6in BL Howitzer Section Gun Drill

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40 WA~). 1735 [crown copyright 6=INCH BL. HOWITZER. SECTION GUN ~ (Reprinted, with amendments to L ON DO PRINTED UNDER TIlE AUTHORITY OF 1115 MAJESTY’S ST~Ti0NEltY OFFICU Dr IIAIIIINON ~an SONS. 4~—i7, ST. M~nrt~’u LAN1~, W.C., PIuNTI~n~~ IN OR1~LNARYTO his MAjFSTY. To be purchased, either directly or through ens’ Doo~seller, from WYMAN ~&su 501(8, Inn., 2~,BREAMS DUXIDOiGS. PETTER LANE, 11.0., and C4, Sr. MARY STREST, CAnoIFv; or 11.11. STATIONERY OFFICE (Scorrisu BRArecif), El, Fonra 8~acer, EvzjivaaU; Os 11. PONSONBY, Lr~., 115 GRAFTOXI STEENT. DUNLIN; or from the Agencies In tho British Colonies and Dependencies, the United States of America, the Continent of Europe and AUroad of F. P18111111 UN WIN, Lonoorc, W.0. 1D15. J’ricc Onti ~

Transcript of 6in BL Howitzer Section Gun Drill

Page 1: 6in BL Howitzer Section Gun Drill

40

WA~).1735

[crown copyright

6=INCH BL. HOWITZER.

SECTION GUN ~

(Reprinted, with amendmentsto

L ON DOPRINTED UNDER TIlE AUTHORITY OF 1115 MAJESTY’S ST~Ti0NEltYOFFICU

Dr IIAIIIINON ~an SONS.4~—i7, ST. M~nrt~’uLAN1~, W.C.,PIuNTI~n~~IN OR1~LNARY TO his MAjFSTY.

Tobepurchased,eitherdirectlyorthroughens’Doo~seller,fromWYMAN ~&su501(8, Inn., 2~,BREAMS DUXIDOiGS. PETTER LANE, 11.0., and

C4, Sr. MARY STREST, CAnoIFv; or11.11.STATIONERY OFFICE (ScorrisuBRArecif), El, Fonra 8~acer,EvzjivaaU; Os

11. PONSONBY, Lr~., 115 GRAFTOXI STEENT. DUNLIN;or from theAgenciesIn tho British Coloniesand Dependencies,

theUnitedStatesof America, the Continent of Europe and AUroadofF. P18111111UNWIN, Lonoorc,W.0.

1D15.

J’ricc Onti ~

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SECTION GUN DRILL.

(In all wordsof commandthe word “gun ° will be usedinsteadof“howitzer” for tile sakeof brevity.)

THE DETACHMENT.

The detachmentconsistsof 10 members, who will fall in twodeep,1 on theleft of the front rank.

To Tell Off.

Section Commander. No. 1.

&ction—TeUof”

On the order C~T

ell of’ from the Section Commander—1 numbers 1, the right-hand man of the rear rank 2, his frontrank man 3, and so on in successionto theleft.

Detachment Rear.

Formedasabove—whenunlimhered,to the rearof thetrail orplatform, facing thefront ; whenlimbered up, one yard in rearofthe muzzle—i coveringthe left (or near)wheel.

To Move the Gun with Drag Ropes.Soctfon ~oniniaxider. No. 1.

~‘ec~iom—lt’it/v drag ropes,Prepare to Advance.” -

At this orderfro~nthe Section Commander,6 antI7 hand thedragropesto 2 and3; 2 and3 hook themto the drag washersontheir own sides;‘ odd numberson the off side, evennumbersonthenear side. All availabic numbersman them on their OWIlsides,the two highestnumbersto theshafts.

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To Shift the Gun from the Travelling to the FiringPosition,

Section Commander. No. 1.

“Shift from Travelling to Firing “No Prepare to shift thePosztzon.” (Jun.”

Prepareto beardown.”“Bear down.” “heave.”

Ontueorder “Prepare to shift thegun,” 2 and3 threadthe roperound the breech,if not already in position,and lead theendstothe rear; 8 putson the brake.

