Chapter XXV: Part VI: Collective Field Practices

Total rounds 50
Surplus rounds 25
Total rounds for Table B 250

For the conditions of Collective Field Practices on Classification Ranges see pp. 188-192.

TABLE A.

RECRUITS’ COURSE--ROYAL ARTILLERY, DRIVERS ROYAL ENGINEERS
(REGULARS), ARMY SERVICE CORPS (REGULARS AND SPECIAL RESERVE),
AND ARMY ORDNANCE CORPS.

GROUPING PRACTICE FOR THOSE RECRUITS OR TRAINED MEN WHO FAIL IN THE PRELIMINARY TEST.

---+-------------+----------------------+-----------+---------+--------------------------
| | | Distance | | Position and Grouping
No.| Practice. | Target. | in Yards. | Rounds. | Standard.
---+-------------+----------------------+-----------+---------+--------------------------
1 | Grouping | 2nd Class Elementary | 100 | 5 | Lying, with rest.
| | (Bull’s-eye) | | |
2 | ” | 2nd Class Elementary | 100 | 5 | Lying.
| | (Bull’s-eye) | | |
| | | +---------+
| ” | Total rounds | | 10 |

ELEMENTARY COURSE FOR FIRST-YEAR MEN AND THIRD-CLASS SHOTS.

1 | Grouping | 2nd Class Elementary | 100 | 5 | Lying. All shots in 12-inch
| | (Bull’s-eye) | | | ring.
2 | Application | 2nd Class Elementary | 200 | 5 | Lying, with rest. Five
| | (Bull’s-eye) | | | hits including four within
| | | | | Inner (24-inch) ring.
3 | ” | 2nd Class Elementary | 200 | 5 | Lying. Five hits, including
| | (Bull’s-eye) | | | four within Inner
| | | | | (24-inch) ring.
4 | ” | 1st Class Figure | 300 | 5 | Lying. Taking cover behind
| | | | | stones or sandbars
| | | | | representing a parapet
| | | | | and firing over them.
| | | | | Four hits.
5 | ” | ” ” | 400 | 5 | Lying.
6 | ” | ” ” | 500 | 5 | Lying. Taking cover as
| | | | | in 4.
| | | +----------+
| | Total rounds | | 30 |
---+-------------+----------------------+-----------+---------+--------------------------

NOTE.--The course should be fired in five days as follows:--

Practices 1 and 2, _first day_. Repetition, _second day_. Practices 3 and 4, _third day_. Repetition, _fourth day_. Practices 5 and 6, _fifth day_.

Practices 1, 2, 3, and 4 will be repeated once each if the grouping standard is not attained, but not on the same day. Should the firer have attained the grouping standard in any of the first four practices without repetition, he may on conclusion of all the practices be given the option of repeating No. 6 with a view to increasing his score for qualification.

In all cases of repetition the second score only will count for classification.

As a rule five days should be devoted to firing the course, of which the second and fourth would be reserved for repetition and careful instruction of indifferent shots.

Surplus rounds will be used as the officer commanding the battery or company may direct on preliminary or further training, testing rifles, occasional shots, or marksmen’s firing in Part III., Table B, for cavalry and infantry.

Points required for 2nd Class=65. Grouping standards have no effect on classification; they govern repetition only.

TABLE B.

ANNUAL COURSE--ROYAL ARTILLERY, ARMY SERVICE CORPS, AND ARMY ORDNANCE CORPS.

TRAINED SOLDIERS’ COURSE FOR MARKSMEN, FIRST AND SECOND CLASS SHOTS.

---+-------------+----------------------+-----------+---------+--------------------------
| | | Distance | | Position
No.| Practice. | Target. | in Yards. | Rounds. |
---+-------------+----------------------+-----------+---------+--------------------------
1 | Grouping | 2nd Class Elementary | 100 | 5 | Lying.
| | (Bull’s-eye) | | |
2 | Application | 2nd Class Figure | 200 | 5 | Lying. Taking cover behind
| | | | | stones or sandbags
| | | | | and firing round them
| | | | | with side of rifle only
| | | | | rested.
3 | ” | 2nd Class Figure | 300 | 5 | Sitting or kneeling.
4 | ” | 1st Class Figure | 400 | 5 | Lying.
5 | Rapid | ” ” | 400 | 5 | Lying. 40 seconds allowed.
6 | Application | ” ” | 500 | 5 | Lying. Taking cover behind
| | | | | stones or sandbags
| | | | | representing a parapet
| | | | | and firing over them.
7 | Snapshooting| 2nd Class Figure | 200 | 5 | Lying. Taking cover as
| | | | | in 2. 5 seconds’ exposure.
8 | Observation | Iron falling | 300 | 5 | Lying. Taking cover as
| | | | | in 6. Firing in pairs.
| | | +---------+
| | Total rounds | | 40 |
---+-------------+----------------------+-----------+---------+--------------------------

