5. Skirmishers will be practised in inclining and in changing direction. The change of direction should be carried out without checking the pace, skirmishers gaining their position at the double. 6. In all movements in extended order the centre will direct unless otherwise ordered; the point on which the centre man is to move should be clearly pointed out. 7. On the command, or signal, _Close_, squads will close in quick time on their centre file, which will halt, if the squad is not already halted. The men of the original rear rank forming up in rear of their original front rank men, each man halting and standing at ease as he resumes his position in line. =49.= _Signals and Whistle Blasts and War Calls._ 1. All movements of skirmishers will be controlled by the whistle and signal, for which purpose the following whistle blasts and signals have been adopted:-- 2. The whistle will be used-- (_a_) To draw attention to a signal about to be made--“a short blast.” (_b_) To denote “Cease fire”--“a long drawn out blast.” (_c_) To denote “Rally,” in wood, bush, fog or darkness, when the signal cannot be seen--“a succession of short blasts.” (_d_) To denote “Alarm”--“a succession of alternate long and short blasts.” 3. On a short blast being blown on the whistle, skirmishers will turn towards their commander and will remain looking at him until he gives the executive signal. ====================================================+============= SIGNAL. | TO INDICATE ----------------------------------------------------+------------- (_a_) Arm swung from rear to front below the | “Advance” or shoulder | “Forward.” | (_b_) Arm circled above the head | “Retire.” | (_c_) Hand raised in line with the shoulder, | “Quick time.” elbow bent | | (_d_) Clenched hand moved up and down between | “Double.” thigh and shoulder | | (_e_) Arm raised at full extent above the head | “Halt.” | (_f_) Body or horse turned in the required | “Incline.” direction and arm extended in line with | the shoulder | | (_g_) Circular movement of the extended arm in | “Wheel.” line with the shoulder in the required | direction | |