[Illustration: THE "REXER" AUTOMATIC MACHINE GUN
It only weighs 17-1/2 lb., and can fire 300 shots per minute. The crescent-shaped clips hold 25 cartridges each, and as soon as one has been emptied another can be affixed in a moment.]
In service it is not intended that every man should be armed with a Rexer, but only 3 to 5 per cent., constituting a separate detachment which would act independently of the artillery and other machine-guns. The latter would, as at present, cover the infantry's advance up to within some 500 yards of the enemy, but at this point would have to cease firing for fear of hitting their own men. This period, when the artillery can neither shoot over the heads of their infantry, nor bring up the guns for fear of losing the teams, affords the golden opportunity for the Rexer, which is advanced with the firing line. If the fire of the detachment were concentrated on a part of the enemy's line, that portion would be unable to reply while the attacking force rushed up to close quarters. One hundred men armed with Rexers would be as valuable as several hundred carrying the ordinary service weapon, while they would be much more easily disposed, advanced, or withdrawn.
A squadron of cavalry would be accompanied by three troopers armed with Rexers and by one leading a pack-horse laden with extra magazines. Each gunner would have on his horse 400 cartridges, and the pack-horse 2,400 rounds, distributed in leather cases over a specially designed saddle. When a squadron, not provided with machine-guns, has to open a heavy fire, a considerable proportion must remain behind the firing line to hold the horses of the firing party. When, on the other hand, Rexers are present, only a few men would dismount, leaving the main body ready to charge at the opportune moment; and, should the attack fail, they could cover the retreat.
A use will also be found for the Rexer in fortresses and on war vessels; in fact, everywhere where the machine-gun can take a part.
After exhaustive trials, the Danish Government has adopted this weapon for both army and navy; and it doubtless will presently be included in the armament of other governments. There are signs that the most deadly arm of the future will be the automatic rifle. Perhaps a pattern even lighter than the Rexer may appear. If every unit of a large force could fire 300 rounds a minute, and ammunition were plentiful, we could hardly imagine an assault in which the attacking party would not be wiped out, even if similarly armed; for with the perfection of firearms the man behind cover gets an ever-increasing advantage over his adversary advancing across the open.