ecole Du Soldat

 

Premiere Partie

 

Ratio of instructors to Recruits.

 

The ratio of instructors to recruits should be between 1:1 and 1:3. The recruits should be placed in one rank (line) without arms, at a distance of one pace from each other.

 

Premiere Lecon

 

Position du soldat.

 

Position of the soldier at attention without arms; heels on the same line, close together but comfortable; toes angled out, approximately 300 from centre; knees straight but not locked; body perpendicular to the hips, leaning slightly forward; shoulders back; arms hanging naturally; elbows touching the body; little finger of each hand running parallel to the trouser seam; head up without strain; eyes fixed on the ground 15 paces (30') to the fore.

 

There are two parts to most orders. The first part is the instruction to be performed; the second is the command to execute the instruction. At the instructive order the soldat prepares himself, and at the executive order the instruction is carried out. Most often the executive order will be called out louder than the instructive order. For purposes of clarity, whenever possible, the first part of the order will appear in green type. The executive part of the order will appear in red type. The pronunciation guide for the French will be placed in brackets.

 

Orders pertaining to standing in formation without arms.

 

Come to attention. Assume the position described above.

Pelaton (citoyen, ) Garde a vous. [pel-ah-tah n - gahd - a - voo] Platoon attention.

Eyes right (or left). Turn the head so that the corner of the left eye nearest the nose aligns with the buttons of the gilet.

Tete a droite (or a gauche). [tet - ah - dwaht] Head to the right (left).

To return to the face forward position, garde a vous, there is only the executive command.

Fixe. [feex] Eyes front.

At ease is simply an instruction and there is no executive order.

Repos. [ray-poh] Rest.

 

Deuxieme Lecon

 

A droite, a gauche, et demi-tour a droite.

 

To the right, left and about face. At the executive command the recruit will turn on his left heel (right heel for a gauche), raising slightly the left toe while at the same time carrying back the right heel to come into line with the left.

Pelaton par le flanc droite, a droite. [pel-a-tahn - par - luh - flahn - dwaht - ah - dwaht ]
Platoon right face.

Turning about face is always done to the right in the French Army. At the instructive order 'demi-tour' the recruit should slip the right foot to the rear of the left with heels aligned and toes perpendicular. At the same time reach back with the right hand and secure the giberne against the body so that it does not swing out when turning.

Pelaton demi-tour, a droite. [pel-a-tahn - day-mee - tou r - ah - dwaht] Platoon about face.

 

Troisieme Lecon

 

Principes du pas ordinaire direct.

 

Principles of the ordinary step, at 76 paces to the minute, at two feet distance between each step, measured from heel to heel. Carry the foot along near to the ground, bending the knee only slightly. The foot should be planted flat without stomping. The head held erect and directed to the front. The instructor will occasionally call out the step un foot up, deux foot down, or cadence will be called out, a gauche... a droite... a gauche...

 

Principes du marche sans armes.

 

To begin marching from a standing position

En avant, marche. [on - ah-vahn - marsh] To the fore, march

To stop marching. When the halt is ordered the recruits should come to attention.

Pelaton, halte. [pel-a-tahn - halt] Platoon, halt.

 

Quatrieme Lecon

 

Principes du pas oblique.

 

The march step is pas ordinaire 76 paces a minute. From the standing position; at the word un the recruit will bring his right foot forward 24" but obliquely away from the left foot at a 450 angle; at the word deux the left foot is brought 17" directly forward of the right foot. During this manoeuver the shoulders must remain straight and perpendicular to the original line of march.

Oblique a droite, (a gauche) marche, un, deux, un... [oh-bleek - ah - dwaht - marsh, uh, duh, uh...]
To the right (left) oblique march, one, two, one

To resume forward motion the command is the same as from the standing position, yet done on the march.

En avant, marche. [on - ah-vahn - marsh] To the fore, march.

Premiere Partie [continued]

 

Charge en Douze Temps

 

The exercise shall be taught in the following order. The instructor shall give the words of command:

1. Chargez vos armes. [shar-zhay - vo - zarm] Load your weapon.

 

ONE COMMAND, TWO MOTIONS.

