This determines the size of the rush. You cannot lose this
fire superiority and advance; and once it is lost, hours may be required
to regain it. The number of men in each rush will usually decrease as
the enemy's position is approached. If the firing line is stopped, if
fire superiority is lost and cannot be regained, the firing line
intrenches and holds on until darkness or until a favorable turn in the
situation develops. It is suicidal to turn back. During the advance,
supports move up as close to the firing line as cover will permit,
adopting those formations best suited to keep down losses. They may be
as close as fifty yards to the firing line. They should not be as far as
500 yards in rear of it.
THE CHARGE
There can be no rule to tell you when to charge. It may be from 25 to
400 yards. The common sense (tactical instinct) of the senior ranking
officer on the firing line must tell him the psychological moment to
order the charge. That moment will be when your fire has broken down the
enemy's fire, broken his resistance, and destroyed his morale.
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