METHOD OF BRINGING- GUNS INTO ACTION. 
37 
novel and disturbing factor into tbe calculations of tbe opposing force; 
and I commend the subject as a study to Major May and the writers on 
the tactics of the future. 
I have maintained for several years that sanction should be given to 
the principle of running guns up by hand when the procedure seems 
advisable. No one would want to do it always, or even often, as the 
advocates of the “German Method” seem to believe would be the case, 
but why forbid artillery from taking all advantages possible of every 
position in which it may be placed ? It may be said that the principle 
is not forbidden, and in explicit terms it is not, but in the drill books 
for all arms of 1896,(except the F.A.D. book) and of previous years, 
there are introductory memoranda from the Commander-in-Chief (or 
written in his name) to the effect that:—“the following edition of the 
-Drill is to be strictly adhered to.” Why there is no such 
introduction to the F.A.D. Book I do not know., but it cannot be doubt¬ 
ed that it is governed by the same order. Therefore in my belief, a 
system which is not recognized in a drill book, is forbidden. When I 
was at Shoeburyness last October, I wrote a note of my opinion on the 
subject, to the Commandant of the School of Gunnery; it was that a 
clause somewhat to the following effect should be inserted in the drill 
book:—“Circumstances may arise which render it advisable to unlimber 
short of the selected fire position, and run the guns up by hand.” 
The officers who have taken part in the discussion have, I believe 
without exception, assumed that the run up must always take place on 
an ascending slope, but I would point out that it may be necessary, to 
come into action and fire downwards from a table-land, or from ground 
which is to all intents and purposes a table-land. And in this country, 
and I doubt not elsewhere, fire may be opened from a jungle of scatter¬ 
ed scrub, or timber, or from high grass or crops, amongst which the 
guns and detachments are almost indistinguishable, while a mounted 
man would be readily seen. Strict adherence to the drill book would 
no doubt in such cases be dispensed with, but the rules in drill books 
are intended as a guide under all circumstances, and they should be 
sufficiently wide to include all ordinary conditions. 
