a weak,
escort; and this desideratum will be best fulfilled when it is on the
inner--that is, the supported--flank of its Cavalry, because in this
position it can presumably remain in action longest, and hampers the
movements of its own force least. Similarly, in pursuit or in covering
a retreat its sphere of activity is distinctly limited. Its action can
only then become effective when the actual tactical pursuit--_i.e._,
with cold steel--ceases, the combatants have disentangled themselves,
and the strategic pursuit sets in.

The mobility of the target must naturally influence the fire effect to
be expected from the guns, as it increases the difficulty of
'ranging,' and limits the possible duration of action to a few
moments.

The batteries will only then be able to turn their fire on the enemy's
Cavalry when the latter show themselves in considerable masses moving
at the slower paces. But when the Cavalry sweep forward at full speed,
the most they can do will be to take some stretch of ground through
which the opposing Cavalry must pass, and on which there is still time
to range, and then turn on shrapnel fire to its utmost intensity.

But even for this the opportunity will only then arise when either our
own Cavalry holds back, the enemy's Artillery does not require our
full attention and fire power, or, finally, if our own guns are not
attacked by the enemy's Cavalry.

In view of all these considerations, it follows that it is impossible
to assign a decisive importance to the participation of a few Horse
Batteries in the actual shock of the opposing squadrons. Nevertheless,
one should always do one's best to use to the utmost such Artillery
power as is available, and particularly if there is any doubt as to
the strength of the enemy, and we have reason to suspect that he
possesses a marked numerical superiority.

The chief role of the Artillery must always remain the support of
dismounted action of Cavalry in attack and defence; in the battle,
protected by their own horsemen, to strike against the enemy's flank
and rear, shell his columns on the march, to drive him out of
weakly-defended places or defiles, and in all similar circumstances,
such as war always develops afresh, to inflict upon him the utmost
possible damage.

In all these cases the batteries can choose their own positions and
the nature of their fire with absolute freedom, according to the
fundamental principles of their own Arm; they have tim