The commander-in-chief and divisional commanders signal N. W., and each division moves by the flank until the commander-in-chief signals N., when the fleet resumes its original course and formation. If the divisions were in double column, triple column, column of fours, etc., etc., they would be similarly manœuvred.

It is evident that sea can be gained to the front and right, according to the same principles.

See notes to 54.

56. The fleet being in column of vessels, heading N., to change direction to the left.

Suppose, for instance, it be required to steer N.W.

Flag-ships of leading division: Head of division

N.W.

Flag-ships of centre and rear divisions* signal: Division N.

The leader of the fleet alters course at once to N.W.; the other vessels continue onward, two steering N.W. when in the wake of one, three when in the wake of two (after this vessel has come to the required course), and so on, to the last vessel.

When the angle of the new course with the old is over ninety degrees, each vessel must be careful to turn where her next ahead has turned, and to follow in her wake.

Where the commander-in-chief wishes to change the direction of the fleet to a directly opposite one, turning to port-to S. in this example-turning to the Westward, he has but to make signal, Head of fleet W., and afterward, as he sees the leader turning to port, Head of fleet S. It is evident that direction may be changed to the right, according to the same principles.

*Or these commanders may omit making signals until the heads of their divisions are approaching the rear of the divisions preceding them, steering N. W., when they must of course signal: Head of division N. W.

57. The fleet being in columns of vessels abreast, by

divisions, in natural order, heading N., to change direction to the left, on any course from N. to W. Suppose, for example, it be required to steer

The commander-in-chief signals:

On the right division, form column of vesselsvan in front-head of centre and rear divisions E.*— head of van division N.E.

*If the commander-in-chief wishes the divisional commanders to choose their own way of going into column, he omits signalling the course to the centre and rear divisions.

1

The flag-ship of van division signals: Head of division N.E.

Flag-ships of centre and rear divisions signal: Head of division E.

Performed as in manœuvre 44, Fig. 75, and so soon as the commander-in-chief observes that the leader of the rear division is approaching the wake of the van and centre divisions, steering N.E., he signals: Heads of divisions N. W.; and the manoeuvre is completed, as shown by A.

It is evident that direction may be changed to the left, by forming the column to the N.E., on the rear division; but then the fleet will be in order reversed, the van division being on the left, as shown by B.

If the divisions are in double column, triple column, etc., they must be broken into columns of vessels, and re-formed into any order required, after direction has been changed.