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AB is advancing in the formation of a re-entrant angle, in which the wing AO has been sacrificed, and the whole wing AO has lost in its power of concentration by its great distance from the enemys line. The increased fire upon a rear attack from A) does not make up for these drawbacks.
There is a very possible case however in which an advance in simple echelon might offer great advantages to a quick and skilful initiative.
Let us suppose that by accident or as the result of manoeuvring - the two lines of equal front are appraching so that the flanks lap (Fig 1). If AB throw his right flank well forward as in (Fig 2) while still steering a course perpendicular to the front of CD, it is evident from an inspection of the figure that the right wing C, of CD is further from A than any part of AB's line is from the left wing D. If CD continue on the same course permitting the same relative positions to remain, AB may throw his right wing still farther forward as the moment of contact draws nearer - the left wing slacking speed as far as purdent, and probably diverging to the right together so as to draw upon th eline of bearing 08'. Of course we cannot count upon CD failing to change the disposition of his line, but if he postpones doing so until the proper moment for AB to push his right wing forward, he