Transcriber’s Notes:
Underscores “_” before and after a word or phrase indicate _italics_
in the original text.
Equal signs “=” before and after a word or phrase indicate =bold=
in the original text.
Small capitals have been converted to SOLID capitals.
Illustrations have been moved so they do not break up paragraphs.
Deprecated spellings have been preserved.
Typographical and punctuation errors have been silently corrected.
[_Crown Copyright Reserved._]
FIELD ARTILLERY TRAINING.
1914.
GENERAL STAFF, WAR OFFICE.
[Illustration]
LONDON:
PRINTED UNDER THE AUTHORITY OF HIS MAJESTY’S STATIONERY OFFICE
BY HARRISON and SONS, 45-47, ST. MARTIN’S LANE, W.C.,
PRINTERS IN ORDINARY TO HIS MAJESTY.
To be purchased, either directly or through any Bookseller, from
WYMAN and SONS, LIMITED, 29, BREAMS BUILDINGS, FETTER LANE, E.C.,
and
54, ST. MARY STREET, CARDIFF; or
H.M. STATIONERY OFFICE (SCOTTISH BRANCH),
23, FORTH STREET, EDINBURGH: or
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or from the Agencies in the British Colonies and Dependencies,
the United States of America and other Foreign Countries of
T. FISHER UNWIN, LIMITED, LONDON, W.C.
_Price Ninepence._
This Manual is issued by command of the Army Council. It deals with
the general principles which are to govern the training in peace and
leading in war of Horse, Field, Mountain, and Heavy Artillery, and
forms the basis of the Training of R.G.A. Companies armed with movable
armament. The attention of commanders is drawn to “Training and
Manœuvre Regulations,” Section 2.
Any enunciation by officers responsible for training, of principles
other than those contained in this Manual, or any practice of methods
not based on those principles, is forbidden as tending to cause
confusion of thought and to prejudice successful co-operation in war.
[Illustration]
WAR OFFICE, S.W.
_9th April, 1914_.
CONTENTS.
Sec. Page.
DEFINITIONS 1
CHAPTER I.
PRINCIPLES OF TRAINING.
1. Object and method of training 7
2. Responsibility for training 8
TRAINING OF RECRUITS.
3. Preliminary training of recruits 10
4. Recruit training in the battery 14
THE ANNUAL TRAINING OF THE SOLDIER.
5. System of training 14
INDIVIDUAL TRAINING.
6. General instructions 15
COLLECTIVE TRAINING.
7. Section training 17
8. Battery training 17
9. Brigade training 19
10. Annual practice 20
11. Divisional artillery training 21
12. Training of Special Reserve and Territorial
artillery and of the artillery of the
Overseas Dominions 22
CHAPTER II.
DISMOUNTED DRILL WITH AND WITHOUT ARMS.
SQUAD DRILL WITH INTERVALS.
13. General instructions 23
14. Position and movements at the halt 24
15. Saluting 27
16. Movements 29
SQUAD DRILL IN SINGLE RANK.
17. General instructions 35
18. Movements 36
SQUAD DRILL IN TWO RANKS.
19. General instructions 38
20. Movements 39
RIFLE DRILL.
21. General instructions 44
22. Rifle exercises 44
23. Inspection of arms 51
24. Guards and compliments 53
CHAPTER III.
EQUITATION AND DRIVING.
25. Standard required of men and horses 54
26. Horsemastership 55
27. Paces of the horse 58
28. Terms used in equitation 58
FITTING SADDLERY.
29. How to fit a saddle 59
30. Saddling 61
31. Bridling 63
32. Miscellaneous details 65
RIDING.
33. General instructions 66
34. Hints to instructors 68
35. Preliminary training 71
36. First lessons to the recruit 71
37. Mounting and dismounting 73
38. The seat 75
39. How to hold the reins 76
40. Position in the saddle at attention 79
41. First movements on horseback 80
42. Teaching the recruit how to ride his horse
over a fence 81
43. The aids 83
44. Bending 86
45. Spurs 89
46. Various exercises 89
47. Paying compliments mounted without arms 92
48. Leading horses 92
49. Securing horses 92
50. Riding with the sword 95
51. Riding with the rifle 98
52. Revolver shooting 101
DRIVING.
53. General principles 102
54. Fitting harness 102
55. Position of a driver standing to his
horses and mounted 104
56. Use of the whip 105
57. Driving without vehicles 106
58. Hooking in and unhooking 106
59. Traces 107
60. Moving off 108
61. Halting 108
62. Wheeling to the right 108
63. Wheeling to the left 109
64. Wheeling about 109
65. Unlimbering 110
66. Limbering up 110
67. Driving up steep hills 111
68. Jibbing 112
69. Driving down hill 113
70. Applying the brake 113
71. Reversing in narrow roads 113
72. Driving a pair of horses from the box 113
TRAINING THE YOUNG HORSE.
73. General principles 116
74. First stage 118
75. Second stage 120
76. Teaching a horse to stand still without
being held 123
77. Teaching the young horse to jump 123
78. Third stage 124
RIDING AND RETRAINING AWKWARD HORSES.