 

FIRST MOTION. From the position of portez vos armes; half face to the right, on the left heel; place the right foot directly behind the left so that the buckle of the right shoe touches the left heel; at the same time rotate the fusil (which is already resting in your left hand) so that the fire lock faces away from you; bring the right hand up and grasp the fusil at the small stock. The weight of the fusil is now held by the right hand.

 

Deux. SECOND MOTION. With the butt of the fusil still in contact with the left hand, slant the fusil down; as the fusil pivots, bring your left hand up and grasp the fusil from underneath at the first band. The weight of the fusil is now supported by the left hand, the butt under the fore part of the right arm, the small-stock resting against the body, two inches nearly under the right nipple or breast; the top of the barrel as high as the eye; the guard turned a little outward; the left elbow supported on the side at the hip; the thumb of the right hand against the top of the frizzen, above the level of the flint; Simultaneously the butt end should swing around so that it points to the right hip; the four fingers of the right hand shut; and the right arm, from the elbow to the wrist lying along the butt. This sounds a bit awkward but, the weight of the fusil and the position of your hands should cause the butt to swing naturally as it tries to balance on the pivot point (your left hand which holds it from below at the first band).

 

2. Ouvrez le bassinet. [oo-vray - luh - bass-see-nay] Open the pan.

 

ONE COMMAND ONE MOTION.

 

Throw open the pan with the thumb of the right hand, the left hand holding the piece firmly; apply the right hand to the giberne, by retiring the right elbow, and passing the hand between the butt and the body; and open the giberne. [You lead by pulling your right elbow straight back, as tight to the body as possible, so you do not disturb the fusilier next to you. Once your hand is past the butt of the fusil you can swing it down and back to the cartridge box.]

 

3. Prenez la cartouche [pren-ay - lah - car-toosh] Take the cartridge.

 

ONE COMMAND AND ONE MOTION.

 

Take the cartridge between the two forefingers and thumb, and carry it to the mouth, ready for the teeth to act, and the right hand passing between the body and the butt. [You have to reach inside the giberne to grab the cartouche. Again, you must keep that elbow in close to the body as you bring the cartridge up to your mouth.]

 

4. Dechirez la cartouche. [day-shee-ray - lah - car-toosh] Bite the cartridge.

 

ONE COMMAND AND ONE MOTION.

 

Bite off the top, exposing the powder, holding the cartridge firm where the powder has been uncovered, between the thumb and the two forefingers; lower the cartridge, holding it perpendicularly against the pan, the palm of the right hand turned towards the body, and the right elbow supported or leaning on, and against the butt. [Hold the cartouche firmly so you tear only the tip of the paper with your teeth. Without looking down lower the cartridge to the pan. Keep your right elbow in contact with the butt as this will help you guide your hand straight down toward the pan. Be careful not to tip the cartridge.]

 

5. Amorcez. [am-or-say] Prime.

 

ONE COMMAND AND ONE MOTION.

 

Tilt the head down, and look down to the pan fill it with powder; press close the top of the cartridge at the opening, between the thumb and fore-finger; raise the hand, placing the right hand behind the pan and hold the little finger, and the third finger firm against the back of the pan. Look down to the pan, fill it with powder. Pinch the top of the cartridge enough so that it does not spill easily but lightly enough so that if you were to tip it over and then manipulate it a bit it would pour easily into the barrel.]

 

6. Fermez le bassinet. [fair-may - luh - bass-see-nay] Shut, the pan.

 

ONE COMMAND AND ONE MOTION.

 

Hold the fusil firm with the left hand; shut the pan close and firmly with the two left fingers, holding always the cartridge between the thumb and the two fore-fingers; seize immediately the small stock with the first two fingers, and the palm of the right hand; keep the right wrist close to the body, and the elbow pointing to the rear, and a little detached from the body.

