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ORGANISATION AND EMPLOYMENT OF SIEGE ARTILLERY, 
Prince Hohenlohe, writing on this subject, says “ The position of 
the first batteries will be determined by the ground. I have previously 
explained that in a defence conducted with energy, the enemy cannot 
be prevented from establishing his outposts at distances of from 
1000 to 2000 paces in front of his works, and consequently the distance 
of the first batteries from the works will vary between 2500 and 4000 
paces, according to the ground. Batteries must be constructed to 
bombard the place, and drive him away from the ground he is holding 
in front.” 
Examples In the Franco-German War of 1870, we find that the ranges of the 
at which ist batteries first constructed for purposes of bombardment were about 
oanbe les 4000 yds., in many instances even further, but this distance is too great 
formed. to guarantee such certainty of fire as will annihilate the defensive 
powers of the besieged, effect breaches, or prepare the way for a 
successful assault. 
Necessity of Therefore a second artillery position nearer to the fortress must be 
tiiiery a posi- taken up as soon as the guns of the first position have so far driven in 
its distance. the besieged, and engaged the fortress artillery with such decisive result, 
as to render a second and nearer position tenable. At suitable sites in 
this position, batteries for direct, curved, and high-angle fire, counter 
batteries, and batteries for breaching and demolition are constructed. 
The distance at which these should be placed will in a great measure 
depend on the ground; it must be near enough for accurate fire to 
dismount guns and effect breaches, but should be beyond the limits of 
infantry fire, and it must be remembered that a heavy expenditure of 
ammunition is necessary to produce decisive effects with direct fire at 
ranges above 1600 yds., and with curved fire for breaching over 
1200 yds. 
Special Before stating the natures of ordnance best suited for a siege train, 
fbrwMeh it may be well to consider the special purposes for which ordnance will 
neeS° e is required,* viz. 
1. For general purposes of bombardment— i.e., to destroy buildings, 
materiel, &c., from a great distance. 
2. To dismount the enemy’s artillery. 
3. To form breaches. 
4. To keep under infantry fire, effect lodgments, and clear 
terrepleins. 
For bombardment of buildings at the greatest ranges, as the destructive 
power of the piece depends on the penetration and effect on bursting, of 
the projectile, the weight and capacity of this latter must be a maximum. 
Besides direct fire, high-angle and curved will have to be employed at 
these long ranges in order to search the enemy’s position thoroughly ■ 
and, again the heavier the projectile and larger its bursting charge, 
the better, so that for bombarding purposes generally, heavy rifled 
guns and heavy rifled howitzers should form some portion of a siege 
train. When a nearer approach is possible, medium rifled guns and 
howitzers may suffice for such purposes. 
For full discussion on this subject, see Major Kemmis’ Prize Essay. 
