Troops told off to outflank the enemy will generally act on identically the same lines as those detailed to assail the front, for, as a rule, flank attacks are locally frontal attacks. The very fact that he is being attacked simultaneously from two different directions, that his line of retreat is threatened, and that a part of his force is exposed to enfilade fire, must have a most serious effect on the enemy’s _moral_, and consequently on the accuracy of his aim, and the promptitude of his manœuvres; whilst the new front will probably not be so strong naturally as the main front. The flank of a position should, therefore, be the object of particular attention. If the force detailed for an outflanking movement actually succeeds in placing itself in prolongation of the enemy’s line, before he can change position, or while he is in the act of changing position, a surprise will have been effected, and if the opportunity is utilised with due vigour, an immediate and overwhelming success should be the result. =142.= _Surprises._ If the enemy is surprised, it is of the utmost importance to reach decisive range as rapidly as possible, and to increase the demoralisation which the surprise will have already produced by pressing forward to close quarters with the greatest energy. In such conditions, the deliberate advance from cover to cover, and the gradual building up, by means of successive reinforcements, of a powerful firing-line, should be discarded, and the firing-line be strong from the very first. Nevertheless, it will still be necessary to retain a portion of the attacking force in reserve to meet counter-attacks and unforeseen contingencies. =143.= _Local flanking fire._ The incidents of a battle and the nature of the ground constantly offer opportunities, even to troops engaged in a frontal attack, for bringing an enfilade or oblique fire to bear upon part of the enemy’s line, thus facilitating the advance of other portions of the attacking force, or even causing the evacuation of some important post. Commanders of all ranks, therefore, however small the parties they command, must always be on the look-out for such opportunities of lightening the task of their comrades. =144.= _Formations._ 1. The preparatory formation of infantry is line, or lines, of battalions in lines of company columns at varying intervals and distances. 2. After leaving the position of assembly, formations will be regulated by commanders in conformity with the rules laid down in S. =133=.