NOTE.--Three points will be allowed for every direct hit in Practice 8.

In Practices 5 and 8 there will be no signalling until the firer has completed his practice.

In Practice 8 there will be separate targets for each firer, and the firers in each pair will fire alternately, assisting each other by observation.

Classification:--

Those who obtain 95 points or more 1st Class shots.
Those who obtain 60 points and less than 95 2nd Class shots.
Those who obtain less than 60 points 3rd Class shots.

Section =65=.--General Rules for Field Practices.

=1. Special Instructions.=--(i) (_a_) Not more than twenty rounds should be fired in field practices in one day.

(_b_) The dress for individual field practices will be drill order, and for collective field practices marching order.

(_c_) The firing positions will be any that are suited to the ground or conditions of the scheme.

(_d_) Some practice should be given in snapshooting in the standing position during rapid advances at short range.

(ii) =Practices on Classification Ranges.=--If it is absolutely necessary to use classification ranges (see Sec. 66), the practices should be performed on a flank, if the extent of the danger area will permit. In this case, or if the actual range is used, the ground should be broken by means of screens, earth parapets, brushwood, or any other suitable contrivance, with a view to introducing some realism and uncertainty as to distances.

(iii) =Allotment of Ammunition.=--The allotments of ammunition to individual and collective field practices respectively may be varied as general officers commanding may decide, but the total amount allotted to field practices is to be fired in field practices, even if a classification range only is available. Due safety precautions must be taken (see _Musketry Regulations_, Part II.).

(iv) =Registers and Records.=--Company commanders will keep registers of all collective practices fired. Ricochets will not be included in the figures recording results of standard or comparative firing. They will be shown separately from other hits in the registers.

=2. Individual Field Practices.=--(i) The distances should not exceed 600 yards. Training should be progressive in regard to targets, distances, and all other respects. _It is essential to give firers full information as to the object of the practice, and to criticize freely the good and bad points of their shooting_ [Sec. 54, para. 2 (iv)].

(ii) The firers should be formed into small squads, but there should be no fire control, nor any orders except such as may be necessary to regulate fire and movement in the interest of safety and to insure that the objects of the training are fully carried out.

(iii) Practice will be afforded in acting promptly against targets appearing suddenly and disappearing after a short period of exposure. The value of every shot will be ascertained by markers, and notified to the firer. The men will as a rule fire alternately, working in pairs for mutual assistance. When a successful shot is observed, the correct sighting as found will be immediately notified by the firer to the remainder of the squad.

(iv) Any preliminary information as to the ground and results of range-finding at long range which might be available on service should be given in the later practices in order to combine all methods of ranging.

=3. Collective Field Practices.=--(_a_) Collective field practices, if ground is available, should be fired almost entirely at longer ranges. When ground is not available for firing at ranges beyond 600 yards, practice in collective firing is necessarily conducted at shorter ranges, but such practice must be supplemented by fire-direction practices without ammunition at longer ranges.

(_b_) _Arranging Targets._--The practice of requiring units to arrange targets or positions for others to fire at, or during a skirmish to place head-and-shoulder targets on the ground to represent themselves in position at any temporary halt, has been found to stimulate interest.

=Casualty Competitions.=--Falling or collapsible targets are of great value in all field practices, and may be used with advantage in casualty competitions designed to test the relative abilities of two firing lines, which simultaneously fire at separate sets of targets representing their opponents. Each man is represented by a target placed in front of the opposing firing-line, and becomes a casualty if that target falls. In this way superiority of fire is soon established by one line or the other, and fire ceases.

Section =66=.--Field Practices on Classification Ranges.

