465 
ATTACK OF A MODEM LAND FORTRESS. 
BY 
MAJOR H. P. HICKMAN, R.A. 
The subject of this paper is one that contains so many and such com¬ 
plicated problems that it is a formidable one to attempt to discuss, and 
also a difficult one to condense within reasonable limits. In view of 
the enormous increase in the power and accuracy of siege ordnance in 
recent years, the history of even the latest sieges gives us no assistance 
in formulating our ideas; in fact, it becomes necessary to give some 
rein to the imagination and to break away from the trammels of tradi¬ 
tion, keeping strictly in view what can and what cannot be done by 
modern ordnance according to recent experience. Much, therefore, in 
the following pages must of necessity be matter of opinion, and such 
opinions are advanced in no dogmatic spirit, but with the full convic¬ 
tion that the considerations on which they are based have not as yet 
received sufficient attention. 
It will be convenient to divide the subject under the following main 
headings :— 
(I.) A general description of the main features of the Defence. 
(II.) The organization of a siege train and nature and employ¬ 
ment of Siege Artillery Fire. 
(III.) The general method of carrying out the attack. 
I .—Description of the probable Arrangements of the Defence. 
A typical modern fortress may be defined as a town, dockyard or Typioai 
arsenal surrounded by a prepared fighting position having the points Fortress ‘ 
of main tactical importance occupied by permanent detached forts, the 
intervals between which will be filled in with field-works; the distance 
between the forts being probably from 3000 to 5000 yards. 
The general line of these works will constitute the main defensive 
position, in front of which will be an advanced line of Infantry Defence 
which will probably be not further than 1000 yards from the forts : 
this line will consist of villages, farm-buildings, etc., placed in a state of 
defence, supplemented by field-redoubts and shelter-trenches, etc., where 
these can be constructed so as not to be of use to the besieger after 
their capture by him. 
Opinions differ as to the disposal of the Artillery of the Defence, some 
Continental Powers still maintaining that its proper place is in the de¬ 
tached forts; it is generally conceded, however, that the Artillery 
must be entirely removed from them (with the exception of guns in 
9. VOL. XXI. G2 
