| | | | A | |B TTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTT | | ______________________|________________________| B ] The parallel order with a crotchet upon the flank (Fig. 6) is most usually adopted in a defensive position. It may be also the result of an offensive combination; but then the crotchet is to the front, whilst in the case of defense it is to the rear. The battle of Prague is a very remarkable example of the danger to which such a crotchet is exposed if properly attacked. [Illustration: Fig. 7. A TTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTT ____|___ ___________________|____________________ B ____|___ ] The parallel order reinforced upon one wing, (Fig. 7,) or upon the center, (Fig. 8, page 190,) to pierce that of the enemy, is much more favorable than the two preceding ones, and is also much more in accordance with the general principles which have been laid down; although, when the contending forces are about equal, the part of the line which has been weakened to reinforce the other may have its own safety compromised if placed in line parallel to the enemy. [Illustration: Fig. 8. A TTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTT ________|________ _________________ B _________________ ] [Illustration: Fig. 9.] The oblique order (Fig. 9) is the best for an inferior force attacking a superior; for, in addition to the advantage of bringing the main strength of the forces against a single point of the enemy's line, it has two others equally important, since the weakened wing is not only kept back from the attack of the enemy, but performs also the double duty of holding in position the part of his line not attacked, and of being at hand as a reserve for the support, if necessary, of the engaged wing. This order was used by the celebrated Epaminondas at the battles of Leuctra and Mantinea. The most brilliant example of its use in modern times was given by Frederick the Great at the battle of Leuthen. (See Chapter VII. of Treatise on Grand Operations.) [Illustration: Fig. 10. C | \ | \ | \| TTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTT/| / | / | / | C | B-| | | | | | | | ] [Illustration: Fig. 11.