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Cooper's Volunteer's Manual, Artillery.
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PART III.
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ARTILLERY TACTICS.
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Positions of the men at the gun ................... .5
To unlimber the gun .................................................... . . 6
Position of the men in battery.......................................... . ....... ..7
To load and fire.................................................... .................. .7
To limber the gun to move to the rear.................. . ...................... .....10
To limber the gun to move to the front............. ............................ ..10
To manoeuvre with bricoles................................. .. ...........................10
To manoeuvre with horses ............................ .......................... ..12
Inline ............................... ........ ...18
In battery ......................................................... . ............19
Parade .................................................. ...... .19
In column of pieces ............................................ ........ ...19
In column of sections ........................................................ .... ...20
Movements ........................................................ ...........20
Movements from line............................................................... . . ....21
No. 1. To break into column to the front ................... ..... ..21
2. To break into column to the right ........... ...... .....21
3. To break from the right to march to the left....................... . ...21
4. To break into column in retreat............................. . ..... .....22
5. Marching in line to close intervals .................. ..... ...23
6. Marching in line to open intervals ... ..23
7. Being in line at closed intervals, to march in retreat............... . .23
8. Marching in line to pass obstacles ............................... . .....23
9. Passing a defile .......................................... .......24
10. To march by a flank ....................................... . .......24
11. To change front forward on first section.............................. ...24
12. To change front to the rear on first section .. 25
13. To change front on centre section . ..26
Movements from column................................................ . . ...........26
No. 1. To march in column, change direction and to halt 26
2. To form line to the front . ..27
3. To form line to the left ..27
4. To form line on the right . ..28
5. To form line faced to the rear .. 28
Increase and diminution of front .. 29
To increase from column of pieces to column of sections .. ..29
To increase from column of sections to line ..29
To diminish from line to column of sections . .30
To diminish from column of sections, to column of pieces 30
Exercise of casemate guns ..30
PRELIMINARY REMARK.
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Officers of artillery ought to be well acquainted with the Infantry Tactics as well as those of the Cavalry, in order that they may be capable of manoeuvring their batteries in the field so as to conform thereto without embarrassing the movements of the other arms.
PART III.
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ARTILLERY
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The right and left of the piece, as relates to the station of the men, is determined by the position of the man placed in rear of the gun, and looking towards the muzzle. The reverse is the case with the limber, the right and left of which is always determined by the right and left of the driver.
The squad for the service of a field- piece, is formed in two ranks in close order, from right to left, as follows:- Chief of the piece, covered by the non-commissioned officer; No. 5, covered by No. 6; the gunner of the right, covered by the gunner of the left; No. 3, covered by No. 4; No. 1, covered by No. 2.
If the squad, marching in line, halts in rear of the gun, it will take post in the following manner;
SQUAD- BY LEFT FLANK, BY FILE RIGHT- POSTS- MARCH.- At the word MARCH, the squad faces to the left and wheels by file to the right; when within ten paces of the gun, the ranks oblique to the right and left on each side of the gun, and the men post themselves as follows: (FIG. 1)
The chief of the piece, on a line with the end of the pole, one pace to the right, and facing the piece; the non-commissioned officer on the left, opposite the swing tree bar. If there be a caisson, he places himself near it; No.s 5 & 6, abreast the naves of the small wheels; the gunners abreast the cascable; No.s 3 & 4 abreast the naves of the large wheels, and No.s 1 & 2 abreast the muzzle. The whole facing the gun, on lines eighteen inches from the ends of the axletrees, and dressing on No.s 1 & 2.
PART III. OF THE PIECE.
No.s 1 & 2 distribute the implements thus:- To No. 1, the rammer, which he places in the sponge hooks. To No. 2, an ammunition pouch. To No. 3, the lint-stock, portfire-stock, and portfire-case. To No. 4, the priming-wire, tube-box, and ammunition-pouch. To No.s 5 & 6, each an ammunition-pouch. The matrosses attached to the piece have also long bricoles, which are hung from right to left over the ammunition-pouch-belt.
If the squad arrives in front of the gun, the men take their posts by inverse means, at the command, SQUAD, BY RIGHT FLANK, BY FILE LEFT- POSTS- MARCH.
To Unlimber. (FIG. 2.)
ATTENTION- UNLIMBER.- No. 5 moves to the middle of the pole and raises it; the gunner of the right unhooks the lashing-chain, and aided by the gunner of the left, raises the trail. With twelve pounders, No.s 3 & 4 assist the gunners.
When the trail is disengaged from the limber, No.s 5 & 6 advance the limber three paces, and the trail is let down; the gunners place the ammunition-box on the limber between the hounds; the gunner of the right then gives the word march, at which No.s 5 & 6 move the limber twelve paces to the rear, inclining to the right, and then wheel it left- about, the pole towards the gun and covering it. No. 4 unhooks the handspikes, gives one to No. 3, and they fix them in the pointing rings. No. 3 fixes the portfire to the stock, and No. 1 takes the sponge from its hook.
If the piece arrive on the ground in rear of the line which it is to occupy in battery, the word Is given IN BATTERY, immediately after the word UNLIMBER. The limber is withdrawn as above, and as soon as the ammunition-box is placed on it, it is wheeled left- about, and passing through the interval on the right of its piece, is moved twelve paces to the rear, and again wheeled left- about. As soon as the limber has passed the piece the gunners go to the pointing handspikes, and No.s 1, 2, 3 and 4, to the wheels. The trail is then turned right- about, and the men take their posts as before.
PART III. OF THE PIECE.
Position of the Gunners and Matrosses in Battery.
(FIG. 2.)
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On the Left. No. 2. On a line with the muzzle eighteen inches, without the rim of the wheels, facing the piece, with an ammunition-pouch slung from right to left.
No. 4. On a line with the cascable, dressing on No. 2, holding the priming-wire in the right hand, the thumb through the ring; the tube-box buckled around the waist, and an ammunition-pouch hanging on the left side. The gunner on a line with the middle of the trail handspikes, dressing by the left, and wearing the finger-stall on the middle finger of the left hand. No. 6, carrying an ammunition-pouch, is with the ammunition box, and supplies No. 2 with ammunition.