=1. General Rules.=--The following are examples of individual and collective field practices for use on classification ranges, as used at the School of Musketry, Hythe. They are intended as a guide to officers who have to frame practices for their units. These practices and similar ones may be fired on classification ranges on which rapid practices are allowed if the following points are observed:

(i) =Damage to Gallery.=--It is most important, for the safety
of the range, that any damage done to the gallery-bank should be
made good each day, as soon as the practices are completed.

(ii) =Oblique Fire.=--In practices involving oblique fire, such
as those in which the crossing figure No. 6 is used, the run of
the figure or figures should be confined to a lateral space of
25 yards. The firers should occupy a corresponding space at the
firing-point. These oblique practices must not be fired at ranges
less than 400 yards.

(iii) =Falling Plates.=--Earthenware tiles should be used, as
steel plates give back-splashes which may endanger the markers.
_Tiles_ should be placed about 4 feet below the top of the
stop-butt. If there is no stop-butt, they may be placed at the
foot of the gallery-slope.

=2. Targets.=--Targets will be supplied by R.E. (_vide_ _Musketry Regulations_, Part II., 1910, para. 141).

(i) =Wood.=--Veneer figures can be supplied, or they can be cut
out of match-boarding. Dimensions will be found in _Musketry
Regulations_, Part II., 1910, Plate 37 _et seq._ For use in a
gallery, the figures must be mounted on poles.

(ii) =Tiles.=--Earthenware tiles can be obtained. Ordinary
roofing tiles are cheaper, and answer the purpose. A useful and
cheap substitute is 3 bricks placed on end on a flat piece of
wood, and tied together with a piece of string or wire.

=3. Markers.=--The success of a practice depends largely on the markers. They should be rehearsed carefully, but not in view of the firers.

INDIVIDUAL FIELD PRACTICES.

=No. 1.=

=Object=: To teach the necessity for quick opening of fire with effect from the first shot.

=Rounds=: 5 per man.

=Targets=: 2 iron falling-plates for each pair of firers.

=Distance=: Unknown--about 250 yards.

=Method=: 2 squads, each of four firers, are extended in pairs, rifles unloaded and at safe, sights normal, till the command “Fire.” Squads fire against each other.

Targets represent the firers of the opposing squad.

When a target is knocked down, the man of the opposing team in a corresponding position ceases fire, unloads, and takes no further part in the practice; his ammunition is available for the other man of his pair.

Points are allotted as follows:

For each hit, 5 points; total, 10 points.

If both targets hit within 40 seconds, 5 points; total, 15 points.

=No. 2.=

=Object=: To bring out the dependence of movement on fire.

=Rounds=: 10 per man.

=Targets=: A Figure 3 target for each firer, to be exposed 3 times for 35 seconds at 35 seconds’ interval. Targets to be twirled and lowered when hit, and not to reappear till the next exposure.

=Distance=: Known--600 to 400 yards.

=Method=: (6) Firers, with rifles loaded and extended behind cover on the 600 yards’ firing-point; they open fire on the targets appearing. On the completion of each of the first two exposures the order “Advance” is given, when the firers double forward 100 yards.

=Scoring=: 3 points for each hit. 1 point for each unfired round handed in, if target has been hit at each range.

=No. 3.=

=Object=: To test men’s intelligence and marksmanship.

=Rounds=: 10 per man.

=Targets=: 3 Figure 6 targets concealed behind a short length of wall (built of sandbags on the marker’s gallery), or represented by a specially prepared screen, which is understood to be bullet-proof. One of the targets (representing a man observing) looks round one end of the wall for 10 seconds, and if not fired at moves in quick time along the gallery, followed by the other two targets at 3 paces interval.

On the first shot being fired, all targets move at the double towards the nearest cover (either the wall or the end of the gallery). Any targets which are still under cover when fire is opened do not appear.

Targets to be twirled and lowered when hit.

=Distance=: Known--400 yards.

=Method=: 2 men with rifles loaded are concealed behind cover on the 400 yards’ firing-point, and are told the following:

“You are a patrol; before reaching this point you saw an enemy’s patrol of 3 men move behind the wall on the marker’s gallery; you have crept up here unseen by them.

“None of your troops are within a mile of you, and it is unlikely that the enemy’s patrol is closely supported.

“Your object is to try to shoot all the enemy’s patrol. The marker’s gallery represents flat ground, with cover at each end of it.”

=No. 4.=

=Object=: A test of rapidity of fire, combined with accuracy after movement.

