GOLD MEDAL PEIZE ESSAY, 1894 . 
843 
(7.) That the introduction of smokeless powder having greatly 
increased the importance of concealed positions for artillery, 
more attention than ever will have to be paid to the bring¬ 
ing of batteries into position, so as not to disclose them 
more than possible. As this movement can best be 
observed from a position some way from the batteries, it 
is proposed that an officer should always be placed at a 
commanding point in front of the guns, about where the 
enemy^s artillery would probably be placed. At the con¬ 
clusion of the exercise he should furnish a report, stating 
what he has been able to see, and noting the exact times 
when he saw it, the greatest rapidity in moving into the 
position, combined as far as possible with concealment from 
view, being the desideratum. 
Preparatory positions always to be used when possible. 
(8.) That it will always be assumed that a Brigade Division has 
its ammunition column attached to it. The position of 
these being in the first instance fixed, and their subsequent 
movements being regulated by the orders issued by the 
Brigade Division Commander, he can estimate their prob¬ 
able position at any future time. 
(9.) That as in extended artillery positions the communication of 
orders will have to be practised (by signal, telephone, or 
orderlies as directed) between Commanders of Groups and 
the Officer Commanding Royal Artillery, these officers 
must establish themselves at conspicuous stations behind 
the line, and during their absence have signallers at these 
points to read and forward messages. 
We will now proceed to consider the action of artillery in the different 
cases mentioned above. 
(1.) The case in which it is acting on the defensive in a previously 
selected position and has ample time for preparation. 
This may be considered as the standing exercise for massed 
batteries, for in it the conditions are the simplest of all 
the problems to be solved. The batteries being already 
concentrated, with their ammunition columns within easy 
reach, two great difficulties at least are absent. 
The general position of the line of guns being fixed, 
there remains the task of assigning to the various com¬ 
manders their respective positions, and apportioning to 
them the avenues of approach, which it will be their duty 
to guard. 
To carry out this in the most expeditious manner being 
the next object, the General Officer Commanding Royal 
Artillery of the Army Corps sends for his Corps Artillery 
and 3 Divisional Artillery Commanders, to whose adjutants 
his orders are dictated by his staff officer. Some of the 
headings of these orders would probably be—position of 
enemy, as far as known; target for each commanders 
Importance 
of concealed 
positions. 
Position of 
ammunition 
columns to 
be always 
considered. 
Best means 
of control¬ 
ling a mass 
of batteries. 
Action of 
artillery in 
defensive 
position. 
Subdivision 
of target. 
Nature of 
orders of 
Gr.O.O., 
R.A. to 
group com¬ 
manders. 
