TOPIC:

I read that: "Gen. Hart took great pride in varying his formations to suit the ground; at one time the Brigade was in column of route, then in mass of quarter columns, then again in line of quarter columns".
Now, I have tried in vain to understand the exact meaning of those terms... can someone familiar with them explain for me? Why were they used in 1900 when going into battle, apart from keeping the men occupied and disciplined?
Many thanks!
Rob

Column of route is similar to column of threes, except that the platoon commander is two paces in front of the centre single file of the platoon and the platoon warrant officer is two paces in rear of the centre single file of the platoon  Column of route is the formation most commonly used by platoon commanders to move platoons on the march.

Regards
Dave

I have a copy of the Infantry Training Manual from 1902.



A small book measuring 9cm x 12cm but packed with over 300 pages.

Here is an extract demonstrating the level of detail:

Blimey. It is incomprehensible!

Yep, incomprehensible indeed Rob. Tactition's sitting in a comfy office poring over rules and regulations and how to deploy against enemy forces.....all straight forward and text book fashion. Until it has to be put into practice. Discipline is one thing but going into battle using a how to guide and using your forces as per the rule book........What could possibly go wrong? I think the modern term would be lessons learned, unfortunately even after the ABW another updated set of tactics and rule books were used in 1914....Lessons not learned more like.