OKEHAMPTON EXPERIENCES, 1892 . 
135 
would soon correct itself on service, when so much more depends on 
time, and when the result of exposure would be more obvious. 
In the recently published drill-book the key note of the instructions 
as to taking up a position is given on page 53, where it is stated that 
the deliberate method is to be employed “ if this can he done without 
attracting the attention of the enemy ” In the occupation of an advanced 
position it would not always be either possible or desirable that Section 
Commanders should precede their batteries. At very close ranges, 
when the target is unmistakeable, it will not be necessary for them to 
move out in advance. 
Exact Drill. 
There is rather a disposition to neglect the traditions of the barrack- 
square and drill-ground, and to relax the rigidity of drill and discipline 
there inculcated. To some extent this is unavoidable and even neces¬ 
sary, but it must not be forgotten that nearly every regulation, besides 
being an aid to discipline, has for its object some advantage to be 
gained when training is put to the proof of war. If the guns of a 
battery do not come into action together the teams are so much the 
longer exposed to fire. Diminished intervals present to the enemy a 
more vulnerable target. A badly dressed line of guns obstructs the 
mutual view of Battery and Section Commanders, so necessary for the 
prompt and correct transmission of orders. There is little doubt that the 
best security for the steadiness of the soldier in action lies in a strictly 
enforced discipline. 
Supply from Wagons. 
Every opportunity was taken this year of practising batteries in the 
supply of ammunition. Wagons were taken out as often as possible, 
and batteries that had wagons lent to those that had not. The position 
laid down for wagons in action, viz., immediately covering their guns, 
is open to several objections. When the wagon comes up the leaders 
are in the way of the gun numbers, and if the gun immediately in front 
has to be fired, it not infrequently recoils on to the team and causes 
considerable delay in unhooking. Again, if auxiliary marks have to be 
placed in rear, as must be done if the battery has opened fire, the 
wagon is very much in the way. These objections disappear if the 
wagon be brought up covering the interval, and if the second line has 
to be brought up, there is plenty of room in a 19 yards* interval for 
two wagons side by side. The wagon drivers should always remain 
mounted, and the teams be unhooked by gunners if possible. Young 
or unsteady horses run back when the guns are fired, and a dismounted 
driver has little control over them. 
Unhooking often occupied as much as two minutes. Some time would 
be saved if the breeching were a fixture on the shafts. This would 
require a somewhat shorter breeching and a single supporting strap, 
which would pass through the crupper and buckle on the off side, 
where it could be readily unfastened. 
Spring hooks have also been suggested, but are open to the objection 
that they are difficult to unfasten in case of accident. Another idea is 
to substitute for the trace loop on the splinter-bar a hook with a drop 
