Chapter VII: Employment of Artillery in War (2)

3. The enemy’s artillery will endeavour to support the advance of the infantry. The best way to defeat this object is for the defending batteries to be concealed. Batteries that are located at this stage may be moved and take up other positions, if such are available.

=160.= _Second phase of the defence._

1. =It is only in exceptional circumstances that the artillery of the defence can hope, by the effect of its own fire, to prevent the attacking infantry closing with the defence.= A new phase of the operations will be entered upon when the attacking infantry comes under the effective rifle fire of the defence.

2. The object of the attacking infantry at this stage will be to build up firing lines in suitable positions from which to develop effective covering fire to support a further advance.

From now onward the hostile infantry will be compelled to move in extended order by rushes; the number of men moving, and the length of the rushes, depending on the ground, the distance from the defender’s position, and the volume and effect of his fire. The shorter the distance from the position and the more effective the defender’s fire, the shorter will be the length of each rush and the fewer the number of men taking part in it.

Artillery cannot hope to deal effectively with each individual rush. =At this stage the object of the artillery should be to foresee the positions where the hostile firing lines will be formed, and to subject these firing lines to bursts of fire of such rapidity and intensity as to keep them glued to the ground, and to prevent them from developing effective covering fire.= The more threatening the hostile infantry is the more frequent and intense should be the bursts of artillery fire.

3. The hostile artillery will do all in its power to reduce the volume and effect of the fire of the defence, both gun and rifle fire.

If the hostile artillery is able to locate the position of the defender’s infantry the latter may suffer severely, and the power of the defence may be seriously weakened thereby. The artillery of the attack therefore must not be ignored, but instead of endeavouring to destroy the hostile batteries by an overwhelming concentration of fire, the object will be to neutralize their fire with as few batteries as possible, so as to free as many as possible to fire on the attacking infantry.[14]

[14] The methods by which a hostile battery should be neutralized are described in Sec. =155= (2).

4. =Infantry conquers and retains the ground. The principal effort must therefore be directed to bringing the infantry advance to a standstill. When the infantry loses its power of forward movement it is no longer capable of forcing a decision.=

When this occurs the enemy’s reserves should be expected and a careful watch kept for their appearance, so that they may be crushed without delay.

=161.= _Third phase of the defence._

1. If the attacking infantry is successful in reaching a position from which it is possible to threaten an assault, no effort must be spared to increase the effect of the fire of the defence. If a forward movement to an open position is likely to contribute to this object it must be undertaken without hesitation. The principle laid down in Sec. =146= (4) applies to this situation.

Should a successful assault be delivered there is sure to be some confusion in the ranks of the attackers, who will probably endeavour to re-form. The captured locality should at once be subjected to artillery fire, converging if possible.

2. If a counter-attack is launched for the recapture of the locality the artillery will give it the most effective support that is possible in the circumstances. If time permits the divisional artillery commander should organize this support under instructions from the divisional commander; but subordinate artillery commanders must not wait for orders, when aware that such an attack is taking place.

COUNTER-ATTACKS.

=162.= _Artillery support to local counter-attacks._

1. During the course of the fight all favourable opportunities for local counter-attacks must be seized. (_See_ F.S. Regs., Part I, Sec. 109.) These local counter-attacks must be assisted by the fire of any guns conveniently situated for the purpose. The time for preparation will usually be short, and subordinate artillery commanders must therefore often decide for themselves how this support can best be given and what proportion of the guns to employ. Extensive changes of position should be avoided and should rarely be necessary.

=163.= _Artillery support to the decisive counter-attack._

(_See also_ F.S. Regs., Part I, Sec. 110.)

1. The nature of the artillery support to the decisive counter-attack must depend on the nature of the ground over which it is delivered and the direction which it takes.

It may be that the counter-attack can best be supported from the positions already occupied by the artillery in the main position. If that is the case it will not be necessary to keep artillery in reserve for the purpose. A change of zones or objectives may suffice to afford the necessary support.

