In connection with the suggested use of shields by infantry,
further communications on which subject will be found in our correspondence columns, we would recall attention to the letter which appeared in the Times on the 29th ult. In it will be found a description of the bullet-proof shield devised, after numerous experiments, by Major Boynton, the assistant managing director to the well-known firm of steel- makers, Messrs. Cammell, of Sheffield. The shield, which is made of Cammell's special bullet-proof steel—a material already used for various military purposes—is 3 mm. thick, its area of cover is 150 square inches, affording complete cover to a soldier lying prone, it weighs 7 lb., and is declared to afford complete protection to the soldier against the service rifle at 400 yards range. If we may make a suggestion to Messrs. Cantwell, who doubtless know their business a great deal better than we do, it is that, if the War Office have not the time or inclination to test the shield or decline to order a supply, they should of their own initiative ship a couple of hundred or so of them to South Africa, and offer them on the spot for trial in the field. The moment is not one when we must all be waiting on each other for leave to do this, that, or the other. People must be willing to take responsibility, and act for themselves. "Boldness, boldness, and again boldness" must be our motto in every aspect of the war.
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