At “Prepare to bear down,” 4 placesa handspike in the borepoint first ; 0, one underit as a wedge; 7, oneacrossto 8; 9, oneacrossto 10 ; ~ goes to tile elevating wheel; 2 a,rd 3 man the

~ ropes ; 1 mountson thetrail and ~trriudsreadywith a hamispike.On the order“Bear down,” the Nos. on the handspikesbear

~ down ; 5 depresses,1 pusheshis handspikeunder the breech, to~ preventthe gull from corning to the rear. As soon as the gun is~ borne clown sufficiently to clear the housingbracket,2 and3 heaveo on the ropesand assistthegnu to the rear ; 1 anti 5 replacethe

nutson the endsof thepiston rods; 2 and3 removetheir rope.In replacingthe nuts on tile ends of the pistonrods,whenthe

gun is in tire liming position, the following points iniustbeattended~ to;— -

(1) Tire inutson the pistonrodsin front of thelugs on the gunmust.be screwedUp to tile front endof the thread.

(2) Screwon the rear nuts until the threads begin to showbeyondtile nuts. Care mustbe takenthat tire taper-holethroughthe nut coincideswith the taper-bolethroughthepiston rod before tire keeppinis inserted. Thedirectionof the taperis markedon tue face of thcseparts.

The drill aslaid downis fir one detachment. It is possible foronedetachmentto do this shift, but it entails very heavywork, sowheneverpossible, extra men should be put on. If two detach.nuentsare available, the seconddetachmentshould be used asfollows :—7, 8, 9, and10 double-mantile hancispikes,theremainingnumbersdouble-manthe ropes.

To Unlimber.

Section Commander. No. ‘1.Section Unlimber.” “ ?To Prepareto Unlimber.”

V “Lift.” “Limber drive on.”“Lower.”

At theorder from 1, “Prepare to Unlimber,” 2, 3, 4, 5-0, and 7standto the trail, 2 and 3 nearestthe breech; 8, 0, an~I10 go to

(B 11109) A 2

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the shafts, 7 unk-eys. 1 then gives “Lift,” “Limber drire on.”Thelimber movesclear, 6 and7 pushing in rear, 2 andS lower theanrchrniing butler, if attached. The detaclimeuit then take post.The hinmbersshouldbe placedon tIme flanksof the batteryin; actionas muchi undercover aspossible,but should therebeno coverat aconveniemnt distance from the battery, the limbers of tile rightsectionof four guns(right-hmamidgun of two guns)sinouldbeplacedabout20 yardsto the right rearof time battery: thoseof the leftsectionof four guns(left gun of two guns)shouldbe placedabout20 yardsto the left rearof tine battery,shaftsto theefront,

To Limber Up.

Is the reverseof theabove.

Positions in Actiou.

1. Oneyard in rearof thetrail, facingthe front.2. Close to andfacing time breechon theright side.3. Close to andfacing the breechon theleft side.4. In line with the trail eyecoveringthe right gun wheel,5. In line with tine trail eyecoveringthe left gun wheel.6. With the metal-linedcartridge case,7 and 0. With the shells.B. At the cartridgemazazine. -

20. At the expenseshell store or ammuriit~oriwagon.

To Prepare for Aotion.*

SectionCommander. No. 1.

“...Sectiore—Preparefor Action.” “Preperefor Action-”

“Prepare for Action.”—The numbers provide themselveswithstoresasfollows :— -

1. 6-foot handspike chinonmeter, piece of chalk, spanner,hydraulic buffer No. 82, and spannerNo. 265.

2. 6-foothandspike,amaul, rammer,wrenchbreechmechanism,vent bit, rimner, tube pocket and lanyard(for drill, a drilltube),cheekropes(if required).

3. 6-foot handspike,two aiming posts,a 5-foot picket, oil can,Russiantallow, waste ; removes the breech and muzzle

Beforeleavfn~thegun park, ~o. 1 will test the clinometer for Index errrr andwill hinrscif seet~atthe hollers arc filled with oil and the cut-off valvesscrewedhome,and that the gun and mousitin~arereadyIn everyrespectfor practice,thecut-off valvesarealwaysno hetesteilwit~ithespannerprovided, lie win be careiuito note if the gmai~dsof the hydraumic buffer niro leaking; if tire glandsleaka seriousaccIdent may occur to theequipmentduring tiring owingt~theloSs of liquid fromt~o~ydrsuncbpffc~. . - V -

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covers, shifting rope, if not already on the gun, andassistsNo. 2 with cineckropes.