79. General remarks 126
80. Pullers 127
81. Refusers 128
82. Horses that rush at their fences 130
83. Horses that decline to leave the ranks and
“fretting” horses 130
84. Horses that decline to stand still when
being mounted 131
85. General vice and bad temper 132
86. Refractory draught horses 132
CARE AND DISPOSAL OF SADDLERY AND HARNESS.
87. Care of saddlery and harness 133
88. Disposal of saddlery and harness in harness
rooms or stables 134
89. Disposal of saddlery and harness in bivouac 135
CARE OF WAGONS.
90. General instructions 136
LOADING A WAGON OR CART.
91. General instructions 136
SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS FOR MOUNTAIN ARTILLERY.
92. Position of driver 137
93. Fitting saddlery of ordnance mules 138
94. Training young mules 139
95. Leading mules 140
CHAPTER IV.
GUNNERY.
96. General instructions 142
97. Gunnery terms 142
98. Natures of artillery fire 144
99. Gunnery 145
100. Rifling 147
101. Centring 147
102. Forces acting on a shell in the bore 148
FORCES ACTING ON A SHELL DURING FLIGHT.
103. The resistance of the air 148
104. The force of gravity 149
105. Trajectory 151
106. Elevation 151
107. Causes affecting the accuracy of shooting 154
AMMUNITION.
108. Cordite 155
109. Lyddite shell 157
110. Shrapnel shell 157
111. Star shell 161
112. Time and percussion fuzes 161
113. Fuze indicator 162
114. Range tables 166
CHAPTER V.
LAYING.
115. General instructions 172
116. Direct laying 173
117. Indirect laying 175
118. Angle of sight 176
119. Deflection 178
120. Aiming points 181
121. Clearing the crest 181
122. Parallelism of lines of fire 182
123. Displacement 186
124. Gun layers and fuze setters 190
CHAPTER VI.
MOUNTED DRILL.
125. General instructions 191
126. Falling in for parade 194
127. Intervals and distances 195
128. Frontages and depths 196
129. Posts of officers, N.C.Os., etc. 197
130. Commands and signals 201
131. Leading and dressing 206
132. Wheeling 207
133. Markers 208
134. The battery of horse artillery 209
135. The field battery 213
136. The mountain battery 214
137. The heavy battery 214
138. Battery drill 215
139. Brigade drill 222
CHAPTER VII.
EMPLOYMENT OF ARTILLERY IN WAR.
140. General instructions 227
CHARACTERISTICS OF FIELD ARTILLERY.
141. Field guns 227
142. Field howitzers 228
143. Heavy artillery 229
144. Mountain artillery 229
PRINCIPLES OF EMPLOYMENT.
145. Objects of fire 230
146. Concealment 231
147. Economy of force 232
148. Protection 234
149. Intercommunication 235
CO-OPERATION OF AIRCRAFT WITH ARTILLERY.
150. Employment of aircraft 238
151. Signalling from aircraft 239
152. Signalling from the ground to aircraft 239
DUTIES OF DIVISIONAL ARTILLERY COMMANDER.
153. General instructions 240
ARTILLERY IN ATTACK.
154. Action of the advanced guard artillery 245
155. Opening phase of the attack 246
156. Second phase of the attack 247
157. Third phase of the attack 250
ARTILLERY IN DEFENCE.
158. General instructions and preliminary
measures 252
159. Opening phase of the defence 255
160. Second phase of the defence 256
161. Third phase of the defence 257
COUNTER-ATTACKS.
162. Artillery support to local counter-attacks 258
163. Artillery support to the decisive
counter-attack 258
ARTILLERY IN WOOD AND VILLAGE FIGHTING.
163A. The employment of artillery in
wood fighting 259
163B. Artillery in the attack and
defence of villages 261
ARTILLERY IN NIGHT OPERATIONS.
164. General instructions 261
ARTILLERY IN RETIREMENTS AND RETREATS.
165. Retirements 263
166. Rearguards 264
EMPLOYMENT OF HORSE ARTILLERY WITH CAVALRY.
167. General instructions 265
168. Position on the march 267
169. Escorts 267
170. The approach march 268
171. The advance into action 270
172. The fight 272
173. Pursuit or retreat 273
174. Horse artillery with cavalry acting
dismounted 273
175. Horse artillery in a general engagement 275
176. Ammunition supply 275
MOBILE ARTILLERY IN THE ATTACK AND DEFENCE
OF A FORTRESS.
177. The attack 276
178. The defence 277
ARTILLERY IN IRREGULAR WARFARE.
179. General principles 278
CHAPTER VIII.
BRIGADE TACTICS.
180. General instructions 280
181. Reconnaissance 280
182. Leading 283
183. Ground scouts 284
184. Occupation of a position 286
185. Intercommunication service 288
186. Allotting objectives and ranging 288
187. Observation and control 290
188. Change of position 291
189. Night firing 292
CHAPTER IX.
BATTERY TACTICS.
190. General instructions 293
191. Preparation for action 294
192. Reconnaissance of a position 295
193. Methods of occupying a position 297
194. Orders 300
195. Advance for action 302
196. To come into action 303
197. Duties of officers, etc., in action 308
198. Laying out the line of fire 310
199. Observation of fire 316
200. Look-out men 319
201. Control of fire 320
202. Methods of fire 323
203. Location of targets from aircraft 324
204. Observation of fire from aircraft 325
205. Signals from and to aeroplanes 328
206. Observation of fire from kites 329
RANGING.
