Casemate 76

Flash Spotters and Sound Rangers; How They Lived, Worked and Fought in the Great War:

John Rinnes. ISBN 0.9531565.0.8. HB, 310pp, 8 sketches and diagrams. £16.00
First published in 1935 by George Allen & Unwin; privately republished in facsimile in 1997.

To locate enemy artillery, Flash Spotting Sections used visible observation and Sound Ranging Sections used sound locating instruments. When the armies went to ground in trench lines it became much more difficult to spot enemy artillery. The book recounts how great improvements in mapping, survey, artillery location and improved aerial photography led to accurate indirect fire, contributing significantly to the success of the British Army's great 1918 offensive. The history and technical considerations of the artillery spotters and reminiscences of the men who served in this branch of the RE are covered, including an account of work in Italy. For those interested in artillery, the book presents a fascinating insight into a little known but vital aspect of the conflict on the Western Front and elsewhere.

Bernard Lowry.

Available from Mike Nolan, Tall Trees, Broad Laying, Woolion Hill, Newbury, Berkshire RG20 9TS.
You should mention that you are an FSG member.