"March to contact"

[Bmanz1085]

Re: "March to contact"

Perhaps the old gent is mixing up "march to the sound of the guns" a term from the Napoleonic era and "movement to contact" very much a modern military term.

[erik]

Re: "March to contact"

After considering this past few days and seeking reference to Scott's Military Dictionary I believe that with the other references stated that Contact is a modern term.
During the CW era a march was a movement from one place to another with no engagement anticipated, though often times they occurred.
An advance was a deliberate movement meant to engage the enemy or scare him away. The advance would be to the front or to a flank with a tactical purpose.
Both Marches and Advances were fraught with peril without sufficient safeguards such as advance guards and scouts plus flank guards in close country.
Your plan is best suited to be called a Sham battle, as suggested. A well choreographed demonstration with safety for all paramount.
The initial "contact" may be a surprise but all must be safe.
My final submission on this.

Erik Simundson

[Jon Wood]

Re: "March to contact"

Thanks to all of you who responded to my query. I appreciate the effort, especially Erik's. I am sure everything will work out.
Cheers,
Jon Wood