4 
BANGING A BATTERY, 
ordered, and losing time; because as will be shewn, somewhat on 
Captain Horne’s plan, guns can be ready laid in anticipation. 
In conclusion, Captain Buckle advocates opening fire with shrapnel 
without ranging, if time be of value. To do this we must get far more 
accurate results from range-finding than are now attainable. A very 
attractive but, I think, as would be found, if tried, a difficult process, 
and our endeavour for some time to come must, I fear, be to accelerate 
our method of ranging under present conditions. 
Towards this end, the following scheme is put forward for remark and 
criticism. I claim for it no originality, as it is obvious it is based on the 
writings in the three papers, above quoted, in the R.A.I. “ Proceedings,” 
nor is it solely my own work, for I have throughout received most 
valuable assistance from Major F. Bur ridge, R.A., Commanding the 
50th Battery, who, with his officers and men, have worked it out in 
every possible and impossible way. 
By this means I trust weak points have been detected and rectified, 
and a workable system arrived at. In explaining the scheme and in 
enunciating our views, it may save future writing if I enter a running 
explanation of reasons, objects, &c. 
General Principles. 
1. The C.O. places himself on the windward flank in action. 
2. The C.O’s. words of command must be passed on quietly by the 
Section Commanders.—No other words of command are necessary. 
3. The gun laid at the range or elevation ordered by the C.O. to 
fire. If two or more be laid at the one range, then the leeward gun.— 
The No. 1 not to make ready until his range is called out, when he 
turns his head towards his Sectional Commander, who orders fire by 
dropping his hand. 
4. Duties of Sections to be detailed at “ Prepare for action,” as 
follows.—It is very desirable that even with a reduced number of guns, 
the three section system of dividing the work should be maintained, 
although the C.O. may have to tell off the guns afresh:— 
Leeward Section —Shrapnel Section. See Examples. 
Centre and Windward Sections .—Ranging Sections. In the event of 
four guns being in action—2, 4, 5 and 6. Wind from left. 
No. 2 prepares for shrapnel. 
No. 4 takes duties of centre section. 
Nos. 5 and 6 n n left section. 
If, say, only three guns remain, 1, 3, 6, or 2, 4, 5, they take duties 
of a section each. 
5. The sub-divisions of the Shrapnel section bring up three shrapnel 
fuzed with time fuzes. 
Those of the Ranging sections, one common shell in the gun and two 
