ARTICLE XI.
LIGHT ARTILLERY TACTICS.
SCHOOL OF THE PIECE.
BY MAJOR WILLIAM GILHAM
Part. 1st
634. The cannoneers of a piece, when united, constitute a gun detachment, which is composed ordinarily of six men, one of whom --- the gunner who commands the detachment, should be a Sergeant..
The detachment is formed by the gunner, who causes the cannoneers to form in two ranks, eighteen inches between them, elbows slightly touching. He tells the detachment off from the right, No. 1 being on the right of the rear rank, No. 2 on the right of the front rank, No. 3 on the left of No. 1, No. 4 on the left of No. 2, and so on, the even numbers being in the front, and the odd numbers in the rear rank. The chief of caisson should there be one, is told off as No.8. When the detachment is composed of more or less than six men, the chief of caisson should be the highest even number. When the detachment, from any cause, consists of less than six men, the higher numbers are left out, and additional duties are imposed upon the cannoneers present.
When the first sergeant, is present, and takes command of the detachment(s) the gunner, then takes post one yard in rear of the right file, and acts as a file-closer.
For the purposes of instruction, after drawing equipment, each detachment should be halted in front of, and facing the piece, the latter being unlimbered (1), and the different numbers called upon successively, or the respective duties performed by the instructor in detail, while the rest of the detachment are required to attend to the instruction, and to the manner in which the motions are performed. For purposes of instruction, the gunner may call "by detail" at which time each man performs his duties by specific command of the gunner.
(1) The piece shall be placed in position with the limber removed from the body, and carried to the rear 25 feet, the tongue facing the gun. The horses unhitched and removed to a safe position.
The chest shall be made up with the ammunition and primers in the right side compartment all in separate containers. The remainder of the equipment shall be in the left side and shall consist of the ammunition pouch containing the thumbstall, priming wire, brush and mirror. The tube pouch containing the lanyard shall also be in the ammunition pouch. Gauntlets for No.1 and No.2 and light gloves for No.4 to be used for battles shall also be in the left compartment.
The piece is then prepared for firing, or for action.
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i. |
Mount the right hand trail spike on the trail | |||
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ii. |
Remove the vent cover and tompion and place them in the left compartment of the limber with the rammer holders. | |||
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iii. |
Remove the sponge bucket, fill it with water and place it to the right of No.1 position. | |||
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iv. |
Place the worm and dry sponge on the stand | |||
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v. |
Place the wet sponge head on the sponge bucket
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vi. |
Mount prolonge. | |||
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vii. |
Inspect bore with mirror. | |||
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viii. |
Mark the limits of the "safe Zone" with fire wood, logs or any suitable marker that can be seen clearly by the gun crew. The distance of this marker shall be a minimum of 50 feet unless otherwise directed. |
The cannoneers shall draw the following equipment from the ammunition box.
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a. |
No's. 3, 4, 5 will find their equipment in the ammunition pouch. | |
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b. |
No. 3 takes, vent wire, brush, gimlet and thumbstall, hangs brush, and gimlet on right side trail spike hook and holds vent wire in right hand. | |
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c. |
No. 4 takes Halyard and tube pouch and primer block containing 10 primers. No.5 takes ammunition pouch. Ammunition pouch should have a mirror in the pocket. | |
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d. |
For battles No.4 shall wear light gloves and No's.1, 2 and 5 heavy gauntlets. No.3 may use light gloves instead of thumbstall. |
Posts of the cannoneers. Piece unlimbered.
635. The gunner is at the end of the trail handspike; Nos. 1 and 2 are about two feet outside the wheels, No. 1 on the right, and No. 2 on the left; with howitzers, they are rather in rear of the muzzle; with guns, in line with the front part of the wheels. Nos. 3 and 4 are in line with the knob of the cascable, covering Nos. 1 and 2. No.5 five yards in rear of the left wheel; No. 6 in rear of the limber, which is turned about so as to face towards the piece;
The first Sergeant places himself so that he may view the entire section, the "Safe Zone" and all gunners may see him clearly.
Loading and firing.
636. The piece is supposed to be upon the drill ground, unlimbered, and ready for action; the limber is in position behind the piece, and facing towards it, the end of the pole six yards from the end of the trail handspike; and the detachment in front of and facing the piece.
Before commencing the individual instruction of the cannoneers, the instructor should enter into an explanation of the different kinds of field guns, their names, and the names and uses of the different parts of the gun and carriage before them. This done, he commences the instruction with the gunner, who commands and points the piece in action.
