APPENDIX C

APPENDIX CThefollowing are the rough notes used for some of the Lectures given at theFirst Army Schoolof S.O.S. in France.PART ICare of Arms, Grouping and Range Practices:It is essential that the Sniper shall have a really clean rifle if he is to obtain the extreme accuracy that is required of him. By a clean rifle I mean a rifle in the cleaning of which not only have all the normal precautions been taken, but, in addition, the bore has received a very high polish. This high polish is of great importance to accurate shooting, and to be efficient as a Sniper you must be far more accurate than the average Service Shot. Hence the necessity for going rather deeply into Care of Arms.Avoidable Causes of Inaccuracy:OILY BARREL:Is a great cause of inaccuracy, as the resistance offered to the bullet in its passage down the bore is varied, and thus the shooting of the rifle becomes inconsistent.OILY BREECH:This prevents correct “seizing” in the breech, and tends to lead to a blow-back. If a blow-back occurs there is a loss of driving power, muzzle velocity is decreased and accuracy is lost.CORDWEAR:Is caused by misuse of the pull-through, and usually occurs at the muzzle, but in cases of extreme negligence it may be found in the chamber. When it occurs at the muzzle, gases escape through the cord groove as the bullet is leaving, thus forcing it in the opposite direction. If in the chamber, it is a source of weakness, and a burst chamber may be the result.FIXING THE BAYONET:Musketry Regulations inform us that with the “S.M.L.E.” the effect of fixing the bayonet is to throw your shot 18 inches high at 200 yards’ range. This is because the extra weight slowsdown the vibration, and thus converts anegativeinto apositivejump. Hence, as a Sniper, you will fire without your bayonet fixed.(Note:—From tests carried out at this First Army School of S.O.S. it would appear that Musketry regulations greatly over-estimate the effect caused by fixing the bayonet.)HOLD:Unless the Sniper reproduces the same hold for each shot and when he rests his rifle rests it always at the same point (for preference the middle band), his shooting can never be consistent.AMMUNITION:Different makes of S.A.A. give slightly different elevations on the target. This is because the Powders burn at different rates, thus slightly altering the jump.WARPED WOODWORK:The fore-end is fitted so as not to influence the barrel when firing. The barrel must be able to lie perfectly straight as each shot leaves it. If the fore-end is warped (and warped fore-ends are common) the barrel will be unable to lie as was intended, and erratic shooting will result.CAUSES:1. Wet entering between the barrel and the fore-end.2. Unequal dryness such as caused by rifle lying in hot sun or in front of fire.3. Dry woodwork.4. Twisting of wood through insufficient seasoning before use.PREVENTION OF:Oil all woodwork daily, ensuring that the oil penetrates between the hand-guard, fore-end and barrel.CURE OF:Armourer refits fore-end.Some Unavoidable Causes:NICKELLING OR METALLIC FOULING:Is really an obstruction in the bore caused by a portion of the envelope of the bullet becoming brazed on the surface of the bore. It is a cause of great inaccuracy, and its presence should always be looked for. When found, it must be removed. This should be done by an Armourer.EROSION:Is the gradual increase in the size of the bore, and is caused through the heat generated by thegases slightly fusing the metal. The gases rushing over the metal carry away minute particles of the steel. This is the factor which decides “The Life of the Barrel” for purposes of real accuracy.DRIFT:Is the continual deviation of the bullet in the direction of the rifling. About one minute,i.e., one inch per 100 yards, must be allowed for this at the longer ranges in sniping.Other Definitions:SUPERFICIAL FOULING:The fouling that appears in the bore immediately after firing. It is then quite soft and easily removed, but if allowed to remain, it becomes hard, difficult to remove and, by attracting moisture from the air, begins the rusting process.INTERNAL FOULING:Fouling that actually gets below the surface of the metal when firing; this gradually sweats its way to the surface and should be removed as it appears.(Note:—If cleaned with really boiling water, the pores are reopened, internal fouling is removed,and thus the cause of sweating is done away with. The Barrel must, however, be dried immediately, or the cure will be worse than the complaint.)CORROSION:Is the black pock-mark or indentation left in the bore after removing rust.CLEANING RODS:Finally it is suggested that a cleaning-rod properly used is better than a pull-through: each Battalion is authorized to hold 32 of these Rods on Charge. (See G.R.O.’s 512, 540 and 2,094.)Grouping and Range Practices:It must be understood that Grouping with the Open Sights is a definite test of (a) the rifle, and (b) the man.Grouping is a practical system of locating faults, and it is of the utmost importance that such faults, having once been located, should at once be corrected. It should also be clearly understood that a man’s average group at a given range,i.e., 100 yards, will (except for the error of the day) be the measure of his capacity at all ranges. For instance, if his average at 100 yards be a 3-inch group, his best standard will be a6-inch group at 200 yards, 9-inch group at 300 yards, 12-inch group at 400 yards, and so on.Unless this fact is clearly understood, we shall have our men making shot corrections when actually shooting up to standard, and if this is done, consistent shooting can never be obtained.LESSONS TO BE LEARNT FROM A GROUP:1. If a man makes a vertical group it is fairly safe to assume that he is making one of the following errors:(a) Varying amount of fore-sight taken.(b) Varying point of Aim.(c) Not restraining his breathing when trigger-pressing.2. If he makes a lateral group his error will be usually found among the following:(a) Incorrect centreing of fore-sight.(b) Varying point of Aim.(c) Bad let-off.3. If he gets a good group, but wide of the aiming mark, it will be safe to assume that his rifle is throwing wide and should be corrected at once by alteration of fore-sight. For this reason the Armourer or other qualified person should be present when grouping is being carried out.4. If a man’s shots are widely scattered, it will be necessary to carry out the Analysis of faults,i.e.:R. Test Rifle.A. Test Aim.T. Test Trigger-pressing.S. Test Sight.You should by this time have discovered the fault, but remember it is of no use having found it unless you can cure it before proceeding further.5. If the rifle be correct the point of Mean Impact should be 5 inches above the point of Aim. If incorrect the fore-sight should be altered. The following can be got on indent for this purpose.Cramp R.S.L.M.E.Supply of fore-sights in nine different heights.RANGE PRACTICES:Nothing definite can be laid down on account of the lack of uniform targets, ranges, etc., but the following hints may be of value:1. If a liaison be cultivated between Battalion Sniping officers in the Brigade, it will be easy to improvise a Range and Target for the use of the Battalion in rest.2. When in divisional rest it is usually possible to find a Range ready for use in the Training Area.3. Excellent work and all Zeroing can be done on even a 30-yard range by the really keen officer.4. Training in shooting should be carried out with an Open andnota Telescopic sighted rifle, which should be kept for:(a) Snapping Practice.(b) Shooting in order to Zero.(c) Killing the enemy.It is important that the barrels of these rifles should not be worn out in practice shooting.5. All training should be made progressive and where possible competitive.6. The first essential is extreme accuracy, after which the Instructor must coach up for rapid snapshooting, the ultimate standard being looked upon as the ability to get off a really good shot under two seconds.7. Always start with a Grouping Practice and eliminate faults as they are discovered.8. Re zero Telescopic sighted rifles: to ascertain that they have maintained their correctness each time you are out of the trenches, and arm only your best shots with these rifles.9. Improvise cover on the Range and makeall Snipers’ fire practices under as near as possible Service Conditions.10. Although normally he will not fire Rapid, keep your sniper efficient in this valuable art.11. You may at any time become a casualty, therefore train your N.C.O.’s to carry on in your absence.PART IIPatrolling and ScoutingPATROLS AND PATROLLING:The importance of patrolling cannot be exaggerated. It is a means of keeping in touch with the enemy and of obtaining much valuable information.In open warfare we must patrol day and night. In trench warfare, observation to a great extent does away with patrolling by day. We should always look upon the ground between the hostile armies as being ours, and shouldmakeit so by patrols. This gives our men a greater sense of security, and also has the effect of destroying the enemymoral.Patrolling is looked upon by some as being particularly dangerous work. This is not so if patrols are carefully carried out by trained men.Training beforehand is essential; to send out untrained men in a haphazard manner is worse than useless.No patrol should go out except for a distinct and definite object.Types of Patrols in Trench WarfareRECONNAISSANCE PATROLSAre the work of scouts who go out on some specific mission. Numbers should be as small as possible. A party of two or three will probably obtain the best results.FIGHTING PATROLSShould consist of Lewis gun and gunners, bombers and scouts. Strength 10–15. Object to disperse enemy working parties, to engage enemy patrols, to obtain identifications.Note:—It may often be necessary to combine these patrols; the Fighting Patrol going out to form a screen in rear, while the Reconnaissance Patrol pushes forward to complete its task. This has the effect of giving the Reconnaissance Patrol confidence, of assisting them to pass back any casualties they may suffer, and, in fact, provides them with an AdvancedHeadquarters from which they carry out their reconnaissance. The system is particularly useful, and, in fact, necessary, where a great distance separates the opposing lines.PROTECTIVE PATROLSShould consist mainly of Bombers, and are used in front of our wire, or between Isolated Posts. Numbers depend on circumstances. Object: Protection of our line from surprise attacks.Open WarfareIt is not necessary here to classify definitely. The Reconnoitring Patrol should always be prepared to fight. In fact, all Patrols, at all times, should befully organized self-contained fighting units. Numbers depend on conditions, but Scouts will be largely used.TRAINING:The general principles of training both for Trench and Open Warfare are a thorough training in the following:1. Map Reading.2. Compass Work.3. Reports.4. Use of Ground and Cover.5. Reconnoitring through Periscopes and by means of Aeroplane Photographs and Maps by day, the ground over which patrol must pass at night, and selecting the best method of approach.6. Actual Patrolling by day and night.7. Keeping touch.FORMATIONS:Nothing definite can be laid down, as, of necessity, formations will vary with the prevailing conditions. It is essential, however, that all formations shall be so simple as to ensure that they can be maintained even on the darkest night and when working over very rough ground.The Lewis gun, when it forms a part of a Patrol, must be well protected and in such a position as will enable it to be used at a moment’s notice.The Officer or N.C.O. in charge should always lead the Patrol, and there should be a Second-in-Command, whose position should be in the centre and rear of the Patrol; he will specialize in keeping the men in their proper places and maintaining touch.EQUIPMENT:The rifle often hampers movement, particularly when crawling, but it is essential that both this and fighting order be carried when patrolling in open warfare. In trench warfare it should usually be sufficient to carry the rifle, a bandolier of S.A.A., the web belt with bayonet and scabbard attached, a bomb in the pocket and a compass. Steel helmets should not be taken, the cap-comforter being worn instead.If necessary to fix the bayonet, such as when rushing an Isolated Post, it should be fixed with the scabbard still on; both bayonet and scabbard should be well oiled; the scabbard can then be taken off quietly just prior to the rush.INSTRUCTIONS TO BE GIVEN:Before going out personnel should be given:1. All known information;2. An opportunity to examine by day through periscope, by aeroplane photographs and maps, the ground to be covered at night.3. The object of the patrol.4. The pass-word.Everything that is liable to give informationor identification, if captured, must be carefully collected before the party goes out.All men in the Garrison and battalions on right and left must know when the patrol is out, and also the pass-word.The patrol leader, both on leaving and returning, will himself pass the word along to this effect. This is very important. He cannot forecast how long he will be away, or the point at which he will return, therefore, the trench garrison must be prepared to receive him at any time or place.GENERAL:Patrols often give themselves away by leaving their own trench in a careless manner. The firing of rifles and lights should continue as usual when a patrol is out, but in such a manner as not to interfere with the patrol. Two patrols should never be sent out on the same front at the same time, as this only leads to their mistaking each other for the enemy. Often, the most suitable time for patrolling is when the weather conditions are very bad. In addition to taking precautions against Verey lights, men on patrol can often take advantage of their brightness to obtain the information required.A FORM OF PATROL REPORT:PATROL REPORTBlankshire Regiment.Night of 12–13th/6/17.Ref. Map Sheet 54 S.E.1.Composition.Time and Pointof Exit.Object.Information gained and action taken.Time and Pointof Return.1 Offr. and 1 o/Rk. Lt. Tew Pte. Dew.11 p.m. Trench Willow Walk. A6a92.85To report on enemy wire from High Command Redoubt to No Man’s CottageGap in wire at PointsNo. 1 A5a65.752 A5b20.353 A5d85.87Width in Gaps:1 about 4 yards.2 „ 2 „3 „ 3 „Average depth of wire 10–15 yds.General condition:High, barbed, and fairly strong.2 a.m. Trench Willow Walk. A6a95.87Handed in at 3 a.m.Date: 13/6/17.