FIELD ARTILLERY FIRE. 
265 
the rectangle B } 25 yards in length and of which only \2\ yards lies 
within the short bracket. Similarly a scries fired with the elevation A 
will only cover 12^ yards of the bracket. 
But if we take the mean elevation C then the space covered by the 
verifying series will be that represented by the rectangle C, 25 yards 
in length, the whole of which lies within the bracket. 
The chances are thus 2 to 1 in favour of elevation £ enclosing the 
target in its probable rectangle as against either A or B. 
Again, if the target lay near A } a group of rounds fired at elevation 
B would be all short and a second series must be fired at elevation C. 
Of these also too great a proportion would be short and a second cor¬ 
rection would have to be made. 
Whereas, if elevation C be taken as a starting point, if the first series 
be all either short or over, a single correction of 25 yards will be 
sufficient to enclose the target, whether it be at A or B. 
This again gives odds of 2 to 1 in favour of elevation C as a starting 
point for the verifying series. 
Position of the C.O. during Banging . 
The C.O. should remain on the windward flank of his battery in 
such a position as will best enable him to observe the effect of his fire. 
When the importance of this duty is considered, involving as it does 
accurate observation and mental calculation under difficult and dis¬ 
tracting circumstances, the absolute necessity for the relief of the 
C.O. from all mechanical details, of the punctual performance of which 
he should be assured by the previous training of his battery, will be 
understood. For the same reason he should hold himself aloof from 
his battery and concentrate his attention on the effect he is producing 
on the target, for it is physically impossible that he can attend to both 
cause and effect at the same time when they take place almost simul¬ 
taneously at a great distance apart. A C.O. should never be interfered 
with or spoken to during ranging, but any message sent to or informa¬ 
tion required from him should be waited for until after the ranging 
process is over. 
Banging on a Moving Target . 
Practice at a target which is advancing straight towards the battery 
being the most difficult, it will be sufficient to consider that case only. 
Let us suppose that the objective is infantry at a walk, who have 
appeared in sight about two miles away. The C.O., standing on the 
windward flank, say the right flank, of his battery, indicates the 
target and gives the word, “ Left Section ranging section; shell. 
Remainder prepare for shrapnel.” 
The left section will continue loading with shell without any further 
word of command. 
It is better to fire the first round from the ranging section at a 
range considerably less than the estimated distance, both in order that 
the battery may have plenty of time to load with shrapnel, and also 
that the men may not get the idea into their heads that the target is 
going at a great pace and therefore they must hurry. If a good long 
pause is made before the first shrapnel are fired the men have time for 