This will not always be the case. If the troops with which it is intended to carry out the counter-attack have been placed at a distance from the main position, and if the direction of the counter-attack and the ground over which it moves prevents adequate artillery support being given from the main position, special provision must be made. Either artillery must from the outset form part of the troops destined for the counter-attack or batteries must be withdrawn from the main position for the purpose.

Either course is legitimate, and the method to be adopted is a matter for the decision of the commander of the force. If he decides to withdraw guns that are in action every effort must be made to ensure their timely arrival in their new positions. As the success of the counter-attack is usually dependent on correct timing this is a matter of great importance.

2. =The action of the artillery in support of the counter-stroke should be characterized by boldness.= The moral effect of batteries advancing boldly in support of their infantry may decide the issue, when success or failure hang in the balance.

ARTILLERY IN WOOD AND VILLAGE FIGHTING.

=163= A. _The employment of artillery in wood fighting._

1. As obstacles to movement and view woods exercise an important influence on artillery tactics both in attack and defence. A wooded area increases the difficulty of observation of fire.

2. A wood of small extent that is held by the enemy lends itself to envelopment, and the hostile troops will usually be posted outside it. In such a case the wood itself should not materially interfere with artillery support for the attacking infantry.

3. A wood of large area presents a serious obstacle to effective co-operation between the attacking artillery and infantry. The enemy may have prepared the wood for internal defence, using existing clearings and making others; or he may have taken up a position behind it, sufficiently near to bring a concentrated artillery and rifle fire to bear upon the attacking troops as they attempt to debouch. In either case the problem which confronts the attacking infantry is the same, namely, to issue from a belt of wood and cross an open space under close fire from hostile artillery and infantry.

Provided observation parties can establish themselves in suitable positions and adequate means of intercommunication are available, the attacking artillery may be able to support the infantry from positions outside the wood.

The most effective means of assisting the infantry, however, will be the employment of sections or even single guns in the wood itself in close support of the firing line.

4. In dealing with a wood of considerable extent the best position for troops compelled to act on the defensive will often be in rear of the wood at such a distance from it that artillery and infantry fire can be brought to bear at close ranges on the hostile infantry as it attempts to issue from the wood.

The edge of the wood should be prepared with abatis or entanglements and arrangements should be made for artillery fire to be brought to bear on any gaps between the obstacles or other places where hostile bodies are likely to assemble when emerging from the wood.

Arrangements should further be made for artillery to support the action of local reserves against hostile bodies that may succeed in issuing from the wood, and to deal with outflanking movements by the enemy.

If a clearing of suitable extent exists or can be made within the wood, troops may be placed in position along the edge of it furthest from the enemy, the opposite edge being prepared with obstacles as explained above. Guns should be placed in position with the infantry, care being taken to dispose them so that their fire can be brought to bear on any open spaces likely to be crossed by the enemy.

Special arrangements should be made for the timely withdrawal of the guns to positions behind the wood should the infantry be driven back to the main position.

5. Against troops located in a wood high explosive shell or percussion shrapnel will be more effective than time shrapnel.

=163= B. _Artillery in the attack and defence of villages._

1. Villages not only lend themselves to conversion into strong tactical localities, but troops are instinctively attracted towards them.

2. In defending a village infantry will usually be entrenched outside it, in front of it, and on its flanks. Artillery should also be placed outside the village in positions where the guns command the approaches to it and the exits from it.

A portion of the artillery may be posted in advance of the village at the outset, in order to compel the enemy to make an early deployment. In this case careful arrangements should be made for the timely withdrawal of the guns to positions on the flanks or in rear of the village, as the attack develops.

As in the case of wood fighting it is important to arrange for adequate artillery support for local counter-attacks by the local reserves.

3. In the attack of a village artillery fire should be concentrated on the hostile infantry as soon as it is located.

When the enemy has been driven from his trenches the fire of the artillery should be concentrated on the village itself in order to deny its cover to the hostile troops retiring through it.

When the attacking infantry reaches the village the artillery should push forward on the flanks and engage any hostile bodies posted in rear of the village to command the exits from it.

ARTILLERY IN NIGHT OPERATIONS.

