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(From A military treatise on the discipline of the marine forces... by John MacIntire, a facsimile of the original text)
(Spelling, punctuation capitalisation and emphasis as in original, with the exception of the long 'f' form of the letter 's')
I have already observed that when Marines are ordered on Land-Service, in Conjunction wit other Troops, it would Presumption [sic] in me to propose in what Manner they are to act, because Field-Officers will be appointed to command them: But in case a young Officer should be sent on shore with a Detachment, on immediate Service, I thought it necessary to give some short Instructions, for his Conduct in Presence [sic] of the Enemy.
I cannot be so full upon this Subject as I could wish, because a great deal depends on the Discretion of the Commanding Officer of the Detachment; for it is impossible to point out exactly, either in what Part or in what Manner, a Detachment is to act; because it can only be demonstrated upon the Spot, by reason of the Variety of Places and Positions, and the unforeseen Circumstances which a Skirmish may produce. The whole depends on seeing favourable Opportunities, and knowing how to benefit by them in a Moment; for an Attack often succeeds, according to the Velocity with which it is made; and a good Officer will never think he has done enough, so long as it id in his Power to do more; knowing that even a beaten Enemy will take Advantage of his Misconduct.
Before a Detachment is to be landed, we suppose the Officer will have timely Notice of it, that he may get his Men in Readiness for that Service.
The Detachment must be formed in the Quarter-Deck, or Poop, in close Ranks and Files, three deep, completely dress'd, armed, and accoutred, the Officers and Serjeants posted and every Precaution taken to regulate them in the best Manner, that they may be able to form immediately on their landing: They must be told, at the same Time, the Nature of the Service they are going upon.
The principal Reasons for landing a Detachment, perhaps, are to dislodge a small Body of the Enemy, while a Sea-Officer is burning some Vessels in a Creek or Harbour; to attack a small Fort on the Land-side, when a Ship is battering it from Sea; to secure an advantageous Post, till some Troops, landed in another Place, can take Possession of it; to burn a Village, attack a Battery, nail up the Cannon, carry off some Prisoners, to gain Intelligence from the Enemy, support a Body of Troops already landed; In such Cases, a Detachment may be of infinite Service, if the Officer is a Man of Resolution.
The Officer must see that the Arms are in good Order, the Cocks not too stiff, the Flints good, and well screwed in; the Bayonets fixed properly, and the Rammers well fitted; taking Care that every Soldier carries with him a Screw-driver, a Worm, two good Flints, besides the one in his Piece, forty rounds of Ammunition, and a Day's dry Provisions, in Case of Accidents; this is no great Burden. I would have a Lock Cover made of Leather, or thick Cloth, for every Firelock, to preserve the Lock from the Wet, in the Boats; which are not to be taken off till the Men are ready to leap ashore: The Bayonet-belts buckled over the right Shoulder, and the Pouches or Cartridge-Box-Belts over the left; (which will keep the Ammunition dry) and the Firelocks slung (at one Motion) to prevent their being lost in getting into the Boats.
When the Detachment is ordered into the Boats, it should be made a Rule, that the Men who fight in the same Rank and File, be put into the same Boat, by which Means they will the sooner be able able to form on landing.
The Boats being ready to put off, the whole Command of them is given to a Sea Officer, who conducts them to the Place of landing; and from this Time, the Marine Officer has little to do till the Men are out of the Boats, for then is the Time for him to shew his Judgment.
When the Boats are near the Shore, the Men unsling at once, pull off the Lock Cover; and when they leap into the Water, must hold their Firelocks high recovered, to preserve their Shot, keeping their Ammunition from the Wet.
N.B They must not fire on Pain of Death, though opposed by the Enemy, till they are clear of the Boats, and have formed regularly, and received Orders to charge.
N.B. In landing Detachments, where you expect the Enemy to oppose you, it would be very proper to have a Boat on each Flank, armed with Seamen, who are to keep a constant Fire on the Enemy, while you are landing, and when once you have made a Footing, these flanking Boats may return or join you, as Circumstances require; but I speak of this, when two or three Ships are together, as one Ship seldom has Boats enough to land her own Detachment at once.