The non-commissioned officer is with the caisson, forty-five paces in rear of the limber; or at, and in rear of the ammunition-box, if there be no caisson. |
On the Right. No. 1. On a line with the muzzle, eighteen inches without the rim of the wheel, facing the piece, holding the sponge-staff horizontally with both hands; the right hand, nails downwards, near the rammer head; the left hand, nails upwards, about two feet from the sponge. No. 3. On a line with the cascable, dressing on No. 1, holding the lint-stock in his left hand, and the portfire-stock in his right; the portfire-case hanging on the left side.
The gunner on a line with the middle of the trail-handspikes, dressing by the right.
No. 5, carrying an ammunition-pouch, is with the caisson, near the non-commissioned officer, or with the ammunition-box, if there be no caisson. The chief of the piece is midway between the limber and the trail handspikes, observing all that passes at the gun, the limber, and the caisson |
ATTENTION- TO ACTION.- No. 1 steps to the left
PART III. OF THE PIECE.
with the left foot eighteen inches, throwing the weight of the body on the left leg; left knee bent; right leg extended; heels on a line parallel to the piece; feet equally turned out and forming something less than a right angle; sponge staff held horizontally in both hands, the right above, the left below the staff; the body steady; the arms hanging without restraint.
No. 2 makes a similar movement to the right, throwing the weight of the body on the right foot.
No. 3 unhooks the water-bucket, places it under the end of the axletree; half face to the left; plants his lint-stock in the ground; lights his portfire, holding the stock in the right hand, fire downwards, and about four inches form the ground; arms without constraint.
No. 4 takes off the apron.
The gunner of the right steps off with the right foot, places himself between the trail handspikes, directs the piece and resumes his position, stepping off with the left foot.
The gunner on the left stands fast.
No. 5 advances briskly with ammunition from the caisson, to replace No. 6.
No. 6 moves quickly with ammunition on rear of No. 2; hands him a cartridge, and returns to the caisson to replace No. 5.
LOAD.- The gunner of the left, stepping off with the right foot, advances to the breech of the gun placing the left foot opposite the vent, inside the wheel, throwing the weight of the body forward on the left leg, the knee bent; the right leg extended to the rear of the piece. He stops the vent with the middle finger of the left hand, at the moment the sponge reaches the bottom of the bore; presses hard upon the vent till the sponge is withdrawn, and removes his finger when the cartridge is inserted; seizes the elevating screw with the right hand, and gives the proper elevation; then raises himself erect on the right foot, steps back with the left, and resumes his position.
No. 1 rises erect on his right leg; raises the sponge-staff horizontally as high as the chin, extending the right arm the whole length, to pass the sponge over the wheel; makes a long step with the left foot, which he places on a line with the swell of the muzzle; throws out the right foot eighteen inches to the right of the left heel, and on a line with it, the
PART III. OF THE PIECE.
feet equally turned out, the body inclined to the right; introduces the sponge, with the left hand, into the bore of the gun, pushes it to the bottom with the right, the left hand sliding along the staff, raising the body erect on the left leg, parallel with the piece; casts his eye on the vent, to see that it is stopped; turns the sponge two or three times at the bottom of the bore, and then withdraws it by a uniform motion with the right hand, the body again inclined to the right, keeping his eye on the range of the sites of the piece; receives the staff near the sponge, on the palm of the left hand, with which he throws the sponge end over his right, letting the staff slide through his right hand, until it comes near the sponge head, and while it is thus sliding, drops the staff near the rammer-head, into the hollow of the left hand, between the thumb and fingers, ready to enter the rammer-head into the bore. The cartridge being placed in the bore by No. 2, No. 1 pushes it home with one stroke, throwing the weight of his body on his right arm, to force the cartridge to the bottom of the bore, and dropping the left arm. He withdraws the rammer by a smart impulse of the right hand, seizing the staff with the same hand, near the rammer-head, throwing over the sponge-head, and letting and letting that end of the staff fall into his left hand in a horizontal position, at the same time resuming the position of to action, by stepping back with the right foot, and bringing the left on a line with the axle.
No. 2 rises on the left leg, advances the right foot even with the swell of the muzzle, brings up the left, places the cartridge in the bore with the left hand, and resumes the position of to action, by stepping back with the left foot.
No. 4 advances with the left foot, bringing up the right, pricks with the right hand, places the tube with the left, resumes his position by stepping back with the right foot, and makes the signal to No. 3, to fire, by raising his right hand above his head; at which
No. 3 raises the right arm, without bending the wrist, and applies the flame of the portfire to the tube, taking care not to hold it directly over the vent.
The piece being fired, is again loaded in the same manner, by the command LOAD.
The fire ceases by a roll of the drum, or by the command TO POSTS, at which No. 3 extinguishes the portfire, and all resume the position in halting.
PART III. OF THE PIECE.
To limber the piece to move to the rear.
ATTENTION- ADVANCE LIMBER- MARCH.- No. 1 places the sponge in the sponge-hooks. No. 3 hooks the water-bucket. The gunners unfix the handspikes, and pass them to No. 4, who, with the aid of No. 2, secures them in the square ring and upon the hooks. No.s 5 & 6 advance with the limber, obliquing to the right, so that in wheeling left- about, the limber may be three paces in rear of the trail. The gunners take the ammunition- box from the limber and place it between the flasks of the carriage, and then raise the trail sp that the carriage can be placed on the pintle. No.s 4 & 5 back the limber, to bring the pintle under the lunette. The gunner of the right hooks the lashing- chain, and all resume their posts.
To limber the piece to move to the front.
ATTENTION- LIMBER TO THE FRONT- MARCH.- No.s 5 & 6 advance the limber three paces in front of the muzzle, in such manner as that the left wheel of the limber shall be on a line with the right wheel of the piece, passing on the right, the gunners and matrosses stepping near the flasks, to let the limber pass. As soon as it has passed, the gunners step to the trail handspikes; the matrosses to the wheels. The muzzle is then turned right- about on the right wheel, No. 2 placing his feet on the lower felloes of the right wheel, and supporting himself by the upper spokes. The trail is fixed upon the limber as before.
In manoeuvring with bricoles, to is necessary to increase the number of men for each piece. Two are therefore added to a six-pounder, four to a howitzer, and six to a twelve-pounder. The auxiliaries are numbers, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12.
The piece being on its limber, the auxiliaries are stationed on each side of it, after the matrosses and towards the pole, one pace distant from each other, and provided with shortened bricoles. The matrosses have their bricoles at full length.