=Rounds=: 10 per man.

=Targets=: A Figure 3 target and 5 iron falling-plates for each firer.

The Figure 3 target to be exposed twice for 3 seconds at an interval of 30 seconds.

=Distance=: 200 to 300 yards.

=Method=: (6) Firers are formed up about 50 yards in rear of the selected fire position (rifles unloaded and at safe).

On the command, “Advance,” they rush to the fire position, load, and adjust sights. 25 seconds after the order “Advance,” the Figure 3 target is exposed, when fire will be opened. The falling-plates will then be engaged till the second exposure of the Figure 3 target, after which fire will cease.

=Scoring=: 2 points for each hit on the Figure 3. 1 point for each plate knocked down.

(If desired, this practice can be carried out without movement.)

=No. 5.=

=Object=: To teach the necessity for quickness in obtaining effect.

=Rounds=: 5 per man.

=Targets=: 1 Figure 6 target, 1 Figure 3 target, and 2 Figure 4 targets for each firer, to appear as follows within a given sector at about 5 seconds’ interval:

Figure 6 moving to a flank for 5 seconds.

Figure 3 appears for 4 seconds.

Figure 4 appears for 3 seconds.

2 Figures 4 appear for 10 seconds.

Targets when hit will not be replaced.

=Distance=: Known--300 yards.

=Method=: (6) Firers with rifles loaded are extended behind cover, and told to watch their front. They open fire on the appearance of the targets.

=Scoring=: Figure 6 target--3 points.
” 3 ” 2 ”
” 4 ” 1 point.

=No. 6.=

=Object=: A test of rapidity and accuracy of fire.

=Rounds=: 10 per man.

=Targets=: A Figure 4 target for each firer, exposed for 45 seconds, divided into 3 unequal exposures, at intervals of 5 seconds. Targets to appear in a different place at each exposure (within certain limits).

=Distance=: Known--200 yards.

=Method=: (6) Firers lying in the open (rifle unloaded and at safe) are told to watch their front. On the appearance of the targets, they load and open fire.

COLLECTIVE FIELD PRACTICES.

=No. 1.=

=Object=: To practise section commanders in applying collective fire from observation.

=Rounds=: 10 per man.

=Targets=: 8 iron falling-plates 1 yard apart, in two groups of four, on the stop-butt.

=Distance=: Unknown--about 850 yards.

Method: A section (12 firers) is formed up in rear of the 800 yards’ firing-point. Rifles to be unloaded and at safe till warning, “Commence,” 3 minutes after which fire will cease.

NOTES.--Method of ranging and correction. Point of aim given. Fire orders.

=No. 2.=

=Object=: To exercise section commanders in giving fire orders and in controlling fire.

=Rounds=: 10 per man.

=Targets=: (_a_) 3 Figure 3 targets, 1 yard apart.
(_b_) 1 Figure 6 target.

(_a_) and (_b_) are exposed twice separately and once together in any order for 30 seconds at irregular intervals.

Targets hit will be twirled and lowered, and will not reappear till the next exposure.

=Distance=: Known--500 yards.

=Method=: A section (12 firers) is extended on the firing-point; on the appearance of the targets, the commander gives his fire orders.

=Notes=.--Rapidity in dealing with the situation. Fire orders. Volume employed. Point of aim.

=No. 3.=

=Object=: To bring out the necessity for (_a_) opening fire in full volume to produce surprise, (_b_) making fire effective from the first opening.

=Rounds=: 10 per man.

=Targets=: 8 Figure 1 targets, representing men in close formation. On the first shot being fired, these are replaced by 8 Figure 6 targets extending outwards; when these are well extended, they are replaced by 8 Figure 4 targets, which remain exposed for 1 minute. Any figure hit will be lowered, and not replaced by another.

=Distance=: Known--500 yards.

=Method=: A section (12 firers) is ordered to ambush and shoot all of a small body of the enemy in order to obtain some written information which is believed to be in their possession. The enemy is expected to cross a piece of flat ground represented by the marker’s gallery.

NOTES.--Use of cover for concealment. Preliminary arrangements. Simultaneous and quick opening of fire in full volume at the close formation. Change of rate to slow fire at the extended line.

=No. 4.=

=Object=: Superiority of fire. A test of rapidity and accuracy of fire.

