542 
WEST DOWN, 1899. 
the lowest limit possible was a task the O.C. Corps Artillery set him¬ 
self to solve; and towards the end of the drills it was found that by 
following a fixed system the time occupied by this issue of orders 
could be very greatly reduced. The system followed will be found 
in the “ Notes on R.A. Drills, 1899,” issued by Major-General Marshall, 
the most important of which are appended to this article. In these 
notes are summed up all the lessons learnt; and it appears altogether 
unnecessary to elaborate them further. 
Probably the most really useful instruction given was that in the 
supply of ammunition in the field. The difficult task of Ammunition 
Columns was carefully worked out; and I think it must be a source of 
gratification to many tha,t, looking at the large number of Batteries 
and Ammunition Columns that have gone to South Africa, an oppor¬ 
tunity was found to practice this most important detail of Field Ar¬ 
tillery work. 
I am sure that all who took part in the R.A. Drills at West Down in 
1889 will always remember them with pleasure. The weather was 
fine ; the going good ; the field days were interesting and not too long, 
while pleasantest of all was the hearty feeling of camaraderie and 
good fellowship which reigned throughout the force ; and which made 
the two weeks at West Down an episode in Field Artillery instruction 
which everyone who was present may look back to with pleasure and 
satisfaction. 
APPENDIX. 
REMARKS ON ROYAL. ARTILLERY DRILLS, 1899. 
BY 
Major-General G. H. Marshall, R.A. 
Commanding Royal Artillery , Aldershot District. 
1. —It is impossible for a large force of Artillery to occupy a position 
simultaneously or to manoeuvre, unless there is absolute co-operation 
between Brigade Divisions. 
2. —The importance of the simultaneous occupation of Artillery 
positions did not appear sufficiently realized. Except in cases when 
time is of vital imprtance such as in pursuits., guns should as far as 
possible, especially when liable to the fire of opposing Artillery, be 
brought into action simultaneously. The delay necessitated by as¬ 
sembling batteries or Brigade Divisions in preliminary positions which 
are not under fire, wll be amply compensated for by the increased 
effect and immunity from loss which will result. 
4.—On service the Corps Artillery Commander receives copies of 
Army Orders. These are often of considerable length. The rapid 
transmission of such orders to the Brigade Division composing the 
Corps Artillery, as are necessary to ensure all appreciation of the sit¬ 
uation, and instructions as to necessary movements, is a difficult matter, 
requiring consideration and careful organization. It was found most 
expeditious for the Staff Officers to read out the Corps Orders to 
assembled Adjutants, the latter taking down in writing from the Staff 
