THE ROYAL ARTILLERY INSTITUTION. 
55 
For some time to come, the new system will need plenty of tact and 
temper for its smooth working. Artillery captains and colonels will not 
find it easy to be certain what are the general's plans, therefore it will be 
difficult to conform to them in all cases; but, in time, everybody will fall 
into the new ways, and wonder how the old ones could have existed so long. 
In the presence of so many artillerymen more worthy to be heard than 
myself, it is difficult to remark on anything which seemed wrong with the 
artillery at the manoeuvres, especially as so much went right. What I have 
to say is not merely my own opinion, but embodies the views of many 
brother officers whom I have consulted. 
First. It seemed to many officers that the guns moved too frequently, 
thereby losing valuable time, instead of taking up positions and remaining 
there as long as possible. Perhaps this arose partly from the old habit of 
keeping infantry and guns together, so that if the guns moved to a good 
position in rear of their former one, the infantry thought it necessary to 
follow; then, up came the enemy's skirmishers, and the guns had to retire 
again. An officer of horse artillery speaks of this in a letter received from 
him only yesterday. 
Secondly. At the manoeuvres there was hardly ever a concentration of fire 
upon part of the enemy's line, to make a hole there for the infantry to get in at. 
On the day of the attack on the Chobham entrenchments, the salient angle of 
the defenders was a weak spot, and it would have been easy to place guns so 
that if they missed the angle they might enfilade either face. Here was exactly 
the case when reserve artillery might have been most valuable. But of what 
should such reserve artillery consist ? Clearly of horse artillery, for rapidity 
of movement, and batteries of that magnificent gun, the new 16-pr., which 
need not approach closely, but take up positions wherever they can be found 
well sheltered. 
A third point which seems to need some attention, is the part to be taken 
by the wagons. With my own battery of 12-prs., I find that three men 
mounted on each gun limber can be carried over very rough ground, even 
banks and ditches, and can work the pieces quite fast enough for all practical 
purposes. If the wagons remain 500, or even 1000 yds. behind, they are 
sure to find shelter somewhere, and can be called up soon enough when 
wanted. The charge of them is a post requiring much knowledge and eye 
for country; no second captain need be ashamed of such a duty. 
Next to the guns themselves, the horses need most care; those grand 
gun-teams must be preserved in every possible way. It struck some officers 
present at the manoeuvres, that the limbers adhered somewhat too strictly 
to the drill-ground practice of standing just behind the pieces in action. It 
often happens that, by going a few yards to the rear without reversing, the 
limbers themselves are within easy reach, while the teams are less exposed. 
Of course the guns must be put under cover when possible, not only to 
make the chance of striking them small, but to throw every difficulty in 
the way of the enemy's ascertaining whether his range is good. If a whole 
battery is concentrated in one place, the enemy can easily see if he has hit 
horses or men; he is puzzled if the damage he does is concealed. In this 
part of artillery tactics, the Prussians-—taught constantly to seek cover—are 
most clever. 
Lastly. All batteries should be furnished with range-finders. 