- 4. C-foot handspike,sights amid metalarc, or dial sigimt.5. 0-foot liandspike,handleof pump,MeMahon spanner,and

lever jamming 1;andwheel(for drill, a shell extractor).6. Two dc-ill cartridges.7. Two fuze keys(for drill, a dm-ill shell).8. Metal-lined casewith key. In battery only one per section

is broughtup by the Nos. 8 of Nos. 1 and 3 guns.*9. Loadingtray andbrush.10. Hammerandfile for removingburrs,2 heavydragropes.

The handspikesarelaid down, two on eachside of thehowitzer,closeto the carriage,points to time front, bevelled sideuppermost;thoseof 2 and3 outside,andabout 2 feetin advanceof thoseof 4and5; 1’~handspikein rearof the platform.

2 and 3 hay down their stores,aiming postson theground,clearof the platform, on the right of the gun and parallel to it, thepicket and maul outside the aiming posts,headsto the front, tinemaul OUtSi(le, the rammerhead to the front, inside the aimingposts.

2 strapsthe tube pocket ronnml his waist,coils up the lanyard,passesthe bight underthetubepocketstrap,andreceivesthetubesfrom ‘7.

3 places time oil can,Russiantallow, andwaste in aconvenientpositionfor use.

4 placesthesights in the gun, and clamps theni at zeroof thedeflection scale,and tine sliding leavesat the centregraduationor, if dial sightsareused,clampsall readingsat zeroand focussesthetelescope,seeingthat it is mountedso that the object glass ispointing to the rear.

5 placestine handleof the pumpin the bracketon time carriage,placestine lever jamnning handwheel on the left of the gun afterhaving tightenedup time jamming hnandwlneelasfar aspossible,andtine McMahon spannerin tine left bracketof tine trail.

6 placesthedrill cartridgesin themnnetal.lined casebrought tipby 8.

7 obtainstubesandfuzes from 10, and gives the tubesto 2 ; he’fuzes ~helI as ordered. At drill he places tine drill shell in the’loading tray.

8 l)laCesmis metal-linedcasein a position,tinder coverif possibte~convenientfor the two guns (otherwiseaboemt 10 yardsin i-earofthem).

9 examinestheshellsand cleansthem if necessary.10 preparesto issUeshells, tubes,and fuzes.The stores maying been ar;-anged,1 receives reports from tho’

numbersresponsibleof any irregularity or deficiencyin; connection

* Time Nos, 8 of No,. 2 ammd 4 gun i~stnecartridges from the magazine,assistto’

loadthem on troiliea, andtakebacktinetrolhiee.

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with the gun, ammunition,or stores. He will seethat the bore isclear. - -

5 will bring the gun into a inornzontalposition. 2 and 3 openthe breech;; 2 examinesthe breechscrewand vent and seesthatthey are clean,and rimesout tine vent,and seesthat the threadsof tine breocin screwarefreefrom burrs,rubbingtine asbestospadwith Russiantallow; B examinesthe bore, chamber,and threadsof the breech,lubricating the tinreadswith a slight film of oil, ifnecessary. -

To Openthe Breech.

2 amid S will opentine breechas follows :—3 releasestue springcatch of cam lever witin his right hand,andraisestine leverto itsfull extent, then; with both handsgives it a sharp pull towar(lshim till hard againsttime stop, folds tuelever downsufficiently farto releasetine breechscrew,and then raisesit again; 2 tInen takesmold of tue handleof tine breechscrewwith his right handand ofthecam leverwith his left, withdraws the breechscrew,andswingsit shar~mlyround in its carrierring with the camlever up.

To Closethe Breech.

2 takeshold of the cain lever with his right hand,releasesthelatch retaining-carrier ring open with his left hand, and swingstue breecin screw round; 3 takesthe cam hever from 2 ; 2 shiftsboth handson to the handleof tim breechscrew* and pushesith~rne; 3, assistedby 2 if necessary,locksit, forcing tine camleverfrom him (if loaded,2 inserts a tube); 3 lowers tine cam lever,~é~itring it by the catchein thehandleof thebreechscrew.

