(Sec. 30, para. 1).--This important rule can be illustrated on the
Target with scenery and a number of figures representing men in various
firing positions at different distances, disposed either singly or in
groups in the open or _partly_ behind cover such as bushes, rocks,
walls, etc. The figures should be placed in front of background which
harmonizes with their colour, so that they are invisible to the naked
eye when motionless. The mechanism should then be operated so as to
move the figures slightly to demonstrate to the class (_a_) that a
figure which is invisible to the naked eye while motionless catches the
eye through movement, and (_b_) that while quick movements may escape
the eye, and even if seen may make marking down difficult, movements
prolonged even for a short time catch the eye and facilitate marking
down. This object-lesson will emphasize the rule that movements in the
open should be confined to those which are absolutely necessary, and
that these should be made smartly.
(iv) =Firing from Cover.=--This instruction can be practised on
miniature ranges, according to the rules laid down in Sec. 31, para. 4,
with cover improvised by the use of sandbags, etc. Care must be taken
to see that the firing positions are correctly adapted to different
forms of cover. The need for keeping the eye fixed on the target
when firing from cover can be illustrated on the Target by the use
of scenery and disappearing and crossing figures representing men at
different distances. The correct and incorrect method of using various
kinds of cover can also be illustrated on the Target, together with
faults such as firing over instead of round the side of cover when this
is possible, undue exposure, and unnecessary movement. The Target can
also be used with scenery and figures for lectures on the choice of
cover and the advantages and disadvantages of different kinds of cover
according to the instruction laid down in Sec. 31, para. 3 (ii) to (iv)
inclusive, and para. 5.
=4. Visual Training=--(i) =Discernment of Targets.=--Training can be
carried out on the Target as described in Sec. 34 with different types
of scenery and figures representing both men and bodies of troops in
different formations at various ranges. The methods of instruction
described in paras. 3 to 8 of this section, inclusive, can be carried
out on the same principle as in training on the ground.
(ii) =Effect of Background on Visibility.=--Figs. 55 and 56 illustrate
object-lessons in the effect of background on the visibility of service
targets. For instance, lying figures in front of the hedge to the left
of the tree on the left of the white house in the foreground of Fig.
55 are hardly visible at close range in the open, while a khaki figure
near the right edge of the dark wood to the right of the hills in Fig.
56 is distinct, though it represents a man 1,400 yards away, while the
rest of a line of similar figures coloured grey extended to his right
in front of the wood are invisible. It must be remembered that in
photographic reproduction the visibility of the figures is exaggerated
as compared with their visibility against the scenery when observed
with the naked eye at 25 yards.
(iii) Figures which are invisible to the naked eye against the scenic
background of the Target can be made distinctly visible by holding a
white piece of paper behind them to throw them into sharp relief. This
object-lesson will illustrate the manner in which a sky-line or a sheet
of water, for instance, affects the visibility of object seen against
such backgrounds. The effect of movement on visibility has been dealt
with in para. 3 (iii) of this section.
(iv) =Use of Field-Glasses.=--This can be practised as described in
Sec. 34, para. 6.
=5. Military Vocabulary and Study of Ground.=--This instruction can be
carried out on the Target with scenery and figures, including those
which represent troops in different formations, artillery, transport,
etc., and also on Landscapes according to the rules laid down in Sec.
35, paras. 3 to 6 inclusive.
=6. Range-Cards and Range-Marks= (Sec. 40).--The Target with scenery
and also Landscapes may be used for lectures on the choice of features
of ground for taking ranges, and for the preparation of range-cards and
range-marks in attack and defence.
=7. Observation of Fire.=--Observation of fire can be practised on
miniature ranges as described in Sec. 73, para 4.
=8. Fire Direction and Control.=--(i) =Lectures.=--Lectures on
organization for fire action and the tactical application of fire,
based on the instruction laid down in Chapter VI, can be illustrated
on the Target with scenery and figures, and also to some extent on
Landscapes. These lectures should include subjects such as allocation
of frontages and objectives to fire-units, indication of the limits of
sectors by description points, justification for opening fire, choice
of targets, concentration and distribution of fire, mutual support,
surprise, and use of rapid fire [see Sec. 74, para. 5 (iii)].
(ii) =Description and Recognition of Targets.=--This instruction should
be carried out as described in Sec. 45 on the Target with scenery and
figures, and on Landscapes. In training fire-unit commanders in the
description of targets on the Solano Target the apparatus should be
arranged beforehand, so that the instructor is able suddenly to expose
targets representing bodies of troops at different distances in various
parts of the field of fire (see Sec. 74, para. 4).
=9. Fire Discipline.=--Men may be practised in the duties of fire
discipline, including passing fire orders, concurrently with the
training of fire-unit commanders as described in Sec. 47, paras. 8 to
11 inclusive. They may also be practised in working in pairs during
exercises in fire discipline, and by individual field practices and
observation practices.
Section =73=.--Range Practices.
=1. Arrangement of Target.=--The arrangement of the Target for grouping
and application practices is shown in Fig. 53. This arrangement must be
modified if the practice is an instructional one, fewer targets being
used, as it may not be found possible to accommodate eight firers and
eight instructors at the firing-point at the same time. In this case
targets should be placed on Tier A only. The arrangement of the Target
for observation practices is described in Appendix VII, para. 6, and
shown in Fig. 57.
=2. Grouping Practices.=--The dimensions of the rings to be used in
measuring groups in grouping practices fired on miniature ranges are
given in Sec. 49, para. 6 (xi). Instruction will be carried out on
the principles laid down in Sec. 52, and Sec. 56. The conditions of
practices are laid down in Tables A and B.
=3. Instructional Practices.=--The conditions of these practices are
laid down in Tables A and B.
=4. Observation Practices.=--These practices can be carried out with
figures to practise men in the duties described in Sec. 47, para. 4.
The range may be estimated by the size of the figure fired at, and aim
corrected by observing the results of fire as the bullets strike the
sawdust bank or paper screen (see Sec. 74, para. 6, Practice No. 4).
Section =74=.--Field Practices, Night Firing and Competitions.
=1. Arrangement of Target and Number of Firers.=--The arrangement of
the Target for individual and collective field practices is shown
in Figs. 55 and 56, and fully described in the _Official Handbook_
mentioned in the Appendix, VII, para. 1. Targets may be arranged on
both tiers. If necessary, as many as eight men may fire individual
field practices at the same time. Six or eight men under a fire-unit
commander is a convenient number for firing collective field practices
either on the Target or landscapes. The Firers may represent a
single fire-unit under its commander, or be divided into two or more
fire-units, each under its own commander. The arrangement of landscapes
for collective field practices is shown in Figs. 57 and 58, and
described in the _Official Handbook_ referred to above.
=2. Conditions of Practices.=--(i) The conditions of practices as laid
down in this chapter may be varied at the discretion of the instructor
to suit the skill of firers. Instructors should encourage fire-unit
commanders and men to devise the conditions of practical individual and
collective field practices. Interest will be added to a practice if men
are allowed, under his supervision, to arrange the scenery and place
targets in position for practices to be carried out by their comrades.
Before commencing, the object of each practice will be explained to the
firers by the instructor.
(ii) After firing, the squad will proceed to the Target, when the
results of firing will be criticized and the causes of failure
discussed. Hits on figure targets will be counted for scoring according
to the rules laid down in the field practices in Chapter VIII and in
Appendix, VI, paras. 4 and 5. Rifles are to be loaded before or after
commencement of practice or appearance of targets, as ordered. Movement
may be carried out by running distances representing an advance either
outside the range or between firing-point and butt, _due precautions
being taken to avoid accidents_.
=3. Individual Field Practices=--(i) =Demonstrations.=--Individual
field practices may with advantage commence with demonstrations carried
out with or without firing on the Target, arranged with scenery
and figures to illustrate lectures on important subjects, such as
justification for opening fire, choice of targets, and the duties of
men working in pairs.
(ii) =Justification for Opening Fire.=--For example, justification
for opening fire may be illustrated by the following object-lesson,
which will also help men to recognize the limit of individual fire,
and explain the need for collective fire beyond close range. Figures
representing infantry lines in extended order at 2,000, 1,800, 1,600,
1,400, 1,200, 1,000, 800, 600, and 400 yards, may be exposed on
Tiers A and B to represent the advance of an enemy in attack. All
the figures will be shown against background which harmonizes with
their colouring. The difficulty of discerning targets beyond close
range will be demonstrated. The difficulty of estimating the range
of the figures beyond close range by the difference in their size,
even when difficulties due to atmospheric influences and movement are
absent, will also be indicated. Finally, a good shot may be told off
to fire five rounds at a 1,000 yards figure; five rounds at a 600
yards figure; and five rounds at a 400 yards figure, to illustrate the
limit of probable assurance of fire effect from individual fire, and
to demonstrate the principle which underlies justification for opening
individual fire--namely, that such fire must not be opened unless there
is at least probable assurance of effect.
(iii) =Choice of Targets.=--The principle underlying the choice of
targets in individual firing may be illustrated in the same manner
by arranging figures on the Target so as to represent more or less
favourable or important targets between which firers may commonly
have to choose. For instance, figures representing a line of men in
extended order may be arranged so that the intervals between the men
in some parts of the line are considerable, while in others they art
crowded together, shoulder to shoulder (see footnote, p. 226). Here
the thickest part of the line is the more favourable target. Again,
targets which are distinctly visible owing to the effect of background
are more favourable than those which are rendered indistinct owing
to this cause. Targets consisting of men in the standing position
are, other conditions being equal, more favourable than those in the
kneeling and lying positions, and men in the open are obviously more
favourable targets than those partly concealed behind cover, especially
if it affords protection from fire. These object-lessons illustrate
the principle underlying the choice of targets--namely, to select the
target which gives the greatest probable assurance of fire effect, or
which in any given situation is the most important.
(iv) Object-lessons illustrating other important points may be arranged
on the Target by instructors on the same principle as the above
examples.
(v) =Conditions of Practices.=--_The Individual Field Practices Nos. 1
to 6 on pp. 185-188, Chapter VIII, can all be adapted with necessary
modifications as to targets, numbers firing, etc., for firing on the
Solano Target with scenery, scenic accessories, and figures._ The
following are examples of other individual field practices which can
be carried out on the Target, and are suitable for both instruction
and competitions. Firing should be carried out in the different firing
positions from behind cover, as well as without cover, or rest for arms
or rifle.
INDIVIDUAL FIELD PRACTICES ON THE SOLANO TARGET.
=No. 1.=
=Object=: To teach men to open fire with effect quickly.
=Rounds=: 6 per man.
