PortraitAlexander Ivanovich Kutaisov
George Dow workshop
Artillery early XIX century in quality fully meet the requirements of the time. AT 1805 by a certain system tools installed, by which adopt Russian artillery were 12-pounder (120-mm), and 6-pounders (95-mm) and unicorns 20- (155-mm), 10- (120-mm) and 3-(75 mm) pound. cannon system 1805 year differed from previous tools such as sample some less weight, greater mobility and more marksmanship. Firing range of the guns kernels reached 2500 m, kartechyyu - up 500-600 m. The practical distance was about half the size. Mostly knockdown was achieved on the nuclei and grenades 600 m, and kartechyyu - of 300 m. Rate equal to one, two or three shots per minute.
Just before the start of World War II 1812 year were approved by the "General rules for artillery in the battle field", developed one of the most talented Russian artillery Major General Kutaisov.
rules 1812 Kutaisov year based on the experience of the war with the French Napoleonic army, they reflect the forward thinking of the time on the meaning and effect of artillery in combat. In the field battle, It stated in the Rules, shots of 1 km - doubtful, for 600 m - a fairly faithful, and for 400 m and 200 m - lethal. For the last three distances new canister may be employed. Consequently, was concluded, when the enemy is still at a first distance, then shoot at it is rarely necessary, only to make a tip-off shot guns and hinder its movement. When the enemy is in the second distance, shoot more often, to stop or, at least, extend its approach, at closer distances - to strike with the utmost speed, to overturn and destroy it. There is no shame for the gunner and harmful for the army, what a waste of shells. So in Regulation characterized by effectiveness and challenges of artillery fire at various distances.
Rules proposed gunners hide their intentions and point of attack, and in case of enemy attacks expose it to a sudden artillery attack, So, that he met there artillery, where it can be and is not intended to. When it undefined present intention of the enemy, the battery be offered to a small number of artillery pieces and place them in different places of the battle order. In this case, the enemy would have had before him small goals, and his enterprise would be prejudiced in indirect and cross shots.
Russian Guards horse artillery at Austerlitz, 1805 year
Rules Kutaisov demanded massage artillery on the most important directions in the offensive, when you need to make a breach in the enemy's line or knock him any position, and in defense, when you want to stop its progress to an item. Regulations indicate the location of the artillery in order of battle and targets for artillery fire. Artillery should be placed in order of battle, So, to it by his actions contributed to the enterprise, Its main division should be on the wings of lines, at intervals and reserve; Avoid put battery at a very steep upland areas. The batteries of the Unicorns offered to put behind a small hill, because their shots, except grapeshot, mounted. Kutaisov required to make a rule: when we are going to attack, most of the artillery should act against the enemy artillery; when attacked, most of the artillery should act against his cavalry and infantry. It also says, in some cases it is necessary to fire on the batteries, a fire on enemy convoys to lead and expand it front. Rules prescribed allocate artillery reserve. It should be located in the second or third line and consist predominantly of mounted artillery, "Which is fast and easy with its great speed can be transported to different points". Skillfully operate a reserve artillery attaches great importance to the Rules, because of her actions "could easily take a different turn the battle". Notable in the Regulation is also an indication of the importance of maneuvering and interaction. artillery division of the lines on the flanks, at intervals and in the reserve should not let it be, "as far as possible moving" in accordance with the position and direction of enemy troops. Regulations indicate harmful if artillery attack to stay long in one position. In order to make more mobile artillery battery Rotam recommended to put some of the people on the improvised horses and carriages. Rules pay attention to persons in authority to the need for constant interaction of artillery with other arms. The artillery is to "protect the movement of troops, and mutually army to defend it ". Kutaisov rules were an important step in the development of Russian military theory on the tactics of artillery. They contributed to the successful use of artillery in the fight against Napoleon's army in an aggressive 1812 year.
Gabriel Tsobehiya
