THE ROYAL ARTILLERY INSTITUTION. 
505 
perfect, as the weather added much to the brilliancy of the scene, and 
from the knolls could be seen the advances of infantry, the charges of 
cavalry, and the play of the guns. Still nothing had been heard of the 
3rd Corps, which was really the corps to attack in front, and up to 
mid-day the flanking or 2nd Corps had been the only one to make 
any demonstration against the entrenchments; suddenly, however, a 
detachment of the 3rd Corps menaced the left of the position, and 
without advancing, drew off the defenders 5 attention from a junction 
that was being effected with the 2nd and 3rd Corps. It was felt 
that although the entire and now united force of invaders would pro¬ 
bably have made no impression upon the works, yet that on the 
occasion of so many troops being assembled together, and taking into 
consideration the splendour of the day and the favourable nature of the 
ground for working over, that the attack had not been allowed to 
develop itself further, but in consideration of the distances marched 
over, and the distance back to the encamping grounds, that the troops 
had had enough, and they were ordered back to their encampments. 
The nature of the works that sheltered the 1st Corps are worthy of 
some remarks. They roughly resembled a Y with their flanks resting 
on the railway cutting and woods, and were shallow trenches connecting 
works, sometimes redoubts, sometimes small bastions, with emplacements 
for field guns. The right face of these works were strengthened with 
detached redoubts, which would have been better had they been open at 
the gorge, and not exposed to be all of them directly enfiladed by guns 
placed upon a hill about 1700 yds. distant. The apex of the work was 
a knoll with triple lines of slight parapet and rifle pits, with a sand-bag 
screen for a couple of guns, and ill provided with flanking fire. Some 
of the works were not finished, and the tracing tape and profile had to 
do duty for earthworks. The lines of defilade had also received slight 
consideration. 
sept. 20 th. This day was one of repose, which the troops, more espe¬ 
cially the cavalry, much required. 
Head-Quarters Army Corps, 
Aldershot, 20th September, 1871. 
Continuation of General Sketch of Manoeuvres. 
General order. Thursday, 21st.—The defending force (1st Division) having 
yesterday maintained its position, has been reinforced and will this day 
advance. 
The enemy (3rd Division) will endeavour to check the advance, and cover 
Aldershot. 
There will be no limit to the area of operations except those laid down by the 
“ Military Manoeuvres Act,” and such lands as have been interdicted by the 
Commissioners. 
Each corps will move at such hour as will bring it into the position selected by 
the general officer commanding, from which to commence his operations, by 9 a.m. 
The baggage of both forces is to be considered as neutral to-morrow. 
By command, 
C. R. EGERTON, 
Major-General, 
Deputy Adjutant-General. 
