SHIELDS.
Although cover for the cannoneers had been used off and on since the invention of guns, it had fallen into disuse until it was firmly established as an essential feature by the French on their 75-mm in 1897. All modern field guns have such protection both for the cannoneers and for the delicate parts of the material which would be damaged by shrapnel balls or shell fragments. The shield is made of hardened steel capable of withstanding the impact of a bullet of a service rifle at a 100 yds. range at a standard velocity. For convenience the shield is divided into three parts known as the top shield, main shield and apron, with suitable ports equipped with shutters for the line of vision from sights. The main is fastened to the axle and is rigid. The apron is hinged to the main shield or the axle-swinging forward for the traveling position. The top shield is fastened to the main shield by hinges and swings forward and downward for traveling position.