The fleet should be first formed on a line of bearing perpendicular to the given course, upon the signal, Head of fleet S. E., or head of fleet N. W., and afterwards into columns abreast, by divisions, on the given course, by the signal, Heads of divisions N.E.*, as in manœuvre 35, Fig. 66.

It can also be by inverting the order of the fleet, so that the rear division may lead, heading S., and then proceeding as before.

It is evident that the fleet can be formed into columns of vessels abreast, by squadrons, on any point signalled, according to the same principles.

To form the fleet into double columns, triple columns, etc., abreast, by divisions or squadrons, on any course signalled, it should first be formed into columns of vessels abreast, by divisions or squadrons, as above, and then into double columns, triple columns, etc., etc., as in manœuvres 28, 29, and 30.

* Or he may make general signal N.E., and form the fleet into line, and afterwards proceed as in manœuvre 2, Figs. 19 and 20.

37. The fleet being in double column, to break it into column of vessels.

FIG. 68.

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The commander-in-chief signals:
From the right, form column of vessels.

Divisional commanders signal: Division-from the right, form column of vessels.

One, three, five, seven, etc., etc., continue onward; two, four, six, eight, etc., etc., keep four points to starboard, so graduating their speed (see Table B) as to come into column at their proper distances, astern of one, three, five, seven, etc., etc., respectively.

The column can be formed inversely, according to the same principles, by breaking from the left.

38. The fleet being in triple column, to break it into column of vessels.

The commander-in-chief signals :
From the right, form column of vessels.

Divisional commanders signal: Divisionfrom the right, form column of vessels.

Take the six leading vessels as an illustration.

One and four continue onward; two and three, and five and six, keep four points to starboard, so graduating their speed (see Table B) as to come into column in the wake of one and four respectively.

It is evident that the fleet may be broken into column of vessels from column of fours, column of fives, etc., etc., according to the same principles. The column can be broken from the left, in the same manner, inversely.

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