=Targets=: 2 per man--one 300 yards head and shoulders, and one 400
yards standing figure on different tiers.
=Directions=: Each target to be exposed singly in any order, 3 times
for 5 seconds, at uncertain intervals of not less than 10 seconds. 1
round to be fired on each exposure.
=No. 2.=
=Object=: To teach men to open fire with effect quickly and to aim off.
=Rounds=: 5 per man.
=Targets=: 1 per man--400 or 600 yards standing figure.
=Directions=: The figures will be arranged on the carriers of the
crossing mechanism on Tier A. Scenic accessories, such as houses,
trees, foliage, etc., will be arranged on the Target so as to conceal
the figures at their starting-points, and also along the _front groove_
of the Tier across which the figures will be moved with irregular
intervals of some 6 to 12 inches between them. The figures will be
moved from the concealment of cover to represent an enemy’s scout
doubling across the firer’s front from cover to cover. On disappearing
behind each successive piece of cover the figures will be halted for
an uncertain time, not less than 5 seconds, after which they will be
retired or advanced to the shelter of the nearest cover, when they will
again be halted. Each figure will be exposed in this manner 5 times. 1
round will be fired on each exposure while the figure is in motion.
=No. 3.=
=Object=: To teach men to mark down an enemy.
=Rounds=: 6 per man.
=Targets=: 2 per man--400 or 600 yards standing figure.
=Directions=: One figure on each tier of the Target fixed to clips
either without cover in front or behind cover which affords protection
from fire, such as rocks, a wall, or a bank. The cover must not
conceal more than half the figure when exposed. At first cover may
be isolated to facilitate marking down, but as progress is made it
should be continuous. Each target to be exposed singly for 3 seconds
in any order and at uncertain intervals of not less than 10 seconds,
then disappeared for 10 seconds, and then exposed again for 4 seconds.
1 round to be fired at each target on second exposure. This practice
can also be carried out with the men working in pairs and taking it in
turns to fire and to help to observe and mark down.
=No. 4.=
=Object=: To teach men to fire at ground.
=Rounds=: 3 per man.
=Targets=: 1 per man--400 or 600 yards standing figure.
=Directions=: The figure, must be fixed to clips on either tier
behind cover which does not afford protection from fire, such as a
bush or hedge. The cover must not conceal more than half the figure
when exposed. At first, to render marking down and aim easy, cover
may be isolated, such as a bush, but as progress is made it should
be continuous. Each figure will be exposed for 3 seconds and then
disappeared to represent a man advancing and taking cover. 10 seconds
will be allowed for firing 3 shots at the ground line of the spot
marked down for the position of the figure behind cover. This practice
can also be carried out with the men working in pairs and taking it in
turns to fire and to help to observe and mark down. Hits may be checked
as follows--on the back of cover immediately in front of the figure an
outline in pencil must be drawn of its head and shoulders to represent
the figure in the lying position behind cover. The shot-holes will then
show whether hits have been scored.
=No. 5.=
=Object=: To teach men to snapshoot.
=Rounds=: 6 per man.
=Targets=: 3 per man--300 or 400 yards head and shoulders figures and
400 or 600 yards standing figures.
=Directions=: A great variety of these practices can be arranged, and
men should be encouraged to devise the conditions. Targets must be
concealed on the moving and disappearing mechanism Tier A and on Tier B
behind cover such as walls, rocks, trees, hedges, bushes, houses, and
cottages (see Appendix, Sec. VII, para. 4). Figures will be exposed
to represent men firing over cover and round the side of cover. The
doors and windows of the larger houses and cottages may be cut out
and disappearing figures exposed for short intervals to represent men
firing from them as in _street fighting_. Targets may also be exposed
to represent men moving quickly across open spaces between cover such
as trees, etc., to represent targets seen in _wood fighting_.
Men will fire from behind cover, care being taken to see that they
watch ground while waiting to fire in correct positions with the
minimum of exposure, and that all unnecessary movements in loading and
firing are avoided. Men will be trained to aim and fire immediately on
the appearance of the target with the minimum of exposure while doing
so, and to take cover, load, and resume their watch for targets as
quickly as possible after firing. Each target will be exposed twice
for 4 seconds. They will be exposed singly in any order at intervals
not exceeding 10 seconds, 1 round will be fired on each exposure. They
may also be exposed simultaneously to test the judgment of men in the
_choice of targets_.
=No. 6.=
=Object=: To teach men to combine rapidity with accuracy of fire.
=Rounds=: 5 per man.
=Targets=: 1 per man--400 or 600 yards standing figure.
=Directions=: On the exposure of the target men will fire 5 rounds as
rapidly as possible. The time taken by each man in firing 5 rounds will
be checked. Accuracy must not be sacrificed for rapidity, and hits
scored will be more important than the time taken in firing.
=No. 7.=
=Object=: To teach men to combine fire and movement.
=Rounds=: 6 per man.
=Targets=: Any of the following: (_a_) A row of Solano figures
representing a line of loopholed head-cover entrenchments. (_b_) A row
of 300 or 400 yards head-and-shoulder figures representing men firing
from a bank or open trench. (_c_) A row of low bushes representing
the line of a screened entrenchment. (_d_) A stone wall marked with
loopholes or with head-and-shoulder figures exposed at intervals to
represent men firing over it. (_e_) A row of houses defended from doors
and windows. (_f_) Folds of ground, etc.
=Directions=: The above targets, (_a_) to (_e_) inclusive, may be
arranged on either tier; (_f_) will consist of features shown on the
scenery itself. The firers will represent a firing-line advancing at
close range. Firing will be carried out as follows: 2 rounds will be
fired; the men will then run 50 yards and fire 2 more rounds, after
which they will run 50 yards again and fire the last 2 rounds.
=4. Fire Direction Practices= (Sec. 42, paras. 8 and 9, Sec. 47, paras.
2 to 4 inclusive, and Sec. 54, para. 3).--(i) Though officers and
N.C.O.’s cannot be trained satisfactorily in the important duties of
ranging on miniature ranges, much useful instruction can be carried out
by fire direction practices on the target and landscapes, the object of
which will be to teach fire-unit commanders and men to work together in
some of the principal duties of fire direction, control, and discipline
before proceeding to fire collective field practices.
(ii) The object of these practices is to train fire-unit commanders
to discern targets quickly, describe them accurately, and give clear,
correct fire orders (Sec. 46, paras. 1 to 6 inclusive), and to train
men to recognize targets, obey and pass fire orders. Both officers and
men will previously have been trained to some extent in these duties.
In fire direction practices they should be carried out as a whole under
a time limit, reckoned from the appearance of the target to the end of
firing or aiming in obedience to fire orders. The time limit should
be decreased as progress is made. Observers should also be trained
in their duties in these practices, which should be devised so as to
train both fire-unit commanders and observers to watch for signals and
maintain communication with neighbouring units (Sec. 42, para. 8 (ii)
(_b_), and para. 9).
(iii) The target should be arranged before practices with a variety of
figures representing various arms and troops in different formations
at various ranges (Appendix, VII, para. 5). They should be exposed
suddenly for short time limits corresponding approximately to the
probable time exposure of such targets on service. Fire-unit commanders
should use field-glasses and include ranges estimated by the size of
the figures in fire orders. Passing fire orders may be practised by
passing them down a line of men to those at the firing-point (Sec. 46,
para. 7). This should be done if possible while firing is proceeding.
Practices may be carried out with firing or by aiming with rifles on
rests for laying aim. Instructors must carefully criticize the work of
both fire-unit commanders and men.
=5. Collective Field Practices= (Sec. 54, para. 4)--(i)
=Demonstrations.=--These practices may be preceded by lectures
demonstrating some of the _Points for Criticism_ set out in Sec. 54,
para. 4 (iii), and also points in the instruction laid down in Sec. 35,
para. 4 (_Reconnaissance of Ground in Attack and Defence_), Sec. 42
(_Organization for Fire Action_), Sec. 43 (_Effect of Fire at Different
Ranges on Various Formations and Objectives_), and Sec. 44 (_Tactical
Application of Fire_).
(ii) =Arrangement of Target for Demonstrations.=--Demonstrations
should be carried out on the Target arranged with scenery and figures
with or without firing to illustrate instruction. The arrangement of
the target for lectures and demonstrations affords scope for skill
and ingenuity on the part of instructors, and may be used to give
practical instruction to N.C.O.’s and men engaged to help in arranging
the scenery and figures to illustrate various principles and tactical
schemes. The following are examples of simple lessons which may be
demonstrated on the Target.
(iii) =Examples of Demonstrations.=
=No. 1. Need for Collective Fire.=--The instruction laid down in Sec.
11 may be demonstrated by arranging figures on the Target as above
described in para. 3 (ii), adding figures representing troops in
different formations, artillery and transport at ranges up to 2,500
yards. If the demonstration is carried out with firing, a useful object
lesson may be provided as follows. A row of 1,000 and 1,200 yard
figures can be arranged on the clips so that when exposed their heads
will appear over continuous cover, such as low bushes, to represent men
firing from a bank or fold of the ground. The figures will be arranged
against background which renders them invisible to the naked eye from
the firing-point. The firers will be told that they have come under
the fire of the enemy somewhere to their front, and that the need for
replying to it immediately to minimize its effect is urgent. They will
depend upon individual firing for fire effect. When they have realized
their helplessness, a fire-unit commander will indicate the target and
direct fire, the results of which will be noted.
=No. 2. Justification for Opening Fire= (Sec. 43 and Sec. 44, paras. 3
to 6 inclusive).--This may be demonstrated by various examples carried
out with or without firing to illustrate the principle that fire must
not be opened in attack or defence without reasonable assurance of
effect in regard to the object for which it is delivered. For instance,
a number of rounds may be fired at an extended line of 2,000 or 1,600
yard figures, and an equal number of rounds at an extended line of
1,000 and 800 yard figures, to illustrate the greater effect of fire
at closer ranges. It must be explained, however, that exceptionally
favourable targets may justify the opening of fire at long and distant
ranges [Sec. 43, para. 2 (iii)].
=No. 3. Choice of Targets= [Sec. 54, Note to para. 4 (iii)].--The
principle that the more favourable or important targets should be
chosen may be illustrated by various examples, as for instance by
exposing a line of 800 yard figures so that the heads and shoulders
only are visible above cover affording protection from fire, and
exposing a line of the same figures upright in the open to one side. If
carried out with firing, a demonstration of the effects of converging
fire (Sec. 44, para. 11) may be combined with that of the choice of
targets as follows: The firers may be divided into two fire-units
of four men each under its own commander. Each unit will deliver
deliberate fire for half a minute at a line of 1,000 yard figures on
Tier A within its own sector or frontage. A dense line of 800 yards
figures will then be exposed in the centre of Tier B to represent
a part of the enemy’s line which has taken advantage of a covered
approach or dead ground to push forward. Both fire-unit commanders
will at once divert the fire of half their unit in a burst of rapid
converging fire for half a minute at this favourable target while
continuing to keep the enemy’s line to his front under fire with the
rest of his unit for the same time. Results of firing will be compared.