207. General Instructions 330
208. To find the elevation 331
209. To find the fuze 334
210. To find the line 335
RANGING FOR HOWITZERS AND HEAVY GUNS.
211. General instructions 336
212. Howitzers 336
213. Heavy batteries 338
DISTRIBUTION OF FIRE.
214. General principles 338
215. Searching 341
216. Sweeping 342
217. Change of target 343
METHODS OF ENGAGING VARIOUS OBJECTIVES.
218. General instructions 343
219. To register a zone 344
220. Localities 344
221. Staffs 345
222. Cavalry 345
223. Artillery 346
224. Infantry 348
225. Machine guns 350
226. Aircraft 350
227. EXAMPLES OF RANGING 351
CHANGE OF POSITION.
228. To advance 360
229. To retire 361
REPLACEMENT OF CASUALTIES.
230. Casualties on the move 362
231. Casualties in action 363
CHAPTER X.
AMMUNITION SUPPLY.
232. General instructions 364
233. Ammunition supply within the battery 365
234. Replenishment of ammunition 366
235. Brigade ammunition columns 367
236. Divisional ammunition columns 370
237. Ammunition reserves on the line of
communication 371
CHAPTER XI.
FIELD ENGINEERING.
238. Entrenching and concealing guns 373
239. Passage of obstacles 377
CHAPTER XII.
RECONNAISSANCE DUTIES, RANGE-FINDING, AND
COMMUNICATION SERVICE.
240. General instructions 380
241. Visual training 381
242. Training in judging distance 382
243. Training in observation 383
244. Reports and sketches 385
RANGE-FINDING.
245. General instructions 388
SERVICE OF COMMUNICATION.
246. General system and principles 390
247. Internal communications 391
248. External communications 392
CHAPTER XIII.
MOVEMENTS AND QUARTERS.
249. Marches and march discipline 394
250. Billets 396
251. Bivouacs 398
TRANSPORT OF ARTILLERY.
252. Transport by rail 401
253. Slinging horses 403
254. Slinging guns and vehicles 407
APPENDIX I.
SYLLABUS OF TRAINING 409
APPENDIX II.
PRECAUTIONS TO BE TAKEN WHEN FIRING BLANK
AMMUNITION 411
LIST OF PLATES.
To face
page.
Plate I.--Gunnery terms illustrated 144
Plate II.--Gunnery terms illustrated 144
Plate III.--Gunnery terms illustrated 144
Plate IV.--Protected observing station 376
Plate V.--Gun epaulment for shielded gun 376
Plate VI.--Gun pit for shielded gun 376
Plate VII.--Passage of obstacles 378
Plate VIII.--Passage of obstacles 379
Plate IX.--Panoramic sketch 387
Plate X.--Range-Taker’s card 387
Plate XI.--Temporary ramps 402
INDEX 412
NOTE.--Amendments, other than minor corrections, are
indicated by a black line in the margin.
FIELD ARTILLERY TRAINING.
1914.
DEFINITIONS.
_Alignment._--The straight line on which a body of troops is formed, or
is to form.
_Base._--An alignment generally indicated by markers on which it is
desired to form troops.
_Base body._--That on which a formation is made, or on which the
alignment is made at the halt, _e.g._, “base battery,” “base section.”
_Battery._--A battery of horse, field or mountain artillery consists
of two or three sections, each of two guns with their complement of
ammunition wagons. In the case of heavy and territorial artillery as
well as of most of the artillery of the Overseas Dominions a battery
consists of two sections only.
_Battery column._--A battery with the sections in open column.
_Battery quarter column._--A battery with the sections in quarter
column.
_Brigade of artillery._--Two batteries of horse artillery or three
batteries of field artillery, in each case with an ammunition column.
_Change of front._--A new alignment facing to a new front.
_Change of position._--A movement by which a body of troops moves
altogether off its ground, either to the front, flank, or rear, and
re-forms on a new alignment.
_Close order._--The ordinary distance between front and rear rank when
formed in line.
_Column._--Bodies of troops formed one in rear of another. When they
are at a distance from one another equal to their own frontage plus
interval, if any, the formation is known as “open column.”
_Column of batteries._--Batteries in open column.
_Column of masses._--Two or more artillery brigades in open column,
each formed in mass.
_Column of sections._--A formation used in brigade drill, when all the
sections are in open column.
_Column of subsections._--A column of single guns, each with a wagon
right or left of it, at full interval unless otherwise ordered.
_Column of route._--A column of single carriages.
_Covering._--The act of a body placing itself correctly in rear of
another.
_Deploying interval._--The interval between columns necessary to enable
them to form line to the front.
_Deployment._--The formation of line from column.
_Depth._--The space occupied by a body of troops from front to rear.
_Directing body._--The body on which the direction, pace and alignment
of a line, or the direction, pace and relative positions of the several
parts of a column or échelon depend.
_Distance._--The space between men or bodies of troops from front to
rear.
_Divisional line of masses._--A line of two or more artillery brigades
each formed in mass at deploying interval.
_Divisional mass._--A divisional line of masses at 25 yards interval.
