ATTACK AND DEFENCE OP A POSITION. 
137 
enemy developes his attack; but troops are ready continually to 
strengthen parts of the front that may require it, or make offensive 
returns. 
It will be observed that the right of the position is refused, and, 
moreover, strong in the support of the buildings at Driftwood ; there¬ 
fore the left has been especially regarded in the disposition of the 
troops. The 2nd brigade has less front to guard than the 1st, and 
can therefore keep a whole battalion in reserve, and the main reserve 
is so placed as to be able to assist the left in the shortest possible 
time. 
As regards artificial strengthening of the position, the amount to 
be done will depend on the time available. Emplacements will, how¬ 
ever, certainly be made for the guns, and shelter trenches for the 
infantry, wherever they have no natural cover. The woods at Quick 
Green and in front of it should also be cut down, and made into en¬ 
tanglements, and the buildings placed in a state of defence, as far as 
time will allow. 
The question of occupying the buildings in front of Basildon Green 
was considered, but they are small and much exposed; so it was 
deemed best to leave them unoccupied. If time permitted, they 
should be destroyed. 
The cavalry watch the flanks of the position. 
Attack. 
We now turn to the attacking force. It consists of a division com¬ 
plete, with an infantry brigade, and three batteries from the Corps 
Artillery in addition. The division is marching along the road Y 
through Bradfield ; the additional brigade and the three batteries 
from the Corps Artillery along the road X through Standford. Each 
column has two squadrons of cavalry pushed well in advance, followed 
by an advanced guard, consisting of a battalion and a battery. The 
cavalry will first come upon the enemy, but will not be able to find 
out much, as it is but weak. The advanced guards will then bring 
up their batteries on to Ashampstead Common and the Buckle Row 
plateau, and with their aid the infantry will be able to discover that 
Quick Green, Kiln Farm, and Basildon Green are occupied by the 
enemy. 
During the advanced guard action, the General has been recon¬ 
noitring and considering his plans. The front seems very strong, he 
therefore determines to direct his main attack on the defender’s left 
flank at Basildon Green, as that flank is the most exposed and artil¬ 
lery on Ashampstead Common will be able to enfilade the enemy’s 
line if he throws it back to meet the flank attack. At the same time 
the brigade on the road X is ordered to attack the enemy’s rio-ht to 
divert his attention, and to take advantage of the opportunity if the 
^nemy weakens his right to strengthen his left. A demonstration is 
also to be made against the front of the position. 
To prepare the way, the batteries are brought up on Ashampstead 
