66 
ARTILLERY POSITIONS AND SCREENING GUNS. 
manner in which they brought their guns into action. Every advantage 
was taken of the ground, every care was taken to concentrate the fire, 
and I observed, on more than one occasion, a few batteries being 
pushed well to the front, just as the assault was about to be delivered. 
I quite understand what has been remarked by Colonel Hutchinson 
that, under ordinary circumstances, one would not put artillery further 
to the front than could be avoided ; but, as Captain Pilcher said just 
now, if they can continue to fire, we will say at a range of 1,500 yards, 
while the infantry are advancing close to the point of attack, it would 
be useless in their moving from their position, because, of course, a 
gun cannot be less effective than it would be in a much nearer 
position. But it often happens that if artillery cannot get well to the 
flank, or to some commanding position from which they can see the 
enemy, while their own infantry are approaching nearer, they must 
cease firing, or they must come to some point nearer to the front so as 
to help their infantry. I noticed this particularly with the Germans, 
and it struck me as being extremely valuable as an aid to infantry at 
a very critical time. But I confess I am disposed to endorse the 
opinion expressed by Major, now Lieutenant-Colonel, Sir George 
Clarke, R.E., and published a few years ago in the Proceedings ” of 
the Royal Artillery Institution.” 
ciSrkeontte Writing on the deadly effects of time shrapnel, Major Clarke 
effects of referred to it as follows :— 
time 
shrapnel. “ If, in the next great war, the gun does not amply illustrate its 
man-killing power, the reason can only be that it was not properly 
handled. A most disastrous surprise awaits the force which finds 
itself face to face with an enemy whose gunners possess a superiority 
in knowledge and training.” 
Captain Captain Pilcher said—- 
Pilcher on 1 
of ground?’ Th® importance of a study of ground and a correct appreciation of 
its tactical uses was very great. There should be an eye for a country 
in a sporting and in a military sense; not alternatives, nor yet the 
same thing. The German artillery showed great skill in concealing its 
position, and all the artillery forts opened fire at the same time, 
because if one battery began to fire on its own account it might bring 
the united assault of the enemy upon it, and thus be annihilated.” 
The solid I have shown above (see Table I.) that the exposure of the men 
oTgins^S serving all field-guns—breech or muzzle-loaders—is about the same; 
reverse slope that with guns having their axis very near the ground, the wheels 
more clearly indicate the position of guns on the rear slope. It is 
evident that when guns are in action on the rear slope, the ridge in 
front of the 15-pr. Mark II. carriage must not exceed 3 ft. 4 in. in 
height; and it is also clear that a gunner 5 ft. 10 in. high is not so 
exposed nor is he so visible as if he were on the crest, because only 
