No. 8.
Object: A practice to show the dependence of movement on fire.
Rounds: 10 per man.
Targets: 12 Figure 3 targets, extended to 3 paces; each to be lowered when hit.
5 seconds after the last one has been lowered, the targets will be again exposed till hit.
Distance: Known—600, 500, 400 yards.
Method: A section (10 firers) is extended to 3 paces on the 600 yards’ firing-point, rifles unloaded and at safe, sights normal.
On the warning, “Commence,” the commander gives his orders.
No advance will be made from 600 yards till four targets have been lowered.
No advance will be made from 600 yards till the remaining eight targets have been lowered.
Note.—If fired as a competition, the section which hits all its targets at 400 yards in the shortest time wins, or the section which hits most targets.
CHAPTER IX
NIGHT FIRING, HAND GRENADES, AND COMPETITIONS
Section 67.—Night Firing.[29]
1. Methods of Night Firing.—A body of troops in a position commanding open ground or an approach which may be used by the enemy may arrange to sweep it with fire by laying rifles in rests constructed by daylight, by preparing illuminated aiming-marks giving a horizontal line of sight, or by firing at the flashes of the enemy’s rifles, or other marks by automatic alignment of the rifle. These various methods are explained in the following paragraphs. Firing at night should only be employed within close range.
2. Automatic Alarms and Flare Lights.—(i) Automatic alarms and flare lights to illuminate the foreground are useful against night attacks. They should be used in combination with obstacles, if any have been constructed, and either protected or concealed, so as to prevent the enemy removing them. No mechanical signal must be relied upon as a substitute for the efficient use of the eyesight and hearing.
3. Fixed Rifle-Rests and Aiming-Marks.—On a dark night it is difficult to insure the men’s rifles being aimed in the required direction. Any device to assist them in this matter is useful. Fixed rifle-rests may be made, or, failing these, some such device as a wooden bar can be arranged across loopholes, to prevent a man raising his rifle-barrel too high. Posts painted white on the defenders’ side make a good aiming-mark, if the night is not too dark.
4. Automatic Alignment of the Rifle.—(i) The automatic alignment of the rifle is as a general rule the most effective method of firing at night. Men should therefore be practised in aligning their rifles automatically for night firing at ranges of about 300 yards and under.
(ii) Method of Instruction.—Aiming-marks should be selected just above the ground-line, and within 100 yards of the squad. The men should then be ordered to bring their rifles into the firing position with both eyes shut. The right eye should then be opened, and the approximate alignment of the rifle verified. After some practice each man will be able to ascertain his individual tendency, which he should correct with practice until able to align the rifle with his eyes shut with approximate accuracy.
(iii) This exercise should be carried out in the daytime until proficiency is attained, when men should be practised in firing a few rounds after dark at large screens at a range not exceeding 300 yards. The position of the screen may be indicated by some rough expedient to represent the flash of a rifle. Much material effect is not to be anticipated from night firing except against an enemy in movement, but the moral effect should be considerable.
5. Instruction on Miniature Ranges.—Directions for night firing on miniature ranges are contained in Sec. 74, para. 7.
Section 68.—Hand Grenade (Mark I).
1. General Description (see [Fig. 52]).—The grenade consists of the following principal parts: Cap A, body B, detonator C, cane handle D, wood block E, tail F, charge G, and cast-iron ring R.
2. The body B of the grenade carries the lyddite charge G. The wood block E is put into the recess in the cup H, and the cup, wood block, and body are then firmly secured together by means of the three brass screws J. Attached to the wood block E is the cane handle D, to the end of which is securely bound the tail F, the cane handle D being for the purpose of throwing the grenade, and the tail F to steady it in flight and to assist to make it travel and fall point foremost.
3. The upper part of the body has a groove M formed in it for the purpose of securing the cap A in position. The groove M is provided with four leads into it, two N.N., to allow of the insertion and removal of the cap, and two O.O., to allow the cap to move forward upon the grenade striking the ground or other obstacle. Two projections, e.e., are made in the groove M for the indent X in the cap A to jump when the cap enters or leaves the travel position. One projection is to be made long enough to carry the indent into the Fire position. The object of these two projections is to give a definite indication of when the cap is in the Travel and Fire positions. Two indicating knobs P.P. are secured to the body, and two stop pins Q.Q. are fixed below the indicating knobs P.P., preventing the cap A being pushed down too far (except when turned into the Fire position—see later) if by any accident the safety-pin had been removed or displaced. Fixed to the top of the body are two holding studs R.R. to secure the detonator C when in position. The body has also painted on it in red two arrows L.L. for the purpose of indicating positions of cap A as to the removing, travel, or firing positions.
