WEATHER PROPHETS IN WAR.

Lake Wakatip Mail, Issue 3121, 6 April 1915, Page 7

WEATHER PROPHETS IN WAR.

A feature of the present war is the extent to which weather prophets aro working in conjunction with armies. Skilled meteorologists are attached to the headquarters of both the Allied and German troops, and their won* consists of forecasting weather conditions twenty-four hours ahead. Such prophecies are of the greatest value to modern military commanders, far they always have to reckon wi'th the elements in making their plants. In tine weather, for instance, heavy artillery can be transported across country in half the time that would l>e required if rain-storms rendered roads muddy and waterlogged. Heavy guns loaded on three-ton motor-lorries are obviously difficult to transport over ground sodden with rain, and in similar fashion marching troops cannot make fast progress if conditions underfoot are Ivad If a general, however, expects wet and bo ; sternus weather, h<* can lay his plans accordingly. He allows an extra number of hours lor the carrying out of a movement, and thus hi s schemes arc not thrown out of gear by the unexpected intrusion of inclement elements. The aid of the military meteorologist aKo enables a commander to take advantage of fog, rain, or snowstorms for purposes of strategy. Troops can manoeuvre in thick mists with comparative ease, and they are safe from detection; hence a general anticipating fog can utilize it a* a screen for placing guns or advancing his men. This actually occurred at the siege of Xaraur, for a thick fog enabled the Germans, _to hasten the fall of the town by dragging their big guns to advantageous positions without being impeded by artillery or searchlight. Weather experts carefully watch for signs of high winds, for such seriously niter fore with aeroplane reconnaissance. If he expects the weather to h e boisterous. n command • r does not rely on information that may he brought to him by his air-scouts, but arranges to replace them as far as possible with cavalry scout 1 ?.