FORWARD.- (FIG. 3.)- The gunner of the left detaches a handspike, and takes it to the end of the pole, where,
PART III. OF THE PIECE.
assisted by the gunner of the right, he forms two loops with the breast- chains, through which he introduces the hand-spike across the pole horizontally. Both gunners place them-selves behind this handspike, and are assisted by No.s 5 & 6, who are stationed outside of them, to propel the piece. No.s 1 & 2 hook their bricoles to the washer- hooks, 3 & 4 to the retreat- hooks. The non-commissioned officer, when there is no caisson, is on the left of the chase. Those on the right, hook with the right hand- those on the left, with the left hand.
MARCH.- All press forward, holding the bricole in the hand next the piece.
HALT.- All stand fast, keeping the bricoles attached.
TO POSTS.- The men on the right turn to the left, and unhook with the left hand; those on the left perform the same movement in an inverse manner; the gunner of the left replaces the handspike, and all resume their posts.
The commands UNLIMBER and IN BATTERY, are executed in the manner already prescribed. The auxiliaries follow the limber, and take post on each side of the pole, one pace from each other.
Being in battery, to advance and retreat.
FORWARD.- (FIG. 4.)- The gunners seize the trail handspikes with both hands: they are assisted by the non-commissioned officer, who is between them. No.s 1 & 2 hook their bricoles to the advancing hooks- 3 & 4 to the washer- hooks: those on the right with the left hand- those on the left with the right hand. No. 1 carries the sponge-staff horizontally in the right hand, the sponge-head forward. No.s 4 & 5 are posted at the end of the pole of the limber, and with it follow the movements of the piece. No.s 7 & 8 double on 1 & 2, and 9 & 10 on 3 & 4. No.s 11 & 12 are at the supporting handspikes.
MARCH.- The men at the handspikes raise the trail; those with the bricoles draw with spirit, holding the trace with the hand next the piece. No.s 5 & 6 conduct the limber, preserving the prescribed distance from the piece.
HALT.- The trail is lowered to the ground, and the bricoles extended.
PART III. OF THE PIECE.
TO POSTS.- The men face outward from the piece, and unhook bricoles; those on the right, with the right hand- those on the left, with the left hand, and all resume their posts.
RETREAT.- (FIG. 5.) The gunners seize the trail-handspikes with one hand, facing to the rear. The non-commissioned officer is on the left of the muzzle. No.s 1 & 2 hook to the washer hooks, 3 & 4 to the retreat hooks, those on the right, with the right hand- those on the left with the left hand. No.s 5 & 6 wheel the limber left-about, to precede the piece. No.s 7 & 8 double on 1 & 2, and 9 & 10 on 3 & 4. No.s 11 & 12 are at the supporting handspikes.
TO POSTS.- The men face outwards; those on the right unhook with the left hand- those on the left with the right hand. No.s 5 & 6 wheel the limber left-about, the pole towards the piece, and all resume their posts.
FRONT-FACE.- All face to the front, No.s 1 & 2 abreast the muzzle, 3 & 4 abreast the naves, the gunners abreast the cascable, 5 & 6 abreast the end of the pole, the auxiliaries in their rear, one pace from each other; the non-commissioned officer in rear of the ammunition-box. No. 1 carries the sponge horizontally in his right hand.
If the piece be on the limber, the word REAR-FACE is substituted for FRONT-FACE.
In descending a hill, it may be necessary to support the piece in retreat, to prevent a too rapid descent; in such case, the chief of the piece gives the words No.s 1 AND 2, ( or as many as necessary) SUPPORT- IN RETREAT. Those designated take the bricole from the shoulder. No.s 1 & 2 hook to the advance hooks, the others at the washer hooks, holding the straps of the bricoles in the hand.
Four horses are required for the piece, and the same number for the caisson. In the movement of the piece with horses, the right and left implies that side as relates to the drivers.
The piece is supposed to be on its limber, with its caisson in rear, and to be served by a squad either on horse or foot.
The men on foot take post in the manner already pre-scribed, except the chief of the piece and the non-commissioned officer, the former is on the left of the drivers of the
PART III. OF THE PIECE.
leading horses of the gun, the latter in a corresponding position at the caisson.
If the squad be mounted, it is formed in two ranks in rear of the piece. At the word TO POSTS-MARCH, it moves up to within one pace of the muzzle; the chief of the piece takes post on the left of the driver of the leaders and the non-commissioned officer at the caisson, as above. Two auxiliaries are added to the squad in horse artillery, to hold the horses; their position is in the centre of each rank of the squad.
FORWARD-MARCH.- The drivers urge their horses, and the piece advances followed by its caisson, the leading horses of which are one pace from the muzzle of the piece; or, in horse artillery, one pace from the rear-rank of the squad.
To prepare for manoeuvring. (FIG. 6.)
HALT- UNLIMBER- FIX- PROLONGE.- The limber being withdrawn the gunners uncoil the prolonge; the gunner of the left passes the pointed end downwards through the right staple-ring of the limber, then under the guides, and upwards through the left staple-ring, drawing it so that the ring of the prolonge, twenty-four feet from the key, may be under the centre of the sweep-bar, and securing it under the guides with the prolonge knot. The gunner of the right passes the key (or T) through the lashing ring in the trail-transom, draws it up, and secures it in the prolonge ring under the sweep-bar. The prolonge is then double, or twelve feet long, which is the proper length for firing in retreat or advance.
In horse artillery, at the word UNLIMBER, the gunner of the right gives the word dismount, when all, except the two auxiliaries dismount; each man draws the curb-reins through the loop of the martingale, passing the end under the cloak strap near the left knee, gives the snaffle-reins to the auxiliaries, and takes his post as in foot artillery. When the chief of the piece and the non-commissioned officer dismount, the former gives his horse to one of the drivers of the piece, and the latter to one of the drivers of the caisson.
The prolonge being fixed, the gunner of the right gives the word mount, when all mount and take post in rear of the piece.
PART III. OF THE PIECE.
If the prolonge is to fixed for crossing a ditch, the command is given- FIX PROLONGE FOR PASSING A DITCH.- The key is secured in the lashing-ring, and the prolong is at its full length, twenty-four feet.
