If cavalry patrols are expected ahead, deployment as skirmishers will secure this, if on the flanks, deploy in columns of squads marching in double file. A formation in echelon is effective at all times. 143.--Repulsing the charge. If cavalry appears, stop, face the charge quickly, fix bayonets and fire at will, the section leaders controlling the fire. 144.--In case of surprise. If surprised, deploy quickly and lie down. THE ATTACK. THE TERMINATION OF THE APPROACH. 145.--The Objective. The standard objective of a battalion is a maximum front of 550 yards. 146.--Determination of the Objective. On nearing the objective the battalion commander reconnoiters rapidly to determine the number of companies to put in the front line and the part of the objective to be assigned to each. 147.--Horses sent back. Mounted officers now send back their horses to reserve battalion. 148.--Assignment of position to companies. The battalion commander assigns to each company its part of the objective and the position from which it is to start the attack. 149.--Getting into position for the attack. The orders are given verbally by the battalion commander to the captains and by the captains to the company usually through the platoon leaders as the company is not in close order. 150.--Deployment before infantry fire. As soon as the zone swept by the infantry fire of the enemy is reached (about 1000 yards) deployment as skirmishers becomes imperative. 151.--Methods of advance. Keep on advancing toward positions for the attack by fractions, varying method according to the terrain; short rushes, crawling, making use of all possible cover. 152.--Position of officers. The battalion commander and the captains march with the supports, the battalion commander controlling the despatch of reinforcements. As soon as the supports are all sent forward they march with the fraction nearest the enemy. 153.--Liaison. A connecting file (runner) accompanies the battalion commander and each of the captains. THE FIRE ATTACK. 154.--The time to fire. It is determined by the casualties. 155.--The order to fire. It is given by the captains; (only in case of extreme emergency by a subaltern.) 156.--Fire Control. The section leaders, under the direction of the captain; control the fire: classes of firing, volley firing, firing at will; the target (the nearest hostile troops within the sector of the objective being the usual target); the range, the opening and cessation of fire in volley fire. 157.--Fire observation. The section leaders are helped in their observation of the fire effect by observers standing besides them. The fire is usually directed independently by section or half section. 158.--Verification of range. In principle, the corporals do not take part in the fire but verify the range and direction of the fire of their respective squads. ADVANCING THE FIRING LINE. 159.--Methods of advance.