_Double échelon._--A form of échelon in which the centre body is in
advance with other bodies on its right and left rear.
_Dressing._--The act of taking up an alignment correctly or of
maintaining that alignment on the move.
_Échelon._--Échelon when used with reference to drill signifies a
formation of successive and parallel units facing the same way, each on
a flank and to the rear of the unit in front of it. “Échelon” is when
the units are at wheeling distance, and “short échelon” when they are
at 20 yards distance.
_File._--A front rank man with his coverer.
_Firing battery._--Six guns and 6 ammunition wagons, except in the case
of 4-gun batteries, when it consists of 4 guns and 4 wagons.
In mountain artillery the firing battery consists of the mules carrying
the various portions of the gun and carriage, and 2 ammunition mules
per subsection, 1 pioneer mule per section, 1 mule for telephone
equipment, and relief mules for the gun and carriage complete of one
subsection.
_First line wagons._--Those battery ammunition wagons not included in
the firing battery.
In mountain artillery the first line mules are those battery ammunition
and relief mules not included in the firing battery.
_Fixed pivot._--The term applied to the pivot when, during a wheel, the
pivot man is halted and turns upon his own ground.
_Flank._--Either side of a body of troops; also the direction to either
hand of a body at right angles to its front.
_Fours._--Four front rank men with their coverers.
_Front._--The direction towards which a body of troops, or a single
man, is facing; in a general sense, the direction of the enemy.
_Frontage._--The extent of ground covered laterally by troops.
_Ground scouts._--Men employed to ascertain whether the ground in the
immediate vicinity is passable for artillery.
_Half-section._--Two front rank men with their coverers.
_Horse-length_--A term of measurement (8 feet).
_Horse-width._--A term of measurement (3 feet), which includes 3 inches
outside the rider’s knee on either side.
_Inclining of carriages._--A movement in which each carriage of a
subsection makes a half-wheel independently on its own ground.
_Inner flank._--The flank which serves as a pivot when a body is
changing its direction.
_Interval._--The space between men or bodies of troops from flank to
flank.
_Line._--Bodies of troops formed on the same alignment.
_Line of battery columns._--Battery columns in line at deploying
interval.
_Line of columns._--A line of two or more columns formed on the same
alignment.
_Look-out men._--Men specially detailed to assist the battery commander
in watching the movements of the enemy and friendly troops, and in
discovering new objectives.
_Mass._--A line of battery columns at 25 yards interval.
_Markers._--Men employed in certain cases to mark points on which to
march.
_Moving pivot._--The term applied to the pivot when, during a change of
direction, the pivot man moves on the arc of a circle without halting.
_Oblique march and inclining._--Movements by which ground is gained
to the front and flank simultaneously, while a front parallel to the
original alignment is maintained.
_Outer flank._--The flank opposite to the inner flank.
_Pace._--The denomination of different degrees of speed; also a
measurement of distance (30 inches) on foot.
_Parade line._--The line on which troops form for drill or for
ceremonial purposes.
_Parade movements._--The movements laid down for the inspection of a
body of troops.
_Patrols._--A party of men detached for any purpose, such as to
reconnoitre, to prevent surprises, to report fire effect, to pick out
and report favourable targets, or to keep a commander informed of
movements of either side.
_Pivot._--The flank on which a body wheels. The man on that flank is
the “pivot man,” or simply the pivot.
_Quarter column._--Batteries in column at 12 yards, sections in column
at 6 yards, distance from one another. When at full interval, each gun
has a wagon on its left at close interval.
_Rank._--Two or more men in line side by side.
_Scouts._--Selected men detached to obtain information of the enemy,
country, supplies, &c.
_Section._--A section consists of two subsections.
_Serrefiles._--Officers, non-commissioned officers, and others whose
posts are in rear of a battery when in line.
_Shouldering._--Wheeling on a moving pivot.
_Single file._--One front rank man or his coverer.
_Subsection._--One gun, with its complement of men, horses, and
ammunition wagons.
_Taking ground to a flank._--A movement in which each carriage of a
subsection wheels independently on its own ground.
_Wheeling._--A movement by which a body changes direction on a fixed or
moving pivot.
_Special for Mountain Artillery._[1]
_Subsection._--One gun with its complement of men and mules, divided
into two parts called firing battery mules and first line mules.
_Battery column._--A column of sections, in which the firing battery
mules of each section follow each other in succession and are followed
by the first line mules in the same order.
_Column of route._--A column of single mules in which each subsection
moves complete.
_Column of sections._--A column in which each section moves complete.
_Column of subsections._--A column of single mules, in which the
mules of the firing battery of each subsection follow each other in
succession and are followed by the first line mules in the same order.
_Mule-length._--A term of measurement (6 feet).
Width of a loaded ammunition mule = 4 feet.
_Relief Mules._--For some of the more difficult loads a second mule is
provided, which acts as a relief to the firing battery mule.
[1] The mule is referred to as the normal pack animal with mountain
batteries throughout this manual. The same principles are generally
applicable to pack ponies.
CHAPTER I.
PRINCIPLES OF TRAINING.
=1.= _Object and method of training._
1. The object of training is to fit all ranks for the performance of
their duties in war. This volume deals with the general principles
which govern the training in peace and leading in war of horse,
field, mountain, and heavy artillery. It also forms the basis of the
training of companies R.G.A. armed with movable armament (except 6-inch
howitzers) for the defence of land fronts.