 

7. L'arme a gauche. [larm - ah - ghosh] Weapon to the left.

 

ONE COMMAND AND TWO MOTIONS

 

FIRST MOTION. With the right arm smartly stretched, without lowering the right shoulder, swing round the fusil to the left thigh, against the whole length of which the butt must bear strongly, turning, at the same time, the ram-rod towards the body, opening and letting the piece slip through the left hand, as far as the middle band, the ring-lock resting on the thumb of the right hand; face, at the same time turning to the front on the left heel, carrying the right foot forward, the heel resting against the buckle of the left.

 

Deux. SECOND MOTION. Quit the fusil with the right hand, sinking it with the left along and near the body, and the butt fall to the ground without striking it with any degree of shock; at the same time raise the right hand two inches above the barrel: the left hand, holding the fusil, below the level of the waistcoat button, the fusil in contact with left thigh, the sight on the barrel, in front of the middle line of the body.

 

8. Cartouche dans le canon. [car-toosh - don - luh - can-on] Cartridge in the barrel.

 

ONE COMMAND AND ONE MOTION.

 

Glance to the upper end of the barrel; smartly tip the right hand towards the body, in order to discharge the powder in the barrel-mouth, for this purpose, raising the elbow as high as the wrist, shake the cartridge, while turning it, into the barrel, leave the hand thumb down, relax the fingers when the cartridge is empty. [Drop the cartridge on the ground in re-enactment battles.]

 

9. Tirez la baguette. [teer-ay - lah - bah -get] Draw ramrod.

 

ONE COMMAND AND TWO MOTIONS.

 

FIRST MOTION. Lower smartly the right elbow, and seize ramrod between the thumb and fore-finger keeping the other fingers shut; draw the ramrod smartly by extending the arm, with the whole of the fingers opened out seize it back-handed, at the middle, with the fore-finger and thumb, the palm of the hand outward; turn it quickly between the bayonet and the body, at the time closing the fingers upon it, the ramrods of the men in the center and rear ranks, in turning, will graze the right shoulder of the rank before them in the same file; the ramrod forming no angle with the line of the barrel, and parallel to the bayonet; the arm extended; the eyes looking upwards; and the thick end of the ramrod must thus be opposite to the mouth of the barrel, without being entered into it

 

Deux. SECOND MOTION. Enter the thick end of the ramrod into the barrel, and insert as far as the hand.

 

10. Bourrez. [boo-ray] Ram.

 

ONE COMMAND AND ONE MOTION

 

Run up the right hand to the full extent of the arm, to the top of the ramrod, without letting it fall into the barrel, seize it with the thumb opened along it and the fore-finger bent, the other fingers being shut, drive it force-fully into the barrel, ramming home twice, seize it again by the small end, between the thumb and fore-finger, both bent, the others being shut. and let the right elbow be close to the body.

 

11. Remettez la baguette. . [ray-met-ay - lah - bah -get] Replace ramrod.

 

ONE COMMAND AND TWO MOTIONS.

 

FIRST MOTION. As in the first motion of drawing ramrod, bring the small end of it opposite to the upper band groove (or ramrod-pipe), and hold it there without entering it

 

Deux. SECOND MOTION. Introduce the small end into me upper band groove (ramrod pipe) and slide it into its place; raise the right hand quickly, and place it somewhat on the upper end of the ramrod.

 

12.Portez vos armes. [por-tay - vo - zarm] Shoulder arms.

 

ONE COMMAND AND THREE MOTIONS.

 

FIRST MOTION. Raise the fusil with the left hand, along the left side, the left hand as high as the shoulder, and the left elbow not parted from the body, keeping the barrel outward; and sink down the right hand in order to seize the fusil at the small stock.

 

Deux. SECOND MOTION. Raise the fusil with the right hand; let the left hand fall to seize and support the butt, carrying back, at the same Time, the right heel to the side of the left and in the same alignment, support the fusil against, and at he left shoulder, with the right hand, in the position pointed out in describing shouldered arms; and let the right hand touch the small stock at me breech, without pressing against it.

