152 
A TEST OP PRELIMINARY TRAINING. 
All good results at practice really depend on tliree essentials being 
ensured, in order— 
1st. Accuracy of graze and burst of a battery. 
2nd. Correct observation. 
3rd. Proper correction of errors. 
The first can be ensured by complete Preliminary Training, can be , 
tested by itself—position of graze and burst having no reference to 
the aiming point—indirect laying—and the first being ensured, the 
second will determine position of graze or burst short of, or over, the 
point where these ought to be—which none but the observer need 
see—and the third will bring graze or burst, and point, within the effi¬ 
cient rectangle, i.e. f normal error of gun. Once there is a clear grasp 
of this it will be seen that, the three essentials being ensured, it does 
not matter what the target is, nor where it is placed, with reference to 
the aiming point. 
6. Instructions lay great stress on layers being exercised with ser¬ 
vice objects, or aiming points, but once practice commences this laying 
is shelved, in accordance with the objection to service targets. 
Wherever the target is placed, in line with, or near it, if not at the 
target itself, is sure to be some well defined natural feature, which can 
be selected as aiming point, and the three essentials being ensured, the 
layers need only be told to aim at this point, for good results to be pro¬ 
duced on the target. 
7. Again, good results denote mutual confidence established through¬ 
out the battery. 
Under present regulations, if this is not established, unless smoke 
obscures observation of layer, he thinks he can observe position of 
graze and burst with reference to the target, and human nature will 
try to assist, possibly on wrong observation. If the exact position of 
target is not known to layer there can be no temptation to distrust 
observer's decision; and let it be emphasized that the first essential 
being ensured, good results can only depend on the observer, and cor¬ 
rection of errors, often one and the same individual—the C.O.—who, 
if he is fit for his position, in correcting errors, gives prompt and clear 
orders, which are easily obeyed. 
8. Inferences seem to be obvious. Devote a few rounds at first to 
testing first essential ; then devote rounds to establishing confidence, 
by slow firing at service targets, with indirect laying, and then expend 
all remaining ammunition in attaining the true object of all service 
practice, rapid accuracy of fire under service conditions. 
Finally, let batteries be judged and classified, and prizes awarded, 
by the results of all battery service practice—para. 34 (iii.) of “Instruc¬ 
tions, 1893 ''—and not as at present, by the results of one day's 
practice. 