(Sgd.) R. G. A.Tew, Lieut.,Blankshire Regiment.N.B.—These headings, etc., are given as a guide. They will vary according to the nature of the information required, and the circumstances under which the Patrol is working.PART IIIThe Stalking TelescopeApart from the regular issue of G.S. Telescopes, there are now in the B.E.F. about 40,000 or 50,000 more or less high-class telescopes. These have been obtained from all kinds of sources, from deer-stalkers, yachtsmen, etc., and the care and use of these glasses has become a matter of great importance.CARE AND CLEANING:The first thing to remember is that the lenses of all telescopes are made of very soft glass, and that this glass is polished to a very high degree. A few scratches on the outer surface of the object-glass will negative the value of the best telescope. When the telescope is first taken from its case, a light film of dust will usually be found to have formed on the object-glass. This should beflicked off with a handkerchief, and if any polishing is necessary, it should be done with a piece of chamois leather or well-washed piece of four-by-two; this cleaning material should be free from grit, and should be carried in a pocket or in the pay-book, where it will be kept clean. Over 50 per cent. of the telescopes in use, in or about the front line, have been scratched more or less badly, owing to the neglect of this simple precaution.Special attention should be paid to the cleaning of the objective lens, which is liable to become covered with dust owing to its position in the telescope and the opening and closing of the draws.Never on any account touch the glass with the finger or thumb. If the glass be allowed to get damp, fogging will result. To cause the fogging to evaporate, remove object-glass and eye-piece, lay the telescope out in the sun or in a warm room. Never permit the metal work to get hotter than the temperature of your hand, otherwise the Canada Balsam (which is used to join the concave and convex lenses in the object-glass of all high telescopes, except the G.S.) will melt. If the draws get wet, they must be thoroughly dried and slightly lubricated. The same applies to the sun-shade. When an officeris inspecting telescopes, he should inspect the cases also. In screwing tubes or cells into place, great care must be taken not to damage the threads. It is often as well to turn the screw the wrong way with a gentle pressure; the threads will then come into correct engagement, and a slight click may be heard.The General Service TelescopeAs has been stated above, Canada Balsam is not used between the lenses of the object-glass of the G.S. telescope. When a G.S. Telescope has been taken to pieces, the only difficulty experienced in assembling it again will be in the replacing of the lenses forming the object-glass. To do this two rules must be remembered:1. The convex lens is always the nearest to the object, and, therefore, must be replaced first.2. On the side of the lenses forming the object-glass an arrow-head will be found cut into the glass.Before the lenses are put back the arrow-head must be completed, and the middle of the arrow must be allowed to slide over the barb or raised line in the cell.RULES FOR USE:1. Always extend your sun-shade (more O.P.’s have been given away by the light shining upon the object-glass of telescopes than in any other way).2. Always mark your focus by scratching a circular ring on the focussing draw. (This will allow you to focus your glass correctly and quickly before putting it to your eye.)3. Always pull out or push in the draws of your telescope with a clock-wise circular motion, and keep them slightly lubricated.4. Always carry your telescope slung on your body. If you take it off and let it travel in a lorry or car the jolting will almost certainly ruin it.5. Always use a rest when observing.6. When looking into the sun, make a sun-shade nine inches or a foot long, to fit on the short sun-shade of the telescope. This will give you great assistance when the sun is over the German lines. It is a trick borrowed from the chamois-hunters of the Pyrenees.7. Remember that when there is a mirage you will get better results with a low thanwith a high power of magnification. Conditions in France are more suitable to a magnification of under than over twenty-five. Excellent work can be done in the front line with a glass that magnifies only ten times. If the high-power eye-piece is used for any special purpose when reconnaissance is finished, it should be replaced by a low-power eye-piece.8. When searching a given sector of ground or trench divide it into “fields of view” work slowly allowing each field to overlap. Never leave any suspicious-looking object without having ascertained what it is and why it is there.9. Slight movement is more easily detected if you do not look straight at the object. Always look, a little left, right, high or low. Keenest vision is at the edges of the eye. This particularly applies to dusk or dawn.10. When your object is found, consider:(a) Distance.(b) Shape.(c) Colour.(d) Size.(e) Position.Use each detail to check other details;for instance, if you can distinguish the state cockade upon a German cap you may be certain that you are not more than two hundred yards distant.11. Do not forget that good results can be obtained on clear starlight or moonlight nights, by the use of night-glasses or telescopes, especially if working in conjunction with a Lewis or Vickers Gun. Generally speaking, the bigger the object-glass and the lower the magnification the better will be the results obtainable at night.12. In trench warfare a really good glass-man working from our front line by day can make a most valuable wire reconnaissance.13. Remember that the conditions of visibility are constantly changing; an object which is indistinct at eleven o’clock may become quite clear at eleven-five.14. Always be ready to avail yourself of natural conditions. The visibility after a rain-shower is almost always good; it shows up wire and gaps in the wire, paths, ground traversed by patrols, etc. The best season for “spotting” O.P.’s is autumn, when the leaves fall and the grass withers.15. It is a good thing to disguise the whole of the telescope by use of sandbags or other material around it. Great care must be taken to ascertain that such disguise is kept free from dust or grit.PART IVFront Line Observation and ReportsRemember that straws show which way the wind blows, and that apparently trivial information may be of great importance if considered in correct perspective. For instance, three small parties of Germans seen in front of a battalion sector is not an item of much interest, but if such parties are seen by all or most of the observers on a divisional front, enemy movement of importance is indicated, so include everything observed which is of the slightest importance.Remember that your report passes through the hands of the Battalion Intelligence Officer, and by him the information it contains is passed on to Brigade, thence to Division, and so on. During the whole of this process, the information is weighed, sifted, and compared over and over again. Hence, that which really proves to be of no importance will be eliminated, while that which is of value will reach those to whom it may be of use.Remember that you are in close touch with theenemy, and that you, and you only, are responsible for the observation of his forward area. You must not rely upon the Divisional or Corps Observers to do this work for you.When taking over a post for the first time you must study the ground carefully and get to know the exact location of all prominent objects. Then, in a few days’ time, you will be capable of giving map locations of targets without bearings.It is of little or no use to look for movement until you know your front by heart, theGOODobserver is the man who can almost see the co-ordinates lying on the ground. In this way some of the Lovat Scouts can give the map references of a moving object as it moves, without a glance at the map.The best times of the day for you, as a front-line observer, are dawn and dusk. Ration parties, working parties, reliefs, etc., are all waiting to move forward at dusk, and much good work can be done by picking up these targets and reporting them to the Artillery. The same or similar parties can often be seen returning at dawn, particularly after a night during which our harassing fire has been heavy.Again, a misty day—although the definition obtained through your telescope is not so clear as usual—is often excellent for observation of the enemy’s front-line system, as, on such days, through a false sense of security, the enemy often shows himself in concealedposts, etc., which he would never give away by carelessness during clearer weather.Always note time (signal time) and map co-ordinates of anything observed.If anything of importance be seen, such as abnormal movement, suspected reliefs, etc., report themat once. Don’t wait until you come off duty.All targets should be reported as soon as possible to the Artillery.If there are any Artillery O.P.’s in your vicinity, they should be visited, as the occupants can often assist you by “placing” objects, the exact location of which you yourself are doubtful about. The Artillery Observers should be shown all tracks where movement has been observed to enable them to get a gun trained on to them.All new enemy work must be followed closely and its object, if possible, ascertained.Take a pride in extreme accuracy, let a direct statement represent fact, but do not hesitate to include information of which you are not quite certain. You must, however, never fail to indicate clearly the degree of accuracy or certainty which you yourself feel. Useful words for qualifying your statements are as follows:Possibly;About;Probably;Approximately, etc., etc.Remember that your duty is rather to observe and report your observations than to interpret what you see. At the same time, give personal impressions. These may start a new line of thought in the minds of those who read your reports; also, if two or three observers, from different points, think that they have seen a certain thing, then there is at least a strong probability that a foundation existed for their belief.Realize that your observation is part of a huge net which is continually trawling the whole enemy world for information, and see to it that not even the smallest fry slip through the meshes for which you are personally responsible.For purposes of actual observation a rough log-book must be kept in the sniping or observation post. In this book everything seen should be noted as it occurs. From it each evening the information must be set out under suitable headings, and your report rendered to the Battalion Intelligence Officer. Customs vary in battalions, but the following list of headings may help you in this matter:OPERATIONS, ENEMY:1. Artillery}No. and Calibre of projectiles and targets.2. T.M.’s3. Grenades4. A.A. GunsActivity.5. M.G. Fire}Methods and Targets.6. Rifle FireMOVEMENT, ENEMY:1. Aircraft.2. Trains.3. Transport.4. Men actually seen.5. Indication of movement (periscopes, loopholes, etc.).6. Patrols. (Seen, heard or encountered.)(Note:—Time and place must always be given.)BATTALION INTELLIGENCE REPORT TO BRIGADE:The subject matter forming this falls naturally under the following main headings:1. Operations. (Enemy.)2. Movement. „3. Work. „4. Signals. „5. General Intelligence.6. Weather.Under these six main headings are the following sub-headings:WORK, ENEMY:(a) Changes visible in enemy line.(b) Working parties seen or heard.(c) New wire observed or reported by patrols.SIGNALS, ENEMY:(a) Flash lamps.}Full description of and any apparent results.(b) Verey lights.(c) Rockets.GENERAL INTELLIGENCE:Information of a doubtful or uncertain nature, general impressions, etc.WEATHER:(a) General conditions.(b) Light and visibility during the day.(c) Wind, its strength and direction.In some Brigades, reports on our own operations, particularly observation of our own Artillery and T.M. fire are required in the Battalion Intelligence Reports, but this is a mistaken policy.A FORM OF OBSERVATION REPORT.OBSERVATION REPORTNo. of Post (Map Ref.): Teapot Post N33c55.90 Sheet 17A N.E.Time on Duty: 7 a.m. to 10 a.m.Date: 20.6.18.Observers on Duty, Name, Rank and Regt.H. SmithPte.G. ShawL/Cpl.Wind: Gentle S.W.Visibility: Fair.Time.Map Ref.Event.Remarks.7.30 a.m.M39d45.351 German N.C.O. and 14 Ptes.Ptes. carrying wood, corrugated iron and sandbags. Wearing caps with red bands. Badges not visible.Probably working on entrance to dug-out at M39c78.65.8.45 a.m.Over trench at M28c36.03Enemy Aeroplane Pilot and 1 other.Opened fire on trench. Flying low, about 700 feet. Flew off in S.W. direction. Not fired on by our men.Enemy probably suspects concentration in this area.(Changedover 9 a.m.)Observer—Shaw. Writer—Smith.9.15 a.m.G30a40.92Horse transport.15 wagons, 4 horse, all very heavily loaded, moving N. on Vitry-Douai Road.Possibly ammunition or heavy material. Had difficulty in ascending slight hill.Relieved at 10 a.m.Observer: Shaw.Handed in at 10.15 a.m.Writer: Smith.