637. Commanding and pointing. --- The gunner is responsible for the manner in which the numbers discharge their duty. He communicates the orders which he receives for the kind of ammunition to be fired; sending No. 6 (who is charged with preparing the fuze) the time of flight or the distance for each round, when firing shells or spherical-case shot. He should, when the firing is slow, see that each fuze is properly prepared, and make such corrections as are necessary; for this purpose, he, as well as No. 6, should be provided with a fuze-gouge.
On receiving the command, or signal to commence firing, or to load, he gives the command load; takes hold of the handspike at the end with the right hand, and at the centre with the left; places his left knee against the left hand, bending over it, the right knee being slightly bent; looks over the top of the piece, and gives the direction. He then steps to the breech to give the elevation, which he does by placing the hausse on its seat, taking hold of a handle of the elevating screw, drawing back his right foot, bending over his left knee, and sighting through the slit in the hausse. When the piece is sighted he steps back indicating by raising both arms and gives the command piece is sighted to No.3 and No.4 so they may prick and prime the charge. He watches the position of the priming wire to see, with No.3, that the wire sits on top of the charge before the wire is pressed down. Stepping clear of the wheel to the left side where he can best be seen by No.4 and best observe the effect of his shot and the field of fire, gives the command "ready" in a loud and firm voice He gives the command "fire" when all are in the ready position and he has ascertained that the safe zone has not or does not appear to be encroached upon. As soon as the piece has been fired, he causes it to be run up to its former place, if the recoil has made it necessary.
When the, instead of receiving the command "commence firing", receives that of "load," the gunner repeats it, and performs his duties as before, except that he does not command "fire" until the manner of firing and the order to fire is given. When the command commence firing is given, the action is continued by the gunners without further command from the instructor, until one round of ammunition is fired.
638. Sponging and ramming. --- Until the command load, No. 1 stands faced to the front, in line with the front of the wheels, holding the sponge about the middle of the staff in his right hand, (in battle he will wear heavy gauntlets) and trailing it at an angle of 45, sponge head up. The sponge shall be wet but not dripping with water. The sponge may be "spinned" to remove excess moisture.
The instructor commands:
--- LOAD.
First motion. At the command load, No. 1 faces to the left, steps obliquely to the right with his right foot, without moving his left, and at the same time brings the sponge to a perpendicular position by drawing his right hand up in line with the elbow. The sponge is grasped firmly in the hand, the rammer head held over the right toe, and the elbow kept close to the side.
Second motion. He steps obliquely to the left with his left foot, planting it about half way between the piece and the wheel, and opposite the muzzle, bringing the sponge at the same time across his body to the left, so that his right hand may be opposite the middle of the body, the sponge staff being inclined at an angle of 45 across the front of it.
Third motion. He takes a side step to the right of thirty inches with the right foot, and bending the right knee, brings the sponge to a horizontal position, extending the hands to the ends of the staff, the sponge head to the left, the back of his right hand down, that of his left up, the sponge head pressing against the face of the piece.
SPONGE
First motion. At the command sponge, No. 1 fixes his eye on the vent to see that it is closed. He inserts the sponge head, drops his left hand behind his thigh, shoulders square, feet equally turned out, straightens the right knee, bends the left, and, leaning over it, forces the sponge home then gives two turns to the sponge, pressing it at the same time against the bottom of the bore. The sponge should not be dripping wet.
Second motion - He draws out the sponge, at the same time straightening his left knee and bending his right, seizes the staff near the sponge head with his left hand, back of the hand up, and places the sponge against the face of the piece.
Third motion.. He turns the sponge by bringing his hands together in the middle of the staff, giving a cant with each hand, throwing the sponge head over, at the same time turning his wrists so as to bring the staff to a horizontal position; the back of the left up, that of the right down.
During the whole time of sponging, No. 1 keeps his eye on the vent. If at any time it is not closed, he will discontinue the manoeuver, and command, " stop vent."
Fourth motion. He introduces the rammer head into the muzzle as soon as No. 2 has inserted the charge.
RAM
Two pauses and three motions.
First motion.. At the command ram, No. 1 rams home, The charge is rammed by sliding it carefully down the bore, bending over his left knee, with the right arm only, and back of the hand down, in a horizontal position. He shall ensure that the charge is seated at the breach by giving a slight "tap" with the ram. At no time shall the charge be "pounded" into place.
