«ENGLAND expects that every man will do his duty!» — This signal from Admiral Nelson before the Battle of Trafalgar is considered a model of courageous brevity in military orders and instructions.
Many examples of such brevity can also be found among Russian military leaders. Let us cite a few lines from the order of Lieutenant General Skobelev dated December 21, 1877:
«I warn everyone that in the event of battle, support will be provided, but relief — never... Never signal retreat or withdrawal, and warn the troops that such signals are a deception by the enemy... Every soldier must know where and why he is going; then, even if the commanders are killed, the purpose of the mission will not be lost.»
Another example: in 1805, when Austrian authorities in Trieste detained 20 Russian merchant ships, Admiral Senyavin immediately entered the harbor with three ships and a frigate, positioning his squadron under the city’s batteries. The commander of Trieste requested that the admiral move his ships to cannon range from the fortress. To this, Senyavin replied:
— Fire! Then I will see where your cannonballs land and where I should position myself!