(Signed)H. Smith.G. Shaw.PART VSome Uses of Scouts, Observers and Snipers in Attack, Defence and Open WarfareIt is difficult to lay down any hard and fast rules on this subject, as so much depends upon the prevailing conditions. The following notes should therefore be looked upon as tentative hints or suggestions.To commence, it is well to remember that these men, in addition to being fully-trained soldiers, have received specialist training in such subjects as map-reading, obtaining and reporting information, scouting, accurate shooting, etc., therefore their value to the Company Commander, whether in Attack or Defence, in trench warfare or in open warfare, has been enhanced, and he should keep this in mind when making his dispositions.Prior to attack on any given objective, the Scouts and Observers can obtain much valuable information; in fact, the actual plans for local attack will often depend upon the information so obtained.The following are some of the points that should be ascertained either by direct observation or patrolling or both:1. Location of enemy M.G.’s and strong points.2. Whether the enemy is holding his line continuously or by isolated posts; if the latter, the location of each post should, if possible, be ascertained.3. If our wire-cutting operations have been successful, and the location and width of the gaps.Vigorous patrolling should take place for some time prior to attack, to ensure that the enemy is driven out of “No Man’s Land,” thus enabling us to “jump off” from a point as near as possible to the enemy line.The Snipers can, by making each enemy periscope and loophole a target, render the enemy to a great extent blind in Front Line Observation. Before the actual assault has commenced, our snipers can be established in shell holes in “No Man’s Land” from which they can command any known machine-gun emplacements. They should always carry a few rounds of armour-piercing S.A.A., and should look upon the breech casing of the gun as their target rather than the gunners. (Your good sniper will appreciate the fact that one hit on the breech-casing of a machine-gunwith armour-piercing S.A.A. will definitely put the gun out of action, as it ruins the vital portion,i.e., “the recoiling portion” of the gun.)After the objective has been gained, the snipers should push forward beyond our new line and establish themselves in shell holes or in old trenches. From these positions their fire will be of great value in conjunction with the Lewis gunners in keeping down the enemy during consolidation.The Scouts should be able to fill in the dispositions of the troops and maintain touch with flanking units; they should form part of exploiting patrols, locate the enemy’s new positions and ascertain their attitude,i.e., whether they are demoralized and retiring in disorder or whether they are under control and likely to counter-attack.The Observers must be in a position from which they can watch the whole of the attack, and must be provided with a means of communication whereby they can constantly report upon the situation. After the objective has been gained they can push forward and locate enemy machine-guns and battery positions; this will be comparatively easy as, if the enemy is putting up a fight, machine-guns, etc., will be advertising themselves.The Brigade and Divisional Observers will also be in positions from which they can follow the whole of the attack, and will constantly report its progress.They should particularly watch for any massing of enemy troops in the back areas for counter-attack.IN DEFENCE:The Snipers can be of great value in defence, and should be given a definite “battle station.” If the attack be delivered in daylight, the snipers’ special task should be to pick off the leaders, and members of machine-gun andflamenwerferdetachments. If the enemy succeed in occupying our trenches the snipers must have in readiness alternative posts that command stretches of our trenches; they will thus be in a position to inflict heavy losses upon the new occupants. In this way and by working in conjunction with Bombers, they can do much to prevent the enemy from establishing himself.The Observers can, in defence, find out much valuable information, and the good observer can usually foretell an enemy attack by carefully watching for the following signs of offensiveoperation:—1. Construction of new T.M. emplacements.2. Registration of new T.M.’s.3. Increased artillery registration.4. Bridging of trenches.5. Cutting of wire.6. Additional dressing stations instituted.7. Signboards erected.8. Unusual amount of movement in back areas.9. Increased aerial activity.10. Reconnaissance of front by enemy officers.OPEN WARFARE:In open and semi-open warfare it is essential that observers push forward from one post to another. They must keep in touch with the attack, with flanking units and with headquarters.The most important duties of scouts and snipers will be reconnaissance. By pushing forward as an advanced screen to cover the advance, they can collect much valuable information and, if correctly organized, can get such information back quickly to the officers whom it concerns. The following are some of the things upon which they shouldreport:—1. Where the enemy are, and if holding a continuous line or isolated posts.2. Condition of roads, etc.3. Best approaches for Infantry, Machine-guns, Artillery, etc.4. Any obstacles such as rivers, etc., and the best means of negotiating them.5. Places which are exposed to fire.6. Any topographical features from which the enemy can be commanded.In fact, there is no limit to the amount of useful information that scouts and snipers can obtain. They can also be of extreme value in working round and cutting off isolated posts. They may also form a thin but effective firing-line that can delay considerably a small counter-attack, and thus enable their unit to complete the, of necessity, hasty preparations for holding its gains.PART VIThe Enfield 1914 Pattern “Sniper’s Rifle”As each battalion now holds three of these rifles on charge for sniping purposes (G.R.O. 3567) it is essential that your snipers shall understand the main differences between this and the R.S.M.L.E.It is as well to understand at once that a far higher degree of accuracy can be obtained from the Enfield 1914 than from the R.S.M.L.E., and this is the reason why it has been issued to snipers. The higher degree of accuracy is due to two maincauses:—1. The rifles so issued have been specially selected from thousands of other rifles of the same pattern, on account of their accuracy, after severe and exhaustive tests.2. The rifle is fitted with an aperture or peep sight, which, as will be readily acknowledged by most expert riflemen, possesses a great advantage over the open U or V backsight. It is therefore unnecessary to focus the backsight, and the blurwhich is unavoidable when aiming with the open U or V backsight is entirely absent with the aperture or peep sight.The following are the main differences which must be noted and thoroughly understood in order to get the best results from the new rifle.THE SIGHTThe rear of the body is made in the form of a bed in which the sight should always lie when not in use. In this position the aperture battle sight can be used if desired, but it should seldom be necessary for the sniper to use this sight. The battle sight is actually sighted to hit on the aiming mark at about 400 yards’ range.The sight leaf is hinged on to the sight bed and is raised to an angle of about 90° from the sight bed for use. There are in all four positions in which it will rest. (Seediagram 1.)1. At an angle of about 45° from the sight bed; this is the most convenient position for “sight setting.”2. At an angle of about 90°; this is the position when in use.3. At an angle of about 135°.4. At an angle of about 180°.The two last positions have been madepossible so as to avoid damaging the sight by accidentally knocking it, if raised against undergrowth, etc., when skirmishing.Note:—The bolt lever must not be raised and drawn back when the sight is in No. 4 position, as if this is done the battle sight is sheared off.Diagram showing 4 Positions of Backlight.No1.ELEVATIONThe elevation is obtained by raising a slide on the leaf. This slide carries the aperture, and, when set, is held in position by a spring-catch adjustment on the right of the leaf. The leaf is graduated from 200 to 1100 yards in hundreds of yards, and from 1100 to 1650 yards in fifties. The reading line is situated in the centre of the slide,and care must be taken to point out this fact clearly, otherwise men are apt to take readings from the top or bottom of the slide.FINE ADJUSTMENTThe sight is fitted with a fine adjustment in the form of a worm screw with a milled head. By rotating the milled head clockwise we raise the elevation, and by turning it anti-clockwise we lower it. The top of the milled head is marked off into three divisions, each of which is equivalent to one minute of angle, which is about 1″ per 100 yards of the range. Thus at 100 yards it would equal 1″ rise, or fall, on the target; at 200 yards 2″; at 300 yards 3″, and so on. A reading line is marked on the top of the sight leaf to enable these minute adjustments to be made. (Seediagram.)The advantage of a fine adjustment screw on this principle lies in the fact that, without alteration of foresight, the rifle can be zeroed with exactness in a vertical sense, for any individual hold, thus: If a man, when zeroing his rifle at 100 yards’ range, finds the point of mean impact to be 3 inches low, or high, he has only to remember that he must first reproduce on his backsight the range for which he is firing, and then add, or subtract, 3 minutes of elevation,i.e., by giving the milled head one completeturn or revolution in the required direction; he will then have his correct zero for that particular range. (Note:—Before starting to zero at 100 yards, he must raise the sight to 200 yards, and then take off 3 minutes; this is equivalent to setting his sight to 100 yards (which is not marked). With the sight so set, the “point of mean impact” should be 1½ inches to 2 inches above the point of aim.)In addition the fine adjustment can be used to overcome the difficulty of not having the sight calibrated to read to fifties at the closer ranges. By memorizing the following table, the sniper will have no difficulty in adjusting his sight to 250, 350, 450 yards, and so on:To raise fromToAdd to Column 1.200 yards250 yards1 minute300 „350 „1½ minutes400 „450 „2 „500 „550 „2½ „600 „650 „3 „The table has not been taken further, as 600 yards is the limit of “individual effort.”LATERAL ZEROIf there should be a lateral error when zeroing, the foresight should be moved as in theR.S.M.L.E., except that the cramp is made to fit over and through the foresight protectors, and, as there is no nose-cap to remove, it is a simpler operation.AIM, HOW TAKENNo2.Sights:Enfield 1914 Rifle.Diagram 2will illustrate far better than a word picture how aim should be taken. The main thing is to lookthroughthe aperture, and notat it. The foresight will be centred in the aperture, and the tip of it placed at 6 o’clock in the ordinary way. (Note:—It will be found that with very little practice the eye will instinctively centre the foresight, and that aiming,with this sight, will in reality simply be the action of holding the tip of the foresight on to 6 o’clock.)THE MAGAZINEThe magazine holds five rounds only, and is constructed in such a manner as to permit the magazine platform to rise and engage the face of the bolt-head when the magazine is empty. This advertises the fact that “re-loading” is necessary. At the same time, it prevents giving practice in “rapid manipulation of the bolt,” unless the “Depressors magazine platform,” or a coin such as a franc (which will serve the same purpose) be used to hold down the platform, thus enabling the bolt to pass freely through the bolt-way when the magazine is empty.It is of simple construction, consisting of three parts only: the platform, the spring and the bottom plate. To remove: press the point of a bullet into the hole that will be found in the bottom plate, in front of the trigger guard, then push downwards and in the direction of the trigger; this releases the spring and allows the magazine to be removed and cleaned. To replace: reverse the above process. Care must be taken when loading to ensure that the chargeris placed vertically in the charger guide; if allowed to lean forward the first cartridge will foul the padding of the magazine, and loading will become difficult.There is little possibility of a jam if the bolt-way, the breech and the magazine are kept clean.SAFETY DEVICES1. The Safety Catch.—This is similar to the R.S.M.L.E., but is on the opposite side,i.e., the right side of the body. If the thumb piece is turned over to the rear, it performs two actions. (a) Rotates the half-moon on the eccentric stem until it engages in the recess in the cocking piece, thus preventing the cocking piece from going forward if the trigger be accidentally pressed. (b) Pushes forward the locking bolt plunger until it is engaged in the locking bolt recess in the bolt lever, thus preventing the rotation of the bolt.2. Bolt Lever.—This when turned down,i.e., when the breech is closed, fits into a recess in the body of the rifle, and ensures that the bolt cannot be blown back, even should the resisting lugs give way.3. The Safety Stud.—This is in direct communication with the sear, and is constructedin such a manner as to ensure that the sear cannot be depressed without the safety stud rising. On the under side of the bolt is a recess, which comes immediately over the safety stud when the bolt lever is turned fully down. It is, therefore, impossible to press the trigger, which depresses the sear, until the bolt lever is fully turned down and the action sealed.GAS ESCAPESOf these there are three. On the right of the hood; on the under side of the bolt, one in front and the other in rear of the extractor ring. They perform the same duties as the gas escapes in the R.S.M.L.E., except that the one in front of the extractor ring prevents air-pockets—which would act as brakes—from forming.PULL OFFThis is slightly different to that of the R.S.M.L.E., the first pull being from 2 to 3 lbs., and the second from 5 to 6 lbs. The first pull is comparatively long, and it is necessary to obtain, by practice, the correct “trigger squeeze” before firing the rifle for the first time.CARE AND CLEANINGIn order to take full advantage of the rifle,it is essential that it be kept absolutely clean; the following parts should receive special attention:The Bore.—This should always carry a high polish.The Sights.—Must be kept free from oil, and the aperture free from fluff.The Hood.—Must always be free from oil and dirt, as it contains the recesses in which the resisting lugs work, and if dirt be allowed to gather there, the shock of discharge cannot be evenly taken on both sides, and accurate shooting under these conditions is unattainable.The Breech.—Must be kept clean and free from oil by means of the stick which is provided for the purpose.The Bolt.—Must be kept free from oil, and must be the correct one for the rifle,i.e., must carry the same number as that shown on the hood and on the sight leaf.Gas escapes.—Must be kept free from oil and dirt.GENERAL.The rifle is issued specially as a sniping rifle, and although a bayonet is issued with it, it shouldnot be used for bayonet fighting practice. The woodwork of the rifle must on no account be cut down, and as, when it is issued, it is correctly zeroed to suit one man’s hold, it should not be transferred to another man without re-zeroing it to suithisparticular hold.

