THE ROYAL ARTILLERY INSTITUTION. 
263 
ORGAffiZATION 
JOE THE 
TRANSPORT OF LARGE BODIES OF TROOPS ON RAILWAYS.* 
BY CAPTAIN J. T. BAKBINGTON, E.A. 
Section I. 
System and General Principles. 
1. A concentration of troops dispersed over an extended area, is most 
efficiently performed by a simultaneous, prompt, and regularly sustained 
employment of all the independent lines leading from the area where peace 
is disturbed into that where the concentration is intended. 
2. The transport of troops, horses, and materiel continues until the 
destination is reached without change of carriage, provided the lines are 
in direct intercommunication, and consequently permit of the passage of 
carriages from one to another. Empty wagon trains return, as a rule, 
immediately to the district of embarkation, and receive such alteration in 
their composition as may be necessary at the stations of arrangement which 
are conveniently selected on the several lines, and provided with material 
for reserve and supply. 
The time table of each line regulates the arrival and passing of laden 
and empty trains at the stations, precedence in despatch being given to the 
full trains. The proper succession of the trains is thus secured.f 
The employment of return trains for military purposes, such as the 
transport of detachments of men and horses, army materiel, commissariat 
supplies, &c. is admissible provided the transport-in-chief to the front, the 
regularity of the journeys, the composition and succession of the trains, are 
not interfered with. 
* Prom the Prussian Regulations for Military Transport On Railways. Berlin 1867. 
f In a journey not exceeding 40 miles (German), wagons can be reladen on the third day; in 
a journey of from 40 to 80, or perhaps 90 miles, on the fourth day; and on the fifth day in a 
distance of from 80 to 120 miles. This is styled a 3, 4, or 5-day rotation of trains. 
[VOL. VI.] 
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