- - To Load,

Section Commander. - No. 1.

- - “ load.”

1 gives out the natureof shell, fuse, anti chargerequired. Heplaceshimself in a convenient position where he cansuperintendthe loading.

10 issuesa shell to 7 amid 9,S issuesacartridgeto 6,7 and 9 bring01) a shell in bearer,having fixed andsettue fuse

accom-ding to l’s direction, Claniping time fuzes as tight aspossible-I- 7 and 9 placethe shell in theboreafterB hasuncappedthefuze or remniovedthe safetypins.

~ 2 must be careful to keep his baud, clear of the stop on thecar-n-icr ring as thehreecln screw is tur,nmai nounid,

1- Time fuzesshouldbe secnsreiyclamped to reduce the chancesof presnatures,causedby the sllppinng of thetimmme ring.”

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2 supplieshiirniself svith tine rarmunnerand imoids it inn a horizontalposition, riglmt handbackup neartine rammerinead,left handbackdown nearthe centre; lie inserts the mummerheadin time bore,~ndreachesoatto the endof theramnier. V

3 pushesthe shell by handinto time boreanti ta1~-esmold of therainimer in a similar manner to 2. On the word “I-Ionic” from 1,2 anti 3 ram Ironic in one nnotion, putting nil their weight optheraonrmmer ; 2 withd;-aws time rammeranti replacesit. -

9 reimmoves theemptybearer.6 brings UI) a cartridgeandhandsit to 3. - -

3 takes the cartridgewith his right hand amid places it in tinebore with the baseof time coreto the i-ear.

2 and3 closethebreech.2 puts time tube in the vennt* after tine breecii is closed. -

1 will satisfy himself that thebreechis properly closed, andreport—” loadedamid readyfor action “—to tine sectionconmmander.

~ ‘rho line of fire is now laid out V

1-—

To Lay Outthe Line of rire.Theline of fire will be obtained by onto of the metinodsdescribed

~ iii Garrison Artillery Ti-ainhmg, Vol. II (Siege). Wimeim ama aimingpost hasto beheld imp at the sight,this will bedoneby 4, while 0

~ will takeout aimilig poststo tine front or rear whenrequired.

To Lay the Gun in the Line of F’ire.

Section Commander. No. 1,

“Layers.” “ Takepo&� �ulay.”~

Thearc,or dial sight, being on the guns, 4 holds up an aimilngpost as directed iii G.VA.T. Vol. II (Siege); 2 and 3 pick up theirhandepikesand go to time endof thetrail, facing tine front, readyto traverse; S goesto t~eelevatingwheel. -

As soon as the line of fire angle hasbeen received, 1 repeats it,and4 Jaysdowntine aiminig post.

If arcsarebeing used,4 sets tine readerto theangle ordered; ifdial sigints, 1 pints the angleon thesight by clamping the baseplate at tine mnumber of degreesandthen puttinmg tine minutesonthesmall slow-motiondrum.

4 then lays on the director,andgives mi Takepost” when 2 and-Blay downtheir hanclspikesandtakepost.

An auxiliary mark is thenpickedup. If aresarebeingusedtl~eprocedureis as describedin G,A.T. Vol. II (Siege); 2 attending

The tube is never to be inm,erted bofore the brecoh Is closedunder any pretextwhatever.

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to the sliding leaf of tine tangentsight and4 to that of the fore-sicehtor time readerof time arc.

If time dial sightsare beingused,1 unclampsthe baseplateofthe sight,anti setstime smallslow-motiondrumto zero ; 4 lays tinetelescopeon tine selectedauxiliary mark 1 clamnp~time baseplateat time nearestdegreebelow the actual readinig; and 4 gets timepointer of the telescopeaccuratelyon the auxiliary mark bytnrnimmg thne small slow-motionmdrum; 4 thou gives“Takepost.”- 1 notesall readings,marksthem on tine gun or marking board,and takes post.

If tine gun is not on a platform, check ropeswill if necessarybeadjti-’mted to the trail amid whieelsas soon astime auxiliary mark ispickedup. 3 and 5 will makefast to the fehloe of tine left wined,I will superintendand attendto time trail, 2 and4 will make fastto the fr-hoe of tine right wineel. In making fast check ropescare simould be takemm that they are evemnlyattachedto both wheels,asotherwise time gums will recoil out of line. It maybe necessaryto raiseoneaxlet,eearia witin ajack to emisurethis.

