Section 22.—Aiming-Off for Movement.
1. Instruction.—Instruction in aiming at moving targets will be carried out during the latter portion of preliminary training. It will consist of practice in shooting at crossing targets on 30 yards or miniature ranges (see Chapter X). The pace of movement should be regulated as far as possible in strict accordance with that of service targets (see Practice No. 2, p. 217).
2. Crossing Targets.—This term is applied to targets moving across the front of the firer, either at right angles from either side, or obliquely towards or away from him to either side. Such targets are not as a rule met with in battle except in the case of surprise, ambush, or a sudden encounter. Crossing targets may be met with by cavalry and infantry patrols, and by scouts during reconnaissance. Fire will rarely be effective at a single man moving across the front at more than 300 yards range, or at a single horseman beyond 500 yards.
3. Method of Aiming at Crossing Target.—(i) When firing at crossing targets aim will first be taken on the object. Then, following it sideways, the aim will be carried in advance of the object, and kept in front of it at the desired distance until the rifle has been fired. The distance to which aim should be carried in advance of the target will vary according to the range, rate of movement, direction of movement and wind. For this reason no fixed rules can be laid down regarding aiming-off in firing at crossing targets. Fire effect will depend upon the judgment of individual men and fire-unit commanders, and on the fruits of practical experience.
4. Rules for Aiming-Off for Movement—(i) Targets crossing Front at Right-Angles.—The following general rules will serve as a guide in firing at crossing targets at close range moving at right-angles across the firer’s front.
(a) Up to 500 yards range, aim should be taken—
About 1 foot in front per 100 yards at a single man walking.
About 2 feet in front per 100 yards at a single man doubling.
About 3 feet in front per 100 yards at a single horseman trotting.
About 4 feet in front per 100 yards at a single horseman galloping.
Thus, at 100 yards a soldier should aim about the breadth of a man in front of an individual walking, and at 200 yards about a horse-length in front of a single horseman trotting.
(b) Beyond close range aim should be taken at the head of a body of troops moving to a flank.
(ii) Targets crossing Front Obliquely.—The general rules regarding aiming up and down laid down in Sec. 21, para. 2, apply also to crossing targets moving obliquely towards or away from the firer. In firing at such targets, allowance must be made for elevation as well as for aiming-off. At short range both allowances will be made by individual men. At longer ranges men will allow for aiming up and down, and when necessary fire-unit commanders will allow for aiming-off in fire orders.