“As the tide of battle turns this way and the other, and headquarters are constantly moving, some means have to be provided to keep in constant touch with General Headquarters during the movement. This emergency is met by cable detachments. Each detachment consists of two cable waggons, which usually work in conjunction with one another, one section laying the line whilst the other remains behind to reel up when the line is finished with. A division is ordered to move quickly to a more tactical position. The end of the cable is connected with the permanent line, which communicates to Army Headquarters, and the cable detachment moves off at the trot; across country, along roads, through villages, and past columns of troops, the white and blue badge of the signal service clears the way. Behind the waggon rides a horseman, who deftly lays the cable in the ditches and hedges out of danger from heavy transport and the feet of tramping infantry, with the aid of a crookstick. Other horsemen are in the rear tying back and making the line safe. On the box of the waggon sits a telegraphist, who is constantly in touch with headquarters as the cable runs swiftly out. An orderly dashes up with an important message; the waggon is stopped, the message dispatched, and on they go again.” Wireless telegraphy too has its part to play in land war, and for field purposes it has certain advantages over telegraphy with wires. Ordinary telegraphic communication is liable to be interrupted by the cutting of the wire by the enemy, or, in spite of every care in laying, by the breaking of the wire by passing cavalry or artillery. No such trouble can occur with wireless telegraphy, and if it becomes necessary to move a wireless station with great rapidity, as for instance on an unexpected advance of the enemy, it is an advantage to have no wire to bother about. The Marconi portable wireless sets for military purposes are marvels of compactness and lightness, combined with simplicity. They are of two kinds, pack-saddle sets and cart sets. The former weigh about 360 lb., this being divided amongst four horses. They can be set up in ten minutes by five or six men, and require only two men to work them. Their guaranteed range is 40 miles, but they are capable of transmitting twice this distance or even more under favourable conditions. The cart sets can be set up in twenty minutes by seven or eight men, and they have a guaranteed range of from 150 to 200 miles.