=Rounds=: 10 per man.

=Targets=: 10 Figure 3 targets, reinforced by 3 more after 15 seconds, and then every 10 seconds up to 55 seconds.

Targets hit are lowered.

If at any time all targets have been hit, no more will be put up; benefit of doubt to be given to the firers.

Should the number of targets at any time exceed 10, the firers have lost superiority of fire, and fire ceases.

=Distance=: 400 yards.

=Method=: A section (10 firers), with rifles unloaded and at safe, lie down on the firing-point. Sights may be adjusted.

On the appearance of the targets, the commander gives orders to load, and fire orders. Fire will cease (_a_) should the number of targets exceed 10, (_b_) if all targets are down, (_c_) one minute after the first appearance of the targets.

The time in which all targets are hit, or the number of targets left standing at the end of a minute, should be noted.

NOTE.--This practice may be fired as a competition.

=No. 5.=

=Object=: A practice which brings out rapidity of loading, sight-setting, movement, and fire, combined with accuracy.

=Rounds=: 10 per man.

=Targets=: 10 iron falling-plates extended to 3 paces.

=Distance=: 600 yards to position.

=Method=: A section (10 firers) lie down on the firing-point, rifles unloaded and at safe, sights normal, till the warning, “Commence,” when the commander gives his orders.

One round at least must be fired by each man before an advance of 100 yards is allowed. The whole section must advance together.

NOTE.--Should this practice be fired as a competition, the section which knocks down all its plates in the shortest time, or that which knocks down most plates, wins.

It will generally be found that the section which reaches 300 yards quickest will win. Teams to be disqualified if anyone advances till all safety-catches are on.

=No. 6.=

=Object=: To bring out the great advantage of ranging by observation, before the target appears, when circumstances permit.

=Rounds=: 15 per man.

=Targets=: 20 Figure 6 targets. A length of wooden hurdles on the marker’s gallery represents a bridge.

=Distance=: 800 yards.

=Method=: A section (10 firers). The commander is given the following information:

“You are placed here to cover that bridge, which is the only way the enemy can cross.

“They are now 500 or 600 yards from it, and mean to get across.

“You are being supported, and your first duty is to be prepared to bring a heavy fire on the bridge.

“There is no need for concealment.”

NOTE.--The enemy appears near the bridge 3 minutes after these instructions are given. Method of ranging. Anticipatory orders.

=No. 7.=

=Object=: A practice to exemplify fire and movement during an advance.

=Rounds=: 15 per man.

=Targets=: A screen 10 by 3 feet at 800 and 700 yards. Both will be put up together; one will be lowered when hit by 10 shots at 800 yards, the other will similarly be lowered when hit 10 times at 700 yards.

5 Figure 3 targets extended to 3 paces will be exposed 5 seconds after the disappearance of the second screen.

Targets to be exposed till hit; they will be lowered when hit.

5 seconds after the last target is hit they will be again exposed till they have been exposed 5 times.

=Distance=: Known--800 to 200 yards.

=Method=: 2 sections (20 firers) under the platoon sergeant, lie down on the 800 yards’ firing-point, rifles unloaded and at safe, sights normal. On the warning, “Commence,” the commander gives his orders, 10 minutes after which fire will cease.

A screen must be lowered before any advance may be made at 800 and 700 yards.

All five targets must be lowered before an advance may be made at the other ranges.

Advances will each be 100 yards.

No advance will be made beyond 200 yards.

NOTE.--If fired as a competition, the 2 sections who get most targets down win; if more than one team get all their targets down, that with the most ammunition in hand wins.

=No. 8.=

=Object=: A practice to show the dependence of movement on fire.

=Rounds=: 10 per man.

=Targets=: 12 Figure 3 targets, extended to 3 paces; each to be lowered when hit.

5 seconds after the last one has been lowered, the targets will be again exposed till hit.

=Distance=: Known--600, 500, 400 yards.

=Method=: A section (10 firers) is extended to 3 paces on the 600 yards’ firing-point, rifles unloaded and at safe, sights normal.

On the warning, “Commence,” the commander gives his orders.

No advance will be made from 600 yards till four targets have been lowered.

No advance will be made from 600 yards till the remaining eight targets have been lowered.

NOTE.--If fired as a competition, the section which hits all its targets at 400 yards in the shortest time wins, or the section which hits most targets.