I OES PRESET FTI
(682)
The sending of reports between observers in the vicinity and their com-
manders is greatly facilitated by ground photos. Instead cf indicating targets in
the terrain, and thereby getting the commander to make out the target through
oral indications, the observer can point out the position of the target on the
photo. Such a system facilitates and cuts down the time necessary for target
indication.
When information about targets is sent from one commander to another
by orderly, it is advisable that these orderlies carry a photo on which the posi-
tions of the targets have been indicated. The orderly, after having the target
pointed out to him on the sender’s photo can easily find it afresh on the re-
ceiver’s corresponding photo.
Fire Directing.
Fire directing for mortar and artillery units can be facilitated if ground
photos are available. Usually the directions of fire and lines showing distance,
calculated from the base point, are marked in on a couple of places on the
photo. With the help of such a photo, fire can quickly be moved from one tar-
get to another.
Even if the ground photos of the shooting area have not been marked, they
are of value for fire directing. In this case, the photos are used in the following
way: The points where the shots drop are marked in on the photos, and a note
is made of the directing factors on the points in question. In this way, the offi-
cer directing the firing gradually gets an easily comprehensible list of the shots
and their positions, as well as of the directing factors. It is then easier for him
to find a basis on which to order fresh fire on targets which have not been under
fire before, but which are in the vicinity of other points on which he has already
shot himself in. This method is not so useful in flat terrain, as certain landmarks
are missing in the picture.
Photos used for fire directing should, preferably, have a coordinated scale.
The best results are achieved with panorama photos which have been taken
with a special panorama camera and have a coordinated scale exposed in the
film; it is possible to do this if there is a momentary standstill in the fighting.
IV. GROUND PHOTOS FOR OTHER PURPOSES.
If a ground photo organization is available, it can be used for a number of
other purposes than those mentioned above. Two examples of this are given
here in conclusion. |
Reports are much more comprehensive if they are illustrated in a suitable
way. Generally, it is simplest to enclose a photo. It is advantageous to use ca-
meras of the type which produce a print about one minute after the exposure,
as it 1s then possible to annotate the photo out in the field.
In certain cases it is of value if stereo-photos are enclosed. If the base used
for taking the photos and also other data are indicated, it will afterwards be
possible to reconstruct the details of the object photographed. The degree of
accuracy will depend on the quality of the apparatus and the way in which it
has been used.
Enemy war material, which on account of different circumstances cannot
be transported to the rear for further examination, is among the things for
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