4. The detonator C is formed with a flange S on which are two lugs T.T. for the purpose of turning the detonator when in position, so as to secure it under the heads of the holding studs R.R. On the face of the flange S is fixed a brass plate spring U, for locking the detonator into position. The two grooves V.V. in the flange S of the detonator C are to allow the flange S to pass the holding studs R.R. during insertion or removal of the detonator.
Fig. 52.—Hand Grenade (Mark I). Scale ⅓
5. The cap A carries a steel needle W for firing the detonator. Two small indents X.X. are formed on the cap to engage with the groove M on the body B. The raised lips I.I, are to allow the cap A to clear the indicating knobs P.P. when the cap is being placed or removed from the body of the grenade.
6. Two raised lips K.K. are to allow the cap A to move forward when the cap is turned into its firing position, the lips K.K. being raised sufficiently to clear the stop pins Q.Q., this only being possible when the cap is in the firing position. The raised portions Y.Y. are for the indicating knobs to engage with when the cap is turned to the travel position, and thus give a further indication when the cap A is in this position. The cap is also fitted with a safety-pin Z, which passes through the needle and the cap, and prevents the cap moving forward while the pin is in position. The pin Z is secured by a whipcord becket passed over the cap A, and is also further secured by a thin leather strip d passing through a slot at one end, it being necessary to remove both these safeguards before the pin Z can be withdrawn. The safety-pin Z is also passed through the cap A in such a position that if by any mischance the detonator C was not properly secured after being placed in position, the act of placing the cap A on and turning it to the left into the firing position causes the pin Z to engage with the two lugs T.T. on the flange S of the detonator, and automatically locks the detonator under the heads of the holding studs R.R.
7. The hook t fixed to the body of the grenade is for attaching the latter to the soldier’s belt. The grenade with the stick downward is hung on to the belt by the hook.
8. To Prepare the Grenade for Use.—(i) Turn the cap A on to the body B to the right until the indicating knobs P.P. are in the raised lips I.I. formed in the cap A. This can be seen by means of the arrows L.L. painted on the body B being opposite the words “remove” on the cap A. Then pull off the cap.
(ii) Place the detonator C in the recess for it. See that the two grooves V.V. in the flange S coincide with the two studs R.R., then press down the detonator into position. When the flange S is home, turn the detonator C to the left, passing the flange under the heads of the studs R.R., and continue turning until the brass plate spring U is released, thus locking the detonator.
(iii) Replace the cap A with the raised lips I.I. over the indicating knobs P.P., and push down into position. After the cap A has been put on, it must be turned one-eighth of a turn to the left, thus bringing the indicating knobs P.P. into the raised positions Y.Y. of the cap A. This is done by pointing the indicating arrows L.L. to “travel” on the cap.
(iv) The grenade is intended to be carried with the raised portions Y.Y. always over the indicating arrows L.L.—i.e., in the travel position, whether the detonator C is in position or not.
(v) To Throw the Grenade.—The tail is unwound, and allowed to hang loose at full length.
(vi) The cap is turned from the “travel” to the “fire” position.
(vii) The safety-pin is withdrawn.
(viii) The grenade is thrown by means of the cane D. The latter is grasped between the end furthest from the grenade itself and the attached point of the tail—i.e., on the grooved portion. The grenade is thrown in the required direction either under or over hand, care being taken that the tail cannot entangle itself with the thrower or with any object near him.
(ix) When throwing, the following points should be remembered:
(a) The grenade should be thrown well upwards at not less than an angle of about 35 degrees. This, besides assisting in increasing the range to which the grenade can be thrown, renders its action more absolutely certain by causing it to strike the ground nearly vertically. This is especially important when throwing with a following wind.
(b) Any obstacle lying between the thrower and the objective must be cleared, as the grenade will almost certainly act on anything it strikes during any part of its flight.
(x) Caution.—(i) Should the hand grenade not be used, the cap is to be turned back to “travel” from “fire,” the safety-pin (which must be retained) is to be replaced in position, care being taken that the pin passes through the cap, and is secured by passing the whipcord becket over the cap, and by replacing the leather strip d through the slot in the end of the safety-pin Z, and the tail rolled up and secured.
