A PLEA FOR INDIRECT FIRE. 139 
minutes, is more lengthy than when sights are employed; the chief 
delay being experienced in passing from range to fuze. 
When reliable range-finders are available ana can be used, the first Means to 
difficulty disappears, as the length of fuze is simply that due to the .vpitity. 
measured range. The second can be reduced to a minimum by 
constant practice. And the third is a matter for our manufacturing 
departments ; all that is asked for is, that we may be kept abreast 
of foreign nations in this branch of gunnery. 
(2). “A second disadvantage of the indirect method is, that when Disadvantage 
firing from behind cover the slope leading up to the hill behind which tended Space 
the guns are posted is not commanded by their fire. "gu. 
Were guns alone engaged this would be a serious drawback. In a 
position, however, i in which the guns could be so placed, there would 
be little danger in their firing over the heads of their own infantry, 
who would defend the slope with their fire. In any case well posted 
combat patrols ought to render the position of the guns secure. 
(3). It cannot ike denied that, when great accuracy with regard to Disadvantage 
direction is necessary (as for instance in firing at single guns or pits), accurate tor 
the clinometer cannot compete with a telescopic sight. The accurate 
distribution of fire along a rigidly fixed and motionless front also , Win this 
places it in an unfavourable light. serious as it 
There is a natural tendency to overdo anything new, and when we tne o brnatlco 
call to mind the absurd lengths to which the deliber ate method was at 
one time carried, we may well shrink from a retrograde tendency in 
this direction ; and visions of the indir ect method at 600 yards, and a tnairect _tay- 
perpetual search for cover, rise before us. vente not 
All that is asked for is, fair play for the clinometer; that its 
increased importance may receive recognition ; and that the training 
in its use may be as thorough as that with the sight at present is. 
The actual tactics which will arise from the use of smokeless powder 
appear simple enough, but that full advantage may result from them, 
sound technical training, and encouragement towards proficiency in the 
use of the clinometer, are necessary. ‘In order that it may be developed 
to its full extent it should be treated on an equality with other two 
methods. Majors of batteries have, on the practice ground, a certain 
test annually set for them, to come up to the requirements of which 
they naturally devote their best endeavours. The system is an 
admirable one, and has produced the best results; and all that is 
humbly suggested is, that one series of this competition may be a 
timed one of indirect laying, with credit for keeping out of view from 
the target end; for then, and only then, will the three methods be on 
an equal footing. To expect that large masses of artillery will, as a pirect fre 
rule, be able to use this method, is as absurd as to rely on its use tually Cae 
during the later stages of a battle. Where, however, it would find its °°" ® 
most useful sphere, would appear to be, in the earlier stages, when 
the ground favours an unseen advance and artillery surprise is 
possible. 
Again, long lines of guns are liable to enfilade, and great moral _ Situations 
3 which BR Lea 
effect would result from even a single battery, whose position was not !vgurable to 
