] 50 
MINUTER OF PROCEEDINGS OF 
They could not have been attacked across the front of the infantry, and could 
only have been dislodged by an attack upon their flank in turn, which would 
require time and fresh dispositions. The guns and the infantry support each 
other, though separated by 800 or 900 yds. 
The requisites of a good position for artillery are simple enough. It 
should have a moderate command over the point at which the fire is to be 
directed, should be easy of access from the point of approach, afford direct 
cover for the limbers and horses, as well as protection from being easily 
taken in flank or in reverse by the enemy's artillery. The ground in 
front should be unfavourable for the action of the enemy's projectiles ; for 
instance, with a steep bank or declivity to the front (which would catch many 
shells falling short), broken ground, or marshy ground. The capture of 
Balaclava affords an instance of the slight effect of shells in marshy ground. 
A battery of horse artillery came into action at the head of the harbour 
against the fort, in which the Russians had some little coehorn mortars. 
They of course knew the range accurately, and threw 20 or 80 shells 
amongst the guns. These all burst very well, but did nothing more than 
throw a little mud about. Absolute hollows should be avoided for the 
limbers, as they may prove shell traps. The need of moving the battery to 
the front without making a long detour must be remembered. 
Few positions, of course, are good in all respects. The choice requires a 
good tactical eye, which is able to strike the balance quickly, and decide on 
the points which ought to have most weight. For instance, when near the 
enemy, and apprehensive of attack by infantry, broken ground in front would 
afford cover to the attack, and would cease to be an element of good in the 
position. The most perfect shelter of guns and gunners, and easy ground of 
retreat, become then predominant considerations. In such a position, an 
easy slope to the rear, allowing the guns to be run back and limbered up 
without bringing the horses under fire of infantry, is valuable. On an ex¬ 
posed flank, the immediate neighbourhood of a wood is dangerous. 
So far I have treated of considerations which, although they should be 
understood by all officers—for without knowledge of them there cannot be 
intelligent co-operation—yet are mainly the business of artillery officers them¬ 
selves. I now come to the larger and more generally important question of 
the general handling of artillery in the field. It will be convenient to treat 
this from the separate points of view of the attack and defence. In the recon¬ 
naissance of a position preparatory to attack, it will probably be necessary to 
use artillery to force the enemy to display his position. If anything is really 
to be gained by this, he must be pushed with some force. We generally see 
horse artillery used in our manoeuvres for this service. As the whole 
object is to draw fire on the guns, and force the enemy to shew his hand, it 
must be a mistake to use horse artillery, and run the risk of crippling it 
before its hour arrives. 
When the point of attack is decided, the artillery must prepare the attack, 
concentrating its fire on it, and maintaining it with vigour to the latest 
moment, directing it when the attack is fully engaged on the enemy's reserves. 
The accuracy of rifled guns enables the fire to be kept up over the heads of 
the assaulting troops almost to the moment of contact. 
To concentrate a fire means now, more than ever, to disperse batteries. By 
dispersing the guns over the artillery zone that I have spoken of, you obtain 
