What Does 'Move By The Left Flank' Mean?

[johncla]

I see this phrase used often in describing unit movements during a battle. Can anyone explain what it means?

I assume it's "1. stop, 2. face left, 3. march" so that in effect the unit turns 90 degrees to the left without changing the orientation of the line itself.

So an E/W oriented line, marching north, if they execute "by the left flank" the line is now marching west while still oriented E/W. True?

 

[Yankeedave]

By the left flank does as says:
1)"By the left flank..." Order of preparation
2)"March" order of execution
1 says what will happen
2 is when ie now.
If there was a halt it would be prior to 1) or after 2)
Simple answer is it turns those ordered 90 degrees to the left. A column of fours stays in column of fours, it's front width is now what was the length of the column. A unit in line would now be moving left with a two man front, it's length the old front. If that makes any sense at all.

 

[Si Klegg]

I see this phrase used often in describing unit movements during a battle. Can anyone explain what it means?

I assume it's "1. stop, 2. face left, 3. march" so that in effect the unit turns 90 degrees to the left without changing the orientation of the line itself.

So an E/W oriented line, marching north, if they execute "by the left flank" the line is now marching west while still oriented E/W. True?

True, but unless the prefacing order 'In two ranks' is given, they would now be in a Column of Fours marching to the left instead of a line of battle two deep marching forward.

Must have been a tough thing to do in a fight, you are presenting your vulnerable flank to fire from the front. You cannot fight in a column of fours, you have to get back into a line of battle to fight.

 

[Yankeedave]

It would make for a quick way to move from right to left. Once at the desired distance a halt then the command right face or front then company into line?

 

[johncla]

By the left flank does as says:
1)"By the left flank..." Order of preparation
2)"March" order of execution
1 says what will happen
2 is when ie now.
If there was a halt it would be prior to 1) or after 2)
Simple answer is it turns those ordered 90 degrees to the left. A column of fours stays in column of fours, it's front width is now what was the length of the column. A unit in line would now be moving left with a two man front, it's length the old front. If that makes any sense at all.

OK, got it!
Thank you all.

 

[bdtex]

OK, got it!
Thank you all.

Glad you got it. I wish someone would post a chart that illustrates all the march commands.

 

[bdtex]

True, but unless the prefacing order 'In two ranks' is given, they would now be in a Column of Fours marching to the left instead of a line of battle two deep marching forward.

Must have been a tough thing to do in a fight, you are presenting your vulnerable flank to fire from the front. You cannot fight in a column of fours, you have to get back into a line of battle to fight.

Ok. I get that.

 

[Yankeedave]

That right to left matters as that is the predominant way that you will deploy.

 

[lelliott19]

Glad you got it. I wish someone would post a chart that illustrates all the march commands.

Me too!!!!

 

[Jimklag]

By the left flank does as says:
1)"By the left flank..." Order of preparation
2)"March" order of execution
1 says what will happen
2 is when ie now.
If there was a halt it would be prior to 1) or after 2)
Simple answer is it turns those ordered 90 degrees to the left. A column of fours stays in column of fours, it's front width is now what was the length of the column. A unit in line would now be moving left with a two man front, it's length the old front. If that makes any sense at all.

I believe the modern equivalent of "Move by the left flank" is:

1. "Left Face"
2. "Forward march"

 

[Seduzal]

[QUOTE="Yankeedave, post: ]By the left flank does as says:
1)"By the left flank..." Order of preparation
2)"March" order of execution
1 says what will happen
2 is when ie now.
If there was a halt it would be prior to 1) or after 2)
Simple answer is it turns those ordered 90 degrees to the left. A column of fours stays in column of fours, it's front width is now what was the length of the column. A unit in line would now be moving left with a two man front, it's length the old front. If that makes any sense at all.[/QUOTE]

Now I am really confused!

I wish someone would post a chart that illustrates all the march commands.[/QUOTE]

That would help!

 

[Jimklag]

[QUOTE="Yankeedave, post: ]By the left flank does as says:
1)"By the left flank..." Order of preparation
2)"March" order of execution
1 says what will happen
2 is when ie now.
If there was a halt it would be prior to 1) or after 2)
Simple answer is it turns those ordered 90 degrees to the left. A column of fours stays in column of fours, it's front width is now what was the length of the column. A unit in line would now be moving left with a two man front, it's length the old front. If that makes any sense at all.

Now I am really confused!

I wish someone would post a chart that illustrates all the march commands.[/QUOTE]

That would help![/QUOTE]
In 1. Left Flank 2. Forward March, on the first command, every man would face left, turning 4 columns into 4 ranks. Then "Forward March."

 

[Yankeedave]

Now let's add ones and two's to the mix.

 

[DanSBHawk]

I believe the modern equivalent of "Move by the left flank" is:

1. "Left Face"
2. "Forward march"

Maybe they have modernized it, but as of 1980 Navy bootcamp, we were still getting the command "By the left flank... March!"

And every recruit would swivel on his right foot and face directly to the left without stopping marching. Now the guys who had made up the left side of the formation were now the front line of the formation.

 

[rpkennedy]

Not that that clears it up entirely.

Ryan

 

[Jimklag]

Maybe they have modernized it, but as of 1980 Navy bootcamp, we were still getting the command "By the left flank... March!"

And every recruit would swivel on his right foot and face directly to the left without stopping marching. Now the guys who had made up the left side of the formation were now the front line of the formation.

That's true if your troops are moving - mine would be with stationary troops.

 

[AUG]

Although note that these videos don't show the ability to march by the flank in two ranks, which was also possible.

 

[Yankeedave]

The company commander and the first Sgt. are at the right of the company. The Company commander is in the front rank. First guy on right. The company Sgt is behind.
The company will form to their left.
Dress for the rest of us is right.
In road column dress is off the right front corner. When the company fronts (forms the two tanks we know so well) it falls in on the left. The only command needed to be given is "front".