=No. 4. Control of Fire as to Rate and Volume= (Sec. 44, paras.
14-17 inclusive).--The above object lesson illustrates the principle
governing the control of fire as to volume and rate, both of which are
increased to get the greatest possible effect against very favourable
or important targets. Many other object lessons can be devised on the
Target with figures to illustrate the principles of fire control. For
instance, against an enemy’s entrenchment or firing line under cover,
fire at longer ranges will usually be deliberate, while against the
dense line of an attack at close range or against very favourable or
important targets, especially if they are fleeting, it will usually be
delivered in rapid bursts and in as great a volume as possible. The
relation between the rate and volume of fire and the object for which
it is delivered, and the circumstances under which it is delivered,
should be explained and demonstrated in connection with fire control.
=No. 5. Concentration and Distribution of Fire= [Sec. 44, paras.
8 and 9; and Sec. 54, para. 3 (v) to (vii) inclusive].--The broad
principles which govern the concentration and distribution of fire may
be illustrated by arranging figures representing troops in different
formations, machine guns, etc., at various ranges on the Target, so
that men can see the different kinds of targets against which fire will
be concentrated or distributed. For instance, against a narrow-fronted
column or machine gun fire will be concentrated, while against lines
of infantry in extended order or the frontage of a defensive position
fire will usually be distributed. Fire may, however, be concentrated if
part of a line offers a favourable target through the men failing to
keep their extension and crowding together, on the principle that fire
should be concentrated against very vulnerable targets or at points
where it will produce increased effect.
=No. 6. Mutual Support and Covering Fire= (Sec. 44, paras. 12 and
13).--The broad principles governing the application of fire in mutual
support and covering fire may be illustrated by arranging simple
tactical schemes on the Target in the following manner: The firers will
be divided into two fire-units, as in Demonstration No. 3. They are
supposed to be part of a firing line in attack. To illustrate _mutual
support_, one unit will be represented by a line of figures on Tier B,
directly in front of it. When the figures are disappeared, the unit
they represent is supposed to be halted, and when they are exposed, it
is supposed to be advancing. The enemy’s position will be indicated as
a definite frontage in front of each unit on the scenery above Tier A,
or the scenic accessories on this tier. While both units are supposed
to be firing during a halt, the figures on Tier A will be exposed,
denoting that one unit is advancing. The commander of the other unit
will at once direct fire from part of his unit in rapid fire against
the front of the enemy’s position to the front of the advancing unit,
while keeping the enemy’s position to his front under fire from the
rest of his unit. To illustrate _covering fire_, a line of figures on
Tier B will represent the firing line of an attack, to which the firers
are supports on high ground. The enemy’s front will be indicated on
Tier A. When the figures are exposed, denoting an advance by the firing
line, the supports will cover the advance by delivering heavy fire at
the enemy’s position to the front of the figures.
=No. 7. Fire and Movement= (Sec. 44, para. 7).--The control of fire
in its application to movement may, for example, be illustrated by
supposing the firers to be part of a force acting on the defensive
against an attacking force, represented by figures on the Target.
Considerations relative to opening fire may be studied, together with
the control of fire against advancing troops, with the object of
obtaining increased effect at closer ranges and attempting surprise
(Sec. 44, paras. 17 and 18). The rate and volume of fire in relation
to movement may be demonstrated by illustrating by figures arranged
on both tiers of the Target the different stages of an attack[31] in
column and extended order formations from 1,600 to 600 or 400 yards
range, an advance, and explaining that the rate of fire is usually
deliberate when the enemy halts or takes cover, and is increased in
rate and volume when his troops present favourable targets during
forward movement, more especially to beat them off in the act of
assaulting [Sec. 44, para. 16 (i) and (ii)].
=No. 8. Organization for Fire Action= (Sec. 42).--Before commencing
collective field practices, the principles of organization for fire
action, so far as it concerns the allotment of frontages and the
division of the field of fire into separate sectors for each fire unit
should be demonstrated to fire-unit commanders on the Target or on
landscape targets. Platoon and section commanders
inclusive. may be practised in indicating the limits of sectors to
their units, after the frontage allotted to their unit in a field of
fire has been pointed out to these commanders. The limits of sectors
must be indicated in the manner described in Sec. 42, para. 3, and
illustrated in Fig. 47. The nature and details of fields of fire should
be varied as much as possible to accustom unit commanders to dealing
with all kinds of ground. The field of fire may be divided up into
two, three, or four sectors, a different unit commander being made to
indicate the limits of each sector.
(iv) =Conditions of Practices.=--_The collective field practices on pp.
188 to 192 inclusive may be adapted for miniature range firing on the
Target by modifying the conditions as may be necessary._ The conditions
of practices may also be based on the ideas contained in the examples
of demonstrations given in para. (iii) above. Instructors should
encourage fire-unit commanders and N.C.O.’s to devise simple tactical
schemes for collective field practices which, besides training officers
and men in the duties of fire direction, control, and discipline,
will teach them to give effect to the principles which govern the
application of fire. The arrangement of the Target by men for practices
to be fired by their comrades may also be used by the instructor for
imparting useful practical knowledge. Special attention should be paid
in these practices to firing from cover, passing fire orders, and fire
discipline generally. The following examples of practices will serve as
a guide to instructors with regard to conditions.
(v) =Special Rules.=--Practices will begin with the caution _Commence_,
and will end with the order _Cease Fire_. The number, nature, and
positions of targets will be unknown to firers, and must be invisible
until exposed or moved. Targets may be exposed without warning any
time after the caution _Commence_, and the order, time, and duration
of exposure or movement will be unknown to firers in every case. All
information which will help commanders and men to use their judgment
will be given them beforehand, when the object of the practice will be
explained, but no help or suggestion as to the manner in which they
will carry out their duties will be told them either before or during
a practice. Criticism will not be confined to the points noted in the
following examples of practices, but will be general. These examples
are purposely made simple, and devised as far as possible to deal with
situations which may confront men in the present campaign. They may be
varied by Instructors as desired.
COLLECTIVE FIELD PRACTICES ON THE SOLANO TARGET.
=No. 1.=
=Object=: Test of fire direction and control.
=Targets=: Tier A (left section) infantry line standing, extended
order, 1,200 yards. Right section, infantry line standing, extended
order, 800 yards. Tier B (left half) infantry line standing, extended
order, 1,000 yards--half of line crowded together.[32]
=Directions=: The firers will represent two separate units in
neighbouring localities of a defensive position. The target on Tier A
(right section) will first be exposed for ten seconds. After a pause,
both targets on Tier A will be exposed together for ten seconds. After
a pause the targets on Tier A (right section) and Tier B will be
exposed together for ten seconds. =Particulars=: The enemy at 1,200
yards is difficult to discern owing to background and undergrowth, and
the defence know that he is close to a covered approach which will
bring him to 1,000 yards of their line. =Criticism=: (i) _Justification
for Opening Fire_: (_a_) By both units on first exposure of 800 yards’
target; (_b_) by both units on exposure of 1,200 yards target. (ii)
_Choice of Targets and Mutual Support_: By left unit on simultaneous
exposure of 1,200 and 800 yards targets. (iii) _Rate of Fire_: (_a_) By
both units on first exposure of 800 yards target; (_b_) by left unit at
1,000 yards target. (iv) _Concentration and Distribution of Fire_: By
left unit at 1,000 yards target. (v) _Results of Firing._
=No. 2.=
=Object=: Test of fire direction by auxiliary aiming-marks (aiming-off).
=Target=: A point on the scenery indicated to unit commander as
concealing enemy’s machine-gun at 1,400 yards.
=Directions=: Commander is ordered to open fire at once, allowing one,
two, or three fingers’ breadths for the deflection of right-angle
winds of varying strength from left or right. He will select auxiliary
aiming-marks for direction of fire and aiming-off under a time limit.
=Criticism=: _Choice of description-point. Clearness of fire orders.
Quick opening and rate of fire. Results of firing._
=No. 3.=
=Object=: Test of fire direction by anticipatory orders.
=Directions=: A variety of targets and tactical schemes may be
employed for this practice, which may also be made to combine fire and
movement. For example, the firers may represent a force in pursuit
of retreating troops, and run 100 yards in intervals of firing to
represent an advance. At the end of movement prearranged crossing and
disappearing targets will be exposed or moved at points previously
known to commander, who will indicate them to men, telling them to
open fire when target appears without further orders. To develop
individual judgment, men will be made to use their judgment in applying
fire according to nature and importance of targets. =Criticism:=:
_Recognition of targets. Quick opening of fire. Application of fire as
to rate, volume, concentration, or distribution according to nature of
target. Fire discipline._
=No. 4.=
=Object:=: Test of individual judgment in applying rapid fire.
=Targets=: Tier A (left section), infantry line standing, extended
order, 600 yards. Line of head and shoulder figures 400 yards on right
section. Tier B, dense line standing figures, 400 yards, or strip of
cardboard of same measurements.
=Directions=: Targets will be exposed once separately for 15 seconds
each at intervals of 10 seconds between exposures in following order:
(i) 600 yards target; (ii) 400 yards head and shoulders; (iii) 400
yards standing. Men will fire without orders. =Criticism=: _Quick
opening of fire. Rate of fire at first, second, and third targets. Fire
discipline. Unsteady firing. Results of fire._
=No. 5.=
=Object=: Test of individual judgment in applying fire to a tactical
situation.
=Targets=: Tier A, infantry line standing, 800 yards. Tier B, dense
infantry line standing, 600 yards (figures or cardboard strip).
=Directions=: 600 yards target will first be exposed alone representing
attack at close range. 800 yards target representing enemy’s supports
will then be exposed for 15 seconds, the 600 yards target also
remaining exposed for this period. Firers will be told that they will
succeed in checking enemy’s firing line represented by first target
exposed, and will then deal with the situation as it develops without
orders owing to sudden loss of their commander at critical moment.
=Criticism=: _Quick opening of fire. Discernment of 800 yards target.
Proportion and rate of fire diverted from enemy’s firing-line to
supports. Fire discipline._
No. 6.
=Object=: Test of rapid fire.
=Target=: Tier B, dense line of figures or strip of cardboard--400
yards or closer.
