In their book, Rifle Green in the Peninsula Vol. II by George Caldwell and Robert Cooper (Bugle Horn Publications; 49 Cromwell Road, Great Glen, Leicester LE8 9GU, England; www.buglehorn.co.uk; 2006. On page 50; the authors described the special marching pace of he 95th Rifles. Sir John Moore developed this faster marching pace for the rifle and light infantry regiments.
This marching pace alternated three paces at a trot with three paces at a walk. Remember a pace is two steps. You count a pace each time your left foot strikes the ground.
It was important that Riflemen move at a faster pace than regular line infantry. On advance guard duty, the Rifles had to move faster than the following main body. On rear guard, the faster pace was necessary to enable the Rifles to catch up to the main body. A rear guard often needed to stop to repel an attack by following French cavalry. This counterattack action would slow down the rear guard. On flank guard duty, marching over rough unpaved terrain, the faster pace was necessary for the riflemen to stay up with the main body marching on a road.
I would challenge all of you to try this marching pace. Practice it to become accustomed to the alternating trot and walk.
James P. Tate III
7070 Highfields Farm Dr.
Roanoke, Virginia 24018
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