FIELD ARTILLERY FIRE. 
273 
In this case, if it be possible, it would be as well to bring 
all the batteries into action at once. Those not immediately 
firing at the objective could be employed in picking up the 
range to other points which will probably be occupied by the 
enemy during the course o£ the fight or, if they are compelled 
to remain temporarily silent, could be occupied in taking up 
auxiliary laying points and be prepared, on having the range 
communicated to them, to open an annihilating fire. Their 
position might not be disclosed until they opened fire, but, 
even if it were, it is not likely that the enemy would divert his 
attention from those batteries which were already annoying him. 
If several batteries are brought into position at once against 
a small target it will generally be the duty of those batteries on 
the flanks to find the range for the others. These batteries 
are selected because, on account of the large space between 
them, they are less incommoded by smoke. 
When one side possesses a superiority of numbers it is 
customary to keep the battery on each flank firing percussion 
shell, both in order to facilitate observation and that they may 
always be ready at once to find the range to a new objective 
for it is on the flanks that new objectives, especially cavalry, 
generally appear. 
Difficulties produced by the number of projectiles.—Those of the enemy. 
These difficulties are only met with on the battle-field itself, but 
still preparation may be made in time of peace to combat them. 
Perhaps the greatest disturbing element is the hurry, forgetfulness, 
general slackness and, to call it by its right name, funk, produced by 
the moral effect of shell bursting in and around the battery or singing 
overhead, and the sight of dead and wounded comrades. This can 
only be overcome by the strictest “ Discipline under Fire,” and, as 
pointed out in Chapter I., by means of a long and strict course of pure 
gun-drill on the barrack square, which will teach men to perform 
almost mechanically even under the greatest mental exhaustion, the 
purely mechanical functions of loading and laying. 
To meet the actual loss of men the following precautions should be 
observed in training :— 
a. Every officer of the battery should be able to take the place 
of the C.O. 
b. There should be a sufficient reserve of trained layers, say 18 
per battery. 
c. “ Casualties ” should constantly be given at drill. 
d. The verified range should be registered in chalk on the trail of 
the gun, and the verified length of fuze on the back of the 
limber or wagon. Thus, if the gun-layer or No. 5 is killed 
his substitute knows at once how to proceed. 
e. As soon as possible the gun-layer should allow the numbers 
at his gun, commencing with No. 2 who assists him in laying, 
to look over the sights and become acquainted with the target. 
By the above means only can the personnel of a battery be prepared 
at all times to successfully carry on the fire under, the most adverse 
circumstances. 