If time gun is on a platform the trail plank and wheel platesshould be adjustedas soon as the gun is rouginly layed on tinedirector.

To adjust time trail plank,2 and 3 place their handspikesundertine trail eye and raise it ; 1 and S sinift the plank. To adjustwheel plates,6 arranmgesajack underthe axietreeand lifts whiletine nunnborsadjust tine wheelplateson their own sides.

To Lay the Gun.Section Commander. No. 1.

“Nh Gun.” “ Takepott to lay.”left (or rigkt).~n

(elevation).”

WhenusingCrossbarSights.Thesectioncommanderfirst callsout the deflection; 4 repeatsit

andsetsit on tine sight ; 1 chalks it on the gun. The sectioncom-manderthnencallsout the elevation, - 1 repeats it, arid cimaiks it onthegun.*

4 lays the gun, with the deflection ordered, on the auxiliarymark. As soon as the gun hasbeenroughly laid for line, I takestime diffen-enceof level of wheels with the chinometer,chalks tineamount either wheel is high on tine felloe of tine right wined,e.g.

R,W. 10 30’, calculatesthe deflection necessaryto correctit,

* Sectioncommander, will keepa record of the elevationand deflection of eachroundin their note-book,(Army Book 102).

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and orders 4 “ more B (or L).” 4 alters the deflectionaccordingly,completesthelaying,andremovestime sights ; 2 and3lay doivin their hiandspikes,amid 2 preparestime lannyarni ; 5 bringstine gun to tine approximateelevationm; 1 then itiaceshis clinnometer,set at the required elevation, omn tine climiormmeter plane, amid gives“ Elevate” or “Depress”; S turns time whmeei inn time requireddirection till the word “ Halt” (tine last nmotion sinoimid benine ofdepr�ssion)_agood sweepof depression shouid be givenso astotake up blacklash; 1 gives tine order“Clannp” ; 3 clamps tineeievatingarc ; I renmovestheclirnonmeterninth places it in the case.Eachnumber “takespost” aftercompleting this work.

WhenusingIMal Sights.

Tine section comunmanderfirst callsout the deflection; 1 repeatsit, sets it on tine deflection drummm, and roan-ksit on time gun ornmnam-king board;4 comnmnnencesto lay for line on tine auxiliaryni-ark, 5 bringing the gun to the approximate~lcvation.

Theelevation is them called out; 1 1-epeatsit, marks it on tinegun-i or markingboard,sets it on tine elevationdrum standingontime dial sight box to do so (tine last motion in tun’nninmg tine drmnmusimoulil always beone tenmdimng to increase time angle)amnd lays forelevation. Sectioncommanderssinould only repeatthe deflectionaridelevationwhemm an alterationis orderedby thne batterycons-mander,or whena casualtyoccurs.

4 arid 1 lay sinmultanmeouslyfor line and elevationrespectively,4 keepingtine bubbieof tire cross-levelin tine centreof its 1-ums--—-unlessit is inconvenientfor him to do so, in -wlmicin case 1 doesit.

As soorm as 4 has conmpletedlayimng, 1 conmmpletesiris laying andgives“Ciarnip.” 3 clanmpstine elevatingarc,4 removesthe sights,andall numberstakepost.

To Make ReadyandFire.Section Commander. No. 1.° Fire No Gun.” “No Ready.” “Fire.”

I. gives “ Beady,” arid, all the numbersstepclear ; 2 hookstimelanyard to the tribe with his left hand,steps clear of time recoil,faciimg the front, and holding time lanyard in his right hmaindstretcimesit taut, keeping his hand level witln tine vent, foreanmacrossthe body. Wimeni lie see-i timat all tine nunmbei’smire clear,1 gives time order C( Fire,tm’ whemi 2 slees lm!’~ body to the rigint andfires time gun, coils up time lanyni-d,passestine bightunderthetubepocket strap and 4 replacesthe sight or sights; 3 unchanmpsS stepsin and brings time gun to a horizontal positioma ; 2 amid 3openthebreech;2 removestheold tube and rimesout thevent;

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3 cleanstine tlnn’cads of tire breech witim a pieceof \va-ste; 2 cleansthe bi-eecln screw,rind applies Bussiamn tallow to tine asbestospadwinennecessary.