(ii) Immediately the grenade has left the hand, the thrower should lie down or get behind cover to reduce the chances of being hit by a splinter, as, of course, the explosion sends these in all directions. Dummy grenades are supplied for practice in throwing.
9. Use of Grenades.—In addition to the hand grenade, grenades may be improvised by filling tins with explosive for throwing by hand. Grenades are also constructed so that they can be fired from rifles. Grenades can be used with effect against sap-heads in siege warfare and in trench fighting at close range.
Section 69.—Competitions.
1. Object of Competitions.—The principles governing competitions are laid down in para. 102, Musketry Regulations. The object of competitions is to encourage proficiency in service shooting under practical conditions. This object must not be confined to a few champion shots, but must include every man in each fire-unit. A good average standard of marksmanship, especially in shooting at service targets at unknown ranges, is the ideal to be aimed at. Team competitions in which fire-unit commanders are exercised in their duties, and in which they work together with their units, are the most practical and valuable form of competition. The various instructional practices, together with individual and collective field practices in Chapters VIII and X of this book, are suitable for competitions.
2. General Rules.—(i) The conditions of each competition must be suited to the rank and skill of competitors, and practise them in the duties they will perform in the firing-line.
(ii) Programmes.—Programmes should as far as possible embrace all elements of musketry training. Rules for the conduct of competitions should be the same as those for the conduct of range and field practices.
(iii) Individual Firing.—Individual firing competitions beyond 600 yards have little military value.
(iv) Targets.—Bull’s-eye targets should as a rule be used in elementary competitions only for young soldiers in the first year of service. Service targets should be used of neutral colours, and of visibility approximating to that of the targets seen on service.
(v) Scope of Competitions.—Specializing in any one kind of shooting should be discouraged. Competitions for trained soldiers should include not less than three different forms of shooting, such as snapshooting, rapid firing, observation, appreciation of fire limits, etc., with as much variation of targets and conditions as can be conveniently arranged, according to the facilities available.
(vi) Rate of Firing.—Conditions for soldiers with more than one year of service should never permit of a slower rate than three rounds a minute for a series of shots, exclusive of time taken for signalling. In deliberate shooting, the best military shot is probably the man who, in skirmishing, first applies an effective shot to a target at unknown range. In rapid firing, the sighting to be used would very often be communicated to the soldier on service, and a high rate of fire, combined with reasonable accuracy, would be expected from him.
(vii) Coaching.—Coaching should never be allowed, but individual soldiers in observation and skirmishing competitions may be allowed to work in pairs, giving mutual assistance.
(viii) Rifles and Aids to Shooting.—It is essential that in competitions open to the rank and file, competitors should be allowed to fire only with a rifle in charge of their unit, and no departure from the regulations governing the painting of sights, use of slings, provision of wind flags, targets, rifle accessories, etc., is to be permitted in service-rifle competitions.
CHAPTER X
INSTRUCTION ON MINIATURE RANGES, INCLUDING RANGE AND FIELD PRACTICES
Section 70.—General Remarks.
1. Instruction on Miniature Ranges.—(i) Instruction on miniature ranges is in no sense a final training, but it is a useful and economical preparation for service shooting—especially useful where range accommodation is distant or altogether lacking. It should be commenced during the recruit’s training, when frequent visits should be made to the miniature range, and the lessons of aiming, pressing the trigger, declaring the point of aim on discharge, etc., should be illustrated practically by firing at elementary targets.
(ii) Object of Instruction.—Instruction should be carried out on the same principles as on open ranges. It should be progressive, and may with advantage precede instruction on open ranges. Instruction and firing may be carried out throughout the year; but if this work on miniature ranges is done during the winter months it will prove a useful preparation for subsequent practice on open ranges and for field training in the spring and summer months (see Drill and Field Training of this series, Sec. 29, para. 1).
2. Scope of Training.—The instruction, which may be carried out with the Solano Target and Landscape targets is more or less identical in scope with that which can be carried out on open ranges. It must be remembered, however, that the effects of varying light, wind, and other atmospheric influences are absent on miniature ranges, that instruction in judging distance is not possible [see Sec. 72, para. 2 (iii)], that firing with sights adjusted for different ranges can only be carried out to a limited extent, and that the general conditions under which training takes place are artificial and easier as compared with training on open ranges.