Second motion. He jerks the sponge out with his right hand, allowing it to slide through the hand as far as the middle of the staff, when he grasps it firmly, and seizing it close to the rammer head with the left hand, back of the hand up, places the rammer head against the face of the piece, straightens his left knee, and stands erect, eyes to his own front.
Third motion. He then draws the sponge close to his body, and immediately steps back outside the wheel, first with the right, then with the left foot; so that when the right foot is brought to it, the right hip may be on a line with the front of the wheel. In drawing the right foot to the left, he gives the sponge a cant with his left hand, at the same time quitting it, and brings the sponge to a perpendicular position in the right hand, the rammer head resting on the right toe. In Battle he steps to the hub and places the rammer head on the hub.
Ready. At the ready command and the firing about to commence, No. 1 breaks well off to the left with his left foot, bending the left knee and straightening the right leg, drops the end of the sponge staff into the left hand, back of the hand down, and fixes his eyes on the muzzle and his field of view for encroachment into the "Safe Zone". The heels should be parallel with the wheel, the body erect on the haunches, and the sponge and rammer held in his left hand covering the right ear with his right hand. (In battle he shall go to the ready and take the ram from the hub on the gunner's ready command, made after the charge has been pierced and primed).
The piece having been fired, No. 1 rises on his right knee and he resumes his position outside the wheel, and faces to the muzzle.
At the command load, he steps in and performs his duties in the same manner as before.
When the loading is not by detail, No. 1 goes through all his duties at the command load, and returns to his position outside the wheel.
In sponging and ramming, if the length of the piece requires it the sponge and rammer are to be pressed home in two motions, No. 1 extending his right hand to the end of the staff, as soon as it reaches the muzzle.
639. Loading --- The instructor places No. 2 on the left of the piece, where he remains faced to the front until the command load. ( In battle he will wear heavy gauntlets) At this command, he faces to his right, and by two oblique steps, corresponding to those of No. 1, the first with his left foot, the second with his right, at the command two he places himself near the muzzle of the piece. At the command three, he brings up his left foot to the side of the right, and faces to the right, bringing his hands together to receive the ammunition from No. 5; the cartridge in the right, the shot in the left hand. As soon as the sponge is withdrawn by No. 1, he faces to the left, and puts the ammunition into the muzzle, taking care that the seam of the cartridge does not come under the vent, and then steps back, commencing with his left foot, to his position outside the wheel, in the same manner that No. 1 does.
At the command ready, he breaks off well to the right, with his right foot, bending the right knee, and straightening the left knee; the body erect on the haunches, the eyes fixed on the muzzle and his field of view watching for encroachment into the "Safe Zone".
The piece having been fired, No. 2 raises on his left leg, and resumes his position outside the wheel, and faces the muzzle in preparation to "clear the piece". (in battle he takes up the worm when the gun is fired and faces the muzzle in preparation to "clear the piece")
640. Serving the vent. --- The instructor places No. 3 on the right of the piece, on a line with the knob of the cascable, and covering No. 1; he holds the priming wire in his right hand, the thumb stall on the left thumb. Alternately he may use light gloves in battle.
At the command load he steps to his left, wipes the vent field (or surface around the vent) with the thumbstall, which he then holds pressed upon the vent, keeping his elbow raised; his fingers on the left side of the piece, so as to allow the gunner to point over his thumb; the right hand to his side. When the piece is sponged, and the charge inserted by No. 2, he jumps to the end of the trail handspike, and seizing it with both hands, prepares to move it to the right or left, on a signal from the gunner, who taps the right of the trail for a movement to the left, and the left of it for a movement to the right. As soon as the piece is pointed, the gunner raises both hands as a signal to No. 3, who then resumes his post.
At the command ready he steps to the piece, pricks the cartridge, with two fingers on the outside of the ring, taking care that the vent wire is sitting on top of the charge before pricking. As soon as the friction tube is inserted he places his thumb on the lanyard link, taking care to be clear of the vent. At the second command "ready" he steps to his right, clear of the right wheel, covers his left ear, faces to the front to watch for incursions into the "safe Zone". At the command load, serves the vent as before.
No. 3 must keep the vent closed from the time the sponge enters the muzzle until the charge is seated by No.1 and the ram removed.
641.a. Firing. --- The instructor places No. 4 on the left of the piece, opposite No. 3, and covering No. 2; he is equipped with a tube pouch on his right hip and lanyard. (in battle he shall wear light gloves)
At the command load, No. 4 inserts the lanyard hook into the ring of a primer, taking care not to foul the lanyard with knots and stands fast.
