546 
ORGANISATION AND EMPLOYMENT OE SIEGE ARTILLERY. 
Erections a general rule, common shell fire should le massed on distinct 
as to fire portions of the object, and transferred from point to point, whilst 
toon, strap- shrapnel fire should be distributed over the whole extent of the target, 
star shell Common shell striking masonry and bursting on impact produce but little 
effect, only scarring the face of the wall. These projectiles, when fired 
even without fuzes directly into masonry, are found to explode on 
impact; for greater penetration it may therefore be well to fire at first 
shells filled and plugged, till the scarp becomes so broken that live 
shells can penetrate and burst behind.* 
For effective shrapnel fire, a deep rather than wide target should be 
sought after; therefore, when using these projectiles to clear the 
parapets of the enemy, if possible, enfilade fire should be employed, or at 
any rate oblique, in preference io frontal. 
Before, firing star shell, several officers (if possible), or men, should be 
posted with good glasses, each to observe a certain part of the besieged 
fortress. The stars illuminate the enemy's position whilst falling and 
when burning on the ground in rear of his works; if they lodge to the 
front of the object they are useless.* 
Assaulting Parties. 
Duties of 
the artil¬ 
lery accom¬ 
panying 
columns of 
assault. 
Carriage of 
stores by 
artillery 
party. 
Advance 
of artillery 
party with 
columns of 
assault, 
It is usual for assaulting columns, consisting of the firing line, 
second line, and reserve, to be accompanied by a certain number of 
artillerymen, whose duties are to render unserviceable, by spiking or 
other means, any guns temporarily gained possession of; or, if the 
opportunity occurs, to turn them upon the besieged. For these 
purposes appropriate stores must be carried by the party. If the 
enemy's guns are to be fired, friction tubes, portfires, and cartridges 
should be taken. The natures of the ordnance belonging to the 
besieged will have been discovered long before, from projectiles which 
have lodged in the batteries; so that cartridges of right form can be 
made up ready for use. No doubt projectiles would be found near the 
guns themselves. 
As a provision against casualties, the stores, portfires, tubes, &c., 
should not be all given in charge to one or two of the party, but 
distributed with the cartridges amidst a greater number. Moreover, 
each one of this number should carry what will enable a gun to be 
served, so that in case any of these gunners reach the enemy's 
ordnance, they will have the means of utilising them at hand. 
Whilst the assault is being made, probably the best plan for the 
artillery party will be to advance with the second line, as it is the 
duty of this body to occupy the position as soon as it is carried by the 
firing line, and to meet any offensive action of the enemy to retake it. 
By thus accompanying the second line, the artillery will be to the 
front as soon as a footing is gained on any of the enemy's works, 
ready to take advantage of a favourable opportunity either to use or 
destroy any ordnance found on the spot. 
* Tide “ Text Book on Gunnery,” Parti. (Shoeburyness), 