To coil the prolonge, the command is given- UNFIX AND COIL PROLONGE-ADVANCE LIMBER.- The gunner of the right disengages the key from the lashing-ring; the gunner of the left coils the prolonge round the end of the hounds; the drivers rein back their horses, the chief of the piece directing so that the trail may pass over the pintle, and the piece is limbered.
The prolonge must always be uncoiled and fixed before the piece arrives in line.
To change direction.
A piece manouvring with the prolonge may be wheeled on either a moveable or fixed pivot. In the first case, the prolonge is stretched and the piece is turned advancing. In the second, the prolonge is slackened by backing the wheel horses, which are then turned short to enter the new direction.
PIECE-LEFT WHEEL-MARCH.- The driver of the leading horses takes the new direction, and when the wheel is completed, the chief gives the word forward-march.
The caisson wheels at the same point where its piece had wheeled, the non-commissioned officer giving the words caisson-left wheel-march.
Wheeling to the right is performed on the same principles.
All wheels of the half circle are made to the left where practicable.
PIECE- LEFT-ABOUT WHEEL- MARCH.- The leading horses are wheeled left-about. The wheel-horses back the limber, and wheel left-about, the wheel of the limber passing over the prolonge. At the word WHEEL, the men on the right of the piece, face to the right, and passing the muzzle, move round and form in rear of the men on the left. The wheel being completed, the men on the left, face to the left, pass the muzzle, and resume their posts on the left of the piece.
To wheel the caisson left-about, it is first wheeled to the left, advances twelve paces, then wheels again to the left, and obliques on the new direction. A piece on its limber wheels in the same manner.
PART III. OF THE PIECE.
In Line and in Battery.
A piece is in line, when the horses heads are towards the enemy, and the leading horses of the caisson are forty-five paces from the muzzle of the gun. A piece is in battery, when its muzzle is towards the enemy, the horses heads to the rear, the leading horses of the piece forty-five paces from the caisson.
Being in Line, to form in Battery.
PIECE- LEFT-ABOUT WHEEL- MARCH.- The piece is wheeled left-about on a fixed pivot, and the men take their posts as in to action.
In horse-artillery, at the word WHEEL, the gunner of the right gives the word dismount, and the horses are lead six paces in rear of the leaders of the piece, facing the enemy.
If, when marching in columns of route, it become necessary to form battery, the caisson immediately wheels left-about, and moves to its proper distance in rear, where it again wheels left-about.
If the piece were on its limber, it would oblique to the right before wheeling, so as not to lose its direction.
To advance, from Battery.
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FORWARD- PIECE, LEFT-ABOUT WHEEL- MARCH. |
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The piece wheels left-about; the caisson closes |
on its piece and both move forward.
In horse artillery the words trot-march, are given, and if the distance to advance be considerable, the gunner of the right gives the word mount.
Being in Battery to fire to the Rear.
FIRE TO THE REAR- PIECE, LEFT-ABOUT WHEEL- MARCH.- The piece is wheeled rapidly left-about; the caisson advances at a trot, passes the piece four paces to the right, obliques to the left, and takes its position. As soon as it has passed the firing commences.
In horse artillery, the men having charge of the horses move round with them rapidly, in front of the horses of the piece.
Being in March, to fire to the Rear.
FIRE TO THE REAR- PIECE, HALT- TO ACTION.- The piece halts, and the men take their posts as in to action.
PART III. OF THE PIECE.
The caisson, passing four paces on the right of the piece, advances at a trot to its proper distance
In horse artillery, at the word HALT, the gunner of the right gives the words- squad- forward, trot- march.- The squad moves six paces in front of the leaders of the piece, and the gunner adds halt- dismount, when the men take their posts at the gun.
Being in March to form line to the Left.
LEFT INTO LINE- PIECE, LEFT- CAISSON, RIGHT- WHEEL- MARCH.- At the word MARCH, the piece wheels to the left on a fixed pivot; the caisson wheels to the right, moves sixty paces in rear of the piece, then wheels to the left, moved on until on a line with the piece, and wheels again to the left, covering the piece at forty-five paces.
The formation to the right is made by inverse means.
Being in March to form Battery to the Left.
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BY INVERSION, LEFT INTO BATTERY. PIECE, RIGHT WHEEL- CAISSON, RIGHT OBLIQUE- MARCH. |
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The piece wheels to the right |
on a fixed pivot; the caisson obliques to the right, and moves forty-five paces in rear of the piece.
In horse artillery, the gunner of the right gives the words squad, left-half wheel, followed by right-half wheel, and when clear of the piece, forward, right- wheel, to take post in front of the leaders; when there he adds, right about wheel, halt, dismount.
If there be not sufficient space on the right for this movement, or of manoeuvring with a corps, twenty paces in rear of the line on which the piece is to form battery, the command is given- LEFT INTO BATTERY- PIECE, LEFT- CAISSON RIGHT WHEEL- MARCH.- The piece wheels to the left, and advances in that direction, until it has passed ten paces beyond the line, when the chief gives the words- piece- left-about wheel- march- the piece wheels left-about and halts when the middle of the prolonge is on the line of formation. The caisson after wheeling to the right, moves to its proper distance in rear, obliquing to the right and wheeling left-about.
In horse artillery, the squad halts and dismounts when the piece wheels to the left.
Battery may be formed to the right by similar movement.
PART III. OF THE BATTERY.
To March in Retreat.
This differs from the march to the front only by the caisson preceding, instead of following the piece. If it be necessary to fire while retreating, the command is given HALT- TO ACTION, and the fire commences. In horse artillery, the squad dismounts, and the horses are led round in front of the leaders.
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Six pieces, each with its caisson, are here supposed to constitute a battery. The pieces may be six or twelve-pounders, or twenty-four-pounder howitzers; or they may be mixed. The pieces and caissons are numbered from right to left, and they should not, except in extraordinary cases, be inverted. Each chief, in giving the word for a movement, designates his piece by its number.
The battery is divided into three sections, each section consisting of two pieces with their caissons, numbered from right to left.
The battery is served by a company consisting of a captain, four subalterns, and a certain number of non-commissioned officers and privates. The captain commands the battery. Three subalterns (or in case of deficiency, senior sergeants) command sections- the senior the first section, the next the third section, the next the second section. The junior subaltern commands the line of caissons, and is called officer of the train.
