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THE GERMAN METHOD OF BRINGING GUNS INTO ACTION. 
u da in in dreist” (bold through ignorance) to disregard cover and to 
believe that there is nothing to fear if they keep a bold heart. The 
other system is to teach men what dangers there are and to avoid 
them, just as a sailor or a steeplejack is taught to appreciate and how 
to avoid the dangers of his trade. Men trained on the former system 
find out on the first day of battle that their teachers have been in error 
and they lose all confidence in them. Such teaching may sound 
excellent in peace, but will not stand the strain of war. The second 
will stand any test.” 
I should be very sorry indeed if it were supposed that I wish to 
imply any slur upon our system as taught at Aldershot, Shoebury- 
ness and Okehampton under artillery officers, who could not be 
surpassed in ability and knowledge of their profession in this or 
any other country. I give my ideas and the result of any experience 
for what they are worth. It is the inevitable result of a very long 
peace that theory should hold the field, because the practical is 
impossible except in actual warfare, when the all important factor of 
human emotions is brought into play and when misconceptions and 
errors of judgment soon became apparent, and lessons are speedily 
taught at the cost of blood. 
