I. Sergeant Humphreys, Milton W. A. A Noncommissioned Officer’s Beginning B. A New Concept On September 14, 1844 Milton Wylie Humphreys was born at Anthony's Creek, Va. As he grew into a child, his teachers discovered that Humphreys' intelligence was strongly rooted in mathematics. While still in grade school, using the flat side of large rock formations as a chalk board, he solved complex math equations. In 1860, he furthered his education by attending Washington College in Lexington, Va. Milton’s educational success surpassed his expectations and was at the head of his class when the Civil War broke out.
As soon as he met the age requirement, he immediately enlisted in Bryan's Battery of the 13th Virginia Light Artillery. On account of his academic achievements and his unequalled mathematical skills, Humphreys was promoted to the rank of Sergeant and assigned the position of gunner. This 18-year-old Confederate sergeant developed a new concept that would change the way artillery was used in the battlefield forever.
On May 16, 1863 Bryan’s Battery of the 13th Virginia Light Artillery was ordered to move toward Fayetteville, Va. Their task was to create a diversion by attacking the Federal fortification there. On the morning of May 19 two miles from Fayetteville, they came into contact small with a force of Union cavalry. Bryan's guns opened fire and drove them into the woods. As the Union soldiers reengaged, the Confederates maneuvered to a cleared plateau approximately a mile and a half in front of the fort. “My piece opened first and was immediately answered, and my third or fourth round cutting away the Yankee colors, they shelled us so vigorously and accurately with several guns that we were compelled to move to a place nearby where we could not be seen for the timber in front of us.” (Humphreys). Sergeant Humphreys saw this as a key opportunity to use his theory of indirect fire.
Knowing the capabilities of his cannon and the approximate distance to the fort, he began using trigonometry. He calculated the correct trajectory and the elevation of the cannon to shoot over the black pines in front of him. Humphreys placed one of his artilleryman on a nearby hill to adjust his indirect fire. The volleys of indirect fire were a success. Humphreys later explained his concept “The term 'indirect fire' is firing upon a point or place (A) from a point (B) which is not visible to people at (A). It is necessary, of course, that the trajectory or path of the projectile should pass above the top of the 'mask' or intervening object.” (Humphreys)
Works Cited
“Sergeant Milton Humphreys' Concept of Indirect Fire” History Net 2006
America’s Civil War 12 June 2006
< http://www.historynet.com/sergeant-milton-humphreys-concept-of-indirect-fire.htm>
Humphreys, Milton. “Military Operations in Fayette County, West Virginia”
Thomas In-Prints (November 1991) 