Thefollowing are the rough notes used for some of the Lectures given at theFirst Army Schoolof S.O.S. in France.

It is essential that the Sniper shall have a really clean rifle if he is to obtain the extreme accuracy that is required of him. By a clean rifle I mean a rifle in the cleaning of which not only have all the normal precautions been taken, but, in addition, the bore has received a very high polish. This high polish is of great importance to accurate shooting, and to be efficient as a Sniper you must be far more accurate than the average Service Shot. Hence the necessity for going rather deeply into Care of Arms.

Is a great cause of inaccuracy, as the resistance offered to the bullet in its passage down the bore is varied, and thus the shooting of the rifle becomes inconsistent.

This prevents correct “seizing” in the breech, and tends to lead to a blow-back. If a blow-back occurs there is a loss of driving power, muzzle velocity is decreased and accuracy is lost.

Is caused by misuse of the pull-through, and usually occurs at the muzzle, but in cases of extreme negligence it may be found in the chamber. When it occurs at the muzzle, gases escape through the cord groove as the bullet is leaving, thus forcing it in the opposite direction. If in the chamber, it is a source of weakness, and a burst chamber may be the result.

Musketry Regulations inform us that with the “S.M.L.E.” the effect of fixing the bayonet is to throw your shot 18 inches high at 200 yards’ range. This is because the extra weight slowsdown the vibration, and thus converts anegativeinto apositivejump. Hence, as a Sniper, you will fire without your bayonet fixed.(Note:—From tests carried out at this First Army School of S.O.S. it would appear that Musketry regulations greatly over-estimate the effect caused by fixing the bayonet.)

(Note:—From tests carried out at this First Army School of S.O.S. it would appear that Musketry regulations greatly over-estimate the effect caused by fixing the bayonet.)

Unless the Sniper reproduces the same hold for each shot and when he rests his rifle rests it always at the same point (for preference the middle band), his shooting can never be consistent.

Different makes of S.A.A. give slightly different elevations on the target. This is because the Powders burn at different rates, thus slightly altering the jump.

The fore-end is fitted so as not to influence the barrel when firing. The barrel must be able to lie perfectly straight as each shot leaves it. If the fore-end is warped (and warped fore-ends are common) the barrel will be unable to lie as was intended, and erratic shooting will result.CAUSES:1. Wet entering between the barrel and the fore-end.2. Unequal dryness such as caused by rifle lying in hot sun or in front of fire.3. Dry woodwork.4. Twisting of wood through insufficient seasoning before use.PREVENTION OF:Oil all woodwork daily, ensuring that the oil penetrates between the hand-guard, fore-end and barrel.CURE OF:Armourer refits fore-end.

1. Wet entering between the barrel and the fore-end.2. Unequal dryness such as caused by rifle lying in hot sun or in front of fire.3. Dry woodwork.4. Twisting of wood through insufficient seasoning before use.

Oil all woodwork daily, ensuring that the oil penetrates between the hand-guard, fore-end and barrel.

Armourer refits fore-end.

Is really an obstruction in the bore caused by a portion of the envelope of the bullet becoming brazed on the surface of the bore. It is a cause of great inaccuracy, and its presence should always be looked for. When found, it must be removed. This should be done by an Armourer.

Is the gradual increase in the size of the bore, and is caused through the heat generated by thegases slightly fusing the metal. The gases rushing over the metal carry away minute particles of the steel. This is the factor which decides “The Life of the Barrel” for purposes of real accuracy.

Is the continual deviation of the bullet in the direction of the rifling. About one minute,i.e., one inch per 100 yards, must be allowed for this at the longer ranges in sniping.

The fouling that appears in the bore immediately after firing. It is then quite soft and easily removed, but if allowed to remain, it becomes hard, difficult to remove and, by attracting moisture from the air, begins the rusting process.

Fouling that actually gets below the surface of the metal when firing; this gradually sweats its way to the surface and should be removed as it appears.(Note:—If cleaned with really boiling water, the pores are reopened, internal fouling is removed,and thus the cause of sweating is done away with. The Barrel must, however, be dried immediately, or the cure will be worse than the complaint.)

Fouling that actually gets below the surface of the metal when firing; this gradually sweats its way to the surface and should be removed as it appears.

(Note:—If cleaned with really boiling water, the pores are reopened, internal fouling is removed,and thus the cause of sweating is done away with. The Barrel must, however, be dried immediately, or the cure will be worse than the complaint.)

Is the black pock-mark or indentation left in the bore after removing rust.

Finally it is suggested that a cleaning-rod properly used is better than a pull-through: each Battalion is authorized to hold 32 of these Rods on Charge. (See G.R.O.’s 512, 540 and 2,094.)

It must be understood that Grouping with the Open Sights is a definite test of (a) the rifle, and (b) the man.Grouping is a practical system of locating faults, and it is of the utmost importance that such faults, having once been located, should at once be corrected. It should also be clearly understood that a man’s average group at a given range,i.e., 100 yards, will (except for the error of the day) be the measure of his capacity at all ranges. For instance, if his average at 100 yards be a 3-inch group, his best standard will be a6-inch group at 200 yards, 9-inch group at 300 yards, 12-inch group at 400 yards, and so on.Unless this fact is clearly understood, we shall have our men making shot corrections when actually shooting up to standard, and if this is done, consistent shooting can never be obtained.

