14 OKEHAMPTON EXPERIENCES, 1894, 
DISCUSSION. 
CotoneL G. H. Marsuatu.—l shall endeavour to make my remarks as brief as 
possible, because my real object in coming here is to hear what others have to say 
and to get suggestions for next year; therefore I should like to hear as many 
suggestions as possible. 
Tam very glad that Major Hughes touched on the subject of occupation of 
positions. Whatever method we adopt, obviously it is of the first importance 
that we should put our guns in such a position that we can see the target over 
the sights. In the direct occupation, there was, in many cases, much hesitation 
on the part of commanders in going forward boldly and taking up a favourable 
position. I think that a good deal of that is due to the teaching that we have 
had for many years, and it is hard to get out of it perhaps, that cover was the first 
consideration. That I think was the teaching, not only in our drill-book but in 
all drill-books. This is now changed, and we are taught (and I think very rightly) 
that it is the first consideration to be able to hit the enemy, and that cover is of 
secondary importance. Another matter which, I think, has influenced com- 
manders in that respect is, that they have been impressed by the undue importance 
attached to the effect of modern long range infantry fire on a battery unlimbering. 
In that connection I think it will be of interest if you will let me read to youa 
record of some experiments at Glenbeigh this year of long range volley firing at 
an artillery target. These are not really ‘“‘ Experiences of Okehampton,” but they 
bear on our experiences there. The strength of the party firing consisted of one 
officer, three section commanders, and 44 rank and file. The target consisted of a 
battery of six guns in action, with three wagons, and 40 dummies to represent 
detachments. In the first series the range was 2515 yards ; the time occupied was 
17 minutes 50 seconds ; the number of rounds fired was 459; the effect was mJ, 
but that I discard, as I do not suppose that the greatest advocate of long range fire 
would say anything about 2500 yards. The second series was at the same target at 
1707 yards, time 13 minutes; 463 rounds were fired; the effect on the target was 
two hits on two men. ‘The third series was at the same target, range 1730 yards. 
This was not fired against time ; I presume the time was unlimited. The rounds 
fired were 439; the effect was nid. In the fourth series the target was an infantry 
column, 95 dummies; 1750 yards range; no time limit, the rounds fired were 
440; there were 30 hits on 80 men. In the fifth series the target was a battery 
in action of four guns, 27 dummies in the detachments; range 1150 yards; time 
15 minutes, 489 rounds; the effect was two hits on two men. In all the series 
the ranges had been taken before firing commenced. I think that these figures 
are very interesting. We find that 1830 rounds were fired during the four series 
(I have left out the 2515 yards series), and that there was practically no effect at 
all, except at the infantry target. I think, with the lecturer, that we should look 
from both ends of the range, and I do think that there is a great deal of 
unnecessary striving for cover from this fire, especially when we find, as the 
figures tell us, that there is practically no effect. 
It is very satisfactory to notice that all the changes which have been made 
recently, and that are impending in tactics, in drill, and in equipment, are in the 
direction of simplicity; all field artillery are agreed that, especially in equipment, 
you must have simplicity. We are within measurable distance, as regards equip- 
ment, of having only one projectile (the shrapnel), only one fuze, the shell carried 
fuzed in the limbers, only one enumeration for everything (in yards), and a very 
simple and very efficient shoe-brake. I think that with such simplification we 
may look forward to great improvement in the rate of fire, and in our fire effect, 
and I hope, at the same time, that we shall keep up the very high standard of fire 
discipline that we already possess. 