 

Trois. THIRD MOTION. Let the right hand fall to the right thigh, hanging there, as already indicated.

 

The loading in twelve moves is now complete.

The instructor will now direct the recruits to prepare to fire the fusil.

 

Seconde Partie

 

Port d'armes.

 

The instructor of the drill shall not pass the recruits on to the second part until they are perfectly confirmed in the position of the body and in the direct and oblique steps. The instructor shall then place three men in one rank, elbow to elbow, and instruct them in how to hold their arms.

 

Premiere Lecon

 

Principes du port d'armes.

 

From the position of attention; the fusil being placed, butt on the ground, against the right foot; the right arm is as when at garde a vous attention only slightly out with the right hand laid against the fusil pressing it against the right leg. This is the position of ordered arms. At the command portez vos armes; raise and turn up the left hand without bending the wrist moving only the forearm; then move the right hand slightly, grasping the fusil by the stock; raise the fusil up and to the left shoulder, keeping the weapon always perpendicular to the ground, so that the butt rests in the first articulation of the fingers of the left hand; the heel of the butt should rest between the first and second fingers, the thumb above, the third and fourth finger under the butt.

 

The fusil, seen from the front, should always rest perpendicular, and movement of the thigh when marching should not disturb it. The ramrod side of the fusil should be placed against the front of the shoulder. The right hand should now return to its original position.

 

Deuxieme Lecon

 

Maniement des armes.

 

The platoon exercise shall be taught three men in a rank, with their elbows touching, and to the same afterwards in file. [That is three men in a line abreast and then the same three men in a row.]

The execution of each command shall be in consequence of one time, denoting the word of command divided into distinct motions, in order to impress the component parts more strongly on the minds of the recruits. [See note at the end of the next paragraph.]

 

On hearing the last syllable of the word of command, the recruit shall execute the intended motion lively and smartly. On hearing the respective words deux (two), and trois (three), the remaining motions shall be gone through. When the recruit knows thoroughly the position relating to each motion included in a word of command, they shall be instructed how to execute them without dwelling on each separately; but they must observe the mechanism of the motions; and avoid the inconvenience resulting from what is termed an unseen shifting of the fusil, as if by slight of hand, from the proper into an inaccurate position. [Note: Each command which requires several actions to be performed will be taught in steps. The first step begins on the command, the second when the instructor gives the command deux the third at trois, etc. Once the recruit has learned the manoeuver, only the command will be given.]

 

Seconde Partie [continued]

 

The instructor will now direct the recruits to prepare to fire the fusil.

 

Appretez vos armes. [ap-pret - tay - vo - zarm] Ready.

 

If the unit is in a three deep formation, the front rank kneels. If in a two deep formation both ranks will follow the procedure for the men given in the description 'Position of the Second Rank' which appears below

 

Position of the front rank.

 

FIRST MOTION. Turn the fusil with the left hand, firelock outward; seize it with the right hand at the small stock, as in the first motion of loading, and remain facing to the front, turning the point of the left foot a little outward.

 

SECOND MOTION. Throw the right foot smartly to the rear, the heel raised, and the foot resting on the toes of the foot necessarily bent; kneel down with the right knee ten or twelve inches behind, and about six inches to the right of the left heel, do not come down suddenly; at the same time bring down the fusil with the right hand and seize it with the left hand at the first band; place the butt on the ground without striking it; place it in front of the right thigh with the bottom of the heel of the butt opposite the left heel; at the same time seize the cock between the thumb and the fore-finger.

 

Position of the Second Rank.

 

FIRST MOTION. As in the first motion of loading.

 

SECOND MOTION. Bring the fusil with the right hand before the middle of the body; place the left hand with the little finger touching the feather-spring, and the thumb, as high as the chin, pointing upwards along the wood of the stock, the pan being turned almost towards the body, and the ramrod towards the front of the battalion; and apply, at the same time, the thumb of the right hand to the head of the cock.

 

THIRD MOTION. Sink down, smartly, the right elbow, cocking, at the same time, and seize the fusil at the small stock.

