PRECIS 
AND 
AN 38s 8 IN[ fs) IE) ak, AB Tt) IND 
“REVUE MILITAIRE DE VETRANGER.” 
FEBRUARY, 1895. 
ARTILLERY OF LARGE CALIBRE WITH 
FIELD ARMIES, 
BY 
LIEUT.-COLONEL J. H. G. BROWNE, tare R.A. 
Iw a recent number of the R.A. “ Proceedings,’’! attention was called to the steps 
taken by Germany towards the formation of heavy batteries with sufficient 
mobility to be attached to armies of operation. The same idea is in vogue in 
other countries, and although in some cases the period of practical organization 
has not been reached, the question of principle has been everywhere decided. 
Without speaking of Switzerland, where heavy batteries have been in existence 
ever since 1883 under the name of “‘artillery of position,” we know that Austria 
and Russia, as well as Germany, actually possess artillery of large calibre, intended 
to march with field armies. 
Austria in time of war would form groups of portable siege batteries intended, 
according to official indications, not only for seige-warfare, but also for certain 
operations of field-warfare. 
The personnel of these batteries is to be furnished by the Garrison Artillery, 
and the horses by the transport department. It is believed that the Austrian- 
Hungarian Ministry has provided for the formation of five groups of portable 
siege batteries, comprising each one battery of four 12° guns, and two batteries of 
four 12° mortars. 
Some years ago Russia organised regiments of field-mortars of 15°, actually 
furnishing 20 batteries. More recently she has created three battalions of so- 
called siege-batteries, which are absolutely distinct from the battalions of Garrison 
Artillery. The official documents do not lay down the manner in which these 
batteries are intended to be employed, but it is probable that it will be connected 
with the question now before us. 
The organization adopted by Germany is not known inits details, but it is ina 
1 Foot Artillery with horsed carriages in Germany,—April 1895. 
ibl, WOlin xoaaiy 764 
