K.A.I. PKIZE ESSAY, 1876 . 
449 
The results of field artillery fire against the most recent formations in 
which troops attack, may be here considered, as it were, in an appendix, 
or note of explanation, to tbe foregoing separate discussions. 
As tbe most recent formations for tbe attack bave not yet been 
brought into a thoroughly recognised form, and still constitute in 
most countries a subject for further experiment and discussion, an 
examination, short as the space prescribes, of the conditions which 
must principally regulate their character, appears to be a desirable 
preliminary. 
Before entering within the range of artillery fire, the heavy columns 
of the attack must be deployed into some less vulnerable order, 
between the horns of the following dilemma :— 
Line is the formation least obnoxious to artillery fire, but it is almost 
impossible to conduct for a distance under fire. 
Column is, of all formations, the most appropriate and handy for 
manoeuvre, but it is the most easily discomfited by artillery fire. 
At present, the intermediate measure of a line of small columns of 
little depth appears the best of the schemes devised. Probably the 
forming line, and then merely doubling alternate units (such, perhaps, 
as the companies of the British service, or even smaller ones) the one 
behind the other, would satisfy the necessary conditions. Such small 
columns, retaining their intrinsic fitness for manoeuvre and supervision, 
at full interval, but varying it according to circumstances of fire or 
fight or ground, picking their way, even extending into line when 
necessary, re-forming as soon as convenient, never stationary whilst in 
sight, being very many, and of small front and depth, offer but an 
uninviting target to artillery. 
By the time that the head of the attack is entering the outer region 
of musketry fire (so-called unaimed fire, extending, perhaps, from 
1500 yds. away from, up to within 7 or 800 yds. of the infantry position 
of the defence), the front or firing line will have been thrown forward 
in extended order some 300 yds. in advance of its supports; the latter, 
in any variety of small formations, according to individual circum¬ 
stances, some 500 yds. in front of the reserves or main body. The 
latter retains its line of small original columns as long as convenient, 
and is followed by the second line of the force at 5 or 600 yds. distance 
in some corresponding formation. Still there is no very satisfactory 
object for artillery. 
As the firing or front line of the attack enters upon the zone of 
aimed musketry fire—within 7 or 800 yds. of the position—its real diffi¬ 
culties commence. It is supposed to advance by short rushes of 
alternate or successive fractions, for perhaps 50 yds. at a time, lying 
flat to the earth between whiles ; and during this period some theorists 
will have the men abstain from firing, as safe to hit nothing, whilst 
others build a great deal on its effectiveness. The supports are to 
come up as occasion requires, and feed the front ; the main body is 
gradually to diminish its distance, and being supposed eventually to 
arrive to its skirmishers, engaged in hot but unadvancing fire-fight 
with the defence at some 3 or 400 yds* distance, its impetus is to carry 
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