 

Position of the Rear Rank.

 

First, Second and Third Motions done in the same manner as by the men of the centre rank.

 

The instructor will now direct the recruits to aim the fusil.

 

Joue. [zhou] Present (aim).

 

ONE COMMAND AND ONE MOTION.

 

Sink down, smartly, the muzzle of the piece, slipping the left hand back along the stock, as far as the first band (small swell near the tail-pipe); apply the butt to the right shoulder; let the muzzle be below the level of the eyes a little, and the right elbow kept lowered, without being pressed against the body; shut the left eye; look along the barrel with the right eye; sink forward the head towards the butt in order to level; and place the forefinger on the trigger. The men of the third rank will, at the same time step with the right foot eight inches to the right, towards the left heel of the man who is on their right.

 

Feu. [fou] Fire.

 

ONE COMMAND AND ONE MOTION.

 

Apply, with force, the first finger on the trigger, without lowering or turning the head more, and remain in that position.

 

Redressez vos armes. [rah-dres-say - vo - zarm] Recover your weapon.

 

ONE COMMAND AND ONE MOTION.

 

Come to the position of recovered arms firmly, as described under the second motion of appretez vos armes, remaining in the third position, after cocking, in the third position. After recovering the weapon, if the instructor intends to fire another round, the command will be:

 

Chargez. [shar-zhay] Load

 

The kneeling rank then stands and all ranks bring the gun to the position for opening the pan. As firing will continue, the next order, to half cock the fusil so that the pan can be primed and shut, will be given:

Le chien au repos. [leh - shee-a n - oh - ray-poh] Firelock half-cock.

 

If the firing is to cease, the instructor will order the recruits to shoulder arms. In this case the kneeling rank will rise and all ranks will half cock the fusil, shut the pan and shoulder arms as described previously. Thus the orders that follow redressez vos armes will be:

 

Presentez vos armes. [pray-zen-tay - vo - zarm] Present arms.

Portez vos armes [por-tay - vo - zarm] Shoulder arms.

 

Position du Soldat Repose sur l'Arme.

 

The ordered arms position, from portez vos armes (shouldered arms) requires that the recruit straighten the left arm, which is holding the fusil, while reaching across the chest and grasping the fusil at the first band above the firelock. Then bring the fusil to a point even with the right shoulder, ramrod side facing away from the body, then lower your right arm keeping the fusil perpendicular to the ground. When the right arm is straight down, let the fusil slip the remaining few inches to the ground. Do not bang the butt on the ground.

 

The recruit now assumes an attitude the same as that of garde a vous (attention) except for the right hand which holds the fusil against the right leg. The fusil with the butt on the ground against the right foot, ramrod pointing out; right arm nearly vertical; right hand along the stock, thumb and index finger slightly in front of the stock; the barrel of the fusil about two inches from the right shoulder. The order for this is:

Repozez vous sur vos armes. [reh-po-zay - su r - vo - zarm] Return to order arms.

 

The instructor may now allow the recruits to relax. The recruit may now lean on the fusil grasping it with the right hand at he top of the stock or on the upper portion of the barrel. The order for this is:

Repos. [reh-po] Rest. At ease.

 

Seconde Partie [continued]

 

Troisieme Lecon

 

Charge precipitee et Charge volonte.

 

The charge precipitee divides the charge en douze temps into four abbreviated divisions with the steps implied.

 

Charge precipitee.

 

Charge precipitee. [sharj - pray-si-pee-tay] Load in quick time.

 

Chargez vos armes. . [shar-zhay - vo - zarm] Take the cartridge, bite and prime (Steps 2-6).

 

Deux. [duh] Place fusil into loading position and empty the cartridge into barrel (7-8).

 

Trois. [twah] Draw ramrods, ram (9-10).

 

Quatre. [cat] . Return ramrod and shoulder arms (11-12).

 

Fire will then be directed as necessary.

 

Charge a volonte.

 

Charge a volonte. [shar-zhay- ah - voh-lon-tay] Load in quickest time.

