ARTILLERY POSITIONS AND SCREENING GUNS. 
85 
Opinion as to use op Screens. 
Mai or-General Sir Charles Warren, K.C.B., R.E., writes to me :— sir Charles 
J ' Warren on 
“ I am glad that you propose screens. I introduced screens in 
the Bechuanaland expedition and the Boers said it was most unfair, as 
now they could not pick off our artillery.” 
Major (now Brigadier-General) Tyler, R.H.A., in his most interesting Maj.-Geni. 
paper, entitled u Shield or shelter ,” which should be read by every slSd£ n 
officer interested in this question, as to the best position for guns, 
says :— 
• “ It is clear that losses to artillery in men and horses in action 
are mainly due to infantry fire and that, if even partial protection can 
be afforded to them, the number of casualties will be considerably 
less. It is also clear that when it is necessary guns must be exposed.” 
Again later on :— 
“ Posting your guns in what is called an advantageous position 
generally means coming into action on the brow of a hill or rising 
ground, where part of your gun is in shelter. To such an extent is 
this idea now predominant, that at field-days it is—if not the one 
thing needful—at all events, the sine qua non of a good artillery posi¬ 
tion.” 
Also :—• 
(t In the case of uneven spaces and irregular slopes to the front, 
it frequently happens that guns cannot command the whole of the 
ground, while the brow of the hill partially intervenes. It would then 
be necessary to bring the guns on to the brow of the hill, or more 
probably, on to the exposed slope. Here then is one of the occasions 
when, if some protection be not given to the gunners, the service of 
the guns would soon become impossible. If, when so exposed, the 
gunners can be protected, how much greater will be their power of 
working the guns with accuracy and rapidity.” 
Then the use of steel shields on each carriage and limber is suggested. Weight of 
Total weight per battery, 270 lbs. shields. 
Shields are all very well, but concealment from view is better than 
protection from fire. Even three invisible screens to cover a battery, weight of 
weighing in all 56 lbs., are objected to on the ground of extra weight. screens - 
Major Tyler concludes his article by saying :—■ 
“ Give the gunners all the shelter you can.” 
What the Cavalry Officer says about Artillery Positions. The cavalry 
officer’s 
“ You asked me my opinion about your own arm and its employ- cntieism - 
ment—I feel very diffident and hope you will excuse me if I put it 
plainly—so here goes :— 
(1.) You gunners, you always put your guns right back behind 
the hill ; consequently, we can get in at you three times 
out of five whilst you are busy firing at the opposing 