=164.= _General instructions._

1. “Night operations may be classified as _night marches_, _night advances_ and _night assaults_.” (_See_ F.S. Regs., Part I, Sec. 129.) Artillery must be prepared to take part in any of these operations. It may also be required to participate in the defence, at night, of a position or locality.

2. In a night march artillery usually marches at the least exposed portion of the column, _i.e._, in rear or on the protected flank. In this case preliminary reconnaissance by the artillery is not possible, its preparations being chiefly directed to reducing the noise caused by the horses’ harness and by the vehicles.

3. “The purpose of a night advance is to gain ground from which further progress will be made in daylight and not to deliver a decisive assault during darkness.” (_See_ F.S. Regs., Part I, Sec. 134.)

Such advances are made when in contact with the enemy, either as a preliminary to opening a battle, or to gain an advantage during its course. The ultimate object in view in each case may be either an assault at dawn, or to gain better fire positions. The immediate aim of the artillery must be to get the guns during darkness into favourable fire positions, ready to open fire at dawn. Careful reconnaissance of the positions to be occupied is an essential preliminary. (_See_ Sec. =189=.)

4. Night assaults may be undertaken to gain a point of support for further operations in daylight, to drive in an enemy’s advanced troops or to secure an outpost position as a preliminary to an attack at dawn. (_See_ F.S. Regs., Pt. I, Sec. 135.)

The extent to which artillery can participate in a night assault depends principally on whether the assault follows immediately on a night march or is a continuation of previous operations. In the former case artillery can rarely be of assistance during darkness; in the latter, guns may occasionally be able to assist, provided thorough preparations have been made in daylight, and careful steps taken to ensure the timely cessation of fire.

5. In the defence artillery may be able to give effective assistance when the front to be defended is narrow, and there is limited ground over which the enemy must pass if he wishes to attack. In these circumstances all arrangements for concentrating fire on various zones should be made in advance.

ARTILLERY IN RETIREMENTS AND RETREATS.

=165.= _Retirements._

(_See also_ F.S. Regs., Part I, Sec. 113.)

1. It must be a point of honour with troops never to retire, without orders, from a position they have been detailed to hold to the end. On occasions it may be advisable to order batteries when exposed to accurate and destructive fire to cease fire temporarily; or they may be compelled to do so by want of ammunition. In either case they must remain in action and wait for the fire to diminish, or the arrival of more ammunition. When any movement to the rear is ordered it must be carried out in an orderly manner, otherwise it cannot fail to have a bad moral effect.

2. Should it become necessary to abandon a position, a portion of the artillery will usually be required to establish itself as quickly as possible in positions from which the retirement of the rest of the force can be covered. The fire of heavy guns from positions overlooking the main position, combined with that of field guns which, owing to their greater mobility, may occupy more advanced positions, would usually form the most effective means for securing the withdrawal of the rest of the force.

When it is a question of ensuring the safe withdrawal of the main body, artillery must be ready to take any risk, and loss of _matériel_ is then fully justified.

3. The organization of a rearguard to cover further retreat is the function of the commander assisted by the general staff, but, in order that the most efficient artillery units may be allotted to such a force, it is necessary for divisional artillery commanders to keep themselves acquainted with the position and relative condition of each artillery brigade as regards losses and ammunition.

It is also the duty of the artillery commander to appoint a commander of the rearguard artillery, and to inform him of the batteries at his disposal and of the name of the commander of the rearguard.

4. The withdrawal of the rest of the artillery and its subsequent formation on the march is the next most important duty for the divisional artillery commander in co-operation with the general staff of the division.

=166.= _Rearguards._

(_See also_ F.S. Regs., Part I, Secs. 71, 72.)

1. The object of a rearguard is to gain time and then to withdraw without becoming too deeply engaged. This is best effected by compelling the enemy to halt and deploy for attack as frequently and at as great a distance as possible.

With these objects in view a rearguard is usually strong in artillery.

2. The commander of the artillery of a rearguard should, as a rule, accompany the rearguard commander, in order that he may have early information as to the next position to be occupied, its extent and the general dispositions for its occupation.

