(11). 
(12). 
(13). 
(14). 
(15). 
NOTES ON GERMAN SIEGE ARTILLERY, ETC. 7 
Although there is practically no puff, the flash of discharge 
from the smokeless powder was most vivid and easy to 
lay on. 
Guns were run up after discharge (although only firing 
blank) for practice, and run back again after a few rounds 
when advanced too far to the front of the position. 
All ranks wore revolvers, and No. 4 a strap to which is 
slung a cartouche, as a cartouche of cartridges was 
brought up to the guns, never single cartridges. 
The blue paint with which the carriages are painted renders 
them most conspicuous. 
An “Abtheilung” came into action with all batteries 
simultaneously, but always retired by single batteries in 
succession from a flank, at about three minutes intervals 
between batteries. All retirements commenced at a walk 
followed by trot or gallop. 
Fire discipline is not equal to our own at field days. 
The ammunition supply from the limbers was maintained on 
two systems :— 
(a). The limbers were brought up and reversed 15 
yards in rear of their respective guns. The 
teams remained hooked in, drivers dismounted. 
(b). Two limbers were brought up and placed close 
to and in rear of second guns from the flanks 
respectively of each battery. The teams were 
unhooked and with the remaining two limbers 
(teams hooked in) formed up in column of 
route about 60 yards in rear of the least 
exposed flank of each battery. 
Screens were invariably shown to indicate the target at 
which the batteries were firing, but an unnecessary 
amount of blank seemed to be consumed, commencing 
with ranging rounds of smokeless powder, followed by 
rapid fire with smoke powder. This latter was merely 
used as a matter of economy I was told. 
A single battery was frequently detached from an 
« Abtheilung ” to take up a position on the flank of and 
nearer to the enemy’s artillery. 
The wholesome “funk” that cavalry seemed to have of 
charging guns was most marked. 
Frequent opportunities occurred, notably on one occasion 
when the VI. Uhlans might have got in on the flank of a 
battery with apparent impunity but refrained. 
At the “ pow-wows” after the daily manceuyres all Artillery 
Officers “ fell out”? and attended the discussion. 
The absence of wagons made it impossible to carry out the 
renewal of ammunition in action, and when we remember 
that at the battle of St. Privat the Artillery of the German 
Guard fired more than 8000 rounds, necessity for practice 
in this is obvious. 
