Infantry
foot soldiers armed with rifle and bayonet. In Europe the infantry is divided into infantry of the line, light infantry, and rifles; but practically no distinction, except that the latter have a lower standard, now exists between them. Formerly the flank companies of each line battalion were, respectively, "grenadier" and "light" companies, and the deployment of the lines or the advance of the columns in battle were either covered by these companies, or by separate light infantry regiments, which were extended as skirmishers. These were either called in when the masses of troops advanced, or, halting, let them pass through. They only prepared the way for the main attack. With the introduction of long range fire, the attack by lines or columns became too dangerous; the former from their slowness, the latter from their denseness. The infantry could no longer advance covered by a weak screen of skirmishers. Battalions, therefore, formed for attack with two companies firing, two supporting, and four in local reserve, the whole working on a narrow front; and, finally, the company in Germany, and the double company in England, formed the fighting tactical unit, and was distributed in a similar manner. But the skirmishers no longer merely cover the advance of They form the fightingtroops in rear. line themselves, and reinforced as loss occurs, and strengthened finally by the local reserve, they break down the defense first with preponderating fire, and then with the bayonet. Ancient nations largely depended in battle on their infantry. Then foot soldiers became less employed, the use of cavalry being one feature of the age of chivalry. The formation by Louis VI., of France (1108- 1137), of the communal militia, followed by similar action on the part of Frederick I., the Emperor of German Germany (1152- 1190), and Henry II., of England (1154- 1189), again brought infantry into note and they have held the first place in battles ever since. It was especially the case during the European War of 1914- 18. Cavalry were only employed in the first months of the war to any extent, but were effective during the great German retreat in 1918.