It must be understood that Grouping with the Open Sights is a definite test of (a) the rifle, and (b) the man.

Grouping is a practical system of locating faults, and it is of the utmost importance that such faults, having once been located, should at once be corrected. It should also be clearly understood that a man’s average group at a given range,i.e., 100 yards, will (except for the error of the day) be the measure of his capacity at all ranges. For instance, if his average at 100 yards be a 3-inch group, his best standard will be a6-inch group at 200 yards, 9-inch group at 300 yards, 12-inch group at 400 yards, and so on.

Unless this fact is clearly understood, we shall have our men making shot corrections when actually shooting up to standard, and if this is done, consistent shooting can never be obtained.

1. If a man makes a vertical group it is fairly safe to assume that he is making one of the following errors:(a) Varying amount of fore-sight taken.(b) Varying point of Aim.(c) Not restraining his breathing when trigger-pressing.2. If he makes a lateral group his error will be usually found among the following:(a) Incorrect centreing of fore-sight.(b) Varying point of Aim.(c) Bad let-off.3. If he gets a good group, but wide of the aiming mark, it will be safe to assume that his rifle is throwing wide and should be corrected at once by alteration of fore-sight. For this reason the Armourer or other qualified person should be present when grouping is being carried out.4. If a man’s shots are widely scattered, it will be necessary to carry out the Analysis of faults,i.e.:R. Test Rifle.A. Test Aim.T. Test Trigger-pressing.S. Test Sight.You should by this time have discovered the fault, but remember it is of no use having found it unless you can cure it before proceeding further.5. If the rifle be correct the point of Mean Impact should be 5 inches above the point of Aim. If incorrect the fore-sight should be altered. The following can be got on indent for this purpose.Cramp R.S.L.M.E.Supply of fore-sights in nine different heights.

1. If a man makes a vertical group it is fairly safe to assume that he is making one of the following errors:

2. If he makes a lateral group his error will be usually found among the following:

3. If he gets a good group, but wide of the aiming mark, it will be safe to assume that his rifle is throwing wide and should be corrected at once by alteration of fore-sight. For this reason the Armourer or other qualified person should be present when grouping is being carried out.

4. If a man’s shots are widely scattered, it will be necessary to carry out the Analysis of faults,i.e.:

You should by this time have discovered the fault, but remember it is of no use having found it unless you can cure it before proceeding further.

5. If the rifle be correct the point of Mean Impact should be 5 inches above the point of Aim. If incorrect the fore-sight should be altered. The following can be got on indent for this purpose.

Nothing definite can be laid down on account of the lack of uniform targets, ranges, etc., but the following hints may be of value:1. If a liaison be cultivated between Battalion Sniping officers in the Brigade, it will be easy to improvise a Range and Target for the use of the Battalion in rest.2. When in divisional rest it is usually possible to find a Range ready for use in the Training Area.3. Excellent work and all Zeroing can be done on even a 30-yard range by the really keen officer.4. Training in shooting should be carried out with an Open andnota Telescopic sighted rifle, which should be kept for:(a) Snapping Practice.(b) Shooting in order to Zero.(c) Killing the enemy.It is important that the barrels of these rifles should not be worn out in practice shooting.5. All training should be made progressive and where possible competitive.6. The first essential is extreme accuracy, after which the Instructor must coach up for rapid snapshooting, the ultimate standard being looked upon as the ability to get off a really good shot under two seconds.7. Always start with a Grouping Practice and eliminate faults as they are discovered.8. Re zero Telescopic sighted rifles: to ascertain that they have maintained their correctness each time you are out of the trenches, and arm only your best shots with these rifles.9. Improvise cover on the Range and makeall Snipers’ fire practices under as near as possible Service Conditions.10. Although normally he will not fire Rapid, keep your sniper efficient in this valuable art.11. You may at any time become a casualty, therefore train your N.C.O.’s to carry on in your absence.

Nothing definite can be laid down on account of the lack of uniform targets, ranges, etc., but the following hints may be of value:

1. If a liaison be cultivated between Battalion Sniping officers in the Brigade, it will be easy to improvise a Range and Target for the use of the Battalion in rest.

2. When in divisional rest it is usually possible to find a Range ready for use in the Training Area.

3. Excellent work and all Zeroing can be done on even a 30-yard range by the really keen officer.

4. Training in shooting should be carried out with an Open andnota Telescopic sighted rifle, which should be kept for:

It is important that the barrels of these rifles should not be worn out in practice shooting.

5. All training should be made progressive and where possible competitive.

6. The first essential is extreme accuracy, after which the Instructor must coach up for rapid snapshooting, the ultimate standard being looked upon as the ability to get off a really good shot under two seconds.

7. Always start with a Grouping Practice and eliminate faults as they are discovered.

8. Re zero Telescopic sighted rifles: to ascertain that they have maintained their correctness each time you are out of the trenches, and arm only your best shots with these rifles.

9. Improvise cover on the Range and makeall Snipers’ fire practices under as near as possible Service Conditions.

10. Although normally he will not fire Rapid, keep your sniper efficient in this valuable art.

11. You may at any time become a casualty, therefore train your N.C.O.’s to carry on in your absence.

The importance of patrolling cannot be exaggerated. It is a means of keeping in touch with the enemy and of obtaining much valuable information.In open warfare we must patrol day and night. In trench warfare, observation to a great extent does away with patrolling by day. We should always look upon the ground between the hostile armies as being ours, and shouldmakeit so by patrols. This gives our men a greater sense of security, and also has the effect of destroying the enemymoral.Patrolling is looked upon by some as being particularly dangerous work. This is not so if patrols are carefully carried out by trained men.Training beforehand is essential; to send out untrained men in a haphazard manner is worse than useless.No patrol should go out except for a distinct and definite object.

The importance of patrolling cannot be exaggerated. It is a means of keeping in touch with the enemy and of obtaining much valuable information.

In open warfare we must patrol day and night. In trench warfare, observation to a great extent does away with patrolling by day. We should always look upon the ground between the hostile armies as being ours, and shouldmakeit so by patrols. This gives our men a greater sense of security, and also has the effect of destroying the enemymoral.

Patrolling is looked upon by some as being particularly dangerous work. This is not so if patrols are carefully carried out by trained men.

Training beforehand is essential; to send out untrained men in a haphazard manner is worse than useless.

No patrol should go out except for a distinct and definite object.

Are the work of scouts who go out on some specific mission. Numbers should be as small as possible. A party of two or three will probably obtain the best results.

Should consist of Lewis gun and gunners, bombers and scouts. Strength 10–15. Object to disperse enemy working parties, to engage enemy patrols, to obtain identifications.Note:—It may often be necessary to combine these patrols; the Fighting Patrol going out to form a screen in rear, while the Reconnaissance Patrol pushes forward to complete its task. This has the effect of giving the Reconnaissance Patrol confidence, of assisting them to pass back any casualties they may suffer, and, in fact, provides them with an AdvancedHeadquarters from which they carry out their reconnaissance. The system is particularly useful, and, in fact, necessary, where a great distance separates the opposing lines.

Should consist of Lewis gun and gunners, bombers and scouts. Strength 10–15. Object to disperse enemy working parties, to engage enemy patrols, to obtain identifications.

Note:—It may often be necessary to combine these patrols; the Fighting Patrol going out to form a screen in rear, while the Reconnaissance Patrol pushes forward to complete its task. This has the effect of giving the Reconnaissance Patrol confidence, of assisting them to pass back any casualties they may suffer, and, in fact, provides them with an AdvancedHeadquarters from which they carry out their reconnaissance. The system is particularly useful, and, in fact, necessary, where a great distance separates the opposing lines.

Should consist mainly of Bombers, and are used in front of our wire, or between Isolated Posts. Numbers depend on circumstances. Object: Protection of our line from surprise attacks.

It is not necessary here to classify definitely. The Reconnoitring Patrol should always be prepared to fight. In fact, all Patrols, at all times, should befully organized self-contained fighting units. Numbers depend on conditions, but Scouts will be largely used.

The general principles of training both for Trench and Open Warfare are a thorough training in the following:1. Map Reading.2. Compass Work.3. Reports.4. Use of Ground and Cover.5. Reconnoitring through Periscopes and by means of Aeroplane Photographs and Maps by day, the ground over which patrol must pass at night, and selecting the best method of approach.6. Actual Patrolling by day and night.7. Keeping touch.

The general principles of training both for Trench and Open Warfare are a thorough training in the following:

1. Map Reading.2. Compass Work.3. Reports.4. Use of Ground and Cover.5. Reconnoitring through Periscopes and by means of Aeroplane Photographs and Maps by day, the ground over which patrol must pass at night, and selecting the best method of approach.6. Actual Patrolling by day and night.7. Keeping touch.

Nothing definite can be laid down, as, of necessity, formations will vary with the prevailing conditions. It is essential, however, that all formations shall be so simple as to ensure that they can be maintained even on the darkest night and when working over very rough ground.The Lewis gun, when it forms a part of a Patrol, must be well protected and in such a position as will enable it to be used at a moment’s notice.The Officer or N.C.O. in charge should always lead the Patrol, and there should be a Second-in-Command, whose position should be in the centre and rear of the Patrol; he will specialize in keeping the men in their proper places and maintaining touch.

The Lewis gun, when it forms a part of a Patrol, must be well protected and in such a position as will enable it to be used at a moment’s notice.

The Officer or N.C.O. in charge should always lead the Patrol, and there should be a Second-in-Command, whose position should be in the centre and rear of the Patrol; he will specialize in keeping the men in their proper places and maintaining touch.

The rifle often hampers movement, particularly when crawling, but it is essential that both this and fighting order be carried when patrolling in open warfare. In trench warfare it should usually be sufficient to carry the rifle, a bandolier of S.A.A., the web belt with bayonet and scabbard attached, a bomb in the pocket and a compass. Steel helmets should not be taken, the cap-comforter being worn instead.If necessary to fix the bayonet, such as when rushing an Isolated Post, it should be fixed with the scabbard still on; both bayonet and scabbard should be well oiled; the scabbard can then be taken off quietly just prior to the rush.

If necessary to fix the bayonet, such as when rushing an Isolated Post, it should be fixed with the scabbard still on; both bayonet and scabbard should be well oiled; the scabbard can then be taken off quietly just prior to the rush.