 

Chargez vos armes. [shar-zhay - vo - zarm] Load, prime, ram, steps 1-11, then present, aim and fire at will.

 

Quatrieme Legon

 

Feux.

 

Firing is either direct, or oblique, direct being straight forward, oblique being toward a left or right target.

 

Feux Directs

 

Feu de pelaton. [fou - deh - pel-a-tah n ] Platoon fire.

Pelaton. [pel-a-tahn] Platoon.

Armez. [arm] Cock the hammer.

Joue. [zhou] Present.

Feu. [fou] Fire

Chargez. [shar-zhay] Re-load

Feux Oblique

 

The commands are given as in direct fire except the command 'Armez' shall be followed by the words:

Oblique a droite (or a gauche). [oh-bleek - ah - dwaht] Oblique right (left).

This is followed by the commands Joue, Feu, etc.

 

Feu de deux rangs

 

Fire of the front two ranks in a three rank formation, by independent files.

Feux de deux rangs. [fou - deh - duh - rang] Fire by independent files.

Pelaton. [pel-a-tahn ] Platoon.

Armes. [arm] Ready.

Commencez le feu.. [com - men-say - leh - fou] Commence firing.

 

The third rank does not fire, but, after the centre rank fires, hands the fusil to the centre rank man who fires it and passes it back to the rear rank for another loaded fusil, and so on.

 

Roulement

 

The cease fire is always given by a ruffle on the drums, at which point each man will complete the operation of loading and shoulder arms the center and rear rank men making sure they end up with their own fusil.

 

At this point the instructor shall make the recruits review all previous exercises. Once this is completed, and the instructor is satisfied that the recruits are proficient in the execution of their drill, le seconde partie is completed with the instruction of the following:

 

Marquez le pas. Marche. [mah-kay - leh - pah - marsh] Mark time. (Step in place).

En avant, marche. [on - ah-vahn - marsh] To the fore, march

Changez le pas. Marche. [shan-jay - leh - pah - marsh] Change step. Used when crossing uneven terrain.

 

Troisieme Partie

 

Between five and nine recruits shall be assembled in one rank, elbow to elbow.

 

Premiere Lecon

 

Marche de front.

1. Peleton en avant. . [pel-a-tahn - on - ah-vahn] Squad forward

2. Guide a droite (or ` gauche). Marche. [geed - ah - dwaht - marsh] Leader to the right (left).

3. Pas accelere. Marche. [pah - ax-say-lair - marsh] Quick time.

4. Pas ordinaire. Marche. [pah - or-deen-air - marsh] Ordinary time.

5. En arriere. Marche. [on - ahr-ree-air - marsh] Step back to the rear.

 

Deuxieme Lecon

 

Marche de flanc.

 

1. Pelaton par le flanc gauche. A gauche. Marche. [pel-a-tah n - par - leh -flan - ghosh - marsh]
Platoon march to the left flank.

At the second word of command [` gauche or ` droite] the recruits will face appropriately. At the executive command, Marche, they shall step off with the left foot at pas ordinaire.

 

2. Par file a droite. Marche. [par - feel - ah - dwaht - marsh] By file to the right wheel.
At the executive command, Marche, the leading soldat of the file shall wheel and then march straight forward. Each soldat will advance to the same ground as the lead soldat, wheeling successively as did the first soldat

 

3. The instructor will also ask the recruits to turn to the right or the left on the march, thus:
Par le flanc gauche [or a droite]. Marche. [Par - leh -flan - ghosh - marsh]
At the executive command, which shall be given a little bit before one of the feet is brought to the ground, the recruit shall turn the body, plant the foot that is raised and just coming to the ground, in the new direction, and step off with the other foot without altering cadence.

 

4. Pelaton, halte. Front. [pel-a-tahn - halt - frohn] Platoon, halt. Face front.

 

Troisieme Lecon

 

Alignement.

 

At the command, the whole rank, excepting the two men placed in front, by the instructor, as a base to dress on, shall steadily march up to, and place themselves on the new line. The instructor, situated five or six paces in front of the rank, and facing towards it, after alignment, proceed to the rank which has served for a base to dress on.

