610 
GROUND SCOUTS, COMBAT PATROLS, ETC. 
With smokeless powder this reconnoitring of the target becomes very 
important, and the more so, the better the target is concealed by skilful 
choice and occupation of the position by the enemy. This reconnais¬ 
sance of the target is carried out in the first instance by Brigade-division 
and Battery Commanders from the position they propose to occupy, 
and then by auxiliary scouts in the vicinity, as far as possible, of the 
target. 
In addition to the information obtainable from the use of good bin¬ 
oculars, it is often possible to solve doubts regarding the distribution 
of the enemy's artillery on the position, and the number of batteries or 
guns in action, by sending an officer to reconnoitre, accompanied by 
orderlies to carry messages. These “combat patrols" as they approach 
the enemy should endeavour to spy out his position, by selecting either 
in front or on a flank, points from which they can see him clearly. 
This is a difficult and dangerous duty, as it is necessary to operate 
within the sphere of the enemy's fire and as close as possible to him, 
and, besides, the patrols run the risk of falling at any moment into the 
hands of the enemy's cavalry scouts. As on this duty it is often neces¬ 
sary to travel considerable distances, the fastest and strongest horses 
should be selected. 
Duty op “ Combat Patrols " Before Reaching Points of 
Observation. 
The patrols should be well provided with everything useful for their 
task, such as maps, good glasses, note-books, compass, watch. 
As a rule, the patrol accompanies the Brigade-division Commander 
in his reconnaissance of the position, but leaves him before the bat¬ 
teries come into action. 
It is particularly necessary that the enemy's position as it appeared 
to the Brigade-division Commander , should be imprinted on the memory 
of the scouting officer. 
If he knows exactly the details of the enemy's position on which the 
Commander requires enlightenment, the information he procures will 
gain greatly in exactitude, as he can describe the position by reference 
to certain points, such as trees, woods, etc., previously remarked by him 
and the Brigade-division Commander. He must personally acquaint 
himself with the locality. As far as is consistent with obtaining the 
information required as to the features of the position and the disposi¬ 
tion of the enemy's troops, he should move about in every direction 
with his orderlies. As a rule, it is better for him to keep close to his 
own cavalry so as, under cover of them, to find a good point of obser¬ 
vation. He should gain this point as quickly as possible without being 
observed, losing no opportunity of taking note of the enemy as he goes, 
and as soon as he has occupied it, should send an orderly with informa¬ 
tion to his Brigade-division Commander by the safest and shortest 
way. 
What Information to Send. 
First of all he should send information to the Brigade-division Com¬ 
mander as to the extent of front occupied by the enemy's artillery, 
together with the number of batteries and guns. He should report, if 