=Directions=: Target will be exposed for 30 seconds to represent an
enemy delivering attack from his trenches on firers who are entrenched
close to and opposite his earthworks. When practice commences, one
firer as observer will watch the front, while others will sit with
their backs to target. When the observer gives the alarm, firers will
rise and open rapid fire. Arrangements should be made to carry out this
practice standing with rifles rested, and if possible by firing from
loopholed head-cover improvised with sandbags, etc., as shown on p.
82 of _Field Entrenchments_ of this series. The practice may also be
fired at dusk or with artificial lighting lowered to give the effect of
uncertain light. =Criticism=: _Work of observer. Quick opening of fire.
Fire discipline. Percentage of hits to rounds fired._
[Illustration: <v>Fig. 57.</v>--LANDSCAPE TARGET ON FRAMES ATTACHED TO
THE SOLANO TARGET, IN POSITION FOR FIRING.
Shadowgraph facsimile.
Colour-printed portion.
(“Section Fire” Target.)]
[Illustration:
=Fig. 58.=--LANDSCAPE TARGET PRACTICES. ILLUSTRATION SHOWING
METHOD OF HARMONIZING RIFLES AND THE SYSTEM OF MEASURING
COLLECTIVE GROUPING OF CONCENTRATED AND DISTRIBUTED FIRE FOR
SCORING. (_See Appendix, V., para. 2, and Appendix, VI., para.
5._)]
=6. Landscape Target Practices.=--As already stated, range and
individual field practices cannot be carried out on landscape targets.
Collective field practices can be carried out on landscape targets
with either ·303 or ·22 ammunition on 30 yards and miniature ranges.
As progress is made, landscape target practices should be carried out
with a time limit for indicating targets, giving and passing fire
orders, and firing. When firing at landscape targets, rifles will be
given elevation, so that bullets aimed at objectives on the landscapes
will strike a blank or shadowgraph sky screen above the whole of the
landscape, even if the objective is at the bottom of the landscape
(Fig. 57). For method of valuing hits and scoring in these practices,
see Appendix, VI, para. 5. The following are examples of collective
field practices which may be carried out on landscape targets:
Collective Field Practices on Landscape Targets.
=No. 1.=
=Object=: To teach concentration of fire.
=Directions=: Fire is opened on a given point on the landscape as
ordered. If the point is clearly indicated and recognized, and if
sighting and fire are accurate, a dense group of shot-holes will be
made on sky-screen, the point of mean impact being a point the correct
height _vertically_ above the point of aim [see Appendix, VI, para. 5
(i)].
=No. 2.=
=Object=: To teach distribution of fire.
=Directions=: Fire is opened along a given line of country as ordered.
The shot-holes should appear evenly distributed along a line on the
sky-screen at a certain height, and immediately above the line of
country indicated [see Appendix, VI, para. 5 (ii)].
=No. 3.=
=Object=: To teach the use of combined sights.
=Directions=: As in No. 1, but half the firers will adjust sights 50
yards above and half 50 yards below the range given. Results will show
two groups, which would be merged into one group of great depth in
the case of fire of sufficient volume, such as that of two platoons,
and illustrates the use of combined sights for increasing the zone of
effective fire.
=No. 4.=
=Object=: To teach observation of fire.
=Directions=: A point is indicated on landscape (preferably near
the top), and a visible[33] sketch of it is made at any height on
the screen and _vertically_ above it. The commander will open fire
with such elevation as he thinks necessary, and then correct from
observation of shot-holes until on the target.
=7. Night Firing.=--The automatic alignment of rifles may be practised
on miniature ranges. Aim may be taken at a strip of brown or grey paper
representing a line of standing figures at 100 and 200 yards’ distance,
scaled down to size for 25 yards, and attached to the landscape target
screen faced with blank paper (Fig. 57). Men may also be taught to
aim rifles from improvised night-firing rests at objectives on the
Solano Target or Landscape Targets. The field of fire containing
the objectives may then be concealed by a paper screen, the rifles
fired, and results examined. As there is no recoil with the miniature
cartridge, this practice will not prove the utility of the rest.
=8. Miniature Range Cadet Competitions.=--The rules regarding
competitions set out in Sec. 69 apply also to miniature ranges. The
various practices laid down in this chapter and Chapter VIII will
serve as the basis of various competitions on miniature as well as
open ranges. Tests in grouping and application may be found suitable
for cadet competitions in elementary forms of shooting. Regulation as
well as Solano elementary and instructional targets may be used (see
Appendix, VIII).
CADET COMPETITIONS.
=No. 1.=
=Object=: To teach cadets grouping under a timed limit when firing from
cover, and to train the eye to aim at marks seen against backgrounds of
natural tints.
=Rounds=: 5 per cadet.
=Target=: Solano Elementary Target No. 1.
=Directions=: Kneeling. Firing over cover with arm or rifle rested. Two
minutes allowed for firing reckoning from the order _Commence_.
=No. 2.=
=Object=: To teach cadets to focus the eye on the mark instead of the
sights of the rifle.
=Rounds=: 5 per cadet.
=Target=: Solano Elementary Target No. 2.
=Directions=: Lying. Firing round cover with side of rifle rested.
=No. 3.=
=Object=: To teach cadets to assume a firing position and open fire
quickly with effect.
=Rounds=: 5 per cadet.
=Target=: Solano Instructional Target No. 1.
=Directions=: Firer stands to attention at firing-point. Ten seconds
allowed for assuming the lying position, loading, and firing one shot,
reckoned from command _Fire_.
=No. 4.=
=Object=: To teach cadets to snapshoot.
=Rounds=: 5 per cadet.
=Target=: Solano Instructional Target No. 2.
=Directions:= Lying. Firing round cover. Target exposed six seconds for
each shot. Time reckoned from the exposure of the target.
=No. 5.=
=Object=: To teach cadets to combine accuracy with rapidity of fire.
=Rounds=: 5 per cadet.
=Target=: As in No. 3.
=Directions=: Lying. Rifle to be unloaded and breech closed until the
command _Rapid fire_. Target exposed for thirty seconds, reckoned from
command _Rapid fire_.
No. 6.
=Object=: To teach cadets to combine fire with movement.
=Rounds=: 5 per cadet.
=Target=: Solano Instructional Target No. 3.
=Directions=: Lying. A distance of 25 yards to be run before firing
each shot. Fifteen seconds reckoned from the order _Commence_ allowed
for running and firing each time. One minute to elapse between the
firing of a shot and the commencement of the next run.
APPENDIX
I. NAMES OF THE PARTS OF RIFLES--SHORT M.L.E., MARK III, AND
CHARGER-LOADING M.L.E.
(_a_) =Short M.L.E. Mark III= (Figs. 59 and 60).
1. Blade foresight.
2. Foresight block.
3. Band foresight block.
4. Key foresight block.
5. Crosspin foresight block.
5A. Backsight bed.
6. ” ” crosspin.
6A. ” ” sight spring screw.
7. Backsight leaf.
8. ” slide.
9. ” slide-catch.
10. ” fine adjustment worm wheel.
10A. Windgauge.
10B. ” screw.
11. Backsight ramps.
12. Seating for safety-catch.
13. Safety-catch.
14. Locking-bolt stem.
15. Bolt.
16. Bolt-head.
17. Striker.
18. Cocking-piece.
19. Striker collar with stud.
20. Bolt-head tenon.
21. Cocking-piece locking recesses.
22. Locking bolt.
23. ” ” flat.
24. ” ” thumb-piece.
25. ” ” aperture sight stem.
26. ” ” stop-pin recesses.
27. ” ” safety-catch stem.
28. ” ” ” ” arm.
29. ” ” screw threads.
30. ” ” seating.
31. Bolt cam grooves.
32. Sear.
33. ” seating.
34. ” spring.
35. Magazine catch.
36. Full bent of cocking-piece.
37· Short arm of sear.
38.}
} Trigger ribs.
39.}
40. Trigger.
41. Trigger axis pin.
41A. Magazine case.
41B. ” platform spring.
41C. Magazine auxiliary spring.
42. Guard-trigger.
43. Stock fore-end.
44. Spring and stud fore-end.
45. Protector backsight.
46. Handguard front and rear.
47. Spring handguard gear.
48. Lower band groove.
49. Lower band.
50. Nosecap.
51. Protector foresight.
52. Sword bar.
53. Boss for ring of sword-bayonet cross-piece.
54. Swivel seating.
55. ” piling.
56. Nosecap barrel opening.
57. Inner band.
58. ” ” screw.
59· ” ” ” spring.
60. Butt sling swivel.
61. Sword bayonet, pattern ’07.
62. Bridge-charger guide.
63. Cut-off.
[Illustration: =Fig. 59.=--SHORT RIFLE, MAGAZINE LEE-ENFIELD (MARK
III).]
[Illustration: =Fig. 60.=--SHORT RIFLE, MAGAZINE LEE-ENFIELD (MARK
III).]
(_b_) =Charger-Loading M.L.E.= (Figs. 61, 62, and 63)
1. Backsight bed
2. ” ” ramp.
3. Aperture sight.
4. Dial sight plate.
5. ” ” pointer.
6. Aperture sight peep-hole.
7· ” ” pivot-screw.
8. ” ” spring.
9. ” ” spring ribs.
10. ” sight cross-cut notches.
11. Pivot aperture sight pointer.
12. ” screw.
13. Spring disc.
14. Bead pointer.
15. Screwed boss, fixing dial-sight.
16. Centring-pin dial-sight.
17. Index-point of pointer.
18. Bolt rib.
19. Extractor seating.
20. Bolt lug.
21. Tongue of cocking-piece.
22. Recess for lug of bolt.
23. Body bead.
24. Retaining catch.
25. Resistance shoulder.
26. Cut-off slot.
27. Body socket.
28. ” ” boss.
29. Stock-bolt.
30. Gas escape hole.
31. Bolt-breech.
32. Lever bolt-breech.
33. Lug seating.
34. Long cam groove.
35. Short cam groove.
36. Cam-shaped face.
37. }
} Cam grooves separating studs.
38. }
39. Bolt-head.
40. ” tenon.
41. ” projection.
42. Extractor slot.
43. Extractor.
44. ” axis-screw.
45. ” spring.
46. ” ” pin.
47. ” ” pin-hole.
48. Bolthead hook.
49. Striker.
50. Cocking-piece.
51. Striker collar.
51A. Cocking-piece full bent.
52. ” ” half bent.
54. ” ” seating for safety-catch.
55. Safety-catch.
56. Striker keeper-screw.
57. Recess in striker for the keeper-screw.
58. Safety catch stem.
59. ” ” finger-piece.
