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rear divisions keep two points to port, while the van maintains its course.

To form on the rear division, the van and centre divisions keep two points to starboard, and the rear division preserves its course.

It is evident that the fleet may be formed in close order from open order, or at half distance from close or open order, according to the same principles, inversely.

66. The fleet being in column of vessels, heading N., to form it into line to the front.

240

1st Method.

FIG. 100.

o o O o O o O 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 01

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The commander-in-chief makes signal:
Forward into line-left oblique.

Flag-ship of van division: Division N. N. W.van vessel N.*

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

The leading vessel continues onward under steerage-way; the other vessels keep two points to port at full speed. When two finds one bearing from her on a line perpendicular to the course (E. is the bearing in this case), she regulates her speed so as to maintain the bearing until she is at the proper distance from one, when she hoists the position pennant, and comes to the course under steerage-way. Three manoeuvres similarly with respect to two, four with respect to three, and so on to the last vessel.

The line may be formed by obliquing to the right; but the vessels will then be in order reversed, the van vessel being on the left.

* Vessel's distinguishing pennant will, of course, be shown; so if the left (or rear) were in front, steering N., twenty-four's pennant would be displayed. and the centre and van divisions would signal, Division N.N.E.

14*

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The commander-in-chief signals:
Head of fleet E.

Flag-ship of * van division: Head of division E. Flag-ships of centre and rear divisions signal: Division N.t

* See note to 1st Method.

† Or omit signalling here, being careful to signal when they observe the leading vessels of their divisions approaching the wake of the van division steering E., Head of division E.

The leader of the fleet keeps E. at once, the other vessels stand on N. and come E. in succession in her wake. So soon as the column is formed to the Eastward, the commander-in-chief makes general signal N., and the manœuvre is completed.

The manœuvre may be performed by forming the column to the Westward; but the fleet on coming N. will then be in order reversed.

67. The fleet being in columns of vessels abreast, by divisions, heading N., to form it into line to the

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The commander-in-chief signals:
Forward into line-left oblique.

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