Attack of Fortified Places

Including Siege-works, Mining, and Demolitions.Prepared for the use of the Cadets of the United States Military Academy

James Mercur

• Publisher: Science & Technology Publishing
• Year: 2025
• Topic: Technology & Engineering
• eBook ISBN:
  9782528116340
• Subtopic: Military & Maritime History
• Index: Technology & Engineering

Attack of Fortified Places Including Siege-works, Mining, and Demolitions is a comprehensive military manual originally prepared for the cadets of the United States Military Academy. This authoritative text delves into the intricate art and science of attacking fortified positions, offering a detailed exploration of siege warfare as practiced in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The book systematically covers the principles and practicalities of siege-works, including the construction and use of trenches, parallels, saps, and batteries, as well as the employment of artillery and other siege equipment. A significant portion of the manual is dedicated to the techniques and strategies of military mining, describing the methods for tunneling beneath enemy defenses, placing explosive charges, and countering enemy mining efforts. The text also addresses the use of demolitions, providing guidance on the selection and application of explosives to breach walls, destroy obstacles, and neutralize fortifications. Richly illustrated with diagrams and plans, the book offers step-by-step instructions and real-world examples drawn from historical sieges, making it an invaluable resource for understanding the evolution of military engineering and tactics. Designed as a practical guide for future officers, it emphasizes both theoretical knowledge and hands-on application, ensuring that readers gain a thorough grasp of the complexities involved in siege operations. Whether you are a military historian, a student of engineering, or simply fascinated by the technical aspects of warfare, Attack of Fortified Places provides a rare and detailed glimpse into the methods and mindset of military professionals tasked with overcoming some of the most formidable defenses in history.

Table of contents

• ATTACK OF FORTIFIED PLACES. INCLUDING SIEGE-WORKS, MINING, AND DEMOLITIONS. PREPARED FOR THE USE OF THE CADETS OF THE UNITED STATES MILITARY ACADEMY. BY JAMES MERCUR, Professor of Civil and Military Engineering at the United States Military Academy, West Point, N. Y. FIRST EDITION. FIRST THOUSAND. NEW YORK JOHN WILEY & SONS, 53 East Tenth Street. 1894.