THE ROYAL ARTILLERY INSTITUTION. 451 
The escort should be at no greater distance than will allow it in case of a 
hostile attack, whether of cavalry or infantry, to come up in proper time to 
the defence of the battery. 
When the battery is exposed on both flanks the escort should be divided 
and posted according to the circumstances of the danger. 
As a matter of course the escort should not post itself in rear of the battery 
since it would there catch all the enemy’s fire. 
In intersected ground the escort should maintain small posts of observation 
on the flanks of the battery* even when our own troops are on both flanks, 
in order to keep up a better knowledge of the course of the action. 
When a battery in position is attacked by the enemy’s infantry or cavalry, 
it should defend itself by its own fire up to the last moment, since the duty 
of the escort is then only to protect its flanks. 
Should the enemy however succeed in penetrating the front of the battery, 
the escort should precipitate itself resolutely upon him without regarding his 
strength. 
The defeated enemy is not to be followed up by the escort, but by the fire 
of case shot. 
If the battery be divided, the escort should be so also, according to 
circumstances. 
The commander should accompany the detachment which first comes into 
action, or that on which the more important service may be expected to 
devolve. 
The above directions serve also for the escorts of larger bodies of artillery, 
which are to be brought together, placed under the senior officer, and should 
conduct themselves as prescribed for the escort of single batteries. 
Should it happen in the case of a thus enlarged escort that its commander 
should be senior in rank to the commandant of the battery, the latter 
continues to be nevertheless by virtue of his office the commandant of 
the column, and it devolves on him only to make dispositions and give 
orders. 
