560 
SILVER MEDAL PRIZE ESSAY, 1879 . 
In 1870-1 we find entrenchments more used—as on the heights of 
Spicheren, Gravelotte, and the numerous investments of fortified places. 
In Turkey we have an instance of field entrenchments carried to a 
pitch never attempted before, at Plevna; but we must now expect to 
meet with a Plevna in every future campaign. Writers are rather apt 
to jump at the conclusion that future wars are to be wars of entrench¬ 
ments and counter-entrenchments; but this idea must be received with 
caution, and the case of Plevna must be looked upon as exceptional, 
not only on account of its natural topographical advantages, but owing 
to the fact that a purely defensive attitude was probably forced on 
Osman Pasha, owing to the bad organisation of his army, which did 
not permit him to take the offensive; or surely an energetic com¬ 
mander, as he was, would have done so, after the blundering and 
unsuccessful attacks on Plevna by Schilder-Shulder on the 20th July, 
and by Krudener on the 30th July. 
Enough has been said to show that the use of field entrenchments is 
gaining ground, and we now come to our main point—No. 3. 
3, The greater use of entrenchments, and the greater defensive 
power of infantry combined, has rendered a longer and severer prepara¬ 
tion by artillery fire necessary, with the object, not only of damaging 
the material defences, but also of overcoming the defender's power of 
resistance, both by the losses he sustains and by shaking his morale. 
This can only be effected by a concentrated fire from many guns 
directed on the chief points, or pivot points, of his defensive line. 
We consequently find that the proportion of artillery in. armies is fully 
maintained—if anything, is slightly on the increase—as the following 
numbers will show :—■* 
Prussians. 
1866.—1st Army, 
3 
corps, 49 
batteries, or 16 
per corps, 
2nd „ 
4 
„ 61 
„ 15 
„ 
1870*-—1st Army 
3 
„ 45 
„ 15 
a 
2nd „ 
7 
a 1 Oo 
„ 15 
ii 
3rd „ 
6 
„ 96 
„ 16 
,, 
Present Organisation .—Each corps cTarmee has— 
8 field batteries (4 to each infantry division). 
6 field and 3 xi.A. batteries for corps artillery and 
cavalry division. 
French. 
(Including artillery of 8 corps). 
1870-1.—3 reserve cavalry divisions and reserve artillery. 
130 batteries and 24 mitrailleurs. 
Per corps : 16 batteries and 3 mitrailleurs. 
Present Organisation .—8 field batteries (4 to each infantry 
division). 
8 field and 3 H.A. batteries for corps artillery 
and cavalry division. 
* The numbers are given by corps in order to compare with the present peace organisations, 
which are by corps, and consequently include the artillery attached to cavalry divisions, 
