THE KOVAL AKTILLEKY INSTITUTION. 
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generally be guarded against, in the special case considered, by tbe advance 
of tbe main body. On tbe other band, some of tbe usual advantages of tbe 
defence will probably be lost. Combat will often bave to be accepted in an 
unfavourable position, and opportunity be seldom given for throwing up 
temporary entrenchments. The weak point of the position will usually be 
its flanks. Tbe support of troops from the main body cannot always be 
depended on, and additional measures for security must be taken. It is 
generally difficult for a comparatively small force to find obstacles on which 
to rest its flanks, and it must be remembered that “ a small body of troops 
should never extend its front inordinately for the purpose of securing its 
flanks.” 1 2 Tor this reason, and in order to obtain the advantage of a cross 
fire, the guns are placed in position on one or both flanks. 
The preliminary dispositions for a defensive fight are easily settled; the 
after arrangements depend on the progress of the attack. The practical 
difficulty of the defence is, that—in addition to the depressing influence of 
remaining passive, and other disadvantages—no mistakes should be made. 
The mistakes of an assailant can easily be remedied, but every error in the 
defence is at once taken advantage of by an able opponent. The guns, then, 
are placed on the flank or flanks, and arranged so as to search thoroughly 
the ground over which the enemy must advance. When guns of different 
calibres are employed, the heavier ones—having longer range and inferior 
mobility—are put further to the rear than the rest, being placed in re- 
entering angles of the artillery position, when they exist. 
The assailant will, as usual, commence the attack with artillery fire, and it 
has to be considered what steps should be taken by the defender's batteries. 
It has been said that “to silence the attacking guns is the essential object 
of the artillery on the defensive and it is without doubt true, within 
certain limits. As the attacking guns have to prepare the way for their 
infantry, the fire of the defender will first be directed against them. 
On the infantry, however, the burden of the attack rests; and as soon as 
it is within effective range, the guns must be turned on it. When to leave 
off firing at the artillery and turn the guns on the infantry, is a question 
that the genius of the commander, influenced by the special circumstances 
of the case, must decide. The main object of the defender is to compel an 
early deployment of the hostile force. Under conditions favourable to 
defence, the attacking force comes within effective artillery fire at a distance 
of 3000 paces, 3 and has to commence its deployment into small units. 4 As 
the attack proceeds, skirmishers advance, followed by supports and the 
main body. 
The artillery of the defence has a great advantage in being acquainted 
with the ground, and the distances of various points in front of its position. 
It should, in consequence, commence firing before the enemy does, and by a 
well-judged accurate fire keep the hostile guns at as great a distance as 
possible. 
1 “ Influence of Modern Arms of Precision,” Moltke. 
2 “ Tactical Ketrospect.” 
3 “New Tactics of Infantry,” Selierf. 
4 After the attack on Le Bourget, it was strictly forbidden to lead troops in close order within a 
nearer distance than 2000 paces.—Puke of Wurtemburg. Vide scheme of attack in “Precis of 
Modern Tactics.” 