At the command ready, he steps in with the right foot, drops the tube into the vent, takes the lanyard in his right hand, moves to the rear so far as to keep the lanyard slack, but capable of being stretched, without altering his position, which should be outside the wheel, the left foot broken to the left and rear. He shall face the gunner and raise his free hand to indicate to the gunner that the piece is primed and ready.
On the command "fire" or as directed by the gunner in case of battery commands, No. 4 pulls the lanyard briskly and firmly, passing the hand, back up, in a downward direction to the rear, so as to keep the lanyard hook from flying back in the direction of the face.
In the absence of No's 4, 3 discharges his duties; after pricking the cartridge, he prepares and inserts a friction tube, steps to his post, faces the vent, breaks to his rear with his left foot, and at the command fire, discharges the piece. He then resumes his post and tends the vent as before.
641. b. Immediately upon firing and the gun being run back up into position the gun shall be cleared of ammunition debris. (In battle this shall be done without further command) in drill it shall be done with the command "clear the piece" to differentiate the action as not required when using proper ordnance.
The gun shall be cleared in the following manner.
Each man shall perform the duties in clearing the gun as in serving the piece called out above.
No. 3 shall brush the vent, and shall stop the vent until all actions are completed. No. 3 shall take care that if undue resistance is met to the entry of the brush that he inspects to see if the primer shaft was not ejected, if so he shall remove it with the gimlet.
No. 2 shall take up the worm and worm out the debris, showing it to the gunner or No. 3 to ascertain it is complete and deposit it under the carriage.
No. 1 shall sponge the bore, inspecting the sponge to ascertain that no hot debris exists. If so he shall remove the debris and sponge the bore as before.
No.2 shall take up the dry sponge and sponge the bore.
The gun may not be loaded until three minutes has been expended from the last firing unless the wet and dry sponging is repeated then the time may be reduced to two minutes. The gunner shall mark the time.
641. c. Should the tube fail to explode the charge, the gunner immediately commands, don't advance, the primer has failed.
No's. 1 & 2 shall cross their rammers over the wheels making an "X"
The gunner shall attempt to determine the cause. If the primer has fired a three minute delay shall be observed before any further action is taken.
At the end of three minutes the gunner shall step steps inside the wheel, close to and in front of, the axletree, received a priming wire over the wheel from No. 3, and with the vent wire probe to see if the charge is under the vent.
If not, the charge is to be carefully re tamped with the ram in the bore no longer than necessary and the "Safe Zone" clear.
If under the vent, the charge is to be re pierced
The gun shall be re-primed by the gunner with a primer attached to the lanyard that he has received from No.4 over the wheel from his position at the axle. And fired as if just loaded.
If the gun does not fire after three attempts, water will be placed in the vent and down the bore and the charge removed with the worm and placed in the sponge bucket.
If the primer has not fired the gunner shall re-prime from his position inside the wheel in front of the axel with a primer attached to the lanyard that he has received from No.3 over the wheel and re-fire the gun without the three minute delay.
The gunner shall record the misfire, the action taken and the determined cause in his daily report.
Part. 2nd
642. Serving Ammunition. --- The instructor stations No. 5 five yards in rear of the left wheel, and covering it, and No. 6 in rear of the limber chest to issue ammunition. He is provided with a fuze-gouge, and prepares the shells and spherical-case shot, according to the distance or time ordered, before delivering them to No. 5. (In battle No's 5 & 6 shall wear Heavy Gauntlets)
To cut the fuze. --- Place the projectile between the knees, fuze uppermost, and support it with the left hand. Holding the fuze-gouge in the right hand, place the left corner of its edge close to, and on the right of the graduated mark indicating the time desired; then cut away gradually until the composition is exposed for a length about equal to the width of the gouge. Care must be taken not to cut the fuzes more rapidly than the demand for shells or case shot requires.
At the command load, No. 5 goes to the ammunition chest, receives from No. 6 a single round, the shot in the right hand, the cartridge in his left; takes it to the piece and delivers it to No. 2; returns immediately for another round, and then halts at his post until the piece is fired. In firing shell or spherical-case, he exhibits the fuze to the gunner before delivering it to No. 2.
