Fig. 41.—Kneeling behind Cover—Position when Firing.
Fig. 42.—Kneeling behind Cover—Position when Firing.
Points to note
1. No undue exposure.
2. Body well balanced.
3. Left elbow well under rifle.
4. Good bed for the butt.
5. Firm grip with both hands.
6. Eye well back from the cocking-piece.
7. Sights perfectly upright.
8. Rifle, but not hand, resting on cover.
9. Position adapted to the cover.
(i) Good Cover.—Perfect cover—which, however, will very rarely be found—will combine the following advantages:
(a) Affords a clear view up to the enemy’s position.
(b) Permits the free use of the rifle.
(c) Gives concealment to the firer.
(d) Provides protection for him against the enemy’s fire without hindering forward movement.
(ii) Bad Cover involves any of the following disadvantages:
(a) Offers a well-defined target for the enemy’s fire, and provides no protection from its effects.
(b) Gives a restricted view of the enemy’s position.
(c) Restricts the free use of the rifle.
(d) Obstructs the advance of troops occupying it in attack.
(iii) Dangerous Cover.—Features of ground which offer clearly defined targets for the enemy’s fire, and afford no protection from its effects, are dangerous cover if occupied in view of the enemy, especially if they run parallel to his position. Common examples of such features are an isolated hedge or the edge of a wood.