2. The training must include both moral and physical instruction. The
development of a soldierly spirit is needed to help the soldier to
bear fatigue, privation and danger cheerfully; to embue him with a
sense of honour; to give him confidence in his superiors and comrades;
to increase his powers of initiative, of self-confidence, and of
self-restraint; to train him to obey orders or to act suitably in their
absence; to impress upon him that so long as he is physically capable
of fighting, surrender to the enemy is a disgraceful act; and finally
to produce such a state of discipline that each individual will perform
his duty coolly and correctly in the stress of battle.
The training of the body is required to develop the soldier’s capacity
for resisting fatigue and privation, in order that he may always be fit
to perform his duty.
It is only after some development in these qualities of mind and
body has been made by the individual that instruction in working
collectively in the field should be undertaken.
3. As soon as a man enters the service, every endeavour should be made
to foster in him a soldierly spirit. Officers and non-commissioned
officers must remember that it is chiefly by their example that the
development of a soldierly spirit will be achieved.
The soldier should be instructed in the deeds which have made the
British Army and his own regiment famous, and as his education
progresses simple lessons drawn from military history may be explained
to him.
The privileges which he inherits as a citizen of a great empire should
be explained to him, and he should be taught to appreciate the honour
which is his, as a soldier, of serving his King and country.
4. The management, care, and handling of his gun and horse must always
be the principal aim in the artilleryman’s training, but he must also
have some knowledge of musketry and field engineering, either of which
he may be called upon to employ in the course of a campaign.
Drill is an essential factor of all training, in order to establish
and maintain a mutual understanding between a commander and his
subordinates.
Mounted and dismounted games are also of value in teaching the
importance of co-operation, discipline and determination. The greater
number, therefore, that take part in such sports the better.
It should be impressed on all ranks throughout their training that the
sole object of the various courses of instruction is to fit them for
their duties in war. By keeping this fact constantly in view training
will develop on sound and practical lines.
=2.= _Responsibility for training._
_See also_ T. and M. Regs. Sec. =2=.
1. Responsibility for the training of the troops committed to their
charge rests on all commanders from those of sections upwards. Subject
to the principles laid down in the various Training Manuals and
Regulations, commanders are at liberty to employ such methods as appear
best calculated to attain the desired end. Superior commanders while
holding their subordinates responsible for the training of their
units will never forego their functions of guidance and control, and
will exercise a general and continuous supervision over their work.
In carrying out this duty they must not curb the initiative of their
subordinates or interfere unnecessarily so long as the training is
conducted on sound lines.
2. The importance of artillery being regularly trained to work with
the other arms cannot be overestimated. It is the function of the
divisional commander to afford the necessary opportunities to his
batteries, when the divisional artillery commander reports that they
are ready. (_See_ T. and M. Regs., Sec. =40= (6).)
3. The divisional artillery commander is a subordinate commander and
as such is responsible for the efficiency of the artillery of the
division. (_See_ F.S. Regs., Part II, Sec. =9=.)
It is his duty to superintend the tactical training of the artillery,
to conduct the higher education of its officers, and to see that the
principles laid down in the various training manuals for the guidance
of the artillery are adhered to.
4. The commander of an artillery brigade is responsible for the
training and efficiency of his brigade and for supervising the
instruction of his officers. He will also see that the numbers and
efficiency of the officers, non-commissioned officers and men required
for special duties are maintained in accordance with the regulations.
(_See also_ Sec. =6= (6).)
The commander of a reserve brigade, is responsible for the system of
training the recruits as well as for the efficiency of the permanent
cadres of the depôt and reserve batteries.
5. The commander of a battery is responsible for the training and
efficiency of his officers, non-commissioned officers, men and horses.
He is also responsible that the equipment of his battery is complete
and fit for service. He is assisted in these duties by the captain. A
battery commander will hold his section commanders responsible for the
training and efficiency of their sections, and also for the condition
of the horses and equipment belonging to them to such an extent as
he considers desirable. It should be his aim, while maintaining a
general control, to develop the self-reliance and readiness to accept
responsibility of all ranks.
6. To qualify for the command of a section an officer should himself
be capable of performing all the ordinary duties which his men may be
called upon to undertake in the field.
Young officers, before being dismissed drill, should therefore be
capable of stripping and putting together a saddle, correctly saddling,
bitting and turning out a horse in marching order, putting together
the harness and harnessing a draught horse and driving in the centre,
lead or wheel. He should also have a thorough knowledge of the gun, its
equipment and ammunition, the system of laying and of the duties of the
various numbers.
When qualified they should personally train their own section to take
its place in the battery, making the most of the opportunities thus
afforded to study the characters of their men, to find out the special
qualifications of each and to gain their confidence.
TRAINING OF RECRUITS.
=3.= _Preliminary training of recruits._
1. The training of the recruit will commence as soon as he joins the
depôt or training brigade. As it is here that the foundation of his
military education is laid, great importance attaches to the system of
instruction adopted.
The daily programme of work should be varied so as to avoid monotony
with its consequent loss of interest.
