The Discussion began as a question:

Lapene, in his memoirs says that Girard, the first Division, used 'colonnes serrees par battalions'.

Jean Maransin wrote the qoute you commented on AS A CORRECTION TO Lapene's description. He states that
Girard moved forward in 'attack columns' [colonnes d'attaque] and the Second division, Gazan's moved ahead
in attack columns by battalion, [colonnes par battalion]

What we would like to know[I think]: what is the distinction that Maransin is making here? I can find no description of colonnes par battalion, though I can find 'par peloton' and 'par division'. There are a number of conclusions as to what the descriptions mean, both for the individual battalions and the overall divisional ployment, but no one is sure.

When Maransin says that the V Corps changed direction by a movement of the column to the right, [you say "un changement de direction a droite" by the leading division] that suggests that the lead division had formed at least two columns in line. [a droite] Again, we are not sure what is being said here and thought you might know.

Help.

Best Regards,
Bill H.