Before going out personnel should be given:1. All known information;2. An opportunity to examine by day through periscope, by aeroplane photographs and maps, the ground to be covered at night.3. The object of the patrol.4. The pass-word.Everything that is liable to give informationor identification, if captured, must be carefully collected before the party goes out.All men in the Garrison and battalions on right and left must know when the patrol is out, and also the pass-word.The patrol leader, both on leaving and returning, will himself pass the word along to this effect. This is very important. He cannot forecast how long he will be away, or the point at which he will return, therefore, the trench garrison must be prepared to receive him at any time or place.

Before going out personnel should be given:

1. All known information;2. An opportunity to examine by day through periscope, by aeroplane photographs and maps, the ground to be covered at night.3. The object of the patrol.4. The pass-word.

Everything that is liable to give informationor identification, if captured, must be carefully collected before the party goes out.

All men in the Garrison and battalions on right and left must know when the patrol is out, and also the pass-word.

The patrol leader, both on leaving and returning, will himself pass the word along to this effect. This is very important. He cannot forecast how long he will be away, or the point at which he will return, therefore, the trench garrison must be prepared to receive him at any time or place.

Patrols often give themselves away by leaving their own trench in a careless manner. The firing of rifles and lights should continue as usual when a patrol is out, but in such a manner as not to interfere with the patrol. Two patrols should never be sent out on the same front at the same time, as this only leads to their mistaking each other for the enemy. Often, the most suitable time for patrolling is when the weather conditions are very bad. In addition to taking precautions against Verey lights, men on patrol can often take advantage of their brightness to obtain the information required.

PATROL REPORTBlankshire Regiment.Night of 12–13th/6/17.Ref. Map Sheet 54 S.E.1.Composition.Time and Pointof Exit.Object.Information gained and action taken.Time and Pointof Return.1 Offr. and 1 o/Rk. Lt. Tew Pte. Dew.11 p.m. Trench Willow Walk. A6a92.85To report on enemy wire from High Command Redoubt to No Man’s CottageGap in wire at PointsNo. 1 A5a65.752 A5b20.353 A5d85.87Width in Gaps:1 about 4 yards.2 „ 2 „3 „ 3 „Average depth of wire 10–15 yds.General condition:High, barbed, and fairly strong.2 a.m. Trench Willow Walk. A6a95.87Handed in at 3 a.m.Date: 13/6/17.(Sgd.) R. G. A.Tew, Lieut.,Blankshire Regiment.N.B.—These headings, etc., are given as a guide. They will vary according to the nature of the information required, and the circumstances under which the Patrol is working.

PATROL REPORT

Blankshire Regiment.Night of 12–13th/6/17.Ref. Map Sheet 54 S.E.1.

Handed in at 3 a.m.Date: 13/6/17.

(Sgd.) R. G. A.Tew, Lieut.,Blankshire Regiment.

N.B.—These headings, etc., are given as a guide. They will vary according to the nature of the information required, and the circumstances under which the Patrol is working.

Apart from the regular issue of G.S. Telescopes, there are now in the B.E.F. about 40,000 or 50,000 more or less high-class telescopes. These have been obtained from all kinds of sources, from deer-stalkers, yachtsmen, etc., and the care and use of these glasses has become a matter of great importance.

The first thing to remember is that the lenses of all telescopes are made of very soft glass, and that this glass is polished to a very high degree. A few scratches on the outer surface of the object-glass will negative the value of the best telescope. When the telescope is first taken from its case, a light film of dust will usually be found to have formed on the object-glass. This should beflicked off with a handkerchief, and if any polishing is necessary, it should be done with a piece of chamois leather or well-washed piece of four-by-two; this cleaning material should be free from grit, and should be carried in a pocket or in the pay-book, where it will be kept clean. Over 50 per cent. of the telescopes in use, in or about the front line, have been scratched more or less badly, owing to the neglect of this simple precaution.Special attention should be paid to the cleaning of the objective lens, which is liable to become covered with dust owing to its position in the telescope and the opening and closing of the draws.Never on any account touch the glass with the finger or thumb. If the glass be allowed to get damp, fogging will result. To cause the fogging to evaporate, remove object-glass and eye-piece, lay the telescope out in the sun or in a warm room. Never permit the metal work to get hotter than the temperature of your hand, otherwise the Canada Balsam (which is used to join the concave and convex lenses in the object-glass of all high telescopes, except the G.S.) will melt. If the draws get wet, they must be thoroughly dried and slightly lubricated. The same applies to the sun-shade. When an officeris inspecting telescopes, he should inspect the cases also. In screwing tubes or cells into place, great care must be taken not to damage the threads. It is often as well to turn the screw the wrong way with a gentle pressure; the threads will then come into correct engagement, and a slight click may be heard.

Special attention should be paid to the cleaning of the objective lens, which is liable to become covered with dust owing to its position in the telescope and the opening and closing of the draws.

Never on any account touch the glass with the finger or thumb. If the glass be allowed to get damp, fogging will result. To cause the fogging to evaporate, remove object-glass and eye-piece, lay the telescope out in the sun or in a warm room. Never permit the metal work to get hotter than the temperature of your hand, otherwise the Canada Balsam (which is used to join the concave and convex lenses in the object-glass of all high telescopes, except the G.S.) will melt. If the draws get wet, they must be thoroughly dried and slightly lubricated. The same applies to the sun-shade. When an officeris inspecting telescopes, he should inspect the cases also. In screwing tubes or cells into place, great care must be taken not to damage the threads. It is often as well to turn the screw the wrong way with a gentle pressure; the threads will then come into correct engagement, and a slight click may be heard.

As has been stated above, Canada Balsam is not used between the lenses of the object-glass of the G.S. telescope. When a G.S. Telescope has been taken to pieces, the only difficulty experienced in assembling it again will be in the replacing of the lenses forming the object-glass. To do this two rules must be remembered:

1. The convex lens is always the nearest to the object, and, therefore, must be replaced first.2. On the side of the lenses forming the object-glass an arrow-head will be found cut into the glass.Before the lenses are put back the arrow-head must be completed, and the middle of the arrow must be allowed to slide over the barb or raised line in the cell.

1. The convex lens is always the nearest to the object, and, therefore, must be replaced first.

2. On the side of the lenses forming the object-glass an arrow-head will be found cut into the glass.

Before the lenses are put back the arrow-head must be completed, and the middle of the arrow must be allowed to slide over the barb or raised line in the cell.

1. Always extend your sun-shade (more O.P.’s have been given away by the light shining upon the object-glass of telescopes than in any other way).2. Always mark your focus by scratching a circular ring on the focussing draw. (This will allow you to focus your glass correctly and quickly before putting it to your eye.)3. Always pull out or push in the draws of your telescope with a clock-wise circular motion, and keep them slightly lubricated.4. Always carry your telescope slung on your body. If you take it off and let it travel in a lorry or car the jolting will almost certainly ruin it.5. Always use a rest when observing.6. When looking into the sun, make a sun-shade nine inches or a foot long, to fit on the short sun-shade of the telescope. This will give you great assistance when the sun is over the German lines. It is a trick borrowed from the chamois-hunters of the Pyrenees.7. Remember that when there is a mirage you will get better results with a low thanwith a high power of magnification. Conditions in France are more suitable to a magnification of under than over twenty-five. Excellent work can be done in the front line with a glass that magnifies only ten times. If the high-power eye-piece is used for any special purpose when reconnaissance is finished, it should be replaced by a low-power eye-piece.8. When searching a given sector of ground or trench divide it into “fields of view” work slowly allowing each field to overlap. Never leave any suspicious-looking object without having ascertained what it is and why it is there.9. Slight movement is more easily detected if you do not look straight at the object. Always look, a little left, right, high or low. Keenest vision is at the edges of the eye. This particularly applies to dusk or dawn.10. When your object is found, consider:(a) Distance.(b) Shape.(c) Colour.(d) Size.(e) Position.Use each detail to check other details;for instance, if you can distinguish the state cockade upon a German cap you may be certain that you are not more than two hundred yards distant.11. Do not forget that good results can be obtained on clear starlight or moonlight nights, by the use of night-glasses or telescopes, especially if working in conjunction with a Lewis or Vickers Gun. Generally speaking, the bigger the object-glass and the lower the magnification the better will be the results obtainable at night.12. In trench warfare a really good glass-man working from our front line by day can make a most valuable wire reconnaissance.13. Remember that the conditions of visibility are constantly changing; an object which is indistinct at eleven o’clock may become quite clear at eleven-five.14. Always be ready to avail yourself of natural conditions. The visibility after a rain-shower is almost always good; it shows up wire and gaps in the wire, paths, ground traversed by patrols, etc. The best season for “spotting” O.P.’s is autumn, when the leaves fall and the grass withers.15. It is a good thing to disguise the whole of the telescope by use of sandbags or other material around it. Great care must be taken to ascertain that such disguise is kept free from dust or grit.

Remember that straws show which way the wind blows, and that apparently trivial information may be of great importance if considered in correct perspective. For instance, three small parties of Germans seen in front of a battalion sector is not an item of much interest, but if such parties are seen by all or most of the observers on a divisional front, enemy movement of importance is indicated, so include everything observed which is of the slightest importance.

Remember that your report passes through the hands of the Battalion Intelligence Officer, and by him the information it contains is passed on to Brigade, thence to Division, and so on. During the whole of this process, the information is weighed, sifted, and compared over and over again. Hence, that which really proves to be of no importance will be eliminated, while that which is of value will reach those to whom it may be of use.

Remember that you are in close touch with theenemy, and that you, and you only, are responsible for the observation of his forward area. You must not rely upon the Divisional or Corps Observers to do this work for you.

When taking over a post for the first time you must study the ground carefully and get to know the exact location of all prominent objects. Then, in a few days’ time, you will be capable of giving map locations of targets without bearings.

It is of little or no use to look for movement until you know your front by heart, theGOODobserver is the man who can almost see the co-ordinates lying on the ground. In this way some of the Lovat Scouts can give the map references of a moving object as it moves, without a glance at the map.

The best times of the day for you, as a front-line observer, are dawn and dusk. Ration parties, working parties, reliefs, etc., are all waiting to move forward at dusk, and much good work can be done by picking up these targets and reporting them to the Artillery. The same or similar parties can often be seen returning at dawn, particularly after a night during which our harassing fire has been heavy.

Again, a misty day—although the definition obtained through your telescope is not so clear as usual—is often excellent for observation of the enemy’s front-line system, as, on such days, through a false sense of security, the enemy often shows himself in concealedposts, etc., which he would never give away by carelessness during clearer weather.

