From ‘Military Rifle Shooting’, The Spectator, 6 February 1915:
THE most serious problem which confronts those who are engaged in training our New Armies is unquestionably that of shooting. Drill and marching are important; trench-digging is vitally important; but what shall these profit the soldier if, when he has reached his tactical point and dug himself in, he can only waste his ammunition? The admirable and scientific system of musketry instruction which has been in force in our Army since the Boer War was the pre-eminent factor in the amazing success of our troops in holding off the attack of vastly outnumbering, forces on the retreat from Mons. We need not doubt that the new levies who are being trained throughout the country will have the full benefit of a system which has completely justified itself by giving our troops at the front that moral ascendancy which always follows on the conscious possession of superior skill.
Get Britain's best politics newsletters
Register to get The Spectator's insight and opinion straight to your inbox. You can then read two free articles each week.
Already a subscriber? Log in
Comments
Join the debate for just $5 for 3 months
Be part of the conversation with other Spectator readers by getting your first three months for $5.
UNLOCK ACCESS Just $5 for 3 monthsAlready a subscriber? Log in