JUST LIKE ACTUAL WAR.

New Zealand Graphic, Volume XVIII, Issue XVIII, 1 May 1897, Page 546

JUST LIKE ACTUAL WAR.

The Austrian fortress manucevres of Przemysl, in Galicia, were of an exceedingly realistic character, fully charged field ammunition being employed. The works of defence and attack were commenced on September 1 ith in the Emperor’s presence. The work was pushed on during the night, in spite of heavy rain, and the besiegers successfully repulsed a sortie. Notwithstanding these obstacles, the construction of the batteries was completed early on the 12th, with the guns in position and ready for opening fire. The assailants then evacuated their works, and the defence opened a real fire on the works erected. At noon the signal to ‘ cease fire ’ was given, and it was found that the fire of the defence had been very effective. During its progress, moreover, the effects were observed from a balloon. A further bombardment of the works of the assailants in the presence of the Emperor was put a stop to by the pouring rain. The next day, Sunday, was a day of rest, and on the 14th the Emperor witnessed a bombardment by the besiegers with live shell of a permanent fortification, in front of which were advanced batteries and entrenchments. After the signal ‘cease fire ’ was given, at noon, an inspection demonstrated the terrible effects of modern artillery on fortifications. At night, as soon as all was dark, the assailants proceeded to execute works of approach. Several infantry engagements took place and various processes of illumination were experimented with. Early next morning the works of the besiegers were shelled by the defence, who used both their position guns and their field pieces. The effects were then ascertained. During the following night operations were continued on both sides, and in the morning the besiegers, having succeeded in destroying the advanced works of the defence and silencing the fire of the guns enfilading the foreground of the work chosen for an assault, they exploded the mines which they had laid and proceeded to storm the fortification. This terminated the manoeuvres, which were highly instructive, although of course they were no( an accurate reproduction of an actual siege, in so far as the assailants did not work under fire.