366 
SILVER MEDAL PRIZE ESSAY, 1894 . 
high degree of training from the Commander downwards. It is for 
this reason an excellent exercise in quick leading and ready following. 
The incomparable mobile power of British batteries gives them for this 
purpose an initial advantage over the artillery of other European 
Powers, and every effort should be made to encourage, develop, and 
utilise this power to the utmost. The necessary requisites of superiority 
are to be found in the words which have been found for the motto of 
this Essay, and which were dictated by Napoleon as one of his tactical 
maxims : “ Papidite ! Promptitude! Audace! ” 1 
General ap- All movements of massed batteries for the occupation of a position 
P tLesetwo 0f resolve themselves into variations of the two normal methods described 
methods^of above. Whether in attack, or defence, in pursuit or retreat, the same 
a’ction'to^ii 0 procedure will be used modified as regards details according to 
cases. the local circumtsances of the moment. The object of peace training is 
to teach artillery leaders when to use one method, when the other, and 
what particular manoeuvre formations are best applicable to each case. 
commaTd 0f of When massed batteries are in action the same gradation of responsi- 
C mTsTedbat- bility is maintained as when they are moving into position. There is a 
^action? consensus of agreement among the compilers of all Artillery Drill 
Regulations in regard to the requisite procedure. The commander of 
the troops determines the general target, the Artillery Commander 
distributes or concentrates the fire of Brigade Divisions, the Brigade 
Division Commander that of the batteries. 2 The application of fire 
depends on circumstances. Fire tactics like manoeuvre tactics cannot 
be dictated by preconcerted laws. There are times when “gun for gun” 
fire may be necessary, or on the other hand when the fire of one or more 
batteries, or even of one or more Brigade Divisions should be combined 
against successive portions of the enemy’s line of guns There are 
equally times when the euemy’s artillery ceases to be the target, and 
when fire should be directed against troops of other arms. It was well 
put by a late distinguished member of this Institution that “artillery 
should fire at whatever arm of the enemy is most dangerous at the 
time.” 3 The Gferman drill-book 4 is particularly clear on this matter, 
and our own regulations have now placed the question beyond the limits 
of controversy. 5 The important point to note for the purposes of this 
Essay is the necessity for the system of training being so flexible, and 
the combined Fire Discipline of massed batteries so perfect, that the 
“will” of the commander may make itself decisively felt in the shortest 
possible space of time. 
Time and Having ascertained the objects to be sought for in training massed 
batteries of Horse and Field Artillery, the question of time and sequence 
1 Correspondance de Napoleon ler. Tome 31. 
- “ The tactical concentration or distribution of fire is obtained by the Brigade Division Comman¬ 
der apportioning a greater or less extent of target to the various batteries.” “ Field Artillery 
Drill,” 1893. 
3 “ The use and abuse of Field Artillery,” by Colonel C. B. Brackenbury, R.A. Aldershot 
Military Society, IIth June, 1888. 
4 “As an invariable rule the objective to be combated, regardless of loss, is that which exercises 
decisive influence upon the specific tactical situation.” “ Drill Regulations of the German Field 
Artillery,” 1892. 
5 Vide instructions for “Concentration and Distribution of Fire.” “Field Artillery Drill,” 1893, 