 

A droite. (or a gauche) alignement. [ah - dwaht - ah-leen-mon] By the right (left) dress.

Seeing the whole, nearly, of the rank dressed, he will command:

Fixe. [feex] Eyes front.

 

Alignement

 

At this command, the recruits shall turn the head to the position previously the front, resuming their immovable position. Dressing back is conduced on the same principles; the recruits shall step back a little beyond the line, and shall then move up to it by taking small steps to the front. In this case, the command given by the instructor will be:

En arriere a droite alignement. . [on - ahr-ree-er - ah-leen-mon] . By the right rear dress ranks.

 

Quatrieme Lecon

 

Wheeling on a halted, and wheeling on a moving pivot. Wheelings on a fixed, or a halted pivot are used for wheeling from line into column or from column into line. Wheelings on a moveable pivot are for changes of direction for a marching column. When a wheel is made on a fixed point, the pivot man simply turns in place marking the time. In wheeling on a moveable pivot, the man takes steps of six inches, in order to clear, or disengage the ground for succeeding platoons, or subdivisions. This is necessary, in order that the subdivisions column may be enabled to change their direction without losing their distances. In both cases mentioned, the man wheeling on the outer rank must always take steps of two feet.

Conversions de Pied Ferme.

 

1. Par pelaton a droite. Marche. [pa r - pel-a-tah n - ah - dwaht - marsh] By platoon right wheel.

At the executive command, the soldiers shall step off with the left foot, and turn, at the same time, the head a little to the left, eyes fixed in the direction of those of the men who are on their left. The man on the pivot shall mark time, turning gradually and conforming himself to the movements of the wheeling flank; the man on the outer, or wheeling flank shall step the pace of two feet and he shall always feel the elbow of the man next to him with-out ever pushing or pressing upon him.

 

1. Pelaton, halte. [pel-a-tahn - halt] Platoon, halt.

 

The instructor will then go to the reverse flank, that which described the outer radius of the wheel, and position the last two soldats on that flank as a guide for the rest to align on.

 

2. A gauche alignement. [ah - ghosh - ah-leen-mon] By the left dress ranks.

At this command the rank shall dress on the two positioned soldat. The instructor will then give the order Fixe.

 

Conversions en Marchant.

 

Wheeling on a Moving pivot.

 

1. A droite conversion. Marche. [ah - dwaht - con-ver-see-on] Right shoulder forward.

The first word of command shall be given when the rank is two paces from the point where the pivot is to commence. At the executive command the wheeling shall begin as on the halted pivot, except: the touch of the elbow is given from the reverse flank, not the pivot flank; the pivot soldat will conform his movement to the reverse flank describing the larger arc, feeling lightly the elbow of the next soldat, and taking steps of six inches shall describe a smaller arc which will clear the initial point of his wheeling. When the instructor is satisfied with the degree of the wheel he will give the order:

 

2. En avant. Marche. [on - ah-vahn] Forward march.

The first command shall be given two paces before the wheel is finished. At the executive command the soldat on the reverse flank will instantly move straight forward and the soldat on the pivot shall resume the normal pace.

 

Changer le direction sur le cote du guide.

 

1. Tournez a gauche. Marche. [tour-nay - ah - ghosh] Left shoulders forward.

 

The first command shall be given when the rank is within two paces of the initial point of wheeling. At the executive command when the rank is to commence the wheel, the pivot flank shall turn to the left or the right, and shall, without slowing or quickening the cadence of, and without lengthening or shortening the the step, prolong or move forward in the new direction; The rest of the rank shall quickly conform to the new direction, but without running; and for this purpose each man shall advance or bring forward the shoulder farthest from instructor and touch the elbow of the man between him and the instructor, placing himself on the same alignment with the instructor, then turning his head and eyes to the front shall arrive aligned on the of the instructor on the pivot flank.

 

 

Drill session taking place.

Writing home and relaxing.

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