3. Batteries in direct fire positions are apt to be pinned to their positions by the hostile artillery, and withdrawal from such positions is often difficult. As, moreover, the close defence of a position is rarely required in a rearguard action it will not, as a rule, be necessary for artillery to bring fire to bear on the ground close in front of the position. Positions in rear of the crest are therefore preferable but battery commanders must arrange to keep their immediate front under observation.

4. The flanks of a rear guard position are specially important and some guns should usually be employed in their defence. It is the duty of the commander of these guns to see that they have an escort. Any artillery patrols that may be available should also be allotted to them rather than to guns centrally situated whose position is more secure.

5. While it is the duty of the rearguard commander to select the time and method of retiring and the position where the next stand is to be made an artillery officer should, if possible, accompany the officer detailed to reconnoitre this position in order to select the most suitable positions for the batteries and to supply the artillery commander with information.

Subordinate artillery commanders must endeavour to have lines of retirement reconnoitred, in order to avoid interfering with the movements of other troops.

6. The supply of ammunition to a rearguard requires careful arrangements to be made by the divisional artillery staff in accordance with the orders of the divisional commander. Sections of brigade ammunition columns may be disposed at suitable points; or sometimes small depôts of ammunition may be left in easily recognized localities at which empty ammunition wagons can refill. The commander of the rearguard artillery must be informed of the arrangements made for replenishing ammunition.

EMPLOYMENT OF HORSE ARTILLERY WITH CAVALRY.

(_See also_ “Cavalry Training.”)

=167.= _General instructions._

1. =The paramount duty of horse artillery is to prepare the way for the cavalry and to support it in the fight.=

The principles laid down in the preceding sections regarding the employment of artillery apply equally to the horse artillery, although the special characteristics and functions of cavalry may call for modification in methods.

2. The main functions of cavalry in war are--

i. To discover the enemy’s dispositions and movements.
ii. To screen and protect its own army from the observation
of the enemy and hostile interference,
iii. To take its place as part of the fighting machine in
co-operation with the other arms on the battlefield.

3. Cavalry is trained to fight either mounted or dismounted, and the power to combine shock with fire action, or to adopt either method at will, not only increases its independence, but adds materially to its offensive and defensive power.

For the full development of fire power artillery is required, hence a force of cavalry is usually accompanied by one or more batteries of horse artillery.

4. The duty of the horse artillery commander being to help and support the cavalry, it is essential that he should know the general intentions and tactical plan of the cavalry leader. It will, however, frequently be impossible for the cavalry leader to do more than give a general indication of his plans and intentions; the horse artillery commander must therefore study his superior’s methods, and endeavour to regard the situation, as it develops, from the point of view of that officer, training himself to appreciate his wishes rapidly and to anticipate his orders.

5. The horse artillery commander and his subordinates must have a thorough understanding of the principles upon which the conduct of a cavalry fight is based, to enable them to grasp at once the object of each movement and to ensure co-operation on the part of the guns.

6. The methods to be adopted by the horse artillery will vary according as the cavalry to which it is attached is opposed to cavalry or other troops and whether fire or shock action is to form the principal means of reaching the desired result.

Where shock action is anticipated, opportunities for effective participation in the fight will occur with so little warning, and be of so fleeting a nature that horse artillery must be granted a greater measure of independence than is the case with other artillery in the field.

To take advantage of such opportunities promptness of decision, readiness of resource, and rapidity of action are essential, and these characteristics should distinguish all ranks.

=168.= _Position on the march._

1. On the march the distribution of the horse artillery will be decided by the commander of the force. As a rule, the artillery of a mounted force is kept concentrated with the main body. When marching in column, horse artillery is usually placed near the head of the column, normally in rear of the leading unit.

2. Whether the first line wagons accompany the guns or march in rear of the fighting portion of the column will depend upon the tactical situation; within striking distance of the enemy, and when the power to deploy quickly and manœuvre with freedom is desirable, the latter course will usually be advisable.

