well form the fighting Line as the one which is
momentarily called the first. The latter may equally be used for a
flank attack or, under a change of circumstances, form the Reserve.

The supporting squadrons, as defined in the new Regulations, or the
second or third Line in the attack against Infantry or Artillery, are
nowadays the only ones to which the original conception of the
'Treffen' applies.

Whilst at present the designation of particular Brigades, etc., as
first, second, or third 'Treffen' (Lines), has practically no bearing
on their use in action, but only assigns them a temporary place during
the particular manoeuvre, we have had to invent, to express the actual
conception of the 'Treffen,' or Line--which, after all, one cannot do
without--all sorts of designations, such as supporting squadrons,
formations according to depth, waves, and so forth. Hence the word
'Treffen' has introduced a complication which finds no justification
in the true spirit of the matter. These disadvantages, of course, are
least evident when the Division is brought into action from a previous
position of assembly; but they are very apparent indeed when it is a
question of uniting a Division which has previously been acting in
separate detachments upon the field of battle itself. Then we come
face to face with the difficulty--in fact, almost impossibility--of
adopting the modern idea of the 'Three Lines.'

On the line of march a Division is divided into Advance guard and
Main body, and if moving on several roads, then into a number of such
constituent parts (two to each road). From this state of subdivision
there result a number of Tactical units which it is practically
impossible to fit into the 'Three-Line' formation without incurring
great loss of time, and possibly the loss of one's opportunity. Hence,
from the retention of this 'Three-Line' idea, we arrive at a tactical
dilemma which must react detrimentally on the handling of the whole
Arm, as long as the Leaders are compelled by Regulations to assume
their 'Three-Line formation' before they can fight at all. It is from
this contradiction that Section 346 releases us.

Of equal importance is a further possibility which the wording of the
same paragraph throws open to us. It allows, in fact, the Cavalry, no
matter in what tactical connection it may find itself, to fight always
in accordance with the same principles.

As long as we adhered to the 'Three-Line system,' this, i