SILVER MEDAL PRIZE ESSAY, 1896. 319 
Tt will be seen that Condition (1) is fulfilled by our allotment of 
Columns, somewhat after the same manner as in foreign armies. 
Condition (2) is met by all sections of the Park being under com- 
mand of one officer, a Lieut.-Colonel, Royal Artillery, save when 
detached. 
Condition (8), we only carry enough rounds for what may be 
expected to be needed after three days’ continuous fighting. 
Condition (4) is arranged for; also Condition (5). 
Condition (6) with regard to carriages: the majority are ammuni- 
tion and store wagons, but in the divisional and Corps ‘l'roops Columns 
2 artillery-ammunition wagons per battery to be supplied are allotted 
to each Column for rapid communication with the fighting line. Also 
a proportion of small-arm-ammunition carts, practically one per 
regiment (8 carts) without details and machine guns, for the same 
purpose. 
If we examine the Cavalry Brigade Column we see that Condition (7) 
is met and only the supply wagons are of the heavier order. 
Condition (8) is found in the Park. 
With regard to (9) it will be seen that after allowing one gunner per 
carriage, there are 10 in excess in each Column or Section. When 
officers’ servants and cooks have been deducted there will only be 
enough to allow of normal sick casualties. Ata pinch, of course, there 
must only be one wagon man to every two carriages or less. The same 
applies to the drivers. If a heavy call on drivers arose, many of the 
gunners would have to be put up. The same principle has been 
applied to horses. 
The arrangement in the Columns and section is agreeable to Con- 
dition (10). Save that there are four spare gun-carriages to supply 5 
batteries in the Corps Troops Columns. Major Stone’s figures surely 
show this to be excessive and 3 might well be dispensed with. Every 
carriage less in column of route is an advantage. If the severe strain 
on our 12-pr. carriages renders it necessary to have more spare, the 
Park would seem to be the place for them. 
With regard to Conditions 11, 12 and 18, the number of carriages 
in each Column or Park shew this to be possible. 
Take the divisional Ammunition Column and corresponding section 
of the Park: 
The Column consists of— 
Twelve wagons for gun ammunition. 
Four wagons, supply. 
One forge. 
One spare gun-carriage, 
These should form one section (in the battery sense) under a subal- 