3. When moving on a broad front, or across country, guns should be allowed a certain latitude in conforming to the pace and movements of the cavalry, advantage being taken of roads or firm ground.

=169.= _Escorts._

1. In normal conditions horse artillery requires no special escort. When guns are detached from the main body or otherwise exposed, it is the duty of the horse artillery commander to ensure that a suitable escort is detailed.

Should no escort have been detailed and should the development of the situation at any time render an escort desirable, it is the duty of the horse artillery commander on the spot to call upon the commander of the nearest body of cavalry to provide one.

2. The principal duties of the escort are--

i. To give timely warning of any threatened attack.
ii. To keep hostile riflemen beyond effective range of
the guns.
iii. To cover the withdrawal of the guns if attacked by
greatly superior forces.

3. It is important that communication be maintained between the guns and their escort. For this purpose the escort commander will attach an officer or non-commissioned officer to the artillery commander.

4. The senior officer with the wagon line, whether in action or on the move, will make such dispositions as may be possible for their defence.

=170.= _The approach march._

1. The object of the approach march of a force of cavalry is to close upon the enemy in order to attack him. The principles governing the disposition of the force are dealt with in “Cavalry Training.”

2. The position of the horse artillery will be ordered by the cavalry commander. As a rule, horse artillery will move massed on the flank of the cavalry in line with the head of the main body. The formation adopted must ensure elasticity and allow the guns some latitude in conforming to the pace of the main body when moving over undulating country.

The guiding principle is that the guns shall be readily detachable and free to move at a rapid pace to the selected fire position without interfering with the deployment of the remainder of the force.

3. On commencing the approach march the horse artillery will assume the most convenient formation, probably divisional mass or column of brigade masses, all wagons other than those of the firing batteries joining the first line transport of the force.

4. The horse artillery should usually remain concentrated with a view to bringing the most intense fire possible to bear on the hostile formations when encountered, but occasions will occur especially in undulating country when it will be advisable to leave some guns on one ridge, to cover the occupation of the next. It may sometimes be advisable to place the guns on both flanks, in order to deny ground to the enemy by which he might otherwise approach.

5. The horse artillery commander must accompany the cavalry commander during the approach march. He will thus be in a position to receive the earliest information regarding his superior’s plans and will himself be well placed to watch the situation and examine the ground on which the action is expected to take place. His headquarters will not actually accompany him, but such of its members as he requires will remain in close touch.

6. As a general rule, the plan will consist of a mounted attack combined with the fire attack of guns, machine guns and, if the range admits, of their escort.

In combining fire action with mounted action the chief factors of success are:--

i. The timely separation of the guns, etc., from the
mounted attack, so that their fire may be available
the moment that collision is inevitable, and in order
that the freedom of manœuvre of the cavalry may not be
cramped nor the fire of the guns masked by the movement
of the cavalry which they are supporting. Fig. 27
illustrates this principle, which generally holds good.
ii. The correct timing of the attacks, so that the enemy
will not be allowed to deal with the two separately. For
this reason it will often be necessary to push the guns
and machine guns boldly forward.

The nature of the country, the time available, the action of the enemy and the safety of the guns are factors to be considered when deciding to what extent the guns can be separated from the cavalry.

7. As soon as the cavalry commander has settled on his general plan of attack he informs his artillery commander of the general rôle that he wishes the artillery to take in it. The situation is liable to change with such rapidity that more than this is usually impossible, and the exact spot for coming into action, and the moment for opening fire or changing position, can only be decided by the artillery commander in accordance with the development of the fight.

After receiving his instructions, therefore, the artillery commander proceeds to reconnoitre for positions and will have complete freedom of action within the limits of the instructions he has received. It will generally be advisable for the artillery commander to leave an officer with the cavalry commander, to keep him informed, as far as possible, of the latter’s plans and intentions.

=171.= _The advance into action._

1. The manœuvres which precede the charge take place in such rapid succession that little time will be available for elaborate orders or dispositions. Horse artillery brigade commanders must therefore be ready to join the artillery commander as quickly as possible, when he proceeds to carry out his reconnaissance, so as to receive his verbal orders and communicate them without delay to brigade leaders.

