=135.= _Co-operation between Artillery and Infantry in the Attack._ 1. Both in attack and defence the most intimate co-operation between the artillery and infantry must be aimed at, if the latter are to derive the full advantage of the support of the former. In the preliminary stages of the attack the advance of the infantry will draw the fire of the defence and thus find a target for the artillery, whilst the fire of the latter, combined with that of other covering bodies, will enable the firing line to approach in extended order towards the enemy’s position without undue loss. 2. In the subsequent fire action the artillery and infantry must co-operate in shaking the fire of the defence so as to admit of the further advances of the firing line, which should take advantage of the slackening of the fire of the defence, caused by the fire of the quick firing artillery covering the advance, to push in closer to the enemy’s position. 3. At the crisis of the engagement, preparatory to the assault, the artillery and infantry must combine to bring the heaviest possible fire to bear against the point or points against which it is proposed to drive home the attack, in order that a superiority of fire over the defence may be rapidly established; and at no other time is the close co-operation so important, if the full effect of the two arms is to be obtained. =136.= _The Decisive Attack._ The procedure of the troops engaged in the decisive attack is governed by the following principles:-- 1. Success largely depends on the close and intelligent co-operation of all parts of the force engaged, and the attacks delivered by different portions of the force should as a rule be simultaneous, for this purpose communication between them must be carefully maintained. 2. The main object of the attack is to attain a superiority of fire by establishing the strongest possible firing line, on good fire positions within decisive range of each objective, preparatory, if necessary, to capturing it by an assault. Whether the objective be the defenders main position, or an advanced position, the attack will be conducted on the same principle. 3. To reach decisive range with as little loss as possible, the advance, which will be covered by the fire of the artillery and reserves, should be rapid and energetic, and be made in successive lines of skirmishers widely extended and preceded by scouts; the firing line should avoid opening fire until either the defenders, or their position, can be clearly distinguished, if the results are to justify the delay and expenditure of ammunition entailed; when once this point is reached, the first line of skirmishers should be reinforced in order that the fire may be effective, S. =134= (2).