An ammunition pouch is worn by No. 5, hung from the left shoulder to the right side; the round is so placed in the pouch that the cartridge will be to the front. When it is brought up, No. 5 holds open the pouch, and No. 2 takes out the round with both hands. In rapid firing with round shot and canister, Nos. 5 and 6 may alternate in delivering the charges. At the command cease firing, No. 5 carries the round back to No. 6. No. 6 should keep the lid of the ammunition chest closed as much as possible and at all times when a gun is fired. At the command cease firing, he carefully replaces the ammunition in the chest, and secures the lid.
643.a. Loading by detail. --- For the instruction of the cannoneers united for the service of the gun, the exercise is first conducted by detail, the instructor giving all the commands. His commands are: Load by detail - LOAD; TWO, THREE, FOUR: SPONGE; TWO, THREE, FOUR: RAM; TWO, THREE: READY; FIRE; CEASE FIRING.
When the men are sufficiently instructed to go through the manual, without detail, the commands of the instructor for that purpose are: load; commence firing; cease firing; or simply, commence firing, and cease firing. After the command commence firing, the action is continued as laid down for loading without detail, until the command cease firing is given, which is repeated by the gunner.
643. b. "Cease Firing" This command shall be used for two purposes. 1. At any time a violation of safety is observed that requires that the gun not be fired, any cannoneer may shout "Cease fire" to prevent further injury. The command shall be repeated by the section commander and gunners and all positions shall immediately safely discontinue all actions until commanded by the gunner to continue. If the gun is primed No. 3 shall remove the primer.
643. c. Cessation of action, further action is anticipated. The gunner shall command cease fire, replace equipments to end the action. The worm shall be inserted in the bore and the sponged crossed over the shaft of the worm. The corporal shall take charge of the return of all equipments and report to the gunner any equipment discrepancies so that they may be corrected prior to the next action.
Equipments shall be dispositioned as follows and placed in the left compartment of the ammunition chest:
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No.1 and No. 2 shall return their gauntlets if used.
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643. d. Cessation of action, Gun to be withdrawn from the field.
If the gun is to be withdrawn from the field all actions called out in
643. c. shall be done except as follows.;
The prolonge shall be removed and placed in the ammunition chest neatly coiled. The bucket shall be emptied in the bore, the bore sponged and dumped. The bucket and sponges shall be sent out to be washed and a bucket of clean water returned and placed in the bore, sponged and dumped. Taking care to wash all areas that were affected by the dirty sponge water. The tampion and vent cover shall be replaced and the trailspike returned to the hooks. The sponges and worm shall be placed in their holders.
Moving the piece by hand. Piece unlimbered.
644. To the front. --- The cannoneers being at their posts, the instructor commands:
1. By hand to the front. 2. MARCH. 3. HALT.
At the first command, the gunner seizes the end of the handspike, and No's. 1,2,3, and 4, the spokes of the wheels. No. 1 with his left hand; No's. 2,3,and 4, with both hands; No. 1 holds the sponge with his right hand, the staff resting upon his right shoulder, sponge head down. At the second command they move the piece forward, the gunner raising the trail until the command halt is given, when all resume their posts.
645. To the rear. --- The instructor commands:
1. By hand to the rear. 2. MARCH. 3. HALT
At the first command, the gunner, facing to the rear, seizes the handspike with his right hand; No's. 1,2,3, and 4, seize the wheels as before, except that No. 1, holding the sponge in his left hand, uses his right hand at the wheel. At the command march, they move the piece to the rear, the gunner raising the trail, until the command halt is given, when all resume their posts.
Changing posts.
646. In order to instruct the men in all the duties of the piece, the instructor causes them to change posts.
For this purpose he commands:
1. Change posts. 2. MARCH.
At the command change posts, the men on the right of the piece face to the rear; those who have equipments lay them down; No. 1 resting the sponge head on the sponge bucket. At the command march, each man takes the place and equipments of the man in his front.
No. 1 takes the place of No. 3.
No. 3 " " No. 6.
No. 6 " " No. 5.
No. 5 " " No. 4.
No. 4 " " No. 2.
No. 2 " " No. 1.
The gunner changes with one of the numbers, by special direction of the instructor.
647. Equipments. --- The corporal, who is responsible for the equipments, either distributes them from the limber chest, or they may be hung from the neck of the cascable, and distributed by him to the proper numbers, at the command, take equipments, from the instructor. He receives them again at the command, replace equipments, making such disposition of them as may be directed.
Limbering.
648. To the front. --- The instructor commands:
Limber to the front.
