REQUIRED EOR THE ATTACK OF A MODERN PORTRESS. 
95 
for bombardment at exceptional ranges, that is, beyond the extreme 
ranges of the same.* 
For driving back the enemy (hi.) it is unnecessary that there should 
be a special piece provided; one of considerable range, power and 
accuracy is desirable, and, therefore, the medium gun of the second 
position, (see after) not required for its normal work at the early period 
of the siege, is best suited. 
In a similar manner it is unnecessary to provide a special description 
of piece for assisting in the repulse of sorties (iv.) In this case less 
range and power is required than in the previous; the heavier field 
gun is therefore sufficient, but in conjunction with it the mitrailleuse 
might with advantage be employed, especially (C Wherever the enemy 
is obliged to select definite lines of advance within its effective 
range.”} 
The artillery of the first position should therefore consist of- 
J. Heavy rifled Howitzers. 
Medium ,, „ 
Light ' „ „ 
II. Heavy rifled guns. 
Medium „ „ 
III. Field guns and mitrailleuses. 
Descriptions and natures op ordnance por the second artillery 
position. —From this position the besieger has to complete the work 
commenced in the first, more particularly that of fighting the enemy’s 
artillery. He has also to effect demolitions and breaches, to keep 
under the infantry fire where annoying, and to make lodgements on 
captured works. He therefore requires the following ordnance :— 
I. For fighting the enemy 3 s artillery. 
II. For effecting breaches and demolitions. 
III. For keeping under infantry fire. 
IF. For making lodgements. 
For fighting the enemy’s artillery (i.) a less powerful piece is required 
in the second than in the first position on account of the less distance 
of the former from the fortress. From what has already been said, it 
appears desirable that the piece should be effective for dismounting} 
# It is stated that the German 15 c.m. ring gnn can be used for enfilade fire with effect 
up to 5000 m., (5468 yds.) while its extreme range is 8500 m. (9295 yds ) 
f On Sieges, by Kraft, Prince of Hohenlohe-Ingelfingen. 
“ The mitrailleuse exercises a great influence over the soldier ; the same man would recoil 
from a mitrailleuse who would brave, without wincing, the fire of 20 riflemen.”—Brialmont. 
J The German 12 c.m. gun, “the most useful one for dismounting fire,” is considered to 
be effective for that purpose at 1500 m. (1640 yds.) and the short 15 c.m. gun at 1200 m. 
(1312 yds.) 
In Russia, experiments have been made with the view of ascertaining the effect of the fire 
of the attack to dismount guns placed in different positions in a fortress ; the siege battery 
was situated at 1167 yds. from the rampart of the place, and armed with two guns of 24, 
throwing projectiles of 64-9 lbs. From these it took 26 rounds to dismount a gun on the 
rampart en barbette; 10, one on the rampart behind a deep embrasure ; 52, one on 
the rampart behind a shallow embrasure and withdrawn to the rear of the terreplein; 
75, one mounted in the covered way, and 40, one placed in battery in the interior of 
the bastion, 98 yds. from the rampart.—Revue d’Artillery, January, 1877. 
