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NOTES ON APPLIED FIELD FORTIFICATION. 
Troops, a subject which does not seem to be quite clearly defined under 
modern conditions. In the days of linear tactics armies were actually 
drawn up in two or more definite lines, as for instance the English army 
at the Alma, but the case will be different in these days. Bodies of troops 
will have a certain length of front assigned to them, but they will not 
be necessarily arranged in definite lines within that front, but each 
unit will have its own reserve which will for it act the part of 2nd 
line. So that in the case of a large force there may be several distinct 
2nd lines according to what unit we are considering. For instance, 
in the example we have considered of an army consisting of several 
Army Corps we have supposed the front to be divided between three 
corps, each of which places two Divisions in 1st line and keeps one 
back in reserve. This reserve Division acts as 2nd line to the Corps. 
Then each Division places a certain number of battalions in front line 
and keeps the remainder in reserve, acting as 2nd line to the Division; 
similarly a Brigade may keep one or more battalions in its 2nd line, 
and finally the battalions in fighting line will have a certain number of 
companies deployed and the rest as battalion reserve or 2nd line. So 
there will not be one definite 2nd line for the whole army, but each 
unit will have its own reserve which will act as its 2nd line, and which 
will be in turn employed to feed the fight or to make attacks in any 
direction that may be required. This refers, of course, only to the 
troops themselves; as regards the field of battle, the 1st or main line of 
defence (mostly continuous) and the 2nd or Rallying line (generally 
discontinuous) will, as a rule, be clearly defined for the whole position, 
the 2nd line of defence being generally occupied by troops belonging 
to the reserve or 2nd line of the larger units. 
It may be necessary or desirable to keep much smaller proportions 
of each unit in reserve if a long line has to be held by a small force. 
For instance, a Corps Commander might only keep a brigade in reserve 
instead of a Division, and other units might be distributed in similar 
proportions. But the same principles would apply though the pro¬ 
portions might be changed. 
Position of Cavalry. 
The main force of the cavalry will probably be posted on the flanks, 
especially that which is most exposed, and would have to encounter the 
enemy’s cavalry as it tries to pass round the flanks of the position, and 
must do its utmost to save the flanks and rear of the army from being 
attacked. It must also endeavour to detect any turning movement of 
bodies of all arms. Further remarks on the employment of cavalry 
will be made when considering the conduct of the Defence. 
Engineers. 
The task of the Engineers will be to superintend the work that has 
to be done by working parties, to prepare the position for defence, and 
to carry out themselves such operations as require skilled labour. 
When these tasks are completed they would probably join the reserves 
of the units to which they are attached, so as to be ready for any 
employment that may call for their services during the battle. 