3. Rifles.—The rifles used should be service pattern, ·22-inch R.F., or aiming or Morris tubes used in service rifles with regulation sights. Service rifles must be used, so that the firer may become accustomed to the weight, length, bolt action, and sighting of the weapon he will use in war. Unless this principle is adhered to, practice on miniature ranges cannot be regarded as satisfactory preparation for service shooting. Rifles must be “harmonized” both for firing at targets direct or with elevation in landscape practices according to the directions laid down in Appendix, V. Rifles must also be cleaned after every ten to fifteen rounds, otherwise they become inaccurate.
4. Windgauge.—The windgauge may be used to represent wind, and the firers taught to aim off so as to correct the deflection given, acting sometimes on their own judgment, sometimes according to orders for fire direction.
5. Cover.—Cover of various kinds can be improvised at the firing-point with sandbags, screens, or other available material.
6. Empty Cases.—Empty cartridge-cases and lead should be collected, and may be sold at market rates.
7. Precautions.—(i) As the ·22 cartridge used on miniature ranges has considerable power, every precaution must be taken to insure safety. Rifles must be laid down at the firing-point unloaded and with the breech-action open, and firers must stand clear whenever it is necessary for anyone to be in front of the firing-point.
(ii) A non-commissioned officer will be placed in charge of each range, and will attend whenever any practice takes place. Firing will take place only during the hours fixed by the commanding officer.
(iii) No person, except the officer or non-commissioned officer in charge, or the marker, is to pass from the firing-point up to the target during practice. Should it be necessary to stop firing, the same precautions are to be taken as at rifle practice.
(iv) Every possible precaution must be taken to avoid accidents, the strictest order and discipline being maintained at the firing-point. When practice takes place on a classification range, the same orders for safety, etc., are to be observed as when service ammunition is used.
(v) In practices combining firing and movement, the non-commissioned officer in charge of the range will examine the rifles to see that they are not loaded before movement is commenced.
Section 71.—Targets.
1. Standard Equipment.—(i) The various targets of the standard equipment to be used for miniature range instruction are described in Appendix, VII, the information in which must be carefully noted. It is important to avoid confusing the Solano Target when used with scenery, etc., as shown in Figs. 55 and 56, with various Landscape targets when fixed to the Solano Target for instruction as in [Fig. 57]. The points of difference between the Solano and Landscape targets mentioned in the following paragraphs must also be noted.
(ii) The scenery, scenic accessories, and Solano figures of the Solano Target are all correctly drawn to scale for 25 yards, and at that distance give correct impressions of what they represent. Landscape targets are not all drawn to scale for 25 yards, but they must always be used at this distance when possible.
(iii) On the Solano Target the various features of the scenery, including background and details, as well as the position of troops, can be altered quickly to any extent. The features of landscape targets cannot be altered, therefore they should be changed frequently, as they lose their value when their features become well known.
(iv) In firing at the Solano Target when fitted with scenery, the bullets strike the objective aimed at. In firing at landscape targets rifles must be given elevation so that bullets strike a screen above the landscape, not the objective aimed at ([Fig. 58]).
(v) The Solano Target, with or without scenic effects and figures, can be used for the whole scope of the instruction in this chapter, and for all range and field practices. The scope of instruction which can be carried out on landscape targets is strictly limited, and does not include important branches of elementary training nor range and individual field practices. Firing at landscape targets has the advantage of practising men in the adjustment of sights. On the other hand, landscape target practice lacks elements of realism and surprise, as it does not include arrangements for representing the movement of troops at different distances, and does not afford practice in watching the front for the appearance of targets representing troops, discerning and opening fire quickly at such targets, and in marking down, snapshooting, and rapid firing at moving and disappearing targets, especially within close range, which has proved of such vital importance in modern battles (see Preface, paras. 4 and 5).
2. Elementary Targets.—(i) The elementary bull’s-eye and other targets for use in miniature range instructional practices should be similar to those used on the classification range, but are supplied reduced to the correct scale.
Fig. 53.—Solano Target, Mark I, arranged for Elementary Practices. ([See Appendix, Sec. VII.], para. 2.)
Fig. 54.—Solano Target—Cleat Fitting with Cords which operate Mechanism attached. ([See Appendix, Sec. VII.], para. 2.)
Fig. 55.—Solano Target, Mark I, arranged for General Instruction or for Firing Field Practices, with Scenery and Scenic Accessories (Type A), and with Solano Figures representing Troops at Different Ranges. ([See Appendix, Sec. VII.], paras. 3 to 5 inclusive.)