60. ” ” locking grooves.
61. ” ” plunger.
62. Seating for plunger and spiral spring of safety-catch.
63. Nipple holes for plunger of safety-catch.
64. Retaining catch spring.
65. Ejector.
66. Sear.
67. ” screw.
68. ” seating in body.
69. ” spring.
70. Trigger.
71. ” axis pin.
72. Magazine box or case.
73. }
} ” platform guides.
74. }
75. ” stop clip.
76. ” stop-clip stud.
77. ” platform.
78. ” clip stop.
79. ” tooth.
80. ” catch tooth.
81. ” catch.
82. ” ” finger-piece.
83. ” platform plate.
84. ” ” plate tongues.
85. ” ” spring.
86. ” ” auxiliary spring.
87. Cut-off.
88. ” screw.
89. ” thumb-piece.
90. ” catch.
91. Guard-trigger.
92. Screw-guard front.
93. ” collar.
94· ” ” rear.
95. Lower band.
96. Sling swivel.
97. Nose-cap.
98. ” band.
99. ” fixing screw.
100. Piling swivel.
101. Diagonal slot in nose-cap to clear the foresight block when assembling, etc.
102. Stock-bolt, plate-keeper.
103. Stock-butt swivel.
104. Oil-bottle, Mark III (latest Mark IV).
[Illustration: =Fig. 61=.--CHARGER-LOADING LEE-ENFIELD.]
[Illustration: =Fig. 62.=--CHARGER-LOADING LEE-ENFIELD.]
[Illustration: =Fig. 63.=--CHARGER-LOADING LEE-ENFIELD.]
II. DIRECTIONS FOR USE OF THE LEGRET AIM TEACHER.
The Legret Aim Teacher.
[Illustration: _This instrument provides a most easy means of teaching
the elementary principles of aiming with Military Sights and also
enables an instructor to check his pupils faults._]
Aims Chart
For use with “Aim Teacher” Mark 1.
[Illustration: No. 1]
No. 1. Stage I. _Proper relation of fore-sight to aiming mark. Aim
taken at 6 o.c. point with fore-sight only._
[Illustration: No. 2]
No. 2. Stage II. _Proper relation of fore-sight and back-sight. Lay on
sheet of paper or, sky (just above horizon most convenient)._
[Illustration: No. 3]
No. 3. _Stage III. Proper relation between fore-sight, back-sight, and
aiming mark._
[Illustration: No. 4]
No. 4. Stage IV. _Instructor will first lay correct aim as in diagram
3. Rifle is then moved and shutter turned gently to left. Recruit then
relays rifle as in diagram 4. Instructor turns shutter gently to right
and checks faults. Care must be taken not to move “jointed arm” in this
stage._
=Fig. 64.=--DIAGRAMS ILLUSTRATING USE OF LEGRET AIM TEACHER.
III. DIRECTIONS FOR USE OF THE AIM-CORRECTOR.
1. This device is illustrated in Fig. 65. It consists of a small steel
box moving freely on a stem, so as to enable it to be made level with
the back-sight when the latter is set at various elevations. It is
secured to the rifle, behind the back-sight, by a spring clip. A piece
of smoked glass is inserted into one of the two cross grooves, so that
it forms an angle of 45 degrees with the barrel.
2. In placing the aim-corrector on the rifle, the open side of the box
may be turned to the right or left, care being taken that, when the
glass is inserted in the box, it is placed in the cross-groove, which
will cause it to present to the observer, who is opposite the open end,
a reflection of the backsight, the foresight, and the mark at which aim
is to be taken. If the glass is placed in the wrong cross-groove, the
only image reflected upon it will be the recruit’s eye.
3. The instructor, who may take up his position on either side of the
recruit, can see the alignment of the sights while the trigger is being
pressed by means of the reflection in the glass, without in any degree
obscuring the recruit’s aim. He can see if aim is correctly maintained
when the trigger is pressed, or if it is deflected by this act, and
can tell whether the recruit has noted and correctly declared any
deflection due to faulty trigger-pressing. In certain lights, the image
on the glass may be rather indistinct, but with care it is possible
to discern it sufficiently clearly for instruction. In correcting
errors, the instructor must remember that, when looking in the glass,
the reflection, as in the case of an ordinary mirror, is _reversed
laterally_, but is _correct vertically_. For instance, if the sight
appears upon the glass to the right of the mark, it is actually to the
left of it. If, however, it appears high or low in relation to the
mark, it is actually above or below the mark.
[Illustration: =Fig. 65.=--DIAGRAM ILLUSTRATING USE OF AIM-CORRECTOR.]
IV. DIRECTIONS FOR USE OF THE AIMING-DISC.
The aiming-disc is a small rod, bearing a disc of metal or cardboard,
painted white, about 1½ inches in diameter (Fig. 66). On the front is a
black bull’s-eye ½ inch in diameter, in the centre of which is pierced
a hole just large enough to admit the point of a pencil. On the back is
a bull’s-eye, also ½ inch in diameter, placed so that the six o’clock
line is just above the hole which is in the centre of the bull’s-eye on
the front.
[Illustration: =Fig. 66.=--AIMING-DISC.]
The instructor may ascertain the accuracy of the recruit’s aim and his
power to press the trigger without disturbing aim by the use of the
aiming-disc in the following manner: He should take up his position
in front of the recruit at a distance of about 4 or 5 feet from the
muzzle of his rifle when held to the shoulder for firing in the lying
position, with his eye to the hole in front of the disc (Fig. 19).
The recruit is then instructed to bring the rifle to his shoulder for
aiming, to aim and press the trigger at the aiming-mark at the back of
the disc.
Through the aperture at the bottom of the bull’s-eye at which the
recruit takes aim and snaps, the instructor is able to see the
recruit’s faults of aim, and to note whether his aim is disturbed
when the trigger is pressed. The instructor is also enabled to note
the rapidity with which he takes aim and presses the trigger.--This
practice is useful to develop in men the power of aiming rapidly and
correctly, which is essential for snapshooting and rapid firing,
without the danger of their contracting bad or careless habits through
hurried movements.
V. “HARMONIZING” RIFLES FOR MINIATURE RANGE PRACTICES.
=1.= Rifles are said to be harmonized when their slight individual
differences in shooting are corrected by adjustment of sights. This
harmonizing or correction of differences in the shooting of the rifles
used in miniature range practices is necessary to obtain satisfactory
results. _Rifles must be harmonized for firing direct at targets as
well as for firing with elevation_, as in landscape practices. With
reference to direct firing at targets, it has been found that with
service rifles an elevation of 300 yards is necessary to obtain the
greatest possible accuracy. Consequently, rifles must be sighted for
300 _yards_ before being harmonized for firing direct at targets
according to the method described in the following paragraph, aim
being taken at the aiming-marks on the _lower_ horizontal line,
and differences being discovered by the grouping of shots on the
aiming-marks--not on the line above. The sighting necessary to correct
differences in each rifle will also be recorded on a board hung for
reference on the miniature range, as described in para. 3.
=2. Method of Harmonizing Rifles= (see sky screen, Fig. 58).--(i) The
following is the method of harmonizing rifles: The rifles selected for
miniature range practices must be numbered from 1 on consecutively.
Each rifle must be marked with its number. When this is done, a
horizontal line must be drawn along the bottom of the blank sky screen.
At intervals of about 12 inches along this horizontal line a number of
aiming-marks must be painted. The number of aiming-marks must equal
that of the rifles to be harmonized, so that there is one aiming-mark
for each rifle. At a distance of 26½ inches above the line of
aiming-marks another horizontal line must be drawn on the sky screen,
which must be visible from the firing-point. This distance has been
chosen because it is sufficient to cause shots aimed at objectives at
the bottom of the landscape to clear the top of it and strike the sky
screen.
(ii) _Harmonizing Rifles for Elevation._--Each rifle will then be
adjusted for 1,200 yards. Each rifle, thus sighted, will be fired by a
reliable shot with regular aim at one of the aiming-marks. The sights
of each rifle will be adjusted until shots which strike above or below
the upper horizontal line on the sky screen (when it is sighted for
1,200 yards) strike the line itself. When shots fired from all the
rifles strike the line after sights have been adjusted in this manner,
they are said to be harmonized.
=3. Record of Sighting.=--The variations of each rifle, if any, from
the original sighting at 1,200 yards--or 300 yards in the case of
sighting for direct hits--will be noted, and its variations written
down for reference against the number of the rifle on a board to be
hung on the wall of the miniature range. The following is an example of
the record of sighting:
Twenty-Five Yards Miniature Range.
+------+----------------------+-------------------------+
|Rifle.| Elevation for Direct | Elevation for Landscape |
| | Hits. | Targets. |
| 1 | 300 | 1,200 |
| 2 | 300 | 1,200 |
| 3 | 350 | 1,250 |
| 4 | 250 | 1,150 |
+------+----------------------+-------------------------+
VI. SCORING AND SIGNALLING.
=1.= When a shot strikes the target so that the circumference of the
mark cuts the outer edge of any ring or figure, it is to be counted as
hitting within that ring or figure, as the case may be. No shot is to
be counted unless the whole or part of the mark of the bullet is seen
on the face of the target. A _ricochet_ usually makes a long, ragged
hole or mark.
=2. Elementary and Figure Targets.=--For scoring in Practice 22, Table
B, see Note 2 below.
+-------------------------------+----------------------------------------------+-----------------+
| Signal. | Methods of Signalling. | Value of |
| | | Hit. |
+-------------------------------+----------------------------------------------+-----------------+
| Bull’s-eye or figure. | Polished metal or white disc placed on | 4 points. |
| | shot-hole. | |
| | | |
| Inner (remainder of inner | Black disc waved twice across the face | 3 points. |
| circle). | of the target and placed on the shot-hole. | |
| | | |
| Outer (remainder of elementary| Polished metal or white disc revolved | 2 points. |
| target) or magpie | in front of the target and then placed | |
| (remainder of large | on the shot-hole. | |
| circle on figure target). | | |
| | | |
| Outer (remainder of figure | Black disc moved vertically up and | 1 point. |
| target). | down the left of the target and then | |
| | placed on the shot-hole. | |
| | | |
| Ricochet or miss | Red and white flag shown on the same | Nil. |
| | side as the direction of the miss. If | |
| | the direction cannot be determined | |
| | the flag will be waved across the face | |
| | of the target. | |
+-------------------------------+----------------------------------------------+-----------------+
NOTE 1.--The scoring bull’s-eye on second-class elementary targets is a
12-inch invisible ring.