At this command, No. 1 steps up between the muzzle and the wheel, by the oblique steps indicated for loading; turns the staff, seizing it with the left hand, at the same time shifting his right, the back of the right up, that of the left down, and passes the sponge on its hook; rammer head to the rear, to No. 3, who receives the head, secures it against the stop, and keys it up. The piece is then brought about by the cannoneers, and the limber, inclining to the right, passes to its place in front of it, being drawn, when the horses are not attached, by No's.4, 5 and 6, who take hold of the end of the pole for the purpose.
To bring the piece about, the gunner and No. 5 pass to the right of the handspike, and, facing towards the left, seize it, the gunner near the end, and No. 5 in the middle, and on his right, raise the trail and carry it around to the left; No's. 1 and 2 bear down upon the muzzle, and No's. 3 and 4, each using both hands, bring the wheels around; No. 3 turning the right wheel to the rear, and No.4 the left wheel to the front. When the piece is brought about, the trail is lowered; No's. 3 and 4 step within the wheels to avoid the limber; No's. 1 and 2 remain at the muzzle, and the gunner and No. 5 step up between No's. 3 and 4 and the trail, the gunner first taking out the handspike, and passing it to No. 4, by whom it is put up.
As soon as the limber is in front of the piece, the gunner commands, halt, limber up; upon which the limber halts, the gunner and No. 5 raise the trail by means of the handles, and, assisted by No's. 3 and 4 at the wheels, and No's. 1 and 2 at the muzzle, run the piece forward, and place the lunette upon the pintle; the gunner then puts in the key, and all take their posts; when necessary, No's. 6 and 7 assist at the trail in bringing the piece about, and in limbering up.
649. To the right (or left). --- The instructor commands:
Limber to the right (or left).
The trail is turned to the right (or left), and the piece limbered up as before; the limber inclining to the right (or left), and taking its place by a right (or left) wheel.
650. To the rear. --- The instructor commands:
Limber to the rear.
The limber inclines to the right, and takes its place by wheeling about to the left; the piece is then limbered up as before.
Posts of the cannoneers. Piece limbered.
651. Nos. 1 and 2 opposite the muzzle; No's. 3 and 4 opposite the knob of the cascable, the gunner and No. 5 opposite the rear, and No's. 6 and 7 opposite the front part of the limber wheels; No. 8 is on the left, and opposite the limber chest of the caisson. All face to the front, which is now in the direction of the pole instead of the muzzle, and cover each other in lines one yard from the wheels; the even numbers on the right, the odd on the left. The chief of the piece is on the left, and, if not mounted, opposite the end of the pole; if mounted, he is near the leading driver, and on his left.
To form the detachment.
652. To the front. --- The instructor commands:
Detachment --- FRONT.
The gunner commands, cannoneers, forward, march; the even numbers move directly to the front, the odd numbers closing to the right upon them when clear of the piece. The gunner files them to the left, halts the detachment in front of the piece, and faces them to the front. No. 8 moves directly forward, and takes his place in the detachment.
653. To the rear. --- The instructor commands:
Detachment --- REAR.
The gunners command, cannoneers, rear face --- march. At the command march, the odd numbers move directly to the rear, the even numbers closing to the right upon them after passing the piece, the detachment is filed to the left at the proper distance, halted by the gunner opposite the piece, and faced to the front, No. 8 taking his proper place in the detachment.
In forming the detachments in line, they are always, after halting, dressed to the right by the gunner.
Posts of the detachments at their pieces.
654. In front. --- The detachment is in line facing to the front, two yards from the end of the pole or the leading horses.
In rear. --- The centre of the detachment is two yards behind the muzzle, and facing it.
On the right or left. --- The detachment is in line opposite the axletree of the limber, and three yards from it. In horse artillery, it is in line with, and three yards from, the leading horses. In all cases it faces to the front.
Change of posts of detachments at their pieces.
655. From front to rear. --- The detachment being in line, in front of their pieces, to post them in rear, the instructor commands:
Detachments --- REAR.
The gunner commands, cannoneers, rear face, march. At the command march, No's. 1,2,3, and 4 oblique sufficiently to the left, and No's. 5,6,7, and 8 to the right, move along the sides of their piece; reunite as soon as they have passed it, and are halted at the proper distance, faced to the front, and aligned to the right by the gunner.
From rear to front. --- The instructor commands:
Detachments --- FRONT.
The gunner repeats the command, and adds march. AT this command, the cannoneers oblique; No's.1,2,3, and 4 to the right, No's. 5,6,7, and 8 to the left; pass their piece, reunite in front, and are halted and aligned to the right by the gunner.
