27 
RECORD TARGETS: 
BEING A SHORT DESCRIPTION OF THOSE NOW IN USE 
AND A COMPARISON OF THEIR MERITS. 
BY 
CAPTAIN P. HE. GRAY, R.A. 
Ir is not many years since Garrison Artillery practice was, by all ranks, 
regarded as an objectless, perfunctory annual duty. It took place under 
what are, to our ideas, the very reverse of service conditions, and con- 
sisted of a number of rounds, fired off at an anchored barrel, each 
gun-captain or No. 1 correcting his shooting from his own observation, 
or by the advice of his Divisional Subaltern Officer. 
The ultimate object of the whole practice was attained when the 
barrel gracefully went to pieces to a well-directed shot. 
The Commanding Officer of a battery usually undertook the duty 
of judging the Rights and Lefts. 
The results of each round were signalled up from the range-party, 
firing ceasing to allow this to be done. 
The more barrels that were expended, the better was the practice. 
Instruction was comprehended in the destruction of as many barrels as 
possible. 
The idea of carrying out annual practice on a recognised scheme, 
directing the fire of a fort by the orders and will of one officer, who 
would observe and correct the shooting for himself, and on his own 
judgment ; who would hold the fire of his command, as it were, in the 
hollow of his hand ; in short, the instant, quiet, and effective application 
of what we now call Fire Discipline in Coast Defence, was not even 
thought of. 
There were thoughtful officers of Garrison Artillery, no doubt, who 
remarked, after a more than usually impressive display, at the expense 
of the long-suffering barrels with their flags, that, though magnificent, 
it was scarcely an example of Service Practice; for what enemy would 
ever stand still and allow himself to be shot to pieces, unless his ship 
was sinking ? 
A naval officer would hardly attempt a regular artillery duel with 
forts, by anchoring his own ships and giving the enemy every possible 
chance against him. The practice at anchored targets was no doubt 
excellent as a means of testing the eyesight of layers; and by way of 
accustoming the detachments to concussion and noise, it was every- 
thing that could be desired; but, as a preparation for attack by an 
enemy’s enterprising and swiftly moving ships, cruisers, and torpedo- 
boats, endeavouring to run past with an ulterior object in view, the 
practical instruction of the annual practice was nil. 
il, WOln xorar, 
