8. In action, in high wind, and at all times when indistinctly heard, the commanding officer should indicate his orders by signal, where possible (S. =49=); such signals should be repeated by as many officers and non-commissioned officers as may be necessary to ensure the transmission of the order. In battalion movements the orders given by the commanding officer are printed in CAPITALS; those by officers commanding companies in _italics_. The cautions may be applied to either the right or the left flank although only the former is referred to. 9. Where cautions and commands are given for formations to, or from, one flank only, the same rule applies when forming to, or from the other flank, which will also be practised. 10. Fire action should be practised as directed in S. =72=, para. 1. 11. The principles laid down in company drill, S. =60= (3), (4) and (5), apply equally to battalion drill. 12. Companies will be told off again when a change of formation alters their relative position. =92.= _Formations._ 1. The following formations will be employed in battalion drill:-- (i) _Quarter column._--This is a convenient formation in which to move battalions, either singly or in brigade, when not exposed to the enemy’s fire. (ii) _Column._--This is essentially a march formation, but will be used for the purpose of forming up preparatory to closing to quarter column, or moving off in column of fours. (iii) _Line_ (or _Lines_) _of company columns._--This formation will usually be adopted by the battalion at distant artillery ranges, preparatory to extending for the attack. It allows of full control being exercised by the battalion commander, whilst at the same time enabling companies to take advantage of natural cover, and to conveniently advance over broken or intersected ground. (iv) _Column of fours._--This is a convenient march formation when a narrow front is necessary, such as passing a defile, and will usually be adopted when on the march. Against an enemy armed with the breech-loader, close order formations in battalion and brigade are applicable only for assembly, for marches and during the preparatory stages of the fight. 2. Attacks by savages armed with spears and swords must, however, usually be met in close order; and for this purpose, in addition to the formations mentioned in para. 1, the following will be practised, but only by troops which are likely to be called upon to take part in such warfare:-- (i) Line. (ii) Echelon. (iii) Square. =93.= _A battalion in quarter column. Plate VI._