From rear to right (or left). --- The instructor commands:
Detachments --- right (or left).
The gunner commands, right (or left) oblique --- march, and afterwards, forward, and halt, in time to bring the detachment to its post on the right or left. He then aligns it to the right.
In horse artillery, to change from front to rear, the gunners command, left reverse, MARCH; FORWARD; left reverse; MARCH, HALT. The left reverse is executed on the same principle as the left about wheel in cavalry tactics.
From rear to front. --- The gunners command, right oblique, MARCH; FORWARD. Left oblique, march; FORWARD; HALT.
From rear to right (or left). --- The gunners command, right (or left) oblique; MARCH; FORWARD; HALT.
From right (or left) to rear. --- The gunners command, right (or left) reverse; MARCH; FORWARD; right (or left) reverse, MARCH; HALT.
If the piece is moving when the last change of post is ordered, the gunner halts, or slackens the pace until it passes, and then commands right (or left) oblique. MARCH; FORWARD.
The commands of the instructor in all these cases are the same as in mounted artillery. The movements are executed in the same manner when the detachments are dismounted.
To post the cannoneers at the piece limbered.
656. The detachment being formed in line in front or rear, on the right or left, the instructor commands:
CANNONEERS, TO YOUR POSTS.
From the front. --- The gunner passes the detachment to the right, and commands, to your posts --- march. At this command, the cannoneers, No's. 1 and 2, turning to the right, and opening out, file to their posts; halt at their proper places, and face to the front.
From the rear, right, or left. --- At the command cannoneers to your posts, the gunner, in each case, faces the detachment to the left and marches the cannoneers by that flank to their posts.
Moving the piece by hand. Piece limbered.
657. To the front. --- The instructor commands:
1. FORWARD. 2. MARCH. 3. HALT.
At the first command, No's. 6 and 7 seize the end of the pole with both hands, the gunner and No. 5, facing towards the pole, seize the splinter-bar with one hand, and the pole with the other. No's. 3 and 4 seize the spokes of the hind wheels with both hands, and No's. 1 and 2 apply both hands at the head of the carriage. At the second command, all acting together, urge the piece forward until the command halt is given, when all resume their posts.
To the rear. --- the instructor commands:
1. Backward. 2. MARCH. 3. HALT.
At the first command, all face to the rear; No's. 6 and 7 seize the end of the pole with both hands; No. 5 and the gunner seize the spokes of the limber, and No's. 1,2,3 and 4, those of the hind wheels. At the command march, all moving together, move the piece to the rear, No's. 6 and 7 keeping it straight by the use of the pole. At the command halt, all resume their posts.
Unlimbering, and coming into action.
To the front. - The instructor commands:
Action --- FRONT.
658. At this command, the gunner takes out the key, and assisted by No. 5, raises the trail from the pintle, and then commands drive on, upon which No's. 6 and 7 reverse the limber, and proceed with it to the rear, again reverse to the left, and halt so that the limber shall cover the piece, with the end of the pole six yards from the end of the trail handspike. At the same time that the limber moves off, the piece is brought abut in all respects as in limbering to the front, except that the gunner and No. 5, without lowering the trail, carry it about, each by means of the handle on his own side. No's. 6 and 7, when necessary, assist at the trail, after placing the limber in position.
As soon as the piece is brought about, and the trail lowered, No. 4 takes out the handspike and passes it to the gunner, who fixes it in the trail. No. 1 takes out the sponge, No. 3 unkeying it, and No. 4 prepares his lanyard. All then take their posts as required when the piece is unlimbered.
Action right (or left).
659. The piece is unlimbered in the same manner as for action front, and placed in the required direction; the limber wheels to the left (or right), and takes its place in rear, by reversing to the left (or right).
To the rear. --- The instructor commands:
1. Fire to the rear. 2. IN BATTERY.
660. At the command in battery, the piece is unlimbered as before, the trail immediately lowered, and the gun prepared for action; the limber moves directly forward at the command drive on from the gunner, and takes its place by coming to the left about.
Movements with the Prolonge.
661. The piece being in battery, to fix the prolonge to fire retiring, the instructor commands:
FIX PROLONGE TO FIRE RETIRING.
At this command, the limber inclines to the right, wheels to the left about, and halts four yards from the trail. No. 5 uncoils the prolonge and passes the toggle to the gunner, who fixes it in the trail by passing it upwards through the lunette, whilst he attaches the other end to the limber by passing the ring over the pintle and keying it.
