1. As a general principle troops should, if possible, not be launched to the decisive attack unless their movements can be covered by the fire action of other bodies specially told off for this purpose, and posted in such a position that they can watch the progress of the attack. The fire of such bodies will necessarily be delivered at long range. The firing line, however, should endeavour before opening fire to advance as close to the enemy’s position as possible consistent with not suffering undue losses. The actual distance at which fire should be opened must depend on the effect of the enemy’s fire. Minor losses may be accepted, but sooner or later, according as the ground is favourable or unfavourable, the severity of the enemy’s fire will render a reply imperative. 2. To enable the attack to be prosecuted it is clear that from this moment the hostile fire must be met by fire of greater power, its intensity and duration being dependent on the effect produced. Moreover, from this point forward movement will, as a rule, be contingent on the mutual fire support afforded to one another by neighbouring bodies, and on the effects produced by the covering fire brought to bear on the enemy’s line whenever the ground admits of such action, by supports, reserves and the troops specially told off for this purpose. Covering fire should be delivered so as to strike the enemy, disturb his aim, and compel him to seek shelter when the assailant is exposed or in difficulties. In such circumstances intensity of fire is of the first importance; but fire should be reserved when the assailant’s progress is satisfactory, or when he is under cover. 3. It has been stated that the assailant in a decisive attack should, except in the case of troops detailed for covering fire, reserve his fire for those ranges at which fire action is likely to be most effective, but in certain circumstances it may be advantageous to commence firing at long range. For example:-- (i) By troops engaged in a flank attack, in order to secure the advantages of enfilade fire. (ii) When a favourable target presents itself. (iii) In a holding, or demonstrative action, to prevent the enemy from changing his position, or to deceive him as to the true objective. (iv) To concentrate a powerful fire from an extended frontage on an important locality in the hostile position. (v) To oblige the enemy to expose his dispositions. (vi) In pursuit. (vii) In siege warfare, to harass the enemy. 4. Long range fire requires a large expenditure of ammunition, and it is necessary, if it is to produce a corresponding effect, and if waste of cartridges is to be avoided, that it should be carefully controlled and concentrated, and that the distance should be accurately ascertained; or if this is not possible, that a considerable depth of ground should be evenly swept by fire by the use of combined sights.