GOLD MEDAL PRIZE ESSAY, 1894 . 
349 
Though averse to the increase of “ Forms,” the use of one for all Fo [“ e 9 d ^° be 
batteries would probably simplify this system and lead to uniformity. batteries 7 at 
A sample of one proposed for this purpose is given in the appendix. fielcUdays - 
The merits claimed for an arrangement of this kind are as follows : — 
(l.) It would check a tendency towards too frequent changes of 
target. 
(2.) By a comparison of the different reports an opinion could be 
formed as to what extent dispersion or concentration of 
fire had been carried out by the batteries engaged, and to 
what extent Brigade Divisions or larger units worked in 
masses. 
(3.) By means of a minuter description of the target (name of 
regiment, first line or supports, kneeling or standing, in 
open or behind cover, etc.) the effect of the fire could be 
more accurately gauged. 
(4.) It could be made to work in with that for the replenishment 
of ammunition, and so assist in estimating to what extent 
our present supply suffices. 
By marking on a tracing of the 6-inch map the different positions of Means of 
the batteries during the course of the action, drawiug lines from each 
battery to its objective and marking thereon the number of rounds day’s work 
fired, a rapid and comprehensive summary of the day’s work could be map. 
easily compiled. A comparison could thus be made of the "work done 
by the artillery on both sides, and useful information gained. 
Should a system of this kind be accepted as practical, it is held that 
benefit would result if an officer were deputed to complete an annual 
report of the progress made in this and other respects, during the 
summer manoeuvres at Aldershot and elsewhere. 
The importance of such work cannot be placed in the second rank, Annual 
even with that of our shooting camp at Okehampton. Shooting being Sniery 11 
after all only one link in the chain of our efficiency. It by no means manceuvr es. 
follows, that because a man is an unerring marksman he will of neces¬ 
sity be a successful hunter. Activity, patience, nerve, observation, 
study of the habits of the quarry and of the means of circumventing it, 
and a number of other qualifications are also necessary. As marksmen Marksman- 
during the past ten years, we have progressed with giant strides. ship s ° t ep 0Ee 
Can we, however, claim to have made the same amount of progress in ^J^ 9 
practical artillery tactics, based on our own experience in the field ? cienc}. 
The conditions under which the accidental battle takes place are so considera- 
varied, and so many different factors have to be considered, that it is ^artillery 1 
impossible to sketch out any general procedure for it. As before in the 
stated, the task of the Officer Commanding the artillery is much harder aC battfe. a 
m this case than in either of the former ones; for, as the guns will play 
a most important part in the earlier stages of such encounters, much 
will depend upon his action, and he must come to a rapid decision, and 
often have to take important steps on his own responsibility. His 
batteries and Brigade Divisions will have to be thrown into the fight 
•piecemeal as they come up, and the difficulties of command over them 
47 