The Commanding Officer must communicate his Orders and Design to the next in Command; without which, if he is killed, the whole Project may be disconcerted.
When you are not opposed by the Enemy on your landing, and have any considerable Distance to march, before you can execute your orders, your Disposition must be made according to the Nature of the Ground, and the Strength of your Detachment; but if you command the Marines of small Squadron, and you are 200, or 250 Men strong, I think it the best Method to form them into a Battalion at once, tell off in eight sub and four grand Divisions: The Commissioned and Non-commissioned Officers to be equally distributed wherever they can be most useful; taking Care to always have one or two good Officers in the Rear, to keep the whole connected and in close Order, placing the best and most experienced Soldiers in the most dangerous Places; as in the front Rank, Flanks and Rear; and the Whole to be drawn up in such a Manner as to enable them readily to know again their Ranks and Files, that they may with more Expedition be formed, in Case any Accident should cause disorder. There must be a flanking Platoon on the Right and Left, to serve as Grenadiers, composed of your best and most resolute Soldiers; An Officer is to command you advanced Guard, and another your rear Guard, and a SErjeant must be detached on each Flank with a small Party; besides this, you should have three or four stout Soldiers to serve as Pioneers, properly accoutred as such; they will be of great Use in facilitating your March, clearing the Way to attack a Battery or take Possession of a Village &c.
Your advanced Guard, likewise your Parties on the Flanks, are never to lose Sight of your main Body, which you must be careful not to weaken too much; for you should not detach at most above a third of your Force, and the Parties are to be disposed in such a Manner, that at a Moment's Warning you can collect the Whole, and form in an Instant for Action; otherwise you will run the Risque of being defeated before you have Time to form. In such a Case, your own Prudence will suggest to you how to act; for it is impossible to lay down fixed Rules for your Conduct, which must vary according to the different Ideas you form of the Ground and the Disposition of the Enemy; but here I have strayed beyond my proposed Plan, which is confined to one Detachment only.
Let us suppose it may consist of the Marines of a a seventy-four Gun Ship, as Ships of greater Force are not likely to land Marines except on a concerted Expedition, which I leave of Officers of superior Rank and Experience.
My strongest Detachment then, consisting of one Captain, one first Lieutenant, two seconds, four Serjeants, four Corporals, tow Drums and 110 private Soldiers. I would form it in four sub, and two grand Divisions, and prepare for the Charge; then regulate my advanced and rear Guard, and Parties on the Flanks, as Circumstances may require. A Subaltern should command the advanced Guard, a Serjeant the rear Guard, a good Corporal, with a small Party detached,on each Flank.
Detachments of less Force may be formed in the same Manner, down to that of a Frigate's Detachment, which should act the same as a Company; making but one Fire, and taking great Care to keep it close together, detaching as few Men as possible: the advanced Guard of such a Detachment may consist of a trusty Corporal and a File of Men, the rear Guard of the same Number and the parties on the Flanks not to exceed a lance Corporal and two privates each.
These Parties should ascend every little Hill, or rising Ground, look well round them, report every Thing they hear or see, and keep upon the rising Ground till the Detachment is a-breast of it, then reconnoitre another.
you must never enter into a Defile till it is well reconnoitred by your advanced Guard, and Parties on the Flanks. your detached Serjeants and Corporals should be very steady and full of Courage; and such as you can put Confidence and Trust in: They must be very careful not to send you false Intelligence; to avoid which, they are to report nothing without having clearly examined every Particular; And in case it appears to be a Matter of Doubt, they must report it as such, but must be certain not to let the Detachment be surprized by their Neglect.
There can be no fixed Regulations for these Detachments; but from what has been said, a young Officer will be able to form one, which is all that is here proposed; and after he has taken the above Precautions, he will march with Safety, his Soldiers will put Confidence in him; and he ought always to encourage them. shew them a prudent and bold Example, look chearful, assure them of Success, if they will but obey his Orders with Steadiness and Resolution; and that it will be impossible of the Enemy to resist the impetuous Shock of their Bayonets, on which they must depend more than their Fire.
