450 
GERMAN IMPERIAL MANCEUVRES. 
companies in company columns of zugs or sections as supports. The 
second battalions follow the supports at about 400 paces, with its 
companies in line. The third battalions follow at about 500 paces, 
with its companies in company columns. The skirmishers advance 
by alternate rushes [sprungweise), taking* advantage of all cover. When 
the supports reinforced they fired volley after volley. The development 
of volley firing is much studied at the present time in Germany. A 
magazine or repeating rifle, (the ordinary Mauser, converted on the 
Lowe system) which has already been issued to all four companies of 
the Rifle Battalion [Schulzen Balaillon) of the Garde, and which in 
trained hands is capable of firing 12 rounds of aimed fire in 35 seconds, 
will enormously increase the moral and actual effect of volleys. This 
weapon has been tried with the most satisfactory results at the School 
of Musketry at Spandau. It is, however, rumoured that the troops to 
whom it has been given by no means approve of the new weapon, as 
the receptacle for the 12 cartridges greatly increases the weight, and 
the extraction of the used cartridge is attended with some difficulty. 
Cavalry . 
The attack of a cavalry division of six regiments is thus conducted:— 
The division is formed into three lines ( Treffens ) of two regiments 
each. 
The first moves forward in squadron columns of J squadrons {zugs) 
at deploying intervals, till it deploys into line for attack. 
The second line follows the first at a distance of about 300 yds. in 
echelon on the exposed flank; it usually moves in quarter-distance 
columns of regiments, till the first line deploys for attack, when it forms 
squadron columns of zugs at deploying intervals; two squadrons are 
detached as supports to the first line, in rear of the centre of each 
regiment, of which one follows in line at a distance of about 150 yds. 
The duty of the second line is to protect the exposed flank of the 
first, and also to act on the flank of the enemy. 
The third line follows about 450 yds. in rear of the first in echelon on 
the inner flank. It usually advances in quarter-distance columns of 
regiments, with or without deploying interval between the two. This 
line composes the reserve, and when the second lines comes into action 
it forms itself into squadron columns of zugs at deploying intervals, 
and takes the place of the former. Under no circumstances whatever 
does it reinforce without leaving a portion of its squadrons in rear as 
a final reserve. 
Each line advances with scouts in front, and small patrols to cover 
the flanks. 
I cannot close this paper without expressing a deep sense of the 
magnificent hospitality shown to the officers of foreign armies, who 
were present as guests at the manoeuvres, by His Majesty the Emperor 
of Germany and the Crown Prince. I must also gratefully testify to 
the excessive courtesy which we met with from every officer of the 
German army with whom we came in contact. 