Fig. 56.—Solano Target, Mark I, arranged for General Instruction or for Firing Field Practices, with Scenery and Scenic Accessories (Type C), and with Solano Figures representing Troops at Different Ranges.
3. Regulation Figure Targets include those in the list in Appendix, VII, para. 5. Targets representing troops advancing in close formations, such as those shown in the Preface, p. ix, may be improvised by cutting strips of card to the required length. The height of the card for various distances, scaled for 25 yards, is as follows: 400 yards, 4 inches; 600 yards, 3¾ inches; 800 yards, 2 inches; 1,000 yards, 1 inch. To these measurements ½ inch should be added in every case for the base held by the clips of the target. Brown or grey card should be used.
(iii) It must be noted that if figures are made with card which is not sufficiently thick, the impact of the bullet will not cause them to fall when fixed in the falling clips of Tier B of the Target (Appendix, VII, para. 2).
4. Solano Elementary and Instructional Targets.—These targets have been officially approved by the Army Council for miniature range practices (see Appendix, VIII).
5. Nomenclature of Targets.—In the subsequent Sections of this chapter the Solano Target will be referred to as The Target, Figure Targets as Figures, and Landscape Targets as Landscapes.
Section 72.—Preliminary Training
1. Instruction to Precede Firing.—(i) As already stated, range and field practices carried out before men have been thoroughly instructed in preliminary training will merely result in waste of ammunition. Therefore, before firing on miniature ranges commences men should be thoroughly trained in the following duties: (a) Quick and accurate adjustment of sights; (b) laying an absolutely correct aim from aiming-rest at easy aiming-mark; (c) correct trigger pressing; (d) assuming correct loading and firing positions, including adjustment of sights, aiming, and release of trigger without disturbing aim.
(ii) Particular subjects of instruction which relate to different firing practices should precede them as follows:[30]
(a) Before firing from cover: Adapting the firing position to different kinds of cover.
(b) Before application practices: Aiming-off; the extent being reckoned by the breadth of the aiming-mark as ordered, and aim being laid from aiming-rest.
(c) Before firing at moving targets: Aiming-off for movement at crossing figures on the Solano Target; aim being tested with aim-corrector.
(d) Before snapshooting practices: Combining rapidity with accuracy of aim; aim being tested with aiming-disc.
(e) Before firing at the Target with scenery and figures or at landscapes: Marking down an enemy, and aiming at ground and service targets; aim being laid from aiming-rest at points or targets indicated.
2. Instruction in Aiming.—(i) This training can be carried out on the Target without scenery ([Fig. 53]), as described in Chapter III. Elementary training should be carried out as described in Sec. 70, para. 1. Aiming at service targets and ground can be taught on the Target with scenery and figures and on landscapes as described in Sec. 19, para. 2 (ii). Marking down an enemy can be taught on the Target with scenery and figures as described in Sec. 19, para. 3 (ii), a number of figures representing men at different distances being exposed from behind cover or in the open to represent the movements of the fatigue-men.
(ii) Aiming-off for wind can be taught on the Target with scenery and figures as described in Sec. 20, para. 4, figures representing men at different distances instead of fatigue-men. Aiming up and down may also be taught as above according to the instruction laid down in Sec. 21, para. 3, figures representing men at various distances being exposed on Tiers A and B to represent an advance or retirement in the place of fatigue-men. Aiming-off for movement can be taught with the crossing figures on the Target as described in Sec. 22, para. 1.
(iii) Rapid adjustment of sights can be taught on the Target with scenery and figures by exposing a number of figures representing men at different distances. The distance of each figure will not be given. Men will adjust their sights for the distance at which they estimate it to be. The correct range of the figure will then be given, and the men will declare their estimate. As the figures are correctly scaled to size for 25 yards range, this practice will help to accustom the eye to the appearance of men at different distances, and so help to some extent to train them in judging distance, though it cannot be considered wholly satisfactory for this purpose for the reasons given in Sec. 70, para. 2.
3. Instruction in Firing—(i) Elementary Training.—This training can be carried out on the Target without scenery, according to the directions laid down in Sec. 24 and the rest of Chapter IV.
(ii) Vulnerability of Different Firing Positions (Sec. 26, para. 1).—This can be illustrated on the Target with the aid of figures representing men in the standing, kneeling, and lying positions at various distances. Figures in the standing and lying positions respectively are shown at various ranges in Figs. 55 and 56, arranged on Tier B of the Target.
(iii) Need for Avoiding Unnecessary Movements in Loading and Firing (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.