NOTE 2.--In Practice 22, Table B, a hit on the figure or remainder of
inner circle will count 3 points and will be signalled as a bull’s-eye.
Hits elsewhere on the target will count as in table above.
NOTE 3.--When for any reason it is found to be impracticable to send
the firers into the gallery after a grouping practice, the following
signals may be used:
Bull’s-eye signal denotes a 4-inch group.
Inner ” ” 8 ” ”
Magpie ” ” 12 ” ”
Outer ” ” 12 ” ” with one wide shot.
When the signal has been made, after a short pause, the point of the
pole will be placed on the point of mean impact of the group.
=3.--Figures No. 3 and No. 6= (_Open Range_).
+------------------+-------------------------------------+-----------+
| Signal. | Methods of Signalling. | Value of |
| | | Hit. |
+------------------+-------------------------------------+-----------+
| Hit | The figure will be raised above the | 3 points. |
| | marker’s gallery and twirled. | |
| | | |
| Ricochet or miss | -- | Nil. |
+------------------+-------------------------------------+-----------+
=4. Figures= (_Miniature Range_).--Scores for hits and misses as in
para. 3 above.
=5. Scoring in Landscape Target Practices.=--(i) A measuring-rod, 26½
inches long, is required to test the accuracy of both concentrated
and distributed collective grouping. The following is the method of
valuing groups for scoring. When collective fire has been concentrated
on any objective on the landscape, the rod is held vertically against
the screen with the bottom of it resting on the point of aim. A mark
is then made on the sky-screen at the top of the rod. This mark
indicates where the centre of the group of shot-holes should be. For
instructional practices the groups may be valued on the principle that
the smaller the group the greater the fire effect. For competitions
two concentric wire rectangles, 5 inches by 4 inches and 2½ inches by
2 inches respectively, may be used for scoring. The rectangles will be
placed over the group, their longest sides being vertical, with their
centre placed on the mark indicating where the centre of the shot
group should be. Every shot in the inner rectangle will then count two
points, and every shot in the remainder of the larger rectangle will
count one point. For every shot outside the larger rectangle two points
will be deducted.
(ii) When fire has been distributed between two points on the
landscape, a mark is made 26½ inches vertically above each point, as
already described. These two marks are joined by a line parallel to
that along which fire has been distributed. A line 1½ inches above, and
another 1½ inches below, this line are drawn parallel to it. The ends
of these lines are then joined by vertical lines which pass through
the two marks joined by the centre line. The rectangle formed in this
manner is divided vertically into equal parts, being either one for
each firer or one for each fire-unit. Each group of shots fired by a
firer or a fire-unit should be found grouped in the proper part of the
rectangle. Each shot in its proper part will count two points. For each
shot outside its proper part two points will be deducted. For every
part of the rectangle which is empty five points will be deducted.
VII. SOLANO TARGET--MARKS I AND II.
1. =Official Handbook.=--Full directions regarding the Solano Target
and landscape targets, together with information as to their use
for instruction, are contained in the official handbook--_Standard
Equipment for Miniature Ranges_ (40, War Office, 2005)--from which the
following short extracts are made. One of these handbooks is supplied
to units with each Solano Target, and should be kept for reference.
2. =Framework and Mechanism.= (Fig. 53).--The Mark I Target consists
of a framework containing two tiers 10 feet long--Tier A (higher),
and Tier B (lower). Tier A is fitted with crossing target mechanism,
operating two target carriers from opposite ends of the Tier, and clips
for disappearing targets arranged in two separate sections which can be
operated simultaneously or separately. Tier B is fitted with falling
target clips, which allow targets to fall when hit. Falling clips can
be raised and lowered from the firing-point, like the disappearing
clips on Tier A. The former can be shifted to right and left, and the
latter linked together with coupling clips to facilitate any desired
arrangement of targets or figures. All mechanism can be operated from
the firing-point by means of cords labelled to show the particular
mechanism they operate (Fig. 54).
3. =Scenery.=--There are two types of scenery--A and C--consisting of
backgrounds which will serve to represent foreground, middle distance,
and distance of almost any kind of country in any part of the world.
The scenery is pasted on frames, and can be placed in position on the
target in a moment (Figs. 55 and 56). Patching pieces are provided to
repair shot-holes which are not visible from the firing-point to the
naked eye.
4. =Scenic Accessories=.--The details of a landscape can be arranged
on the target by placing the various scenic accessories, consisting of
colour-printed representations of various natural and other features,
mounted on stiff card, in any desired position on either tier by fixing
them in grooves made for this purpose either behind targets or in front
to represent cover. The scenic accessories are coloured and scaled for
different ranges, the range being printed on each. They may be used to
represent the following features:
_Wooded hills._
_Flat-topped hills or kopjes._
_Conical hills._
_Woods._
_Fir-wood._
_Group of houses with church._
_Group of cottages._
_House._
_Cottage._
_Oak-tree._
_Elm-tree._
_Fir-tree._
_Palm-tree._
_Hedgerow._
_Thick hedge or bush._
_Bushes._
_Stone wall._
_Undergrowth._
_Folds of ground._
_Low banks._
_Indian hill fort._
_Sangar._
_Rocks._
5. =Solano Figures.=--The Solano figures are all scaled to size for
various distances, and consist of the following brown, grey, or
colour-printed figures. Each figure is provided with a base equal in
depth to the clips which hold them in position.
+-----------+------------------------------------------------------------+----------+
| Reference | Description. | Distance |
| Number. | | (Yards). |
+-----------+------------------------------------------------------------+----------+
| 42 | Infantryman in kneeling position | 200 |
| 1 | ” ” standing position | 400 |
| 2 | ” ” prone position or firing from open | |
| | trench | 400 |
| 3 | ” firing from behind sand-bag | 400 |
| 4 | ” ” ” loophole in head cover | 400 |
| 5 | ” in standing position | 600 |
| 6 | ” ” ” ” | 800 |
| 7 | ” ” kneeling position | 800 |
| 8 | ” ” lying position | 800 |
| 9 | Mounted cavalryman | 800 |
| 19 | Machine-gun in action | 800 |
| 25 | Infantry line in extended order | 1,000 |
| 26 | ” ” ” ” | 1,200 |
| 27 | ” ” ” ” | 1,400 |
| 29 | Machine-gun in action | 1,400 |
| 30 | Infantry line in extended order | 1,600 |
| 31 | ” ” ” ” | 1,800 |
| 32 | Company of infantry in fours | 2,000 |
| 33 | Infantry line in extended order | 2,000 |
| 34 | Field-gun in action | 2,000 |
| 35 | } {Convoy waggon facing firer’s right | 2,000 |
| 35_a_ | }Crossing-targets{ ” ” ” ” left | 2,000 |
| 37 | } {Squadron of cavalry facing firer’s right | 2,000 |
| 37_a_ | } { ” ” ” ” left | 2,000 |
| 38 | Company of infantry in fours | 2,500 |
| 39 | ” ” ” column | 2,800 |
+-----------+------------------------------------------------------------+----------+
6. =Observation Practices.=--Observation practices may be carried out
by heaping a bank of sawdust at the foot of the apparatus below Tier
B, with its surface sloping at the same angle as the end-frames. To
fix targets in the sawdust, attach to _Observation Practice Holders_
consisting of iron pins grooved at the top to hold targets. _Care
must be taken to remove all sawdust and grit displaced by bullets
from the falling target clips and other mechanism, or their action
may be clogged. A brush should be used to clean the mechanism after
observation practices._
7. =Landscape Targets.=--The official handbook above referred to
contains information as to fixing landscape targets to the framework of
the Solano Target in position for instruction in firing (Fig. 57).
VIII. SOLANO ELEMENTARY AND INSTRUCTIONAL TARGETS.[34]
1. In _Musketry Regulations_, para. 361, it is laid down that in
carrying out training on miniature ranges _due regard must be paid
to the visibility of service targets, and bull’s-eye targets must be
used for the first few rounds only_. In para. 206 (iii) of _Musketry
Regulations_ (see Sec. 17, para. 4 of this book) focussing the eye on
the fore-sight of the rifle instead of on the object is indicated as a
common fault which instructors must guard against in elementary stages
of training. This error is common when bull’s-eye targets are used, and
unless remedied will adversely affect shooting at service Targets, on
which the eye must be focussed, and which must be watched closely when
firing.
2. =Elementary Targets= (Figs. 67 and 68).--The Solano Elementary
Targets have been designed to counteract the tendency to focus the
eye on the fore-sight instead of on the target, and may be used for
grouping and application practices after firing at the bull’s-eye
target. These targets are coloured green, brown, and grey, instead
of white, to accustom the eye to the tints of natural backgrounds
against which service targets will be seen. The aiming-mark in No. 2 is
less distinct than in No. 1, to accustom the eye gradually to focussing
on indistinct targets when aiming.
[Illustration: =Fig. 67.=--SOLANO ELEMENTARY TARGET NO. 1.
(Actual size. See footnote, p. 250.)]
[Illustration: =Fig. 68.=--SOLANO ELEMENTARY TARGET NO. 2.
(Actual size. See footnote, p. 250.)]
3. =Triangle Aiming and Scoring Diagrams.=--(i) Triangles have been
substituted in these targets for concentric circles as aiming and
scoring diagrams, because they have a truer relation to the shape of
the human figure in both lying and upright positions. The triangle on
No. 1 target has relation to the human figure in an upright position,
and the triangle on No. 2 target to the human figure in a lying
position. The _dimensions of the triangles on these targets correspond
with the regulation grouping standards of the British Army_.
[Illustration:
=Fig. 69.=--A CIRCLE (3 INCHES IN DIAMETER) AND A TRIANGLE
(3 INCHES EQUILATERAL) SHOWING THAT THE TRIANGLE AS AIMING
AND SCORING DIAGRAM INDUCES CLOSER GROUPING THAN THE CIRCLE
BY ALLOWING LESS MARGIN FOR BOTH VERTICAL AND LATERAL ERRORS
REPRESENTED BY THE DOTS.]
(ii) For elementary instruction in aiming the important six o’clock
line--the centre of the base of the triangle--is on these targets an
indicated instead of an imaginary line, as in the case of the circular
bull’s-eye. More consistent grouping is induced by the triangle owing
to the fact that it allows a much narrower margin for lateral errors,
while its conical shape and straight base considerably curtail the
scoring area for vertical errors off the six o’clock line as compared
with the circle (Fig. 69). The triangle, moreover, as an aiming and
scoring surface puts a premium upon a _low point of aim_ and from
the first inculcates in men, as a habit, this vital principle of
marksmanship in war.