2. The two chief duties of the horse artillery commander are to reconnoitre a position for his brigades and to watch the manœuvres of his own and the corresponding movements of the opposing cavalry. To save delay and to enable him to devote more time to the tactical situation he should usually be accompanied and assisted in his reconnaissance by the commanders of horse artillery brigades.

3. =The principal considerations involved by the above duties are, firstly, the selection of a position the fire from which will not easily be masked by the advance of the cavalry, and, secondly, the correct moment for coming into action, taking into account the time which must elapse between opening fire and obtaining effect.= If the cavalry machine guns are to act on the same flank as the horse artillery their commander must ascertain the position of the guns, so that he may avoid masking their fire at a critical moment.

4. Every effort should be made to conceal the guns till the last moment, so that the fire may come as a surprise. A covered line of advance, to the selected position should, therefore, be sought, while, if exposed ground has to be crossed, the distance of the enemy and the possibility of coming under fire must be considered in deciding on the formation to be adopted, it may be possible to deceive hostile patrols by masking the guns with the detachments. The position itself must be suitable for direct laying.

5. Both in the advance to and occupation of the position the artillery commander should ensure that the exposed flank of the guns is watched by artillery patrols, if no escort has been provided. If no natural obstacle covers this flank in action, it may be advisable to dispose some of the guns so as to cover it with their fire.

6. Batteries should be retained in positions of readiness as long as possible, in order not to lessen their mobility, should the situation change unexpectedly.

The temptation of gaining a temporary advantage must not be allowed to lead artillery into premature action. Such tactics, far from assisting in the defeat of the hostile cavalry, are liable to divulge the cavalry leader’s plans and may give the enemy a chance of immobilizing, with a fraction of his own artillery, the guns thus engaged, while the remainder of his troops are able to manœuvre in a direction out of reach of fire.

As a general rule, fire should not be opened until the cavalry is in a position to take immediate advantage of its effect. On the other hand the cavalry commander’s plan may render it desirable to open fire for some special purpose, such as to occupy the enemy’s attention or to force him to deploy prematurely or in a faulty direction.

=172.= _The fight._

1. =The most favourable moment for the guns to open fire will usually be when the opposing cavalry has definitely committed itself.=

2. As success depends on the result of the cavalry charge, it is the paramount duty of the horse artillery to concentrate its fire on that portion of the enemy’s cavalry on which the decisive attack is about to be delivered.

The time during which this portion of the enemy’s force is likely to be exposed to fire being of very brief duration, effect must be sought by the greatest rapidity of fire and well judged distribution.

3. When the guns can no longer engage the immediate object of the attack, fire should be directed on any supports or reserves that may be visible. It is most important that any formed bodies of fresh troops be dealt with at once.

As a rule, it is only when the guns become masked from the hostile cavalry, that their fire should be directed on to the enemy’s artillery. If, however, the enemy’s artillery exposes itself while limbered up or is bringing a heavy fire to bear on the main body of the cavalry during its approach march, the artillery commander will be justified in modifying the above procedure to meet such cases.

=173.= _Pursuit or retreat._

1. If the attack succeeds the artillery commander should send forward part of the artillery at once to support and assist the immediate pursuit. The object of these guns is to prevent the enemy re-forming or holding positions which would check the pursuit.

At the same time the artillery commander should retain control of some portion of the artillery so that he may be ready to comply with any demand which the cavalry commander may make on him for guns to co-operate in an organized pursuit.

2. If the attack fails the horse artillery must remain in action and by its fire form a screen in rear of which the cavalry may rally.

=174.= _Horse artillery with cavalry acting dismounted._

1. Occasions will frequently occur on reconnaissances, in advanced or rearguard actions, and in the seizure of advanced positions, when mounted troops will be involved in a fire fight, where mounted shock action is either not contemplated or is not of primary importance.