Always note time (signal time) and map co-ordinates of anything observed.

If anything of importance be seen, such as abnormal movement, suspected reliefs, etc., report themat once. Don’t wait until you come off duty.

All targets should be reported as soon as possible to the Artillery.

If there are any Artillery O.P.’s in your vicinity, they should be visited, as the occupants can often assist you by “placing” objects, the exact location of which you yourself are doubtful about. The Artillery Observers should be shown all tracks where movement has been observed to enable them to get a gun trained on to them.

All new enemy work must be followed closely and its object, if possible, ascertained.

Take a pride in extreme accuracy, let a direct statement represent fact, but do not hesitate to include information of which you are not quite certain. You must, however, never fail to indicate clearly the degree of accuracy or certainty which you yourself feel. Useful words for qualifying your statements are as follows:

Remember that your duty is rather to observe and report your observations than to interpret what you see. At the same time, give personal impressions. These may start a new line of thought in the minds of those who read your reports; also, if two or three observers, from different points, think that they have seen a certain thing, then there is at least a strong probability that a foundation existed for their belief.

Realize that your observation is part of a huge net which is continually trawling the whole enemy world for information, and see to it that not even the smallest fry slip through the meshes for which you are personally responsible.

For purposes of actual observation a rough log-book must be kept in the sniping or observation post. In this book everything seen should be noted as it occurs. From it each evening the information must be set out under suitable headings, and your report rendered to the Battalion Intelligence Officer. Customs vary in battalions, but the following list of headings may help you in this matter:

OPERATIONS, ENEMY:1. Artillery}No. and Calibre of projectiles and targets.2. T.M.’s3. Grenades4. A.A. GunsActivity.5. M.G. Fire}Methods and Targets.6. Rifle FireMOVEMENT, ENEMY:1. Aircraft.2. Trains.3. Transport.4. Men actually seen.5. Indication of movement (periscopes, loopholes, etc.).6. Patrols. (Seen, heard or encountered.)(Note:—Time and place must always be given.)

(Note:—Time and place must always be given.)

The subject matter forming this falls naturally under the following main headings:1. Operations. (Enemy.)2. Movement. „3. Work. „4. Signals. „5. General Intelligence.6. Weather.Under these six main headings are the following sub-headings:WORK, ENEMY:(a) Changes visible in enemy line.(b) Working parties seen or heard.(c) New wire observed or reported by patrols.SIGNALS, ENEMY:(a) Flash lamps.}Full description of and any apparent results.(b) Verey lights.(c) Rockets.GENERAL INTELLIGENCE:Information of a doubtful or uncertain nature, general impressions, etc.WEATHER:(a) General conditions.(b) Light and visibility during the day.(c) Wind, its strength and direction.

The subject matter forming this falls naturally under the following main headings:

Under these six main headings are the following sub-headings:

Information of a doubtful or uncertain nature, general impressions, etc.

In some Brigades, reports on our own operations, particularly observation of our own Artillery and T.M. fire are required in the Battalion Intelligence Reports, but this is a mistaken policy.

OBSERVATION REPORTNo. of Post (Map Ref.): Teapot Post N33c55.90 Sheet 17A N.E.Time on Duty: 7 a.m. to 10 a.m.Date: 20.6.18.Observers on Duty, Name, Rank and Regt.H. SmithPte.G. ShawL/Cpl.Wind: Gentle S.W.Visibility: Fair.Time.Map Ref.Event.Remarks.7.30 a.m.M39d45.351 German N.C.O. and 14 Ptes.Ptes. carrying wood, corrugated iron and sandbags. Wearing caps with red bands. Badges not visible.Probably working on entrance to dug-out at M39c78.65.8.45 a.m.Over trench at M28c36.03Enemy Aeroplane Pilot and 1 other.Opened fire on trench. Flying low, about 700 feet. Flew off in S.W. direction. Not fired on by our men.Enemy probably suspects concentration in this area.(Changedover 9 a.m.)Observer—Shaw. Writer—Smith.9.15 a.m.G30a40.92Horse transport.15 wagons, 4 horse, all very heavily loaded, moving N. on Vitry-Douai Road.Possibly ammunition or heavy material. Had difficulty in ascending slight hill.Relieved at 10 a.m.Observer: Shaw.Handed in at 10.15 a.m.Writer: Smith.(Signed)H. Smith.G. Shaw.

OBSERVATION REPORT

No. of Post (Map Ref.): Teapot Post N33c55.90 Sheet 17A N.E.

Time on Duty: 7 a.m. to 10 a.m.

Date: 20.6.18.

Observers on Duty, Name, Rank and Regt.

H. SmithPte.G. ShawL/Cpl.

Wind: Gentle S.W.Visibility: Fair.

Relieved at 10 a.m.Observer: Shaw.Handed in at 10.15 a.m.Writer: Smith.

(Signed)H. Smith.G. Shaw.

It is difficult to lay down any hard and fast rules on this subject, as so much depends upon the prevailing conditions. The following notes should therefore be looked upon as tentative hints or suggestions.

To commence, it is well to remember that these men, in addition to being fully-trained soldiers, have received specialist training in such subjects as map-reading, obtaining and reporting information, scouting, accurate shooting, etc., therefore their value to the Company Commander, whether in Attack or Defence, in trench warfare or in open warfare, has been enhanced, and he should keep this in mind when making his dispositions.

Prior to attack on any given objective, the Scouts and Observers can obtain much valuable information; in fact, the actual plans for local attack will often depend upon the information so obtained.

The following are some of the points that should be ascertained either by direct observation or patrolling or both:

1. Location of enemy M.G.’s and strong points.2. Whether the enemy is holding his line continuously or by isolated posts; if the latter, the location of each post should, if possible, be ascertained.3. If our wire-cutting operations have been successful, and the location and width of the gaps.

Vigorous patrolling should take place for some time prior to attack, to ensure that the enemy is driven out of “No Man’s Land,” thus enabling us to “jump off” from a point as near as possible to the enemy line.

The Snipers can, by making each enemy periscope and loophole a target, render the enemy to a great extent blind in Front Line Observation. Before the actual assault has commenced, our snipers can be established in shell holes in “No Man’s Land” from which they can command any known machine-gun emplacements. They should always carry a few rounds of armour-piercing S.A.A., and should look upon the breech casing of the gun as their target rather than the gunners. (Your good sniper will appreciate the fact that one hit on the breech-casing of a machine-gunwith armour-piercing S.A.A. will definitely put the gun out of action, as it ruins the vital portion,i.e., “the recoiling portion” of the gun.)

After the objective has been gained, the snipers should push forward beyond our new line and establish themselves in shell holes or in old trenches. From these positions their fire will be of great value in conjunction with the Lewis gunners in keeping down the enemy during consolidation.

The Scouts should be able to fill in the dispositions of the troops and maintain touch with flanking units; they should form part of exploiting patrols, locate the enemy’s new positions and ascertain their attitude,i.e., whether they are demoralized and retiring in disorder or whether they are under control and likely to counter-attack.

The Observers must be in a position from which they can watch the whole of the attack, and must be provided with a means of communication whereby they can constantly report upon the situation. After the objective has been gained they can push forward and locate enemy machine-guns and battery positions; this will be comparatively easy as, if the enemy is putting up a fight, machine-guns, etc., will be advertising themselves.

The Brigade and Divisional Observers will also be in positions from which they can follow the whole of the attack, and will constantly report its progress.They should particularly watch for any massing of enemy troops in the back areas for counter-attack.

The Snipers can be of great value in defence, and should be given a definite “battle station.” If the attack be delivered in daylight, the snipers’ special task should be to pick off the leaders, and members of machine-gun andflamenwerferdetachments. If the enemy succeed in occupying our trenches the snipers must have in readiness alternative posts that command stretches of our trenches; they will thus be in a position to inflict heavy losses upon the new occupants. In this way and by working in conjunction with Bombers, they can do much to prevent the enemy from establishing himself.The Observers can, in defence, find out much valuable information, and the good observer can usually foretell an enemy attack by carefully watching for the following signs of offensiveoperation:—1. Construction of new T.M. emplacements.2. Registration of new T.M.’s.3. Increased artillery registration.4. Bridging of trenches.5. Cutting of wire.6. Additional dressing stations instituted.7. Signboards erected.8. Unusual amount of movement in back areas.9. Increased aerial activity.10. Reconnaissance of front by enemy officers.

The Observers can, in defence, find out much valuable information, and the good observer can usually foretell an enemy attack by carefully watching for the following signs of offensiveoperation:—

In open and semi-open warfare it is essential that observers push forward from one post to another. They must keep in touch with the attack, with flanking units and with headquarters.The most important duties of scouts and snipers will be reconnaissance. By pushing forward as an advanced screen to cover the advance, they can collect much valuable information and, if correctly organized, can get such information back quickly to the officers whom it concerns. The following are some of the things upon which they shouldreport:—1. Where the enemy are, and if holding a continuous line or isolated posts.2. Condition of roads, etc.3. Best approaches for Infantry, Machine-guns, Artillery, etc.4. Any obstacles such as rivers, etc., and the best means of negotiating them.5. Places which are exposed to fire.6. Any topographical features from which the enemy can be commanded.In fact, there is no limit to the amount of useful information that scouts and snipers can obtain. They can also be of extreme value in working round and cutting off isolated posts. They may also form a thin but effective firing-line that can delay considerably a small counter-attack, and thus enable their unit to complete the, of necessity, hasty preparations for holding its gains.

In open and semi-open warfare it is essential that observers push forward from one post to another. They must keep in touch with the attack, with flanking units and with headquarters.

The most important duties of scouts and snipers will be reconnaissance. By pushing forward as an advanced screen to cover the advance, they can collect much valuable information and, if correctly organized, can get such information back quickly to the officers whom it concerns. The following are some of the things upon which they shouldreport:—

1. Where the enemy are, and if holding a continuous line or isolated posts.2. Condition of roads, etc.3. Best approaches for Infantry, Machine-guns, Artillery, etc.4. Any obstacles such as rivers, etc., and the best means of negotiating them.5. Places which are exposed to fire.6. Any topographical features from which the enemy can be commanded.

In fact, there is no limit to the amount of useful information that scouts and snipers can obtain. They can also be of extreme value in working round and cutting off isolated posts. They may also form a thin but effective firing-line that can delay considerably a small counter-attack, and thus enable their unit to complete the, of necessity, hasty preparations for holding its gains.