[Illustration: =Fig. 70.=--SOLANO INSTRUCTIONAL TARGET NO. 1. UPRIGHT
FIGURE. 25 YARDS = 400.
(Slightly reduced from actual size. See footnote, p. 250.)]
[Illustration: =Fig. 71.=--SOLANO INSTRUCTIONAL TARGET NO. 2. UPRIGHT
FIGURE. 25 YARDS = 500.
(Actual size. See footnote, p. 250.)]
(iii) The centre triangles are not made smaller, firstly, because it
is not desired to encourage the habit of slow aim which is engendered
by individual practice at very small marks, and which militates
against efficiency in snapshooting and rapid firing; and, secondly,
because it is not desired to encourage men to attain a useless and
disproportionate degree of excellence in firing at elementary targets
which is merely preparatory for practice at service targets.
[Illustration: =Fig. 72.=--SOLANO INSTRUCTIONAL TARGET NO. 3. LYING
FIGURE. 25 YARDS = 300.
(Actual size. See footnote, p. 250.)]
4. =Instructional Targets= (Figs. 70, 71, and 72).--(i) These targets
are also coloured green, grey, and brown, the colour of the uniform
of the figures on them corresponding in each case with that of the
target. The figures are accurately scaled down to correct size at 25
yards for the actual distances, so as to help men in judging close
range by accustoming the eye to the appearance of men seen at different
distances against backgrounds which harmonize with the colour of their
uniform. It must be remembered that the figures on these targets,
though necessarily depicted in fixed postures as stationary marks,
represent men in movement during which they are seldom stationary or
seen in a fixed posture, except, possibly, for a few seconds while
lying down to fire.
(ii) Accordingly, marks are not given for hits scored on any particular
part of the figures depicted in fixed postures, which would usually be
seen in movement, but for shots grouped in areas of comparative value
as regards probable assurance of fire effect, chosen in the light of
experience of war as the best aiming points for firing at figures in
movement which frequently and suddenly alternate between the upright
and lying positions. The centre triangles, representing the most
valuable of these grouping areas, are purposely made fairly large for
the reasons stated in connection with the elementary triangles--namely,
that they are grouping areas for snapshooting, and not for deliberate
firing.
INDEX
Aim corrector, use of, 53, 241
---- teacher, Legret, use of, 240
Aiming and firing, instruction and practices in, 43-46, 72
---- at crossing targets, 58
---- at ground and service targets, 53, 54
---- disc, use of, 52, 243
---- instruction in, 43-61, 208
---- marks, 47, 193
---- off for movement, 58, 59, 217
---- ---- ---- wind, 55-57
---- rules for, 47, 48
---- up and down, xxii, 57, 58
Aircraft, firing on, 112
Alarms, automatic, 193
Alignment, automatic, of rifles, 194
---- of sights, 48, 49
Ammunition, care of, 12
---- Mark VI bullet, 21, 22, 24, 34, 35, 38, 50
---- Mark VII bullet, 21, 22, 24, 34, 50
---- surplus, 166
Annual courses, 177, 181
Anticipatory orders, 128, 227
Application practices, 149
---- tactical, of rifle fire, 112-119, 228
Arms, care of, xii, 10-12
---- cleaning of, 4-10
---- defects in, instructions regarding, 1
Arms, inspection of, on parade, 15-17
---- small, examination of, 12-15, 17
Army Ordnance Corps, courses for, 180, 181
---- Service Corps, courses for, 180, 181
---- Veterinary Corps, classification practices for, 170
Artillery, effect of rifle fire on, 111
Averages, computation of, 167
Background, effect of, on visibility of targets, 73, 83, 211
Backsight, adjustment of, 60, 61
Back-reckoning, range finding by, 97
Barometric pressure, effect of, on shooting, 27
Bayonet, fixed, effect of, on shooting, 24
Beaten zone, 33, 34, 38-42
Bolt, 7, 9, 11
Bore, cleaning of, 9
Cadet competitions, 230
---- muscle exercises, 79, 80
Casualties, ammunition of, 132
Cavalry, classification practices for, 168
---- courses for, 171, 174, 177-179
---- effect of rifle fire on, 111
Classification practices, conditions of, 168-170, 178, 179
Classification practices in judging distance, 94-96
---- ranges, field practices on, 184-192
Cleaning of the rifle, 4-10
Clock-face method of describing targets, 123
Close range, effect of fire at, 110
---- ---- firing without sighting at, 22
Collective field practices, 155-158, 176, 179, 188-192
---- ---- ---- conduct of, 183
---- ---- ---- on Landscape targets, 229
---- ---- ---- on Solano target, 226-228
---- fire, dispersion of, 31-35
---- ---- need for, 29-31, 221
Combined sights, use of, 36-38, 89, 230
Competitions, directions for all, 201, 230
Conduct of range and field practices, 159-192
Cone of fire, 31, 35, 36
Countryside, terms describing, xxvi
Cover, adapting firing positions to, 75, 76
---- firing from, 73-77, 161, 210
---- improvising on miniature ranges, 204
Crossing targets, aiming and firing at, 58, 59, 151
Cut-off, use of, 71
Dangerous space, conditions affecting extent of, 25, 26, 34
Dead ground, 42
Defiladed zone, 40, 42
Deflection, table of, for side winds, 55
Deliberate practices, 143, 161
Demonstrations of individual and collective field practices, 214, 221
Description of targets, 83, 119-127
---- ---- ---- instruction in, on miniature ranges, 212
---- points, 120
Discernment of targets, 82-84, 210
Distant range, effect of fire at, 110
Drift, effect of, 24
Effect of fire at different ranges on various formations and objectives, 110-112
Effective fire, zone of, 35, 36
---- range, effect of fire at, 110
Elementary figure targets, 206, 245, 246
---- targets, Solano, 207, 250-256
Elevation. See Sighting
Error of the day, xxiii, 37
Examination of small-arms, 12-15, 17
Field-glasses, use of, 84, 121, 165
Field practices, 141, 151-158
Field practices, elementary, 171
---- ---- on classification ranges, 184-192
---- ---- ---- miniature ranges, 213-230
Figure targets, 207, 246
Figures, miniature range, 207, 247
---- Solano, 249
Finger, use of, for judging lateral distance, 92
Finger-breadth method of describing targets, 122
Fire, accuracy of, practices in, 187-190, 219, 232
---- action, organization for, 106-110, 224
---- and movement, 114, 186, 191, 219, 224
---- collective. See Collective fire
---- concentrated, 115, 154, 223, 229
---- control, 105-134, 212, 223
---- ---- practices in, 188, 226
---- converging, xxiii, 115
---- covering, xxiii, 116, 223
---- direction, 105-134, 212
---- ---- practices, 154, 179, 220, 226-227
---- discipline, 130-134, 212
---- dispersion of, 31-36
---- distributed, 36, 115, 154, 223
---- ---- practices in, 227, 229
---- effect of, at various ranges, on various formations and objectives, 111, 112
---- ---- relation of ground to, 38-42
---- effective, xxiii, 35, 36, 110
---- enfilade, xxiii, 115
---- grazing, xxiii, 41, 42
---- individual, 29-31
---- oblique, xxiv, 115
---- observation of. See Observation of fire
---- opening of, 113, 114, 153, 222
---- ---- ---- practices in, 185, 189, 216, 217, 228
---- orders, 127-130, 188
---- rapid, 117, 118, 150
---- ---- practice in, 187-189, 219, 227, 228
---- rates of, 117
---- searching, xxiv, 35-38, 115
---- short bursts of, 118
---- superiority of, xxvi, 113, 189
---- sweeping, 115
---- tactical application of, 112-119, 228
---- theory of rifle, 18-42
---- trenches, xi
---- unaimed, xxiv, 41, 42
---- unit commander, duties of, 109, 212
---- ---- composition of, xxiv, 108
---- unsteady, 119
---- volume of, 117
Firing, aiming and, instruction, 43-46, 72
---- elementary, instruction in, 62-80
---- from cover, 73-77, 161, 210
---- positions, 66-69
---- ---- adapted to cover, 75, 76
---- ---- height of cover for different, 68, 74
---- ---- vulnerability of different, 66, 67, 209
---- rapid, instruction in, 150
---- ---- practices in, 187-189, 227, 228, 232
---- up and down hill, 26, 27
Flare lights, 193
Foreground, illumination of, x
---- range sketch of, 101
Foresight, use of, in aiming, 50, 51
Formations, effect of fire on various, 111
Fouling, cause and removal of, 3
Frontages and objectives, allocation of, 107
Gauze, use of, for cleaning, 5, 6
German musketry, vii
---- night attacks, ix
---- plan of attack, viii
Grenade, hand, 194-200
Ground, aiming at, 53, 54
---- dead, 42
---- firing at, practice in, 218
---- relation of, to dangerous space, 26
---- ---- ---- to fire effect, 38-42
---- study of, instruction in, 86, 88, 211
Group of shots, 31, 146, 147
---- ---- ---- rules for measuring, 140, 160, 247
Grouping and application, 146-150
---- practices, 146, 159, 160, 180, 213, 231
Gun-flash, range finding by, 98
Hand grenades, 194-200
Harmonizing rifles, 244, 245
Illumination grenade, x
---- of foreground, x
Indication of targets, 123-126
Individual field practices, 152-154, 176, 179, 185-188
---- ---- ---- on miniature ranges, 214-220
---- fire, limit of, 29-31
Infantry, courses for, 171, 174, 177
---- classification practices for, 168
Inspection of arms, 15-17
Instructional practices, 174-177, 213
---- targets, Solano, 207, 254-257
Jambs, instructions regarding, in timed practices, 162
Judging distance by eye, 91-96
Jump, effect of, 23, 24
Kneeling position, 68
Landscape target practices, 229, 247
Lateral distance, estimating, 92
Lectures, 18, 31, 43, 105, 106, 135, 212, 214, 221
Legret aim-teacher, use of, 240
Loading, instruction and practices, 69-71
Long range, effect of fire at, 110
---- ---- sights, 49, 61
Lying position, 67, 68
Machine-guns, effect of rifle fire on, 111
Map-reading, range-finding by, 97
Marking down, instruction in and practice in, 54, 217
Military vocabulary, instruction in, 84, 85
---- ---- ---- ---- on miniature ranges, 211
---- ---- list of terms, xxvi-xxviii
Miniature ranges, cadet competitions on, 230
---- ---- collective field practices on, 26-30
---- ---- field practices on, 213-230
---- ---- fire-direction practices on, 220
---- ---- improvising cover for, 204
---- ---- individual field practices on, 214-220
---- ---- instruction on, 207-212
---- ---- precautions for safety on, 204
---- ---- preliminary training on, 207-212
---- ---- range practices on, 213
---- ---- rifles for firing on, 204
---- ---- scope of training on, 203
---- ---- targets for use on, 205
Missfires, cause and directions regarding, 12, 162
Movement, avoidance of, in loading and firing, 67, 73, 209