If the order to load has been given, tine miunibers proceed aspreviously detailed. If no order to load Inns been giveum, timenumber’stakepost.

Missfires.

After a pauseof 10 secondsS raises tine cam lever, 2 remnovesthe tube and inserts a fresh one. Botim nmunnbersmust keep asclear of tine vent as possible. 3 lowers the cam lever; 2 hooksthe lanyardamid againpulls it.

If tlnene is afurther inisafire—afteraninterval of threeminutes,opentime breech slowly.

Noneof thedetaehmmcntshouldbe directly iii rearof tine breechwhen it is opened.

Aften’ a further interval of one minute, carefully extract tinecartridge.

To Run Up.Section Commander. No. 1.

No..,,,, Ilmtn up.” “Halt.”

2 and 3 take theirhandspikesat time centrewitin thehandsnexttime nmuzzle, backs up ; tine other handsat the small en], backsdown. They usetheir imammdspikesas leversunder therearpartoftine wheels,facing the rear; 4 and 6 unmantine wheels; 6, 7, 8, and9 double-man, if necessary. 1 apphiçs his hammdspikeunder timetrail eye. As soon astime gun is sulhiciemmtlyu-ann up 1 gives“Halt.”Tine nmumbersremove their lmandspikes, lay them down,and thedetacimmenttake post.

If necessary,dragropeswill bebroughtup andhookedby 6 and7, andmannedby time whole detachment. Tine commandwill thermbe “Witin dr-agrope~run tip.”

- - To CeaseFiring. -

Section Commander. No. 1.CeaseFiring.” ‘~CeaseFiring.”

Thestoresarereplaced by the numberswino brought timern up.5 depressestine howitzer until time cradle is on thestops. Afterreplacingstorestine tiunibersfall in “Detacinninentrear.”

To Liniber Up.This is the i-cvemeof tmnmiiimmbering.

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To Shift theGun from the F’irlng to the TravellingPosition.

Limber imp anmddepi-ces the gun asfar as it will go. Placetimecoverover time breech andsec-areit in position.

Section Commander. No. 1.“Shift from. F’iring to Tn’am’eUing “No Prepareto.#S’hrft tine

Position.” - Gun.”

3 timreadsa2k-inch tarred ropefrom tine rear, omi time right sidebetweentine cradleamid tine two ribs on tine gun, rotmmnd the breechto 2, who passesit back to time rear on time left sidebetweentheribs and time cradle; 2 amid 3 then takesa turn roumid the recoilbuffersin fr-out, and leadthe ends out at right anglesto the gunon eitherside; 4, 6, andS man the ropes on time left side; 7, 9,and10 on theright. 1 puts on thebrake,1 and5 removetine nutsoff the pistonsrods,5 elevates;time ropesare then easedoff, 2 and8 pushingat tine muzzle if necessary. 1 on the left sidewatchestine projectionson tine gun and gives time necessaryordersto “Easeoff” and“ Elevate,” until the projectionson time gun n-emit in thehousingbracket.

Removetheropeor leaveit in positionasdesired.Caremustbe takenthat tine folding bracketbetweentine trail is

in the correctpositionto receivethe projectionsout the gumi—tinatis, folded overtowardstime breastof the carriage.

Tine storesare thenreplacedon thecarriagereadyfor travelling.

Blank Cartridges.Cartridgesof 6 lbs. L.G. will be issuedfor drill only-. They are

neverto befired atanglesof elevationof hessthan160. -

As no spongeis issuedwith this equipment,the chamberof thegun will be cleanedout with a dampwaterbrush. . - -,

- Star Shell. . - -

When firing starshell,,’? fuzestheshell,.1 setstime fuzeandremOvesthe safetypins.

btitIe~of the No. 1.

1. He is responsiblefor time efficient serviceof iris grill, au-ti thatthe Section Commander’sorders are carried omit. The follonviungpoints particularly requirehis attentionmin preparingfor action :—

(a) Time tilling amid securingof theanchoringbuffer,(~)The steadinmessof the trail 1)Iank whenused.