A syllabus of training is given in Appendix I. This syllabus can only
be taken as a guide since weather and other conditions will often make
it impossible to carry out the programme laid down.
2. A practical character should be given to the instruction from the
beginning. Officers and non-commissioned officers should themselves
show the proper position or way to do whatever they are teaching: for
it is much easier to learn when the eye assists than when the ear alone
is the medium of instruction.
3. The language used should be as simple as possible and technical
terms which are necessary must be carefully explained. Questions which
admit of a simple answer should frequently be asked, but attempts
to extract long parrot-like quotations from drill-books should be
forbidden. Every encouragement should be given to recruits to take an
interest in all details connected with their work and to question their
instructors on any points they do not understand.
The attainments of recruits on joining are to be noted and all should
be encouraged to attend school until they obtain a second-class
certificate.
4. Recruits should be formed for instructional purposes in squads; the
number of men in each squad should not exceed ten. It may be advisable
to rearrange the squads periodically, so that the more intelligent men
may not be kept back by those of inferior ability.
Recruits should be called out in turn to drill when they have
progressed sufficiently, for this gives a man confidence, helps him to
learn, and causes him to take additional interest in his work.
5. The squad instructors must be carefully selected and should, if
possible, receive some previous training as instructors at the depôt.
They must be firm, but patient, making allowances for the different
capacities of the men, and it will be of advantage if the same
instructors remain with the same squads throughout their course.
An instructor should place himself where he can be seen and heard by
all in the squad, should stand in a smart, soldierlike attitude, and
should avoid pacing up and down, looking down on the ground, turning
his back to the squad, and similar habits, which fidget the men and
distract their attention. His explanations should be given in a
distinct voice; his word of command should be sharp and decisive.
6. Alertness of attitude and smartness of movement should be enforced
throughout all drill; but while details or explanations of drill and
equipment are being given, squads should be allowed to stand easy.
7. The recruits course will consist of instruction in the following
subjects:--
_All recruits._
i. Physical training. (_See_ Manual of Physical Training.)
ii. Foot drill.
iii. Rifle exercises, and Musketry exercises.
(Musketry Regulations, Part I.)
iv. The use of cordage, tackles, knots, &c.
v. Semaphore signalling.
_Gunners._
vi. Gun drill and elementary gunnery.
vii. Laying, fuze setting.
viii. Visual training.
_Drivers._
ix. Fitting, cleaning and disposal of harness.
x. Stable management.
_Boys._
xi. Signalling (flag, lamp and helio).
xii. Map reading.
8. In addition to short lectures connected with the above, others
should be given on the following subjects, illustrated whenever
possible, by reference to incidents of actual warfare:--
i. Moral education, including patriotism, devotion to
duty, the soldierly spirit and self-respect.
ii. Interior economy and barrack duties, including the
organization of a battery; dress, clothing and its
care; names and ranks of superiors, &c.; regulations
and orders; leave and passes, hospital rules,
pay, promotion, school.
iii. Discipline: its object: punctuality, regularity and
obedience: saluting: method of making requests:
behaviour out of barracks: meaning of esprit de
corps, regimental motto, &c.
iv. Sanitation, its object and rules to follow: hints on
marching and care of feet, &c.
Lectures should be given under the most comfortable circumstances to
the hearers and use should be made of models and the blackboard, in
order to engage and hold their attention and interest.
9. No definite period for the course above outlined can be laid down,
since it will depend on a number of varying circumstances, but it is
considered that 12 weeks would be needed to give the average recruit a
sound preliminary training. To enable his training in more important
subjects to go on uninterruptedly after joining his unit, every effort
must be made to complete that portion of the course which consists of
physical training and marching drill.
10. It should be impressed on recruits that their prospects of civil
employment in after life depend on their conduct whilst in the army,
that preference is given to such as have exemplary or very good
characters, and that sobriety is a very important qualification for
employment.
4. _Recruit training in the battery._
1. Recruits should, if possible, be posted to batteries in batches.
Further training in the various subjects referred to in Sec. =3= will
usually be necessary. The same instructors should, if possible, deal
with the same subjects throughout this training and one officer should
be specially charged with superintending the work and giving the class
a series of lectures.
2. During this period a careful watch should be kept for men who are
likely to become useful non-commissioned officers, or who show an
aptitude for any special duties; and every encouragement should be
given them to improve themselves.
THE ANNUAL TRAINING OF THE SOLDIER.
=5.= _System of training._
_See also_ T. and Man. Regs., Sec. =3=.
1. The conditions in which the artillery is raised in different parts
of the Empire vary so greatly that rigid adherence to any one system
of training is impossible, but the methods described in the following
pages should be followed as closely as circumstances allow.
2. The training of the soldier must be progressive and continuous.
With this object the training year will be divided into two periods,
which will be devoted respectively to--
i. Individual training.
ii. Collective training.
The object of individual training is to prepare the individual officer,
non-commissioned officer or soldier for the duties which he will be
required to carry out in war.
The object of collective training is to render the sections, batteries
and larger units and formations capable of manœuvre and co-operation in
battle.
3. Whatever periods are allotted for individual and collective training
the instruction of individuals and units is not to be considered as
limited to these periods respectively. Advantage must be taken of any
opportunities which may arise for individual training during the period
of collective training, and _vice versâ_. (_See_ T. and Man. Regs.,
Sec. =7=.)