A non-commissioned officer has charge of each piece and of each caisson, and directs their movements; the senior non-commissioned officer of each section of caissons, is the chief of that section. Two non-commissioned officers act as guides or markers.
The right and left of the battery, whether in line or in battery, is always the same, and is determined by standing in front of the battery, with the back towards the pieces; in manoeuvring the right and left is determined by the position
PART III. OF THE BATTERY.
of the drivers. Wheeling-about is always to the left, by pieces.
Alignments are made on the drivers of the wheel-horses; for parade, on the axletrees of the pieces.
In line, the horses of the caissons front, as those of the pieces; in battery, the reverse, except when formed in retreat, or firing to the rear.
In advancing, each piece precedes its caisson; in retreat, each caisson precedes its piece; and what is executed by the piece, in the first case, applies to the caisson in the second. In either case, the right or left may be in front.
The movements of the caissons are regulated by those of the piece, and by the orders of the officer of the train.
For manoeuvring, the battery is formed either in line or in column of sections. Column of pieces is never used, but in passing a defile, or on a march, or moving into or out of park.
A piece, or caisson, passing another, always moves to the right of the one passed.
The prolonge is always used when manoeuvring in the presence of an enemy, and in the firings; but when it is not necessary to form in battery, the pieces should be limbered. The words of command are the same in both cases.
A piece with four horses, and its prolonge extended, occupies forty-four feet, and this interval must be preserved between the pieces in line.
When the right is in front, the guide is on the left; the reverse is the case when the left is in front.
In Line. (FIG. 7)
The pieces are aligned with intervals between them equal to the length of the piece, which vary according to the calibers, the number of horses, and as the pieces are limbered, or have their prolonges fixed.
The caissons are aligned in rear of their pieces, the horses heads towards the pieces; the distance between the two lines being twice the length of the piece, reckoning from the heads of the leaders of the caissons to the muzzles of the pieces.
The captain is in the centre, twelve paces in front of the leading horses; the chiefs of sections between the pieces of their sections, six paces in front of the leading horses; the chiefs of pieces one pace in front of the leaders of their
PART III. OF THE BATTERY.
pieces; the gunners and matrosses at their posts on the right and left of their pieces;- in horse-artillery they are mounted and formed in two ranks, four paces in rear of the muzzles of their pieces; the officer of the train, in the centre of the line of caissons, twelve paces in front of the leasing horses; the chiefs of caissons, one pace in front of their caissons; the music four paces on the right, and in rear of, the muzzle of the first piece.
The formation in line in retreat, is the same as in line to the front, except that, in horse-artillery, the mounted squads are four paces in front of the chiefs of their pieces.
In Battery. (FIG. 8.)
The heads of the horses of the pieces are to the rear, the leaders forty-five paces from the caissons.
The captain is in centre of the battery, eight paces in front of the leading horses; the chiefs of sections, in centre of their sections, on a line with the limbers; the chiefs of pieces, midway between the limbers and the trails of their pieces; the gunners and matrosses (foot and horse,) at their posts, on the right and left of their pieces; the horses of the squads, opposite their pieces, midway between the pieces and the caissons.; the officer of the train, opposite the centre of the caissons, eight paces in front of the leading horses; the chiefs of caissons, at their caissons; the music, four paces beyond the right flanks of the battery, and midway between the pieces and caissons.
The battery is drawn up in line, generally with the pieces on their limbers.
The captains and chiefs of sections are at their posts in line. The gunners and matrosses, whether foot or horse, are formed in squads twelve paces in rear of the muzzles of the guns; the chief of each piece on the right of his squad. The music are on a line with the squads, four paces beyond the right flank of the battery.
In Column (right in front.)
Each caisson follows its piece, the leaders of the former, one pace from the muzzle of the latter. In horse-artillery,
PART III. OF THE BATTERY.
the mounted squads are one pace from the muzzles of their pieces, and the leaders of the caissons one pace in their rear.
The captain is on the left, abreast the centre of the column; the officer of the train on the right of the column, abreast the captain; the chief of the first section, at the head of the column, one pace in front of the leaders; the chiefs of other sections, four paces from the left of the centre of their sections; the chiefs of pieces, by the side of the drivers of the leading horses of their pieces; the chiefs of caissons, on the right of the column, by the side of their caissons; the guides, one by the side of the driver of the leaders of the first piece, the other in rear of the last caisson; the music sic paces in front of the head of the column.
In foot-artillery, each carriage is six paces from the one which precedes it, measuring from the leaders to the muzzle of the gun, or rear of the caisson; in horse-artillery, the same distance as in column of pieces.
The chief of the first section, is two paces in advance of the centre of his section; the chiefs of the other sections, in the centre of their sections, abreast the drivers of the leaders of their pieces; the chiefs of pieces of the first section, in front of their leaders; the chiefs of caissons on the right of the drivers of their leaders; the guides abreast of the chiefs of the leading pieces, two paces outside the horses; the one on the left is charged with the direction of the column, the other preserves the proper distance between the files of pieces. All the other officers, non-commissioned officers, matrosses, and music, are placed as in column of pieces.
In marching in retreat, the chiefs of sections and the guides take the same positions, relatively to the caissons, which they occupy in regard to the pieces advancing.
The following movements are laid down as performed from the right; but they may be performed from the left, according to the same principles.
PART III. OF THE BATTERY.
To break into column to the front. (FIG. 9.)
|
Commanding officer, |
{ |
ON FIRST SECTION, FRONT INTO COLUMN. |
|
Officer of train. |
{ |
Caissons forward, trot, march, the caissons, and in horse-artillery, the squads, close on their pieces.* |
Chief of 1st section- Section forward, guide left.
Chiefs of other sections- Section right oblique
|
Commanding officer, re-peated by chiefs of sections. |
} |
MARCH. |
On the word MARCH, the first section, followed by its caissons, moves to the front; the other sections oblique to the right, and enter the column, each in rear of the one which precedes it; as soon as they are in column, each chief gives the words, forward, guide left.
To break into column of pieces, the same means and com-mands are observed, substituting the word PIECE for SECTION.
Movement No. 2, from Line. (FIG. 10.)
To break into column to the right.
|
Commanding officer, |
{ |
By SECTIONS, RIGHT INTO COLUMN. |
Officer of train- Caissons, forward, trot, march.