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(c) The clearanceof -~c-thinch of plugs, tube protecting,tailrod.

(d) Thesecurity of thewheels.(e) Tine stateof the dial sight, elevatinggear,and, wheim firing

from theground,the brake.(f) That thehousingbracket is folded back.

2. (Exceptwith dial sights)whenplatformsare not employed,hewill take the difference of levelsof wheelsevery round assoonasthegun is fairly in its proper line, and will calculate amid give tothe Layer tine necessarydeflection to correct for’ it.

(Exceptwitin dial sights)when platformsareemmspioyed,lie willtake tine differenceof hevelof wheelsas soonastine gun is fairly inits properline for thefirst round,and will calculate tire necessarydeflectionto correctfor it. This deflectionhewill give to theLayereachround,immediatelyafter tine SectionCommander’sordersasto deflection have beengivers.

3. He lays for elevation,and should, from time to time, see tinatthe tangentsight,deflectionscaie,andsliding leaf, ale correctly setby the gums Layer. With dial sights, me sets all readingsexceptthesmalldrum,andlaysfor elevatiorm. He also attendsto thecrosslevelof thesightif it is inconvenientfor tine Layerto do so.

4. He will watch the recoil of his gun, and whenever it fails toreturn to within 2 innchesof thefiring position hewill order moreoil to be pumpedinto time buffers. He will alsowatcisall ghandsfor leakage.

With howitzersfitted with cut-offvalvesto thebuffer,hme will trythevalvewith the spannerprovidedbeforefiring commencesto seethat it is closed,andwhenit is necessaryto pump in more oil hewill see that the valvesareopemmedbeforeandclosedafterdoing so.

5. He givesthe ordersto loadandto fire his gun, amid isis gun isneverto be fired witinout isis order.

6. In theabsenceof the Section CommandertheseniorNo. 1 ofthesectiontakes mis place. If it is inconmvenientfor the SectionCommander,owing to otherduties,to passdownthe ordersreceivedfrom time Battery Comm,nnder, he should do so for him; and heshould alwaysbeon the look out for this occurring.

Duties of the Gun Layer.

1. He is responsible for laying tine guru for line, and,with dialsights,for cross-levellingthe sigimt unlessit is inconivemmientfor himto do so.

2. Before laying each roundhe will (except with dial sights)checktine readingsof the slidinmg leaves,to seethat theybruve notshifted.

He will then(exceptwith dial sigints)set on the deflection scalethe deflection orderedby the Section Commander,amid afterwardsadd to it time deflectionorderedby the No. 1 for differenceof levelsof wheels.

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Points RequiringAttention in Action.

The shell shouldberanmmedsufficiently hard hometo ensure itsnot slipping backwhen tine gun is elevated.

Tine jaunnhing screwsof thermudiaharm shouldbeso adjustedastoadnisitof time gun being easilytraversed,without allowing too muchpiay.

Acarefulwatch shouldbekepton theglandsto ascertainif thereis leakage. If any leakageoccurs,theglandsmustbe screwedup,but not too much,aspressurewill cruise ummduefriction.

Any alteration in the positioln of tine carriage,or of tine gunin timecradle,should bemnoted. If at amytinie tine gum hasslippedback inthecradlennore timan 2 inches, it should bepunmpedup.

Tine clamping }nammd wheel of the quick-motion elevating gear,wheresuchis fitted, shouldbeclampedtight before action.

Tine clamp of theehevatinigarc shouldhie kept free from oil, and -

should be clampedtiglrtly after laying for- elevation. Tine handle -

should be adjustedso as to facilitate tinis.

SHIFTS.

6-inch B.L. HOWITZER.

To Shift from Travelling to Top Carriage by Gyn.

Strength of time detacimment13 numbers.

Stores Required.