---- effect of, on visibility of targets, 84, 209
---- fire and, 114, 186, 191, 219, 224
Muscle exercises, 77, 80
Mutual support, 116, 223
Nickelling, cause and removal of, 3
Night firing, 193, 194, 230
Observation practices, 165
---- ---- on miniature ranges, 213, 250
---- of fire, ranging by, 29, 38, 89, 96, 97
---- ---- ---- practices in, 188, 190, 230, 250
Observers, duties of, 110
Organization for fire action, 106-110, 224
Pairs, working in, 131
Point of mean impact, 147, 160
Preliminary training and tests, 135-140
---- ---- on miniature ranges, 207-212
Pull-off, 11, 64
Pull-through, use of, 4, 5
Qualification, conditions of, for Part I., Table B, 167
Range-cards and range-marks, 98-103, 212
----- finding, methods of, 96-98, 190
----- practices, conduct of, 162-166
---- ---- instruction in, 141-146
---- sketch of foreground, 101
Ranges, effect of fire at different, 110
---- terms applied to, xxv
Ranging, methods of, 89, 90, 190
Recognition of targets, 126, 212
Recruits’ course, 171, 174-176, 180
Ricochets, 26
Rifles, care of, xii, 10-12
---- cleaning of, 4-10
---- drill purposes, 15
---- examination of, 13-15, 17
---- for firing on miniature ranges, 204
---- inspection of, on parade, 15-17
---- M.L.E., 13, 15-17
---- ---- charger loading, 14, 236-239
---- M.L.M., 13, 15-17
---- parts of various, 233-239
---- selection of, for recruits, 46
---- short, M.L.E., 14, 15, 233-235
Rod for measuring groups, 247
Royal Army Medical Corps, classification practices for, 170
Royal Artillery, courses for, 180, 181
Royal Engineers, classification practices for, 169
---- ---- courses for, 171, 174-180
Safety-catch, use of, 71
Scoring, directions for, 245-247
Searching, 35-38
Sectors, method of dividing Field of Fire into, 107
Service targets, aiming at, 51, 53
Shot group. See Group of shots
Sighting of rifles, 23
Sights, alignment of, 48, 49
---- combined. See Combined sights
---- long-range, aiming with, 49
---- rapid adjustment of, 60, 61, 209
Sitting position for firing, 69
Snapping, 63-66
Snapshooting, instruction in, 150, 218, 231
Solano elementary and instructional targets, 207, 250-257
Solano figures, list of, 249
---- scenery anti scenic accessories, 248
---- target, arrangement of, for practices, 213, 220, 221
---- demonstrations on, 214, 221
---- Marks I and II, 248-250
Sound, location of enemy by, 84
---- range-finding by, 98
Standing position, 67
Surprise, effect of, 113, 118
Tables A--Recruits course, 174-176, 180
---- B--Annual course, 177-179, 181 Targets, choice of, 153, 215, 222
---- figure. See Figure targets
---- for use on miniature ranges, 205-207
---- indication of, 123-126
Temperature, effect of, on shooting, 27
Thirty yards range, practices on, 159
Timed practices, rules for, 161
Trained Soldiers’ course, rules for conduct of, 172-174
---- ---- ---- Tables B, 177, 181
Trajectory, 21, 22, 25
Trenches, fire, xi
Triangle aiming and scoring diagrams, 252
---- of error as a test of proficiency in aiming, 51-53
Trigger-pressing, 63-66
Unloading, directions for, 70
Visibility of targets, effect of background on, 73, 83, 211
---- ---- ---- ---- ---- movement on, 84, 209
Visual training, 81, 82
---- ---- on miniature ranges, 210
Volume of fire, 117
Wear, causes and prevention of, 2
Wind, aiming-off for, 55-57, 227
---- allowance for, 28-29
---- deflection table for, 55
---- effect of, on shooting, 28
---- head, 28
---- judging strength and direction of, 55
---- oblique, 28, 29, 56
---- rear, 28
---- side, 28, 29, 55
Wire gauze, 5, 6
Zone, beaten, 33, 34 38-42
---- of effective fire, 35-37
BILLING AND SONS, LTD., PRINTERS, GUILDFORD
CHARING CROSS
Turkish Baths
NEVILL’S
Northumberland Avenue
PRONOUNCED TO BE THE FINEST IN EUROPE
_Are the last word in Comfort and Luxury_
Cure
Rheumatism, Lumbago, Sciatica,
Colds, Strains, Stiffness,
Etc.
THEY MAKE AND KEEP YOU _FIT_
And at
LONDON BRIDGE, BROAD STREET, CITY,
EDGWARE ROAD, Etc., Etc.
GRAHAM & LATHAM, LTD.
MILITARY ENGINEERS
Musketry Appliances
AIMING DISCS :: AIMING RESTS
FIRING RESTS :: GROUPING GAUGES
AIM CORRECTORS AND TEACHERS
Section-Fire Landscape Targets
Set of 4 Landscapes, each 40 in. by 30 in.
Price 6/-
SKY SCREENS, each 3d.; per doz. 2/6
SOLANO Instructional and Elementary TARGETS
OFFICIALLY APPROVED AND
RECOMMENDED BY THE ARMY
COUNCIL
104, VICTORIA ST., WESTMINSTER, S.W.
FOOTNOTES:
[1] See Appendix, VII.
[2] These paragraphs contain information given by a captured German
officer who speaks with authority in regard both to musketry and
machine guns. His statements appear to represent the views held in the
German Army before the war, on which the training of the German soldier
has been based.
[3] See Preface, para. 10.
[4] This precaution will also be adopted when magazines are not charged.
[5] For the maximum penetration of the pointed bullet in various
substances see Appendix, _Field Entrenchments_, of this series.
[6] Tables giving the maximum height of the trajectory of the Mark VI
and VII bullets at different ranges, together with tables showing the
angles of descent for the last 100 yards of each range, will be found
in _Musketry Regulations_.
[7] This target is described in para. 152, _Musketry Regulations_, Part
II.
[8] For description of and directions for use of Legret Aim-Teacher,
the Aim-Corrector, and Aiming-Disc, see Appendix. A list of necessary
appliances for aiming instruction, including aiming and firing rests,
etc., will be found in para. 6 of this section.
[9] The position for aiming when lying will be taught previously to
this practice.
[10] Shooting from the left shoulder is not to be permitted unless
it is rendered necessary by defective eyesight in the opinion of the
Company Commander.
[11] See Fig. 33 illustrating this point. See also _Drill and Field
Training_ of this series, Fig. 41, and _Field Entrenchments_ of this
series, Figs. 67 and 68.
[12] For directions for adjusting sights in the lying position, see
Sec. 26, para. 4 (iv).
[13] The command _Load_ is only required for drill purposes, or when
charging rifles before leaving quarters on service. It is not used in
fire orders.
[14] The advantages and disadvantages of different forms of cover,
such as hedges, banks, walls, ridges, folds of ground, bushes and
undergrowth, knolls and small hollows, buildings and enclosed spaces,
rocks, mounds of earth, skyline and continuous cover running diagonally
to the line of advance, or which runs or zigzags across the line of
advance, are discussed in this section.
[15] Instructions for training both the eyesight and hearing for use by
night are contained in Sec. 41 of _Drill and Field Training_ of this
series.
[16] See also Sec 72, para 5.
[17] Military features of importance in connection with ground
and cover are dealt with in _Drill and Field Training_ and _Field
Entrenchments_ of this series.
[18] See also Sec. 72, para. 8.
[19] See Sec. 28 of _Drill and Field Training_ of this series for
information as to _communications_, for which, with information as
to _ammunition supply_ see also _Infantry Training 1914_. _Infantry
covering fire_ is dealt with in Sec. 44, para. 13, of this book.
Arrangements for covering fire by machine-guns are dealt with in
_Machine-Gun Training_ of this series (see also _Field Service
Regulations_ and _Infantry Training, 1914_).
[20] With regard to opening fire, see Sec. 44 paras. 3 to 6.
[21] See Preface, para. 11.
[22] Sec. 13 should be read in connection with this paragraph.
[23] See also Sec. 54, para. 3 (vi).
[24] All subordinate commanders are responsible for keeping their
respective superiors, as well as neighbouring commanders, regularly
informed of the progress of events, and of important changes in the
situation as they occur. All ranks should notice what takes place
within their view and hearing, and report anything of importance
accurately and at once to their immediate superior, who must pass the
information on to the higher commanders and to neighbouring units. This
is the foundation of co-operation in war, and is essential not only in
battle, but at every stage of a campaign.--_Infantry Training, 1914_.
[25] The methods by which the development of the soldierly spirit is
inculcated in men, and their character developed in discipline and
other soldierly qualities, are dealt with in Chapter I of _Drill and
Field Training_ of this series.
[26] See the _Physical Training_ books of this series.
[27] The range duties of officers supervising range practices, together
with directions for signalling hits, etc., will be found in _Musketry
Regulations_.
[28] All men not fully exercised in Table B with their companies
(except those referred to in the first sentence of the paragraph to
which this note refers) will be attached to other companies to carry
out the range or field practices omitted; or, if all companies have
completed Table B, a party of casuals may be formed to insure that all
men qualified are fully exercised in the whole of Table B.
[29] For various arrangements to facilitate night firing, and their
combination with automatic alarms, flare lights, and obstacles to
increase fire effect and check the enemy, see Chapter VIII., _Field
Entrenchments_, of this series (see also Preface, para. 7)
[30] See also Sec. 15, para. 3.
[31] See _Drill and Field Training_ of this series, Sec. 31, paras. 4
to 8
[32] Solano figures representing Infantry Lines consist of strips
containing a number of figures at intervals. Lines made of these
figures can be crowded together by overlapping two strips and fixing
them together in the clips.
[33] This is not necessary on the “Section Fire” Landscape Targets,
because the details of each landscape are reproduced in a monotint
or shadowgraph facsimile on the sky-screen to be used with it (Fig.
58). Shot-marks are therefore seen grouped on or about the sky-screen
facsimile of the objective directly above it.
[34] The illustrations of these Targets in this section only show the
aiming-marks and scoring diagrams. These are printed in the centre of
square card surfaces of convenient size in the usual manner, the cards
being green, grey, or brown, instead of white.
[Transcriber’s Note:
Obvious printer errors corrected silently.
Inconsistent spelling and hyphenation are as in the original.]