Though we suppose an Officer intirely unacquainted with the Country where he is landed, yet a tolerable Idea may be formed of it, so far as is necessary for his Purpose; as he is not to march far into the Country, but skirmish with the Enemy near the Shore, and embark whenever the Service he is sent upon is over.
An alert Officer should, with a Glance of the Eye, be able to conceive every possible Advantage which the Ground will afford; this is to be acquired, and carried to Perfection, by Men who have a happy Genius for the Art of War. An open Piece of Ground is soon reconnoitred, but when inclosed, woody or mountainous, you must take every necessary Precaution before you advance.
A Morass, a hollow Way, a quick-set Hedge, even the smallest Brook, become Objects to be regarded, either to draw some Advantage from them, or prevent their being hurtful; For, if a Detachment is defeated, a Morass of any Breadth, with its Bottom boggy, serves as an Entrenchment, and may be a Means of securing a safe Retreat. A good Officer will lay hold of any Thing as a Cover, for the present Moment, to give a Check to the Enemy.
An Officer, commanding such a Detachment, should be all Eye; nothing either before, behind or an [sic] either side of him, should escape his Observation; he should point out dome Object, exactly in Front, and look at now and then, which will enable him to keep his Detachment from inclining too much to the Right or Left. The second Officer, or Serjeant, who is posted in the Rear, must keep the Ranks regular, in close Order, and observe a strict silence.
When your detached Parties fall in with the Enemy, they must join you immediately; on which you form your whole Force in an Instant, to attack them; for you are never to act on the defensive on such Service, except you are opposed by far superior and unexpected Numbers.
A young officer ought seriously to consider that his Character intirely depends on his good or bad Conduct in Presence of the Enemy; therefore he must fortify himself by an intrepid Courage, guided by Reason, which is the most faithful Companion of a Soldier, amongst the Dangers his Profession exposes him to.
If he has not taught his Men to be obedient to Command, to keep in close Order, and reserve their Fire for a favourable Opportunity, they will here expose his Want of Discipline, by opening their Ranks and Files and firing without Orders.
(Spelling, punctuation capitalisation and emphasis as in original, with the exception of the long 'f' form of the letter 's')
I have already observed that when Marines are ordered on Land-Service, in Conjunction wit other Troops, it would Presumption [sic] in me to propose in what Manner they are to act, because Field-Officers will be appointed to command them: But in case a young Officer should be sent on shore with a Detachment, on immediate Service, I thought it necessary to give some short Instructions, for his Conduct in Presence [sic] of the Enemy.
I cannot be so full upon this Subject as I could wish, because a great deal depends on the Discretion of the Commanding Officer of the Detachment; for it is impossible to point out exactly, either in what Part or in what Manner, a Detachment is to act; because it can only be demonstrated upon the Spot, by reason of the Variety of Places and Positions, and the unforeseen Circumstances which a Skirmish may produce. The whole depends on seeing favourable Opportunities, and knowing how to benefit by them in a Moment; for an Attack often succeeds, according to the Velocity with which it is made; and a good Officer will never think he has done enough, so long as it id in his Power to do more; knowing that even a beaten Enemy will take Advantage of his Misconduct.
Before a Detachment is to be landed, we suppose the Officer will have timely Notice of it, that he may get his Men in Readiness for that Service.
The Detachment must be formed in the Quarter-Deck, or Poop, in close Ranks and Files, three deep, completely dress'd, armed, and accoutred, the Officers and Serjeants posted and every Precaution taken to regulate them in the best Manner, that they may be able to form immediately on their landing: They must be told, at the same Time, the Nature of the Service they are going upon.
The principal Reasons for landing a Detachment, perhaps, are to dislodge a small Body of the Enemy, while a Sea-Officer is burning some Vessels in a Creek or Harbour; to attack a small Fort on the Land-side, when a Ship is battering it from Sea; to secure an advantageous Post, till some Troops, landed in another Place, can take Possession of it; to burn a Village, attack a Battery, nail up the Cannon, carry off some Prisoners, to gain Intelligence from the Enemy, support a Body of Troops already landed; In such Cases, a Detachment may be of infinite Service, if the Officer is a Man of Resolution.
