612 
GROUND SCOUTS, COMBAT PATROLS, ETC. 
of the heights to the right of f N 9 behind the river f G.’ The bat¬ 
teries are in echelon,, about 700 yards from the windmill. The limbers 
are in column behind the trees on the right of the batteries. The town 
f N 3 and all the valley of f G 9 are occupied by infantry.” 1 
Report on the Nature oe the Ground near the Target. 
Ranging with percussion projectiles may become very difficult, and 
even impossible, on account of the ground in front of the target. If 
they fall on the marshy bank of a river, or even on soft ground, they 
give no burst, and if they fall on a very steep slope, the burst is hardly 
visible. It is, therefore, very important that the combat patrol should 
add some information as to the nature of the ground. 
Referring to the example, the Report goes on :— 
“ In front of the enemy’s position is a ravine 500 yards wide, with a 
marshy stream at the bottom. On the sides of the ravine there are 
trees and hedges, rendering difficult the observation of what is happen¬ 
ing at the guns. The windmill is on the highest point of the slope in 
front of the enemy’s position.” 
Observation of the Fire. 
As a rule, the patrol can only observe the general results of the fire. 
He can only observe errors of range, as from his position on the flank, 
he cannot judge errors of direction until the projectiles begin to fall 
close to the target. He should always try to distinguish the fire of the 
different batteries (of his own side), so as to enable the Brigade-division 
Commander, if the ranges found by his batteries differ, to choose the 
right one for them. For example, he may report as follows :— 
Report. 
Sent by. Combat Patrol 1st Brigade-division. 
Place of Sender. Edge of wood “ F ” to the south of Farm " B,” 
9.30 a.m. 
To. Officer Commanding 1st Brigade-division, Field Artillery. 
“ Most of our shells are falling on the height where the windmill 
stands, or on the enemy’s side of it. The shells falling into the 
ravine are all blind. None of them have yet fallen near the target. 
The range seems short, about 600 yards as regards the right battery. 
It is probable that the shells falling into the ravine are being judged 
f over.’ ” 
Report of the Enemy’s Movements. 
The patrol should inform the Commander of every change in the 
dispositions of the enemy. For example :— 
10.45 a.m. Strong infantry columns are showing on the right of 
the little wood, behind which the limbers are standing,” or “ the limbers, 
concealed on the right flank, are beginning to move.” He should be 
1 It would seem an improvement if the compass bearing of a point in the enemy’s line of guns 
were added by the patrol from its position.— E.A.L. 
