34 
MINUTES OF PROCEEDINGS OF 
The recruit begins with case shot, at ranges from 50 up to 300 yards; 
and at a target 6' x 10 O', he carries on practice, at first slowly, and then 
rapidly; and, if possible, over smooth, hard ground, and over soft, or rough 
ground. 
We are apt to forget the value of case shot; here are instances. 
On the retreat of the Duke of York from Dunkirk, in 1793, the late 
Lieut.-General Sir Wiltshire Wilson, R.A., fought his two light six-pounders 
in such a way as to save the garrison of Nieuport. In consequence of the 
country having been inundated, the Drench were compelled to advance along 
a dike about thirty feet wide. On this, Wilson placed his guns and 
discharged 113 rounds, principally of case, as rapidly as possible. The 
Drench were driven back. 
And Waterloo as previously noticed.* 
The next step in instruction is to shew the recruit that shrapnel is a 
combination of case and common shell; a few shrapnel are laid on the 
ground and burst, and the dispersion of bullets and splinters noted; and if 
considered desirable, and in order to make a contrast between shrapnel and 
common shell, a few of the latter may be burst in the same way, and the 
range of the splinters ascertained. 
Digs. 1 and 2 may represent roughly the action of common shell and 
shrapnel burst in flight. 
Fig. 1. 
Fig. 2. 
These preliminary matters having been settled, the recruit may proceed 
to practice, and he must be taught to rely on his own observation of the 
effects produced on the target, as seen from the gun, the range being 
unknown, and all communication with the range party interdicted. The 
number of observers, however, should be as large as possible, in fact this 
practice should be the true artillery judging distance drill. The range 
party also should be large, and under charge of an instructor. 
* Vide Vol. V. pp. 400, 421. 
