The Popular Science Monthly, October, 1900: Vol. 57, May, 1900 to October, 1900Various
History
The Popular Science Monthly, October, 1900: Vol. 57, May, 1900 to October, 1900
Various
Science -- Periodicals; Technology -- Periodicals
You observe on the enlarged map of the village that there are
double lines between the outer buildings; these are the improvised
intrenchments. Notice that they have not been constructed flush with
the face of the outer walls in any instance; but always considerably
retired. The object of this arrangement is more effectually to defend
the barricades. In the annexed sketch (No. 3) ‘A’ and ‘B’ represent
the two adjacent buildings and the lines ‘CD’ the breastwork. In the
buildings are windows--‘E’ and ‘F’--from which a heavy fire can be
concentrated upon the assailants, as may be seen from the direction
of the arrow heads. On the outer line are several projecting, and,
therefore, especially exposed points; such as those at ‘A’, ‘B’
and ‘C’. The arrow heads show the direction of protective fire. As
additional protection, it might be wise to hold the two buildings (‘H’,
‘H’) outside the village. If not held, they ought, if possible to be
destroyed, as also those marked ‘JJ’, not included in the defensive
lines, as they offer excellent cover for the enemy. The utmost care
should be taken to provide a safe magazine for the ammunition and to
cover well the place selected for a hospital. The wagons and horses
would be best protected in the space marked ‘LLL’.
Should our defense prove too obstinate for direct assault, it may be
that the enemy will construct regular intrenchments from which to dig
a trench deep enough to protect, and large enough to hold a body of
troops, thus enabling them to approach sufficiently near to assail
some weak point, without too great risk. The modern repeating rifle,
dangerous at a thousand yards, and fatal at a hundred, has given the
defense so great preponderance that it requires quick work indeed to
capture a stronghold. Observe the broken lines ‘OF and ‘PF’; these
show the direction of possible trenches dug by the enemy. But ‘OF’
would be raked by the fire from the outlying house, ‘H’; the other is,
therefore, the only feasible mode of approach.
The principle of defense, shown by the direction of the arrow heads in
the case of the beleaguered village, is applicable to all conditions
where ramparts are used. Suppose the command whose fortunes we have
followed had been attacked while on the march at the point ‘A’ on Map
1. The opposing force was manifestly too strong for resistance in the
field; they retreat to the rocky eminence ‘K’ and there proceed to
fortify the position. A glance at Diagram 4 will show what they will
try at least to accomplish. In military language that shaded portion
of the work to be constructed is called a bastion; it consists of two
faces (‘AX’ and ‘AY’), and the two flanks (‘JY’ and ‘HX’). The faces of
this bastion are defended (as the arrow heads indicate) by the flanks
of adjacent bastions; that is, the face ‘AY’ is swept by a raking fire
from ‘ZE’, and the face ‘AX’ from ‘FG’. Reciprocally, ‘HX’ rakes the
face ‘BG’, and ‘JY’ the face ‘ED’, and so on round the intrenchment.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
Reviews
Reviews
No reviews yet
Be the first to share your thoughts on this work.
Join the Discussion
Join the discussion
Sign in to leave a comment or review.
Sign InorCreate an account