GOLD MEDAL PRIZE ESSAY, 1880 . 223 
A time fuze admitting of adjustment to small difference of distance 
is desirable. 
With reference to the desirability of high remaining velocity in 
projectiles, we would draw attention to the fact that our present field 
guns—9 and 16-pr.—are very much wanting’in velocity and accuracy,* * * § 
having long since been surpassed by the field guns of almost every 
other nation, though at the time of their introduction they were second 
to none. The 13-pr. now in progress bids fair to make good this 
deficiency in part, by replacing the 9-pr., could the equipment only be 
completed ;f but what have we, even on the way, to take the place of 
the 16-pr. ? 
As to the introduction of field howitzers, it would be but a return to 
the organisation of the S.B. system, which was the outcome of long 
experience and would, in fact, be but amending an oversight made 
on the introduction of rifled ordnance consequent upon the transcendant 
power of rifled guns as compared to S.B.J 
II.— The Attack oe Field Entrenchments as a Question oe 
Tactics oe the Unit. 
In examining this question we have to determine, first, the best 
position into which the battery, or unit, can be brought for attack; then, 
what is necessary to be done previous to opening fire; and lastly, how 
the fire is to be conducted when opened. 
We do not propose to enter into a discussion of the general require¬ 
ments of the position for a battery, § nor how particular circumstances 
may affect its selection, but simply to point out the direct conditions 
which, as far as possible, should be complied with in choosing a posi¬ 
tion, in order to secure maximum fire effect against an entrenchment. 
We have already said that in the attack artillery ranges cannot 
generally be less than 1850 yds. when opposed by unsubdued artillery 
and 1300 yds. when by unbroken infantry. So far as circumstances 
admit, these limits should in the first instance be approached to, or the 
greater reduced, in order not only to obtain high velocity of impact, 
&c.,|| of the projectile, but to secure facility of laying and observation 
of effect. To seek to diminish the range under about 1300 yds. is, how¬ 
ever, not required and would practically yield at such short distance 
but insignificant further increase of effect. When an action is opened 
at or about the longer limit of range, it is undoubtedly necessary, in 
order to final and decisive effect, when the enemy A artillery fire has 
been weakened, to advance to the nearer limit. 
* Other objections—as relative weight of piece and projectile—might also he urged* 
f It has now been five years at least in progress. 
X It has already been found necessary to introduce rifled howitzers for siege purposes: and the 
Use of entrenchments on the field of battle tends to assimilate battle and siege : in fact, as at Pletna, 
the assailant may have to become a besieger. 
§ For these, see “Minor Tactics,” by Captain Himc, R.A., the E.A. Prize Essay, 1871* 
|| The consequent lesser angle of descent we hold to be of no moment. 