4. It is undesirable to lay down fixed courses of training, and it
will rest with commanders to design for themselves programmes for each
training period which will ensure the necessary standard of efficiency
being reached within the limits of time allowed.
Under special circumstances, detailed instructions may be issued by
higher authority for the training of subordinate commands. Detailed
instructions should, however, be sparingly employed as they cramp
initiative and increase rather than facilitate the work of subordinates.
INDIVIDUAL TRAINING.
_See also_ T. and Man. Regs., Chap. II.
=6.= _General instructions._
1. Individual training must be, as far as possible, progressive and
uninterrupted.
The success of each year’s collective training will largely depend
on the care and attention devoted to the individual training which
precedes it.
2. Leave and furlough should, if possible, be so arranged that each
battery is at full strength for a period, or periods amounting in
all to not less than 24 working days. When this is not possible, the
application of this rule may be limited to the section. During this
period or periods the battery or section should be struck off duty
in order to allow its commander to carry out a complete and thorough
course of individual training for his officers and men.
3. Short lectures, practically illustrated, form one of the best means
of imparting instruction and are also of value in educating officers
and non-commissioned officers to express themselves in clear and simple
terms.
4. Individual training comprises:--
i. Instruction of officers in professional duties (King’s
Regulations, and T. and Man. Regs., Chap. II).
ii. Instruction of non-commissioned officers and men
likely to become non-commissioned officers in the
duties which they may be called upon to perform.
iii. Reconnaissance duties.
(Secs. =240-244= and F.S. Regs., Part I.)
iv. Range-finding. (Sec. =245=.)
v. Intercommunication duties. (Sec. =246-248=.)
vi. Physical training and marching drill.
vii. Gun drill, laying, and fuze setting.
viii. Equitation. (Chap. III.)
ix. Musketry.
x. Training of eyesight and observation, and in judging
distances. (Secs. =241-243=.)
xi. Semaphore signalling for captains, subalterns, and
non-commissioned officers, and at least 20% of the
gunners and drivers.
xii. Practice, so far as means are available, or can be improvised,
in entraining and embarking guns and horses,
and in slinging horses, vehicles and stores which form
part of their war equipment. (Secs. =252-254=.)
5. In addition, lectures on the following should also be included:--
i. The principles of artillery tactics, ammunition supply,
the employment of artillery in war in conjunction
with the other arms and the general characteristics
of those arms.
ii. The care of horses, saddlery, and equipment and
stable management, combined with practical
illustration. (_See_ Animal Management.)
6. The instruction in signalling, range-finding and reconnaissance
duties should be carried out under the direct instructions of the
brigade commander, who will also supervise the training of the officers
in professional duties.
COLLECTIVE TRAINING.
_See also_ T. and Man. Regs., Chap. III.
=7.= _Section training._
1. At the commencement of battery training each section will be trained
in the field under its own section commander to such an extent as the
battery commander considers desirable. For this purpose one or two
sections, as convenient, can be lent the horses and carriages of the
remainder, the latter being meanwhile trained in dismounted work, gun
drill, laying, fuze setting, semaphore signalling, &c. Arrangements
should be made so that every man may be trained with his own section
during this time.
2. The battery commander will personally supervise the section
commanders and thus ensure that each section is fit to take its place
in the battery.
The period of section training offers a convenient time for the
education of the battery headquarters by the battery commander or
captain.
=8.= _Battery training._
1. To ensure efficiency in the command of a battery it is essential
that its training should be devoted to foreseeing and removing all
possible causes of friction between its component parts.
2. Each battery should be struck off duty for at least 36 days
(inclusive of section training). It will seldom be possible for these
to be consecutive, but the brigade commander is responsible for making
the best arrangements possible for the general good of his command.
3. The chief points to which the battery commander should devote his
attention are:--
i. Fire discipline.
ii. Supply and replenishment of ammunition.
iii. Internal communication in the battery and co-operation
between the various members of battery headquarters.
iv. Fire tactics (the selection, occupation and preparation
of positions and co-operation with the other arms).
v. Field engineering. (_See_ M.F.E. and Secs. =238=, =239=.)
4. At first it will often be advisable to take out only the officers,
senior non-commissioned officers and parties required for observation
and communication. When these individuals have got to know their work
and to understand each other, the whole battery can be taken out.
Parties may with advantage be sent out to the positions against which
the guns are to come into action to note where and when any of the
personnel or material of the battery are exposed to view, and to form
targets for the guns. By such means the men will be enabled to see the
mistakes made, and learn to avoid them.
5. The difficulties which attend the supply of ammunition in the field
make it important that each battery should practise it with its full
number of wagons as often as possible. In order to do this arrangements
should be made to place the horses of the brigade at the disposal of
each battery in turn.
6. Before the training of the battery is finished an opportunity of
bivouacking for 24 hours should be obtained. It will be of advantage if
the site selected affords facilities for practising swimming horses,
entrenching and the passage of obstacles.
If arrangements can be made for issuing flour and live stock, useful
training in the preparation of rations under active service conditions
may be gained.
7. All training, other than formal parades, carried out beyond the
precincts of barracks, whether other arms are present or not, should
be based on some simple tactical scheme, which should be explained to
all ranks beforehand.