2. In such circumstances the mobility of mounted troops is generally employed in enabling successive fractions to move rapidly from one tactical point to another covered by the fire of those at rest. When taking part in such a fight, horse artillery should be guided by the general principles laid down for artillery co-operating with infantry. (_See_ Sec. =154= _et seq._)

As a rule an action of this nature will be initiated more deliberately than in a purely mounted combat.

The first requisite is information. The second that, in order to keep in touch with the developments of the action--conducted as it will probably be over a wide area--the positions for the guns should be chosen with a view to affording facilities for movement as well as for effective fire support.

3. A combination of a mounted attack with the fire attack will often form part of the plan of action.

In this case the mounted attack will usually endeavour to gain the flank of its objective while the artillery with the dismounted part of the force brings fire to bear at the right moment, in order to distract the enemy’s attention and pin him to his ground and so prevent any change of position to meet it.

4. Sometimes, however, it will be essential for mounted troops to drive home an attack against a locality on foot. On such occasions they must be formed for attack in depth, the object being to establish a firing line in a position as close as possible to the enemy and to obtain superiority of fire over him. When such is the case the action of the horse artillery will resemble that of field artillery in co-operation with infantry, and time will usually be available to draw up a systematic plan of attack. (_See_ Sec. =153=.)

5. The assistance of horse artillery will also be of great value when a mounted force has recourse to dismounted action either with a view to holding a locality till other troops arrive or simply to denying it to the enemy. Its method of employment will approximate to that of field artillery in the defence, but full advantage should be taken of its mobility to support any extensions or changes of front which may be adopted.

=175.= _Horse artillery in a general engagement._

1. Occasions for the employment of shock tactics against infantry or artillery may arise on the battlefield of the future, as they have in the past. Success can, however, only be anticipated when the enemy is either taken by surprise or when demoralized.

2. Surprise may be achieved by a skilful use of the ground or through the enemy’s attention being absorbed by the attack of the other arms. The enemy’s demoralization will depend on the action of the guns and infantry. Hence cavalry before attacking the enemy’s infantry or artillery must chiefly look to the way being prepared for it by the action of the other arms.

Horse artillery must be ready to assist in this preparation, and it will be the duty of its commander, under the instructions of the cavalry commander, to ascertain how best this assistance can be rendered. To this end the establishment of communication with the commanders of adjacent bodies of troops will be advisable.

=176.= _Ammunition supply._

1. Previous to an action the commander of each horse artillery brigade ammunition column should send an officer or non-commissioned officer to artillery headquarters.

2. The artillery commander is responsible for informing the ammunition column commanders as early as possible of the intended course of action and of the localities to which they are to move.

The original positions of these columns should be chosen with a view to the facilities for replenishing ammunition and suitability for defence.

3. If the force is to operate on a wide front, or if part of it is to act independently, instructions as to detaching sections or attaching orderlies to the various cavalry and artillery brigades will be necessary.

4. In the event of a cavalry or horse artillery brigade requiring more ammunition its commander will either send back the orderly to the ammunition column or apply direct to cavalry divisional headquarters as may be most convenient. The place to which the ammunition is to be sent and what arrangements, if any, have been made for its protection should be stated.

MOBILE ARTILLERY IN THE ATTACK AND DEFENCE OF A FORTRESS.

=177.= _The attack._

(_See also_ F.S. Regs., Part I, Secs. 118-125.)

1. In the attack of a fortress the first object will be to capture any advanced positions which the enemy may have occupied. These positions will often be provided with field works the extent of which will depend on a variety of circumstances. To drive the enemy out of such positions the employment of heavy mobile artillery may be necessary, but opportunities will also occur for the employment of the lighter guns in support of the infantry attacks.

These operations should be conducted on the same principles as laid down in Secs. =154-157=, every opportunity being taken to cause losses to the enemy which he cannot replace.

2. During the siege operations the field artillery will be employed as directed by the commander of the besieging force. The whole, or a portion of it, may be temporarily or permanently placed under the orders of the siege artillery commander.

The positions of batteries, which have not been placed under the siege artillery commander’s orders, will be selected by divisional artillery commanders, under the orders of divisional commanders. Care must be taken to ensure that the fire from these batteries will assist, and not interfere with, the siege artillery.

