2 
lowest from which a decisive effect can be expected in concentration, and a pro¬ 
portion of one to two is the lowest which is permissible in distribution, even 
allowing for the use of “ rapid fire ” by the latter. 
As a principle in the fire-tactics of a unit, it may be accepted that, supposing it 
is not hampered by any special conditions in carrying out the task entrusted to it, 
its fire should be first of all devoted to silencing the easiest target in the enemy’s 
line, so as to reduce as speedily as possible the total fire opposed to it. Such a 
target would naturally be the most exposed and nearest portion of the enemy’s 
line. Such tactics are the more advisable that the easiest target in the enemy’s 
line is also the most dangerous portion of it to us, since the very conditions which 
make it an easy target to us, make our batteries an easy target to it in return. 
Three units in a brigade-division are particularly favourable to the execution of 
its fire-tactics, and to the “ switching ” of its fire from one target to another. 
Thus, when the fire of the former target is not yet quite silenced, two batteries 
can continue their fire against it, whilst the third battery is finding the range to 
the next target. 
As regards “ fighting independence,” we may place differently constituted 
brigade-divisions in the following order of merit: 
1. Tour 8-gun batteries. 
2. Three 8 ,, ,, 
3. Three 6 „ „ 
4. Two 8 „ „ 
But as regards suitability for single command, the order should be reversed. 
Again, as regards the divisibility required to meet the tactical conduct of fire, 
the four-battery brigade-division is the most suitable, next the three-battery, and 
in a two-battery brigade-division, it can only be arrived at by working one of 
the batteries as two independent half-batteries, an arrangement undesirable in 
many ways. 
A brigade-division, even of four 6-gun batteries, loses much flexibility and 
mobility in manoeuvre. More than four batteries are out of the question in a 
single command, and the same remark applies to four 8-gun batteries. They 
cannot be led or commanded by one man. From the above we conclude that a 
brigade-division of three batteries best fulfils the conditions of an artillery tac¬ 
tical unit, and three 8-gun batteries are better than three 6-gun batteries for the 
purpose. 
Principles of Manoeuvre. 
Batteries of a brigade-division are numbered from the right in line; and in line, 
line of columns, and in action, are also designated right-flank, centre, and left- 
flank batteries. 
In the normal order of march, batteries are in column of sub-divisions, the 
first line wagons in rear of sections, and the remaining echelons of wagons in rear 
of their respective batteries. 
The advance to the preparatory position is made in the same order, except that 
the rear echelons of wagons are collected in rear of the brigade-division, under 
the command of the senior officer with the wagons, and the first line wagons 
drop in rear of their batteries. 
The Brigade-division Commander has at his disposal an adjutant, a sergeant- 
trumpeter, and three orderlies, one from each battery, who follow him at six paces 
in single rank. 
In manoeuvring, the Brigade-division Commander leads the brigade-division; 
in line, the Battery Commander of the centre battery keeps the direction by him, 
unless he elects to lead a flank battery. In changes of formation, the Brigade- 
division Commander leads the leading battery in column, and in deployments, the 