At the command retire, the cannoneers face about, and all march on the left of the piece, except Nos. 1 and 3. They keep the implements in their hands, and, at the command halt, face about, resume their posts, and go on with the firing.
Should the piece be loaded at the command retire, No. 3 puts in the priming wire. At the command halt, he takes it out again, and No.1 rams home. If the command load be given when the piece is in motion, No. 5 puts in the charge, and No. 2 serves the vent, receiving from No. 3 the necessary implements for that purpose.
The piece being in action, to fix the prolonge to fire advancing, the instructor commands:
FIX PROLONGE TO FIRE ADVANCING.
At this command, the limber passes its piece on the right and halts when in front of it, No's. 1 and 3 stepping within the wheels to avoid the limber. No. 5 uncoils the prolonge, carries it to the front, gives the toggle to No. 2, who puts it in the lunette of the axle strap, whilst he places the ring over the pintle and keys it.
In advancing, the men retain their implements and march at their posts. At the command halt, No. 2 takes out the toggle and commands drive on, upon which the limber takes its place in rear, and the firing is renewed.
When the piece is limbered, to fix the prolonge to fire retiring or advancing, the same commands are given. The piece is unlimbered, and the prolonge attached as before.
To fix the prolonge passing a ditch, or for any other purpose, the command is fix prolonge. The prolonge is then fixed to the trail as before.
In moving with the prolonge, the gunner attends the handspike, and in changes of direction, is careful to circulate the trail around in proper time to prevent the prolonge being cut by the wheels. No. 3 clears the prolonge from the limber wheels, and Nos. 1 and 2 from the gun wheels. In wheeling about, the limber first backs a little and then describes a small circle. In passing a ditch the gunner takes out the handspike.
In fixing the prolonge for any purpose, the caisson wheels or reverses, if necessary, so that the horses of the limber and caisson may face in the same direction.
To detach the prolonge from the limber and coil it up, the instructor commands:
COIL PROLONGE.
At this command, the gunner takes out the toggle, and No. 5 takes off the ring and coils the prolonge, first passing the ring over the upper prolonge hook.
To coil the prolonge and limber to the rear, the instructor commands, coil prolonge --- limber to the rear. The prolonge is detached and coiled as before, the piece is run towards the limber, which reins back on receiving the command rein back from the gunner, and is limbered up. To limber to the front, right, or left, the instructor commands, coil prolonge --- limber to the front, right, or left; which is executed as already described, the gunner commanding drive on, as soon as the prolonge is detached.
Service of the gun with diminished numbers.
662. Disabled men are replaced as soon as possible by the highest numbers, or if men are selected to replace them, the highest numbers will be reduced to fill the vacancies thus created. During action, No's. 1 and 2 may occasionally change places and numbers; the duties of No. 1 are very fatiguing.
Service of the piece by two men. --- The gunner commands, points, serves the vent, and fires; No. 1 sponges, loads, and serves ammunition.
Three men. --- The gunner commands, points, serves the vent, and fires; No. 1 sponges; No. 2 loads and serves ammunition.
Four men. --- The gunner commands and points; No. 1 sponges; No. 2 loads and serves ammunition; No. 3 serves the vent and fires.
Five men. --- The gunner commands and points; No. 1 sponges; No. 2 loads; No. 3 serves the vent and fires; No. 4 serves ammunition.
Six men. --- The gunner commands and points; No. 1 sponges; No. 2 loads; No. 3 serves the vent and fires; No's. 4 and 5 serve ammunition
Seven men. --- The gunner commands and points; No. 1 sponges; No. 2 loads; No. 3 serves the vent and attends the trail; No. 4 fires; No. 6 is at the limber, serves ammunition to No. 5, and occasionally changes with him.
Eight men. --- No. 7 assists No. 6; the other numbers as before.
Supply of ammunition when in action.
663. When it can be done without inconvenience, ammunition will be served direct from the rear chest of the caisson, No. 8 performing the duties prescribed for No. 6 at the limber chest. At convenient moments, the ammunition served out by No. 6 will be replaced from the rear caisson chest. If the ammunition chest on the limber of the piece is exhausted, the limber is replaced by that of the caisson, and the empty chest exchanged for the centre one of the caisson. As a rule, the limber chests, and especially that of the piece, will be kept full at the expense of the others, so that in case of a sudden movement on the field, there shall always be a sufficient supply of ammunition at hand.
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