Chiefs of sections- Section, right wheel.
|
Commanding officer, re-peated by chiefs of sections. |
} |
MARCH. |
On the word MARCH, the sections wheel to the right on fixed pivots, and move forward, receiving from the commanding officer the words FORWARD, GUIDE LEFT; the caissons wheel a little before arriving at the points where the pieces wheeled, and arrange themselves in column.
To break into column of pieces, the same commands are used, substituting PIECES for SECTIONS; the pieces wheel on moveable pivots, in succession, as each has its distance from the one which precedes it.___________________________________
*This movement for caissons and squads is the same for all formations in columns
PART III. OF THE BATTERY.
To break from the right to march to the left. (FIG. 11.)
|
Commanding officer, |
{ |
BY SECTIONS, BREAK FROM THE RIGHT TO MARCH TO THE LEFT. |
Officer of train- Caissons, forward, trot, march.
Chief of 1st section- Section, forward, guide left.
|
Commanding officer, re-peated by chiefs of sections. |
} |
MARCH. |
On the word MARCH, the first section, followed by its caissons, moves forward thirty paces, then wheels to the left and prolongs its direction; the other sections execute the same movement in succession, as each has its distance from the one which precedes it.
The movement is executed by pieces, in the same manner and by the same commands, substituting the word PIECES for SECTIONS.
To break into column in retreat. (FIG. 12.)
|
Commanding officer, |
{ |
ON THIRD SECTION, IN RETREAT INTO COLUMN. |
Chiefs of sections- Pieces, forward, trot, march. The pieces, and in horse-artillery, the squads, close on the caissons.
Chief of 3d section- Third section, in retreat, guide right.
Chief of other sections- Section, right oblique.
|
Commanding officer, re-peated by chiefs of sections. |
} |
MARCH. |
On the word MARCH, the caissons of the third section followed by their pieces, move forward; the caissons of the other sections, followed by their pieces, form into column by commands and movements similar to those used in forming to the front into column.
The movement is executed by pieces, in the same manner and by the same commands, substituting the words ON SIXTH PIECE, for ON THIRD SECTION.
PART III. OF THE BATTERY.
Marching in line, to close intervals.
|
Commanding officer, |
{ |
ON THE (___) PIECE, TO (___) PACES CLOSE INTERVALS- MARCH |
On the word MARCH, the pieces oblique towards the one named, to the distance ordered, when they resume the direct march, by commands of their chiefs.
To open intervals.
|
Commanding officer, |
{ |
ON THE (___) PIECE, OPEN INTERVALS- MARCH |
On the word MARCH, each piece obliques from the one named, to resume its proper interval: the caissons execute the same movement, when they arrive at the same place.
Being in line at closed intervals, to march in retreat.
|
Commanding officer, |
{ |
IN RETREAT, EVEN PIECES AND CAISSONS, FORWARD. |
The even pieces and caissons move forward until they have unmasked the odd pieces and caissons; the commanding officer then gives the words- PIECES AND CAISSONS, LEFT-ABOUT WHEEL- MARCH, when the whole wheel left-about, and the even numbers resume their places in line.
Marching in line, to pass obstacles. (FIG. 13.)
|
Commanding officer, |
{ |
(Such) PIECE (or SECTION) OSTACLE. |
If it be a piece, the chief of the section of the piece named, halts the piece, and its caisson closes on it; when the line of caissons arrives abreast of the piece, the chief of the section gives the words- (such) piece, right (or left) oblique- march, and the piece, followed by its caisson, obliques in rear of the other piece of its section.
If the obstacle present itself before a section, the chief of the named section causes his section to halt until the line of caissons is abreast with his pieces; he then obliques his
PART III. OF THE BATTERY.
section in rear of the centre section, if it be one of the wings; or in rear of the right section, if it be the centre one.
The obstacle being passed, the commanding officer orders, (such) PIECE (or SECTION) INTO LINE; on which the chief of the section gives the words- (such) piece (or section) left (or right) oblique- march, and the piece or section, quickening its pace, moves into line
Passing a defile.
This is done in either advancing or retreating, by a column of sections or pieces, according to the width of the defile, and either by the right or left flank; the command being given- BY SECTIONS (or PIECES) FROM THE RIGHT (or LEFT) FLANK, PASS THE DEFILE- MARCH.
The defile being passed, the battery or line is reformed by one of the means prescribed in movements from column.
To march by a flank.
|
Commanding officer, |
{ |
PIECES AND CAISSONS, RIGHT (or LEFT) WHEEL- MARCH- FORWARD |
On the word MARCH, each piece and caisson wheels to the right, (or left,) on a fixed pivot; in horse-artillery, the squads also wheel to the right, (or left,) and form a third column between the pieces and caissons, abreast of the muzzles of their pieces. The chiefs of sections and of caissons march on the flank of the column, except the chief of the leading section, who is at its head; the chief of the leading piece in front of the leading horses of his piece.
To resume the line, the command is given- PIECES AND CAISSONS LEFT (or RIGHT) WHEEL- MARCH.
To change front forward on first section. (FIG. 14.)
|
Commanding officer, |
{ |
CHANGE FRONT FORWARD ON THIRD SECTION. |
Chief of 1st section- Sections, right- wheel.
Chief of other sections- Pieces, right oblique.
PART III. OF THE BATTERY.
Officer of train- Caissons, left- wheel.
Commanding officer, repeated by chiefs of sections and officer of train- MARCH.
On the word MARCH, the first section wheels to the right on a fixed pivot, and is established by its chief on the new line; the other pieces arrive in succession on the line, and are dressed by the chiefs of sections on the first section. The caissons, except the sixth, wheel to the left; the sixth moves to the front, and the others wheel to the right, in succession, as they arrive on the ground which the sixth occupied; when each arrives opposite its piece, the officer of the train gives the words, caissons, right- wheel- march, forward, guide- right halt, right- dress.
The change of front forward on the third section is executed in the same manner, substituting in the commands, LEFT for RIGHT, and reciprocally.
To change front to the rear on first section. (FIG. 15.)
|
Commanding officer, |
{ |
CHANGE FRONT TO THE REAR ON THIRD SECTION. |
Chief of 1st section- Sections, left- wheel.
Chief of other sections- Pieces, left-about wheel.
