Hans – Karl is absolutely correct...because it is nothing but a typical approaching column...

Ney understood that the standing regulations and system in the French Army were ambiguous in many points...and defective in others...

It was his point and purpose to show his officers which manoeuvres were defective and demonstrate which manoeuvres were the most effective and implistic in nature.

Therefore what may seem hardly typical for us...were commonly used manoeuvres of his time...but he scrutinized which ones he thought were best for him and his Officers...but you shall find that Davout...Marmont...Schauenbourg...Scharnhorst...all do the same..

Best Regards,
Art