OKEHAMPTON, 1895. 75, 
of the enemy being-in a disadvantageous formation,’ but there 
were few who attempted to do so. Then, again, there were several 
targets at very short ranges, but the necessity for rapidity was often 
forgotten, and it was not uncommon to find the ranging carried out as 
elaborately as at long ranges. On the other hand, at these short ranges 
cases occurred where the rounds of percussion shrapnel in the guns 
were wasted without establishing any bracket and in consequence the 
whole of the time shrapnel was ineffective. Against the cavalry target 
also the method was not suited to the occasion. This cavalry target 
was I admit very difficult as it appeared suddenly out of a ravine only 
about 600 yards in front of the guns; but batteries have been surprised 
by cavalry before, and I think our cavalry friends have not given up 
the hope of doing it again. I feel sure that with practice we should 
stop cavalry in that distance. This year I am afraid they would in 
most cases have “got in.” Commanders did not seem to appreciate 
the fact that magazine fire—excellent as it is between 500 and 1000 
yards—is useless within 500 yards, and did not give “ case” until far 
too late. I sincerely trust that more practice with case against moving 
targets may be introduced. Not only is it as a rule fired very slowly, 
but on every occasion on which I have seen it used there has been the 
same disinclination to commence it soon enough. 
Choice of Sights. 
It may seem absurd to say that the choice between telescopic and 
tangent sight is a tactical matter; but it is. It may be, for instance, a 
very good thing to use a Scott’s sight against a small object like a column 
regarded purely asatarget; but that advantage may be quite over- 
whelmed by the fact that that column will probably move as soon 
as you begin to fire at it, and that Scott’s sight is quite unsuitable for 
use at a moving target. J hope in the new edition of the drill-book 
some simple instructions may be given as to the occasion on which 
Scott’s sights may be advantageously used on service. It is a question 
which has hardly been noticed before and the reason is not far to seek. 
Moving targets have been outside the ordinary scope of the practice 
and special days have been devoted to them. 
So far for mistakes due to tactical misconception ; the other points to 
which I should like to draw your attention are— 
The time taken before a battery in action could move. 
The slackening of fire discipline where most required. 
The ammunition supply. 
TIME TAKEN BEFORE A Battrery 1n Action coutp Movs. 
There is no doubt that many batteries find a great difficulty in 
“getting away” if suddenly ordered to move. The following are, 
I think, the causes :— 
From want of practice No. 6 either does not fuze shell quick 
enough so that at “cease firing” he finds himself with none ready 
