GOLD MEDAL PRIZE ESSAY, 1897 . 
331 
saving effected by unification of plant and decreased cost of mainten¬ 
ance would probably help materially to lessen the cost incurred for 
transport, without reckoning the gain in efficiency. 
Discussion as to the suitability of any particular place for the purpose 
suggested hardly comes within the scope of this essay. It may be 
noted however as a proof that the suggestion is practicable, that failing 
other more suitable places the desired facilities exist at Shoeburyness,* 
where the power is given of closing the foreshore entirely at low water, 
and to all but trading vessels at high water. Targets for night prac¬ 
tice would probably have to be run, as at present, on wheels over the 
sands, but this, supposing the dimensions and appearance of the targets 
to be suitable, need detract but little from the value of the practice. 
The requirements not already dealt with, viz., 1, 3, 5 and 6, present 
no difficulties. The reasons for them are obvious when we consider 
the nature of the target likely to be offered in war, viz., several boats 
appearing at high speed, successively or in a swarm,t and without the 
least warning, in the narrow area illuminated immediately in front of 
the obstructions. The difficulties attending fire direction in such a case 
can hardly be over-estimated. Without previous experience of similar 
conditions failure must ensue. 
In addition to the eight most important requirements which have 
been already mentioned, the following points deserve notice :— 
At least two groups should be available for simultaneous practice. 
Where a port is liable to attack on the scale instanced above some 
previous understanding between groups as to the selection of target 
would appear to be a necessity. This procedure should be rehearsed 
at practice. 
The scale of ammunition should be ample. It does not follow how¬ 
ever that much, if any, extra expense need be incurred on this score. 
The regimental practice funds are available for drawing on, and a very 
slight revision of the scale of issue for heavy guns might yield a con¬ 
siderable increase. 
Illuminated sights should be provided for night practice. 
The target should be capable of recording hits. 
The arrangements made for winding in the target should admit of 
the direction of its travel being varied. This only entails the provision 
of suitable bollards. 
The engine employed should be so constructed or placed as to give 
no warning by noise of the starting of the target. 
Electric lights should be provided on the scale likely to exist at 
important harbours in time of war. 
The position of supposed obstructions should be indicated by marks 
or buoys. 
It is taken for granted that cordite would be employed. The term 
“ quick-firing ” applied to guns firing black powder is a misnomer. 
If the above recommendations were carried out almost infinite 
variation of the tactical conditions would be possible, with a view to 
illustrating the requirements of different stations. 
* Bye-laws, Shoeburyness Ranges, 1895. Report of School of Gunnery, 1896, 
Part 1, paragraph 22. 
f Page 11 “Amendments 1896, to G.A.D.,” Yol. i., 1895. 
