Part 44 (1/2)

Sound travels at the rate of about 366 yards a second. Therefore, multiply the number of seconds intervening between the flash of the gun and the report of the same by 366, and the product will be the distance in yards to the gun.

RANGE-FINDING INSTRUMENT

Each company is equipped with a range-finding instrument. All company officers and sergeants should be proficient in using it. The accuracy of this instrument will greatly depend upon the skill of the user, and the visibility of the objective.

TRIAL SHOTS OR VOLLEYS

”If the ground is so dry and dusty that the fall of the bullets is visible through a gla.s.s or with the naked eye, a method of determining the distance is afforded by using a number of trial shots or volleys.

The method of using trial volleys is as follows: The sights are raised for the estimated range and one volley is fired. If this appears to hit but little short of the mark, an increase of elevation of 100 yards will be used for the next volley. When the object is enclosed between two volleys, a mean of the elevation will be adopted as the correct range.

The range may be obtained from a near-by battery or machine gun. This is the best method when available.”--Small Arms Firing Manual.

ESTIMATING DISTANCE TEST

This test is usually held after the record firing on the range has been completed. No distance used in this test will be less than 547 yards (battle sight range) or more than 1200 yards, which is considered the extreme range for effective fire of individuals or a small command.

Should a soldier fail three times to make the necessary percentage in these tests, his rifle qualification will be reduced one grade. For the specific conditions governing this test, see Small Arms Firing Manual.

RANGE FINDERS

Five or six enlisted men, selected by the company

[Ill.u.s.tration: This shows the path of the bullet (Line of Trajectory) of the 1917 Rifle (Enfield).

The Line of Aim, we see, connects the eye, the rear sight, the front sight and the bottom part of the target. It is a straight line.

We see that the Line of Trajectory crosses the Line of Aim at two points. The distance between these points is 452 yards. Therefore, 452 yards is the Battle Sight Range for the 1917 Rifle.]

To hit the target squarely when it is 200 yards away, the Line of Aim must be under it, as shown in the diagram.]

[Ill.u.s.tration: THE 1917 RIFLE (ENFIELD)]

commander from those most skilled, will be designated as ”Range Finders.” These men are practised in estimating distance throughout the year. Their practice will be on varied ground and at distances up to 2000 yards. These men a.s.sist the company commander when the company is on the defensive, in estimating the distances to the prominent objects in view before the action commences; and at other times when the company commander needs their a.s.sistance.

CHAPTER V

TENT PITCHING

On the hike the camp will be laid out daily in advance by a staff officer. The company being halted and in line, the company commander gives the order: FORM FOR SHELTER TENTS.

The first sergeant and right guide fall in on the right of the company.