Author Description

This paper briefly discusses the salient features of the available documents and sources with a view to establishing the present technical practice in ferrying operations. The discussion illustrates the present tendencies in pontoon design of the 7 1/2 ton (Model 1926) and the 23 ton (Model 1924). Largely because of the successful motorization of ferrying equipment there is a tendency to the use of rafts that can be handled as readily in strong currents as could single boats under oar propulsion. The author proposes to show that this tendency, together with the intelligent use of smoke, may change some of our present tactical thought as to the composition of leading echelons.