Officer of train- Caissons, left-about wheel.
Commanding officer, repeated by chiefs of sections and officer of train- MARCH.
On the word MARCH, the first section wheels to the left on a fixed pivot, and is established by its chief on the new alignment; the other pieces having wheeled about, oblique to the left, pass the new line a few paces, wheel left-about, and are aligned on the on the first section, by commands of their chiefs of sections. The caissons having wheeled about, march to the rear twice the length of a piece, when the officer of the train gives the words- caissons, left- wheel- march; when the head of the column has marched the length of a piece, he adds, head of column- left; and when each caisson is opposite its piece, caissons, left- wheel- march, followed by halt, right- dress.
The change of front to the rear on the third section, is executed according to the same principles.
PART III. OF THE BATTERY.
To change front on centre section. (FIG. 16.)
|
Commanding officer, |
{ |
CHANGE FRONT ON SECOND SECTION- RIGHT WING-FORWARD |
Chief of 2d section- Section, left- wheel.
Chief of 1st section- Pieces, left-oblique.
Chief of 3d section- Pieces, left-about- wheel.
Officer of train- Caissons, right wheel.
Commanding officer, repeated by chiefs of sections and officer of train- MARCH.
On the word MARCH, the second section wheels to the left on a fixed pivot, and is established by its chief on the new alignment; the first section arranges itself on the line of the second; the pieces of the third section having wheeled about, oblique to the left, pass the new line a few paces. Wheel left-about, and are aligned on the second section, by command of their chief of section. All the caissons, except the first, wheel to the right; the first moves forward, the others wheel to the left in succession, as they arrive on the ground which the first occupied, and as each arrives opposite its piece, the officer of the train gives the words, caissons, left- wheel- march, followed by halt, right- dress.
The change of front to the right on the second section, is executed by similar means and commands.
To march in column, change direction in marching, and to halt the column.
To put the column in march, the commanding officer gives the words- COLUMN, FORWARD, GUIDE LEFT (or RIGHT)- MARCH. On the word MARCH, repeated by the chiefs of sections, the column moves forward. In column of pieces, the guide is not mentioned in the command.
If while in march, the column is to change direction by the head, the commanding officer gives the words- HEAD OF COLUMN, RIGHT (or LEFT), and the chief of the leading section adds, section, right (or left)-wheel. The section wheels to the right (or left) on a moveable pivot, the pivot-piece describing an arc of a circle in such manner as to clear the wheeling point. In foot-artillery, the pivot-piece slackens
PART III. OF THE BATTERY.
its pace; in horse-artillery, the wheeling flank trots. The wheel being completed, the chief of the leading section gives the word, forward, and the section resumes the direct march. The following sections wheel on the same ground at which the first wheeled, by command of their chiefs. A column by piece is wheeled in the same manner.
To halt the column, the commanding officer gives the words COLUMN-HALT, the word halt being repeated by the chiefs of sections.
To form line to the front. (FIG. 17.)
Commanding officer- FRONT INTO LINE.
Chief of 1st section- Section- forward.
Chiefs of other sections, Section, left- oblique,
Commanding officer, repeated by same chiefs- MARCH
On the word MARCH, the first section moves forward and is established on the line. The other sections oblique to the left, until they have gained their respective intervals, when they move to the front and are aligned on the first section.
A column by pieces forms line to the front by similar commands and means.
To form line to the left. (FIG. 18.)
Commanding officer- LEFT INTO LINE.
Officer of train- Caissons, right wheel.
Chiefs of sections- Sections, left wheel.
|
Commanding officer, repeated by chiefs of sections and officer of train, |
} |
MARCH. |
On the word MARCH, each section wheels to the left on a fixed pivot, and, when the wheel is completed, each chief gives the words, section, halt, right- dress; the caissons wheel to the right by caissons, and march in separate and parallel columns; when the head of each has marched twenty paces, the officer of the train gives the words, heads of columns, left, and when each caisson is opposite its piece, he adds, caissons, left wheel, halt, right dress.
A column by pieces forms line to the left by similar commands and means: the pieces wheeling in succession, as each arrives opposite the place it is to occupy in line.
PART III. OF THE BATTERY.
To form line on the right. (FIG. 19.)
Commanding officer- ON RIGHT INTO LINE, GUIDE RIGHT- MARCH.
On the word MARCH, the chief of first section gives the words- section, right wheel, followed by forward, guide right, and when his section has marched twenty paces, he adds- section, halt, right dress. The chief of first section of caissons, gives the words, caissons, left wheel, trot, march; and each caisson wheels to the left; when the leading one has marched twenty paces-the chief gives the words, head of column- right, and when the caissons are opposite their pieces, caissons, right wheel, march, followed by halt, right- dress.
The second section continues to move forward until abreast of the point it is to occupy in line, when it wheels to the right in the manner prescribed for the first section, and is aligned on that section; the caissons perform the same movement prescribed for the caissons of the first section. The third section executes what is prescribed for the second.
On column by pieces, this movement is executed by similar commands and means.
To form line faced to the rear.. (FIG. 20.)
Commanding officer- INTO LINE, FACED TO THE REAR,- ODD PIECES FORWARD. Each odd piece moves up abreast of the even piece of the section immediately before it.
|
Commanding officer, re-peated by chiefs of sections. |
} |
PIECES RIGHT OBLIQUE- MARCH. |
On the word MARCH, the first piece followed by its caisson, moves forward to the line; the piece then wheels left-about, and its caisson, passing to the right, marches to the prescribed distance in rear, where it wheels left-about and covers its piece. Each of the other pieces obliquing to the right, marches direct to the point it is to occupy in line, and when there, wheels left-about, and is aligned on those already established. The caissons follow their pieces, pass them on the right, move to their places in line, and then wheel left-about.
PART III. OF THE BATTERY.
In column by pieces this movement is executed by similar means and commands.
______
INCREASE AND DIMINUTION OF FRONT.
TO INCREASE.
From column of pieces, to column of sections.
|
Commanding officer, re-peated by chief of 1st section, |
{ |
FORM SECTIONS |
} |
MARCH. |
On the word MARCH, the second piece, followed by its caisson, moves up abreast of the first piece, the length of a piece on its left; when the third piece arrives on the ground where the first section was formed, the chief of the second section, forms his section in the same manner, and by the same commands; and so with the third section. In foot-artillery the even pieces lengthen the step, and the head of the column slackens the pace; in horse-artillery, the chiefs of the second and third sections give the word trot, and the head of the column does not alter its pace.