The Officer must see that the Arms are in good Order, the Cocks not too stiff, the Flints good, and well screwed in; the Bayonets fixed properly, and the Rammers well fitted; taking Care that every Soldier carries with him a Screw-driver, a Worm, two good Flints, besides the one in his Piece, forty rounds of Ammunition, and a Day's dry Provisions, in Case of Accidents; this is no great Burden. I would have a Lock Cover made of Leather, or thick Cloth, for every Firelock, to preserve the Lock from the Wet, in the Boats; which are not to be taken off till the Men are ready to leap ashore: The Bayonet-belts buckled over the right Shoulder, and the Pouches or Cartridge-Box-Belts over the left; (which will keep the Ammunition dry) and the Firelocks slung (at one Motion) to prevent their being lost in getting into the Boats.
When the Detachment is ordered into the Boats, it should be made a Rule, that the Men who fight in the same Rank and File, be put into the same Boat, by which Means they will the sooner be able able to form on landing.
The Boats being ready to put off, the whole Command of them is given to a Sea Officer, who conducts them to the Place of landing; and from this Time, the Marine Officer has little to do till the Men are out of the Boats, for then is the Time for him to shew his Judgment.
When the Boats are near the Shore, the Men unsling at once, pull off the Lock Cover; and when they leap into the Water, must hold their Firelocks high recovered, to preserve their Shot, keeping their Ammunition from the Wet.
N.B They must not fire on Pain of Death, though opposed by the Enemy, till they are clear of the Boats, and have formed regularly, and received Orders to charge.
N.B. In landing Detachments, where you expect the Enemy to oppose you, it would be very proper to have a Boat on each Flank, armed with Seamen, who are to keep a constant Fire on the Enemy, while you are landing, and when once you have made a Footing, these flanking Boats may return or join you, as Circumstances require; but I speak of this, when two or three Ships are together, as one Ship seldom has Boats enough to land her own Detachment at once.
The Commanding Officer must communicate his Orders and Design to the next in Command; without which, if he is killed, the whole Project may be disconcerted.
When you are not opposed by the Enemy on your landing, and have any considerable Distance to march, before you can execute your orders, your Disposition must be made according to the Nature of the Ground, and the Strength of your Detachment; but if you command the Marines of small Squadron, and you are 200, or 250 Men strong, I think it the best Method to form them into a Battalion at once, tell off in eight sub and four grand Divisions: The Commissioned and Non-commissioned Officers to be equally distributed wherever they can be most useful; taking Care to always have one or two good Officers in the Rear, to keep the whole connected and in close Order, placing the best and most experienced Soldiers in the most dangerous Places; as in the front Rank, Flanks and Rear; and the Whole to be drawn up in such a Manner as to enable them readily to know again their Ranks and Files, that they may with more Expedition be formed, in Case any Accident should cause disorder. There must be a flanking Platoon on the Right and Left, to serve as Grenadiers, composed of your best and most resolute Soldiers; An Officer is to command you advanced Guard, and another your rear Guard, and a SErjeant must be detached on each Flank with a small Party; besides this, you should have three or four stout Soldiers to serve as Pioneers, properly accoutred as such; they will be of great Use in facilitating your March, clearing the Way to attack a Battery or take Possession of a Village &c.
Your advanced Guard, likewise your Parties on the Flanks, are never to lose Sight of your main Body, which you must be careful not to weaken too much; for you should not detach at most above a third of your Force, and the Parties are to be disposed in such a Manner, that at a Moment's Warning you can collect the Whole, and form in an Instant for Action; otherwise you will run the Risque of being defeated before you have Time to form. In such a Case, your own Prudence will suggest to you how to act; for it is impossible to lay down fixed Rules for your Conduct, which must vary according to the different Ideas you form of the Ground and the Disposition of the Enemy; but here I have strayed beyond my proposed Plan, which is confined to one Detachment only.
Let us suppose it may consist of the Marines of a a seventy-four Gun Ship, as Ships of greater Force are not likely to land Marines except on a concerted Expedition, which I leave of Officers of superior Rank and Experience.
