Gunner D likewise observes whether there
is any deviation to right or left of the target and corrects in a
similar manner. From the sum of the three rounds the observer
corrects the altitude, completes his calculations, and
communicates his instructions for correction to the three
gunners, who now merely train their weapons for altitude. The
objective is to induce the shells hurled from the three corners
of the triangle to burst at a common point 4, which is considered
to be the most critical spot for the aviator. The fire is then
practically concentrated from the three weapons upon the apex of
a triangular cone which is held to bring the machine within the
danger zone.
This method of finding the range is carried out quickly--two or
three seconds being occupied in the task. In the early days of
the war the German anti-aircraft artillerymen proved sadly
deficient in this work, but practice improved their fire to a
marvellous degree, with the result that at the moment it is
dangerous for an aviator to essay his task within an altitude of
6,000 feet, which is the range of the average anti-aircraft gun.
Pages:
235
236
237
238
239
240
241
242
243
244
245
246
247
248
249
250
251
252
253
254
255
256
257
258
259