3. In the attack of permanent works, the fire of field guns being of little or no value, their use should be restricted to supporting infantry assaults, or to repelling sorties, which compel the enemy’s troops to expose themselves.

Howitzers and heavy artillery, on the other hand, would usually be called upon to take part in destroying the enemy’s armament and works.

4. Accuracy of fire being most important, the judicious selection of observing stations and positions is as important for field batteries as for heavier guns. The gun sites should be concealed and artificially protected, and, when possible, platforms for the howitzers should be provided. A good system of intercommunication and an efficient supply of ammunition are additional factors of importance.

=178.= _The defence._

(_See also_ F.S. Regs., Part I, Secs. 126-128.)

1. In the defence of a fortress delay is usually one of the principal objects. The longer the close investment can be prevented the more will it assist this object.

2. If assisting in the defence of a coast fortress, the first duty of the mobile artillery will be to oppose hostile landing parties. For this purpose it must be able to sweep the probable landing-places with shrapnel fire. It should, if possible, be screened from view of the ships supporting a landing. The best positions for opposing a hostile advance, from whatever quarter it may come, should be chosen in peace, and the sites for the guns thoroughly reconnoitred.

3. With the object of delaying the investment of the fortress one or more advanced positions may be occupied in front of the main line of defence. The distance of an advanced position from the main line of defence cannot be precisely laid down, but it must be far enough forward to deny to the enemy artillery positions from which fire can be opened against the main works, and should be strengthened by all artificial means available. In the advanced position will be placed the heavier guns of the movable armament; the light guns being employed in the counter-attacks that will be made from it with a view of inflicting loss upon the enemy, and hindering the establishment of his batteries. Sites for the various guns and howitzers available should be got ready in good time if this has not been done in peace.

4. As the assailants make good the ground, the last of the advanced positions will eventually be evacuated. The mobile artillery will then be distributed amongst the various sections of the defence, a proportion being retained with the general reserve.

5. As soon as the direction of the main attack has been made clear, the artillery on this front will be reinforced by all the guns that can be spared from elsewhere. The disposition of this armament will vary according to its nature and local conditions. Well-concealed positions for the howitzers and for Q.F. guns, positions from which they can fire direct against assaulting infantry, must be sought.

6. The same general rules apply to the use of projectiles in the defence as in the attack; high explosive shell being employed against _matériel_, and shrapnel fire against personnel.

ARTILLERY IN IRREGULAR WARFARE.

=179.= _General principles._

(_See also_ F.S. Regs., Part I, Chap. X.)

1. The extent to which tactical methods differ in small wars from those obtaining in regular campaigns varies widely in different cases.

In each instance the special characteristics, armament and tactics of the enemy must be considered, in addition to the nature of the country in which the operations are to take place, and the object in view. General indications, therefore, can alone be given as to the form which artillery tactics should assume.

2. The importance of impressing such foes as are met with in these campaigns with a feeling of inferiority cannot be overestimated. Consequently a bold offensive is generally adopted and every endeavour made to inflict serious loss on the enemy. Against opponents such as are met with in irregular warfare the moral effect of guns is very great, but without material effect, moral effect is like to be transitory. Sometimes it may be expedient merely to drive the enemy off by shell fire, but, as a rule, this should not be the primary object of the guns.

3. In irregular warfare, guns should generally be dispersed rather than concentrated, so as to bring effective fire to bear at any point where opportunities may present themselves. Moreover any artillery the enemy may possess will usually be inferior in numbers and certainly in training and efficiency, and therefore direct fire and shorter ranges than are usual in regular warfare should be employed. Against irregulars armed with rifles, who rely chiefly on fire action, covering fire from part of the artillery may be necessary, but a prolonged preparation of the attack may cause the enemy to disperse before the attack can be pushed home and is incompatible with anything in the nature of a surprise. The guns not used for covering fire should be pushed forward in order that when the enemy is finally driven out of his position he may be vigorously pursued by shell fire.