THE KOYAL ARTILLERY INSTITUTION. 
127 
The distance of 1500 yds. from the first line of the enemy is the best 
distance for the first position of artillery. The guns would hold the 
first line of the enemy fairly within range. It is not a very dangerous 
distance, even for artillery unsupported; there would not be too great 
sacrifice at the very beginning of the fight. It is a convenient distance 
with regard to the next advance of artillery, when the guns must be 
placed within a more decisive range, and in a position to fire as long 
as possible across the front of the attack. 
III. 
The extended line of infantry, supported by more infantry from the 
rear, to move forward from both flanks and gain new positions for 
artillery 500 yds. in advance—1000 yds. from the first line of the enemy. 
The infantry in their advance must be careful not to mask the artil¬ 
lery in the centre. 
IY. 
The infantry from the rear intended for the assault, to commence 
their advance in two lines 300 yds,; apart. 
If more than one brigade is .sent, brigades should be side by side 
rather than one in rear of another. 
Y. 
Artillery from the rear to advance on both flanks^ to pass the artil¬ 
lery remaining in action in the centre, and to gallop up into action on 
the flanks at 1000 yds. from the enemy. 
These positions on the flanks should be taken up so„far apart as to 
leave space for the infantry advance in the centre, and to allow of the 
fire being directed inwards upon the enemy for some time after the 
infantry have passed the level of the guns, 
If these positions should- be in front of the flanks of a small force, 
they would be defended on the outside by the advanced infantry, strongly 
supported, and their safety would further be watched for by cavalry ; 
on their inner flanks they would be defended by the artillery still in 
action in the centre, and by the advancing infantry attack. In a great 
battle, advanced artillery positions would be defended on their outer 
flanks by artillery echeloned to the rear, 
To give proper support to an infantry attack, it would almost always 
be necessary to place artillery within 1000 yds. of the enemy, The 
guns must hold all the first line of the enemy, skirmishers, supports; 
and reserve, and whatever may come up to support the first line, within 
close range; and the guns must be so far advanced as to be able to 
direct their fire across the front of the attack until the skirmishers of 
the attack are within close range of the skirmishers of the enemy. 
VI. 
The infantry, in two lines 300 yds. apart, to pass through the artillery, 
firing until the last moment in the centre, 