My strongest Detachment then, consisting of one Captain, one first Lieutenant, two seconds, four Serjeants, four Corporals, tow Drums and 110 private Soldiers. I would form it in four sub, and two grand Divisions, and prepare for the Charge; then regulate my advanced and rear Guard, and Parties on the Flanks, as Circumstances may require. A Subaltern should command the advanced Guard, a Serjeant the rear Guard, a good Corporal, with a small Party detached,on each Flank.
Detachments of less Force may be formed in the same Manner, down to that of a Frigate's Detachment, which should act the same as a Company; making but one Fire, and taking great Care to keep it close together, detaching as few Men as possible: the advanced Guard of such a Detachment may consist of a trusty Corporal and a File of Men, the rear Guard of the same Number and the parties on the Flanks not to exceed a lance Corporal and two privates each.
These Parties should ascend every little Hill, or rising Ground, look well round them, report every Thing they hear or see, and keep upon the rising Ground till the Detachment is a-breast of it, then reconnoitre another.
you must never enter into a Defile till it is well reconnoitred by your advanced Guard, and Parties on the Flanks. your detached Serjeants and Corporals should be very steady and full of Courage; and such as you can put Confidence and Trust in: They must be very careful not to send you false Intelligence; to avoid which, they are to report nothing without having clearly examined every Particular; And in case it appears to be a Matter of Doubt, they must report it as such, but must be certain not to let the Detachment be surprized by their Neglect.
There can be no fixed Regulations for these Detachments; but from what has been said, a young Officer will be able to form one, which is all that is here proposed; and after he has taken the above Precautions, he will march with Safety, his Soldiers will put Confidence in him; and he ought always to encourage them. shew them a prudent and bold Example, look chearful, assure them of Success, if they will but obey his Orders with Steadiness and Resolution; and that it will be impossible of the Enemy to resist the impetuous Shock of their Bayonets, on which they must depend more than their Fire.
Though we suppose an Officer intirely unacquainted with the Country where he is landed, yet a tolerable Idea may be formed of it, so far as is necessary for his Purpose; as he is not to march far into the Country, but skirmish with the Enemy near the Shore, and embark whenever the Service he is sent upon is over.
An alert Officer should, with a Glance of the Eye, be able to conceive every possible Advantage which the Ground will afford; this is to be acquired, and carried to Perfection, by Men who have a happy Genius for the Art of War. An open Piece of Ground is soon reconnoitred, but when inclosed, woody or mountainous, you must take every necessary Precaution before you advance.
A Morass, a hollow Way, a quick-set Hedge, even the smallest Brook, become Objects to be regarded, either to draw some Advantage from them, or prevent their being hurtful; For, if a Detachment is defeated, a Morass of any Breadth, with its Bottom boggy, serves as an Entrenchment, and may be a Means of securing a safe Retreat. A good Officer will lay hold of any Thing as a Cover, for the present Moment, to give a Check to the Enemy.
An Officer, commanding such a Detachment, should be all Eye; nothing either before, behind or an [sic] either side of him, should escape his Observation; he should point out dome Object, exactly in Front, and look at now and then, which will enable him to keep his Detachment from inclining too much to the Right or Left. The second Officer, or Serjeant, who is posted in the Rear, must keep the Ranks regular, in close Order, and observe a strict silence.
When your detached Parties fall in with the Enemy, they must join you immediately; on which you form your whole Force in an Instant, to attack them; for you are never to act on the defensive on such Service, except you are opposed by far superior and unexpected Numbers.
A young officer ought seriously to consider that his Character intirely depends on his good or bad Conduct in Presence of the Enemy; therefore he must fortify himself by an intrepid Courage, guided by Reason, which is the most faithful Companion of a Soldier, amongst the Dangers his Profession exposes him to.
If he has not taught his Men to be obedient to Command, to keep in close Order, and reserve their Fire for a favourable Opportunity, they will here expose his Want of Discipline, by opening their Ranks and Files and firing without Orders.
no subject
Date: Mar. 17th, 2012 21:00 (UTC)From:no subject
Date: Mar. 17th, 2012 22:26 (UTC)From:no subject
Date: Mar. 17th, 2012 23:26 (UTC)From:It's very much a sign that the Marines knew their particular business, which of course is a good thing.