The sections being formed, the commanding officer gives the words GUIDE LEFT, and the whole resume the ordinary pace.
From Column of Sections to Line.
Commanding officer- FRONT INTO LINE.
Chief of 1st section- Section, forward, guide right.
Chiefs of other sections- Section- left oblique.
|
Commanding officer, re-peated by chiefs of sections. |
} |
MARCH. |
On the word MARCH, the first section continues to move forward, the other sections oblique to the left until opposite their intervals, when their chiefs give the word forward, and they move up abreast of the first section; the caissons follow their pieces; those of the first section slacken the pace, until at the proper distance: the caissons of the other sections align themselves on those of the first. The line being formed, the commanding officer gives the words GUIDE LEFT (or RIGHT), and the whole resume the ordinary pace.
If a column of pieces, or by sections, be at a halt, it will form line to the front, by the same commands and means; the leading piece, or section, moves forward on the word
PART III. CASEMATE GUNS.
MARCH, and is established on the lines; the others oblique until opposite their intervals, then move forward, and are aligned on those already established.
TO DIMINISH.
From line to column of sections.
Commanding officer- BY SECTIONS- BREAK OFF.
Chief of 1st section- Section forward, guide right.
Chiefs of other sections- Section, right oblique.
Officer of train- Caissons, forward, trot, march.
|
Commanding officer, re-peated by chiefs of sections. |
} |
MARCH. |
On the word MARCH, the first section continues to move forward; in foot-artillery, it quickens its pace: in horse-artillery, it moves at a trot: the other sections oblique to the right, each entering the column in rear of the one which precedes it. The column being formed, the commanding officer gives the words GUIDE LEFT, and all resume the ordinary pace.
From column of sections, to column of pieces.
Commanding officer- PIECES- BREAK OFF.
|
Chief of 1st section, |
} |
1st piece forward- second piece right oblique. |
|
|
Commanding officer, re-peated by chiefs of sections. |
} |
MARCH. |
|
On the word MARCH, the first piece continues to move forward, the second piece obliques to the right and enters the column; the other sections break off on the same ground where the first had broke.
_______
Implements.
The rammer and the sponge (on different staves) in a rack over the embrasure.
The ladle in a rack on the left of the gun, over the arch.
The worm in a rack on the right of the gun, and opposite the ladle.
The lantern on a hook immediately over the worm.
The trail-handspikes on the elevating transom.
The crowbars (two) on each side of the gun, leaning against the front wall, and four feet from their carriage.
PART III. CASEMATE GUNS.
A water-bucket on the right of the gun in the front angle of the casemate.
A pouch for priming caps hung on the cascable, a priming wire attached to it.
The shot and wads on the left of the gun in the front angle of the casemate.
Position of the men at the gun.
One non-commissioned officer and six privates are necessary for the service of each gun. They should be told off before marched to the battery, where they are posted as follows:
No.s 1 and 3 on the right of, and three feet from the carriage, facing the gun, No. 1 opposite the chase, and No. 3 opposite the elevating screw.
No.s 2 and 4 on the left of, and three feet from the carriage, facing the gun, No. 2 opposite No. 1, and No. 4 opposite No. 3.
No.s 5 and 6 in the room in rear of the gun, and near the left door, provided with a budge-barrel and pass-box.
The non-commissioned officer is on either side of the gun, according to the position of the lock, and near to the cascable. He tends vent, points, fires, and commands at the gun.
When the gun is not loaded, it should be run from battery, that is, run as far back as the counter-hurter, and secured by quoins at each wheel.
To load and fire.
PREPARE BATTERY.- The non-commissioned officer straps the pouch round his waist. No. 1 takes the rammer and sponge from the rack and places them against the wall, in the angle of the casemate on his right, the sponge up, the rammer-head downwards. No. 2 takes out the tompion and places it by the pile of shot, and loosens the wads. No. 3 uncoils the lanyard of the lock and throws it loosely over the cascable. No. 4 enters the trail-handspikes in the rings. No.s 5 and 6 prepare the budge-barrels; and all resume their posts.
LOAD.- The non-commissioned officer steps on the carriage to tend vent. No. 1 seizes the sponge staff, steps on the carriage, enters the sponge, and sponges the gun: he is assisted by No. 2, who also steps on the carriage. No. 3
PART III. CASEMATE GUNS.
seizes the rammer-staff, and passes the small end through the embrasure- No. 1 receives the staff in his left hand and passes the sponge-staff behind him with his right hand, to No. 3, who places it in its position against the wall. No. 5 hands a cartridge to No. 4, who hands it to No. 2. No. 4 also hands the shot and wads to No. 2, who enters them and assists No. 1 in ramming down. As soon as the shot is rammed home, No.s 1 and 2 step down from the carriage, and the former places the rammer-staff against the wall.
TO BATTERY.- No. 3 and 4 take out the checking quoins, and all, except No. 5 and 6, assist in running the gun out. Care should be taken in running the gun to battery, not to let the carriage strike the hurter too hard, lest the jar should throw the charge forward and prevent its ignition. The gun should also be run out as far as the carriage will permit, to prevent injury being done to the embrasure from the discharge.
As soon as the gun is run out, the non-commissioned officer steps on the chasses, cocks the lock, and places the percussion cap, keeping his left hand over it to prevent the concussions of other guns from jarring it out of place. Nos. 3 and 4 at the trail-handspikes, and No. 1 at the elevating screw, give the proper direction and elevation by a motion of the hand from the non-commissioned officer. As soon as these are obtained, the non-commissioned officer steps down quickly form the chasses on either side (according to the position of the lock) and by a smart pull of the lanyard, fires the piece.
No.s 1 and 2 should be ready with checking quoins, to prevent the gun running to battery. If the gun should not sufficiently recoil, No.s 1 and 2 enter the crowbars in the truck wheels, and assisted by the other men, heave the gun back at the command HEAVE. The same would be the case of the gun were to battery.
When practicable, a non-commissioned officer should be placed in charge of four guns, to see that all the duties are properly performed, and silence observed.
_______
The foregoing exercise will answer with trifling alteration, for barbette guns.
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