Keep in mind the peculiar arrangement of a British square formed from a column: all the companies forming two of the "sides" have contingents in BOTH faces, so casualties from fire penetrating one side cannot be distinguished by company from casualties endured among those on the opposite side. Only the "front" and "rear" faces of the square (or oblong) would have unique company compositions -- and be the faces where your observation would apply. I think that's one reason that Don was interested in establishing the evidence for the battalion's orientation and position on the field.

Cheers - Howie