5. The control of fire is in the hands of the company commanders and their subordinates. To the company commander, as a general rule, must be left the choice of the moment of opening fire, but to the half-company, section and squad leaders, who will be in the firing line, must be left the choice of targets. They should always bear in mind, however, that if an exceptionally favourable target presents itself fire should at once be opened, notwithstanding the fact that no orders have been received. The only exception to this rule is when orders have been given that fire is to be withheld until the enemy comes within a certain range.
127. Fire Discipline.
Fire discipline means strict attention to the signals and orders of the commander, combined with intelligent observation of the enemy. It ensures the careful adjustment of the sight, deliberate aim, economy of ammunition, and prompt cessation of fire when the target disappears, or the leader sounds his whistle.
It requires of the men endurance of the enemy’s fire, even when no reply is possible; and, when superior control no longer exists, a cool and intelligent use of the rifle.
128. Ranges.
| Terms applied to ranges. | Rifle. | Field Art. | Heavy Batteries. |
| Yards. | Yards. | Yards. | |
| Distant | 2,800 to 2,000 | 6,000 to 4,500 | 10,000 to 6,000. |
| Long | 2,000 to 1,400 | 4,500 to 3,500 | 6,000 to 4,000. |
| Effective | 1,400 to 600 | 3,500 to 2,000 | 4,000 to 2,500. |
| Decisive | 600 and under | 2,000 and under | 2,500 and under. |
The extreme width of the area of ground struck by the bullets of an effective shrapnel is about 25 yards.
The limit of the forward effect of shrapnel at effective range on level ground is about 300 yards.
The radius of the explosion of a high explosive shell is about 25 yards.