Motor Trucks For Army Manoeuvres.

New York Times 100 years ago today, October 20, 1912:
Balkan War to Demonstrate Various Uses and Advantages of Motor Cars.
    The recent declaration of war between Turkey and the Balkan States has brought into prominence the important part to be played in future warfare of the automobile transport for powerful artillery. Ever since the war between Russia and Japan the nations of the world have given increased attention to questions connected with heavy artillery. The defense of Port Arthur taught many lessons to the constructors of weapons of attack. They learned among other things that the need has arrived for new developments in order to overcome the remarkable protective strength of modern fortifications. While all the great powers possessed fixed firing platforms that were apparently adequate for defensive operations, they found themselves at a loss in dealing with contingencies that called for mobile artillery, capable of being utilized without difficulties and loss of time in operations at different points.
    Paced with this demand, European makers have designed a mortar specially adapted for field purposes; it is mounted on a gun carriage, which has wheels fitted with feet that enable it to cross a soft surface without sinking in. The whole arm requires two motor cars for transport purposes, the barrel being taken on one car, while the recoil brake and air reservoirs are carried on the other. When the particular destination of the artillery is reached and the arm is to begin firing the mortar is made to slide over guides through the opening in the other carriage, cables, and pulleys being used for this operation. It is left on the mounting carriage, and the second carriage is then removed.
    How far this latest weapon will prove effective is a speculation of considerable interest, and the outcome in the present war is bring watched by all the world's nations. Horse haulage is unsatisfactory for big artillery, and here again the motor-vehicle will come to the front as an aid to a new invention in scientific warfare. It is confidently expected that the issue in the Balkans will depend in a large measure upon two factors — the condition of the artillery of the antagonists and the efficacy of their various forms of motor transport.
    The use of army motor transports in the British Army manoeuvres for the transportation of heavy baggage was found to be very efficient and saved much loss of time and waste of labor. In addition, officers wore conveyed from one part of the line to another, and to and from conferences in motor cars. Two ordinary taxicabs from London were used to convey Maxim guns. Each had as its load an officer, two men, a Colt automatic gun and tripod, three rifles, and Ammunition. When a surprise attack was necessary, the tripod (weighing 54 pounds) and the gun (weighing 65 pounds) were brought out, together with the ammunition, and in less than one minute it was possible to open fire. Fitted up as traveling wireless stations, the cars were more silent than carts and trailers.
    Seven White motor trucks, ranging in capacity from 1,500 pounds to 5 tons, participated in the Connecticut army manoeuvres last month. There was no severer test given any motor truck than the grueling they were put to by the National Guardsmen. Not only was the luggage of the men carried to camp on the trucks, but when camp was broken the trucks were used to cart away the tents and supplies. Where formerly the army mule hauled the big wagons containing the Quartermasters supplies, the work was done by these trucks, and, as a consequence, the militiamen's meals were delivered on time. It was predicted that the day is not far distant when motor trucks will be accomplishing practically all the work now done by the army mule.