156 
SHOUT NOTES ON PROFESSIONAL SUBJECTS. 
95. “Die Kartatschgeschutze.” By B. Wille, Prem. Lieut. Berlin, 
Mittler & Son. 
(Contributed by Captain P. C. H. Clarke, B.A.) 
This pamphlet is the expression of the general feeling now prevalent in Prussia 
with regard to the mitrailleuse question. 
The opinions formed in Prussia on the use of mitrailleuses in the field have been 
strengthened by the experiences of the war of 1870-71, and the official determina¬ 
tion not to employ them is understood to have been confirmed by the opinions of a 
large majority of commanding officers of different grades, expressed after practical 
observation of their, effect in the field, and more especially after the break-down of 
the Bavarian mitrailleuse. These officers are said to have been not only adverse to 
the introduction of these weapons for field purposes, but to have expressed the feeling 
that not a single field gun should be withdrawn to make way for the mitrailleuse. 
The great objections to its introduction for field service are, that it requires for its 
efficient employment four horses and at least five men, and that its best range is 
within rifle range. 
After describing the various systems of Kartatschgeschutze, or mitrailleuses, the 
author gives, as far as is known, the organisation into batteries of the new weapon 
among the principal European powers. Before taking any steps in this matter, 
most nations have been naturally waiting to see the role it would play in the recent 
war before coming to a decision on the question of organisation; consequently, the 
information given on this head in the book is incomplete. 
With the system of organisation, equipment, &c., in France, the history of the 
last campaign has made us acquainted. 
In England, nothing is at present decided, except that some Gatling guns have 
been ordered.* 
In Austria, in accordance with the Beports of the Military Committee (first half- 
year, 1871), the War Department has decided to adopt the Montigny system, but 
has not decided on their distribution, organisation, or equipment. 
The Bussians have already ordered 15 batteries, which are attached to the 
15 infantry divisions in the western part of Bussia in Europe, exclusive of the 
Guards. The system adopted is the Gatling, improved by Gorloff. The battery 
consists of 10 steel barrels, with the Berdan system of rifling, so as to take the 
cartridge of that system. The carriage is of iron, and of a new model. 6720 
cartridges are carried. The battery is drawn by four horses, the ammunition 
cart by three horses. Four men are required to serve it. 
In Prussia, the captured French mitrailleuses will be utilised for the defence of 
ditches in caponiers. 
The question of their tactical role is summed up as follows :— 
Under any circumstances, we can only expect mitrailleuses to be effective against 
living objects in the open. So far, they can do no more than small-arms and canister; 
* It is believed that their use will be restricted to flank defence in fortresses, and for boat 
service.—F. C. H. C. 