=9.= _Brigade training._
1. As soon as the batteries have completed battery training they will
be inspected by their brigade commander, after which the training of
the brigade should commence.
Each brigade should be at the disposal of its commander for at least 18
working days.
2. The object of brigade training is to fit the brigade to take
part, either alone or as part of a larger force of artillery, in any
operation involving the employment of other arms.
To achieve this object training in the following is necessary:--
i. The selection, and change of positions and of objectives
in accordance with the tactical plan.
ii. The concentration and distribution of fire in accordance
with the progress of the fight, and the
procedure to be adopted to carry out these objects.
iii. Co-operation with the other arms, and intercommunication
between the artillery brigade commander,
his batteries and ammunition column, and also
between the artillery brigade commander and the
divisional artillery commander and subordinate
infantry commanders.
3. If arrangements cannot be made to carry out tactical training with
the other arms (_see_ Sec. =2= and T. and Man. Regs. Secs. =40= and
=42=) the action and effect of those arms must be considered in the
solution of tactical problems.
=10.= _Annual practice._
1. The object of the annual course of gun practice is two-fold, viz.:--
i. To instruct all ranks in the application in the field of the
approved principles of gunnery and artillery tactics
with service ammunition.
ii. To accustom commanders to acquire the habit of appreciating
a situation quickly and correctly, of arriving
at an immediate decision, of translating that decision
into suitable orders and of ensuring their intelligent
and rapid execution.
2. The schemes on which the tactical practice is based should deal with
problems such as would be likely to confront a commander in war. These
schemes for batteries and brigades of divisional artillery will be
drawn up by the divisional artillery commander in consultation with the
general staff officer of the division. Schemes for larger formations
will be prepared by the general staff officer of the division under the
direction of the divisional commander.
In the case of horse artillery the camp commandant will draw up the
schemes for tactical practice in consultation with the inspector of
cavalry. In the case of heavy artillery and unallotted brigades of
field artillery the tactical schemes will be prepared by the camp
commandant.
The divisional commander will, whenever possible, be present at the
tactical practice of his divisional artillery and act as director of
the operations, assisted by the commandant, who is the divisional
artillery commander in the case of batteries and brigades of divisional
artillery. The commandant will act as director in the absence of the
divisional commander.
The director or assistant director will give out the schemes and,
if he himself is acting as the commander of the force engaged, will
explain the tactical situation and will issue such orders as he would
in war. Should the divisional commander so desire, a senior officer of
another arm may be placed in command, in which case he will describe
the situation and issue his orders. Before doing so he should be made
fully acquainted with the lessons which the director wishes to teach,
and with any limitations imposed by range conditions.
3. It is the duty of practice camp commandants to record the state of
efficiency of the various batteries and brigades, to bring to notice
matters affecting the efficiency of the equipment and to report on the
suitability for war of the technical methods employed.
4. Accurate observation of fire is of very great importance. Practice
camp commandants should, therefore, make sure that officers and
selected non-commissioned officers are given opportunities of watching
as many series fired as possible.
5. Further instructions for the conduct of practice are contained in
“Instructions for Practice, Horse, Field, and Heavy Artillery.”
=11.= _Divisional artillery training._
1. Divisional artillery training will generally take place between the
annual practice and divisional training, and under the supervision of
the divisional commander who will decide the duration and locality of
the training.
2. During this period attention will first be devoted to perfecting
the methods by which orders are issued to brigades, and communication
maintained between them and the commander of the divisional artillery
and to the reconnaissance and selection of artillery positions.
It will not always be necessary to take out the batteries in the
earlier stages of the training as much of the work in connection
with the above can be carried out by the headquarters of divisional
artillery and of brigades and batteries working together under the
divisional artillery commander.
3. Subsequently, schemes, in which the whole divisional artillery will
take part, should be framed to illustrate definite points in connection
with the tactical employment of artillery in various situations, the
higher command of artillery in battle, the allotment of zones or tasks,
the application of fire, and the replenishment of ammunition.
The other arms should usually be associated with the divisional
artillery in working out these schemes. Infantry may be utilised for
the purpose of showing in skeleton the positions and movements of that
arm in a scheme designed principally for the training of the divisional
artillery. When units are not available officers of other arms should
be attached for the purpose of stating the action that would be taken
by their arms.
Occasionally the artillery of a division may carry out exercises
independently of the other arms, but in such cases the effect which the
presence of other troops would have on the operations must never be
ignored.
=12.= _Training of Special Reserve and Territorial Artillery and of the
artillery of the Overseas Dominions._
1. The annual training should be earned out on the same principles as
have been indicated above for the Regular Forces. It is not possible
for citizen forces, in the limited time at their disposal, to carry
out the whole course. The perfecting of the battery as the fire unit
should be the principal object kept in view. Beyond this officers,
senior non-commissioned officers and battery headquarters should be
instructed, both with respect to their battery duties and also as
part of a brigade, for which purposes the presence of the batteries
themselves is not essential.
2. The training of the Special Reserve should be devoted to fitting
individuals to take a place in the battery suited to their special
qualifications. Thus any men who show aptitude as layers, signallers,
&c., should be encouraged to perfect themselves so far as the time
available for their training will allow.