MUSKETRY CAPABILITIES.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume XXXXII, Issue 241, 6 December 1900, Page 2

MUSKETRY CAPABILITIES.

A novel experiment was carried out recently at Aldershot, when LieutQeneral Sir W illiain Butler pitted 40 i men of the Highland Light Infantry, under Major Carey, of that regi ment, against an imaginary body of infantry advancing in column formation across the Long Valley. 'I he stall', as well as the general officers and commanding officers of the district, were present to witness this unique trial of our musketry capabilities, and all were well pleased with the result. Canvas screens, representing a column of troops crossing the Lang valley, had been erected on Eel-moor-hill, 30 yards covering the front and sft. 6in. the height of each screen, with a depth per company of 25 yards. Firing took place from Bill-hill, and was carried out individually and effectively, though no account can be taken of the effect of the volleys. The actual distance of the screens was 2200 yards, and this range was quick.y r'wund, although the troops opened fire at 1900 yards. The percentage of hits was 17—namely, a total of 148 hits on the first line of targets from 40 men, each of whom expended 50 rounds of ammunition. The result proved highly satisfactory, as it tended to prove that the shooting of British infantry is better than has been represented. Other tests of a similar character'are, it is understood, to be made, all based upon the practical course of manoeuvres .taking place.