As each battalion now holds three of these rifles on charge for sniping purposes (G.R.O. 3567) it is essential that your snipers shall understand the main differences between this and the R.S.M.L.E.

It is as well to understand at once that a far higher degree of accuracy can be obtained from the Enfield 1914 than from the R.S.M.L.E., and this is the reason why it has been issued to snipers. The higher degree of accuracy is due to two maincauses:—

The following are the main differences which must be noted and thoroughly understood in order to get the best results from the new rifle.

The rear of the body is made in the form of a bed in which the sight should always lie when not in use. In this position the aperture battle sight can be used if desired, but it should seldom be necessary for the sniper to use this sight. The battle sight is actually sighted to hit on the aiming mark at about 400 yards’ range.The sight leaf is hinged on to the sight bed and is raised to an angle of about 90° from the sight bed for use. There are in all four positions in which it will rest. (Seediagram 1.)1. At an angle of about 45° from the sight bed; this is the most convenient position for “sight setting.”2. At an angle of about 90°; this is the position when in use.3. At an angle of about 135°.4. At an angle of about 180°.The two last positions have been madepossible so as to avoid damaging the sight by accidentally knocking it, if raised against undergrowth, etc., when skirmishing.Note:—The bolt lever must not be raised and drawn back when the sight is in No. 4 position, as if this is done the battle sight is sheared off.

The sight leaf is hinged on to the sight bed and is raised to an angle of about 90° from the sight bed for use. There are in all four positions in which it will rest. (Seediagram 1.)

The two last positions have been madepossible so as to avoid damaging the sight by accidentally knocking it, if raised against undergrowth, etc., when skirmishing.

Note:—The bolt lever must not be raised and drawn back when the sight is in No. 4 position, as if this is done the battle sight is sheared off.

Diagram showing 4 Positions of Backlight.No1.

Diagram showing 4 Positions of Backlight.

No1.

The elevation is obtained by raising a slide on the leaf. This slide carries the aperture, and, when set, is held in position by a spring-catch adjustment on the right of the leaf. The leaf is graduated from 200 to 1100 yards in hundreds of yards, and from 1100 to 1650 yards in fifties. The reading line is situated in the centre of the slide,and care must be taken to point out this fact clearly, otherwise men are apt to take readings from the top or bottom of the slide.

The sight is fitted with a fine adjustment in the form of a worm screw with a milled head. By rotating the milled head clockwise we raise the elevation, and by turning it anti-clockwise we lower it. The top of the milled head is marked off into three divisions, each of which is equivalent to one minute of angle, which is about 1″ per 100 yards of the range. Thus at 100 yards it would equal 1″ rise, or fall, on the target; at 200 yards 2″; at 300 yards 3″, and so on. A reading line is marked on the top of the sight leaf to enable these minute adjustments to be made. (Seediagram.)The advantage of a fine adjustment screw on this principle lies in the fact that, without alteration of foresight, the rifle can be zeroed with exactness in a vertical sense, for any individual hold, thus: If a man, when zeroing his rifle at 100 yards’ range, finds the point of mean impact to be 3 inches low, or high, he has only to remember that he must first reproduce on his backsight the range for which he is firing, and then add, or subtract, 3 minutes of elevation,i.e., by giving the milled head one completeturn or revolution in the required direction; he will then have his correct zero for that particular range. (Note:—Before starting to zero at 100 yards, he must raise the sight to 200 yards, and then take off 3 minutes; this is equivalent to setting his sight to 100 yards (which is not marked). With the sight so set, the “point of mean impact” should be 1½ inches to 2 inches above the point of aim.)In addition the fine adjustment can be used to overcome the difficulty of not having the sight calibrated to read to fifties at the closer ranges. By memorizing the following table, the sniper will have no difficulty in adjusting his sight to 250, 350, 450 yards, and so on:To raise fromToAdd to Column 1.200 yards250 yards1 minute300 „350 „1½ minutes400 „450 „2 „500 „550 „2½ „600 „650 „3 „The table has not been taken further, as 600 yards is the limit of “individual effort.”

The advantage of a fine adjustment screw on this principle lies in the fact that, without alteration of foresight, the rifle can be zeroed with exactness in a vertical sense, for any individual hold, thus: If a man, when zeroing his rifle at 100 yards’ range, finds the point of mean impact to be 3 inches low, or high, he has only to remember that he must first reproduce on his backsight the range for which he is firing, and then add, or subtract, 3 minutes of elevation,i.e., by giving the milled head one completeturn or revolution in the required direction; he will then have his correct zero for that particular range. (Note:—Before starting to zero at 100 yards, he must raise the sight to 200 yards, and then take off 3 minutes; this is equivalent to setting his sight to 100 yards (which is not marked). With the sight so set, the “point of mean impact” should be 1½ inches to 2 inches above the point of aim.)

In addition the fine adjustment can be used to overcome the difficulty of not having the sight calibrated to read to fifties at the closer ranges. By memorizing the following table, the sniper will have no difficulty in adjusting his sight to 250, 350, 450 yards, and so on:

The table has not been taken further, as 600 yards is the limit of “individual effort.”

If there should be a lateral error when zeroing, the foresight should be moved as in theR.S.M.L.E., except that the cramp is made to fit over and through the foresight protectors, and, as there is no nose-cap to remove, it is a simpler operation.

No2.Sights:Enfield 1914 Rifle.

No2.

Sights:Enfield 1914 Rifle.

Diagram 2will illustrate far better than a word picture how aim should be taken. The main thing is to lookthroughthe aperture, and notat it. The foresight will be centred in the aperture, and the tip of it placed at 6 o’clock in the ordinary way. (Note:—It will be found that with very little practice the eye will instinctively centre the foresight, and that aiming,with this sight, will in reality simply be the action of holding the tip of the foresight on to 6 o’clock.)

The magazine holds five rounds only, and is constructed in such a manner as to permit the magazine platform to rise and engage the face of the bolt-head when the magazine is empty. This advertises the fact that “re-loading” is necessary. At the same time, it prevents giving practice in “rapid manipulation of the bolt,” unless the “Depressors magazine platform,” or a coin such as a franc (which will serve the same purpose) be used to hold down the platform, thus enabling the bolt to pass freely through the bolt-way when the magazine is empty.It is of simple construction, consisting of three parts only: the platform, the spring and the bottom plate. To remove: press the point of a bullet into the hole that will be found in the bottom plate, in front of the trigger guard, then push downwards and in the direction of the trigger; this releases the spring and allows the magazine to be removed and cleaned. To replace: reverse the above process. Care must be taken when loading to ensure that the chargeris placed vertically in the charger guide; if allowed to lean forward the first cartridge will foul the padding of the magazine, and loading will become difficult.There is little possibility of a jam if the bolt-way, the breech and the magazine are kept clean.

It is of simple construction, consisting of three parts only: the platform, the spring and the bottom plate. To remove: press the point of a bullet into the hole that will be found in the bottom plate, in front of the trigger guard, then push downwards and in the direction of the trigger; this releases the spring and allows the magazine to be removed and cleaned. To replace: reverse the above process. Care must be taken when loading to ensure that the chargeris placed vertically in the charger guide; if allowed to lean forward the first cartridge will foul the padding of the magazine, and loading will become difficult.

There is little possibility of a jam if the bolt-way, the breech and the magazine are kept clean.

1. The Safety Catch.—This is similar to the R.S.M.L.E., but is on the opposite side,i.e., the right side of the body. If the thumb piece is turned over to the rear, it performs two actions. (a) Rotates the half-moon on the eccentric stem until it engages in the recess in the cocking piece, thus preventing the cocking piece from going forward if the trigger be accidentally pressed. (b) Pushes forward the locking bolt plunger until it is engaged in the locking bolt recess in the bolt lever, thus preventing the rotation of the bolt.2. Bolt Lever.—This when turned down,i.e., when the breech is closed, fits into a recess in the body of the rifle, and ensures that the bolt cannot be blown back, even should the resisting lugs give way.3. The Safety Stud.—This is in direct communication with the sear, and is constructedin such a manner as to ensure that the sear cannot be depressed without the safety stud rising. On the under side of the bolt is a recess, which comes immediately over the safety stud when the bolt lever is turned fully down. It is, therefore, impossible to press the trigger, which depresses the sear, until the bolt lever is fully turned down and the action sealed.

2. Bolt Lever.—This when turned down,i.e., when the breech is closed, fits into a recess in the body of the rifle, and ensures that the bolt cannot be blown back, even should the resisting lugs give way.

3. The Safety Stud.—This is in direct communication with the sear, and is constructedin such a manner as to ensure that the sear cannot be depressed without the safety stud rising. On the under side of the bolt is a recess, which comes immediately over the safety stud when the bolt lever is turned fully down. It is, therefore, impossible to press the trigger, which depresses the sear, until the bolt lever is fully turned down and the action sealed.

Of these there are three. On the right of the hood; on the under side of the bolt, one in front and the other in rear of the extractor ring. They perform the same duties as the gas escapes in the R.S.M.L.E., except that the one in front of the extractor ring prevents air-pockets—which would act as brakes—from forming.

This is slightly different to that of the R.S.M.L.E., the first pull being from 2 to 3 lbs., and the second from 5 to 6 lbs. The first pull is comparatively long, and it is necessary to obtain, by practice, the correct “trigger squeeze” before firing the rifle for the first time.

In order to take full advantage of the rifle,it is essential that it be kept absolutely clean; the following parts should receive special attention:The Bore.—This should always carry a high polish.The Sights.—Must be kept free from oil, and the aperture free from fluff.The Hood.—Must always be free from oil and dirt, as it contains the recesses in which the resisting lugs work, and if dirt be allowed to gather there, the shock of discharge cannot be evenly taken on both sides, and accurate shooting under these conditions is unattainable.The Breech.—Must be kept clean and free from oil by means of the stick which is provided for the purpose.The Bolt.—Must be kept free from oil, and must be the correct one for the rifle,i.e., must carry the same number as that shown on the hood and on the sight leaf.Gas escapes.—Must be kept free from oil and dirt.

In order to take full advantage of the rifle,it is essential that it be kept absolutely clean; the following parts should receive special attention:

The rifle is issued specially as a sniping rifle, and although a bayonet is issued with it, it shouldnot be used for bayonet fighting practice. The woodwork of the rifle must on no account be cut down, and as, when it is issued, it is correctly zeroed to suit one man’s hold, it should not be transferred to another man without re-zeroing it to suithisparticular hold.

THE END

PRINTED ATTHE CHAPEL RIVER PRESS,KINGSTON, SURREY

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