In other words, the theory prevails that an aerial fleet, no
matter how efficient, would be rendered ineffective for the
simple reason that it would be the initial object of the
besieger's attack. Possibly the stem test of experience will
reveal the fallacy of these contentions as emphatically as it has
disproved others. But there is one point upon which authorities
are unanimous. If the artillery of the investing forces is
exposed and readily distinguishable, the aerial forces of the
beleaguered will bring about its speedy annihilation, as the
defensive artillery will be concentrated upon that of the
besiegers.
CHAPTER IX
THE AIRMAN AND ARTILLERY
There is one field in which the airman has achieved distinctive
triumphs. This is in the guidance of artillery fire. The modern
battle depends first and foremost upon the fierce effec tiveness
of big-gun assault, but to ensure this reliable direction is
imperative. No force has proved so invaluable for this purpose
as the man of-the-air, and consequently this is the province in
which he has been exceptionally and successfully active.
It will be recalled that in the Japanese investiture of Port
Arthur during the Russo-Japanese war, thousands of lives were
expended upon the retention and assault of 203 Metre Hill.
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