5 
these batteries the fire would be indirect, means of laying indirect, observations of 
fire from some points on the crest line, nature of fire curved fire with high ex- 
plosive shell for the destruction of overhead cover and indirect shrapnel for 
searching effect. The advantage gained by using this échelon is that the batteries 
are protected and concealed and can only be touched by curved fire. 
The heavy long range guns from the forts would support these batteries by 
direct fire. 
The guns and howitzers of the Ist and 2nd ¢chelons should be used to repel 
assaults, and to harass working parties and would be assisted by the flanking fire of 
the guns mounted for that purpose in the forts. 
The section of the main line under attack would be reinforced by guns, &e. 
from the reserve armament, and during this phase of the siege the second or re- 
tired line should be placed in a state of defence and armed. ‘The distribution of 
its armament and the organization for its defence would be similar to that of the 
main line. The points @appui of this line must necessarily be of the nature of 
field-works and their armament less formidable than that of the forts in the main 
line. 
Construction of batteries for defensive and reserve arnament. 
(1.) Batteries on the crest line (1st and 2nd ¢chelon). 
Sunken batteries are preferable—Ist because the parapets and traverses are 
formed of undisturbed earth and are therefore stronger; secondly, the natural con- 
tour of the ground is not interfered with and the batteries are consequently less 
conspicuous ; and thirdly, because the desired amount of protection can be obtained 
in a shorter time. ‘The deddai should be scattered along the front in such a way 
as to conform to the folds of the ground and to aid in the concealment of the 
battery. Tig. 2 shows such a battery, the measurements being in métres and 
Fie, 2. 
B 
1 
ORE SoS LDS) ee MSS EMS T Egon hea eee 
aE reper Ee 
a ee 
va’ th | 
7 ee 
| | | Ir ERE) 
| ; fom - 8,00-> 
eupt |i\i<—465— 3 } 
gon EMP: (za /ERSE| | C200) is (20) | 
L (200) = GUN EMP; ————— 
—I]| & 
E 
=| 
RAMP (0,00) 
A 
Construction of the Batteries. Scale <1 
(900) (009) iy 
\ = 
ANS CQ : 
{ x ie 
Section on the line A B. 