Gyn, 18 feet,higint, complete ... ... 1Drag ropes,heavy, pairs •.. 4Hammers,claw ... ... ... ... 1Skids, 3’ x 4” x 5” ... ... ... ... 1Lever, lengthening,No. 4 ... ... ... 1

(McMahoms . -. ... ... 1No. 180 (for tension bolt and

I pivot plug) ... ... ... ISpanners, .~ No. 181,socket ... ... 1

,, 83, nut and glandI anchoring ... . -. ... 1k.No. 84, nut tube anchoring.. I

Norz.—Wheretheslot on the sheathof theaxle is not suffi-ciently cut awayto allow of the carriagebeing loweredoh to thepivot platewitinout restingon time anchoringbuffer, theanchoringbuffer w~jl have to be r’er~ove4as follows :—Disconnect the

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cross head from the radial arrnm, fin-st withdrawing piston rod asfar as possible, unscrew and remove the dross head from frontend of pistols rod, unscrewand rennove the hut on rear end ofpiston, tine volu,te springs can theum be remnnovenl. Unscrew thelarge nut in fromnt of stay, the buffer camstlmen betaken out fromthe rear.

Omcer. No. 1. -

“Shift tho C/un.” “Prepare to shift theGun.”“Prepare to shift the Gin.”“Shift the Gusa”

“ Prepare to s/rift tine Gun.”—Remnmovetine sights,breeclnfittings,andbrakegear,castlooseandlay downinandspikes,&c.

Radial Arns.—Thneradial arm is renmoved by disconmmectnngthe- anclnorimngbufferandunscrewingtinechanmpimngandjamnningscrews.

Pivot ]‘fug.—Screwmm the pivot plug amid seetinat all tine nutsoftime pivot platearedownflusin. -

Tine gyn* is brought up, imut togetiner, and raised a-s niear theeniplaeensentsn-s posibfe, tine howitzer traversedextrenmeright.

~ J’reparc to pface the C/yin.”— Tine gyn is placed over’ the C.G. oftine howitzer,the prypolerestinmg on time rigint front cornerof theplatform, the left eineek close against time left side of emplace-nment.1’

Sinlit tine G’un.”—The carriage is slunng with two tin-ag ropes,passedtwice round the axietreeinsid~the wheels, dra~m-opesontime double. Steadyimmgropes are applied in tire usual mnianmmer~and time gym worked until tine wheels are clear of time ground,winen theyare-removed. Lower the howitzer amid carriagenmntiithe latter rests on time pivot plate; tine drag ropes are tinemurensoved. Time gyn sinould now beplacedso that the head isabout6 immeines ins rear of the C.G. (otherwise some diffientlty will beexperiencedin getting thehowitzer into time trunnion holesof thetop carriage).

lie howitzeris slung by meansof a drag rope 0mm the double,passedunndertime muzzle, in front of theguides,amid mound a 4 x 5placed in the breech, steadying ropes applied as before, removecapsquntre,and work the gynm until time inowitzer is sufliciently highsto admit of tine top carriage being fixed. Tine sine piecesof tiretop carrmmn”emnt’e j,lacenl iii position, the traimsom place(1 inn front,arid time ~vYmolekeyedup.

The Imowitzer is lower-edfrito tine ti-unniomi bolemi, time capsqumures,elevating gear’, breech fittings, nmmmt and spn-ings of pivot phtmgadjusted.

* When tlmi* shift is carriedout in a regular constructedsiegebattery,Mark III gyms is time mostsuitable.f Thegynm maybe placed in anyposition when tho howitzer is in theopen. -

~The buffers rhould be full and a piece of wind placed betweenthelrout of cradlearid thesightbracket,to preventthehowitzer sliding thrornghthe cradle. -

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To Shift from Top to Travelling Carriage.

This operationis time revOm-seof theabove. Tine }nowitzcrsimomild

beslightly mnnz~iehemhvywinch lowering to travehhinmgcarriage.

To Shift from Travelling to Top Carriagewithout

the Aid of a Gyn.

This operatiomannlmry becarriedout asfollows

Strengthof detaclmmemat,19 rnmmmbers. -

Stores Required.Drag ropes ... ... ... ... ... . . 2ilamlspnkes,6.f~ot... ... ... ... ... 5Lashiin~is,1-i-mom,3 fatimoms ... ... ... 2Lever, 12-feet ... ... ... ... ... 1Roller, elms, ground,3’ x 6” ... ... ... 1 -

Scotchnes,of sorts ... ... ... ... ... 12Skids,oak, 14’ x 5k” x 5?~” ... ... ... 1

,, ,, 3’xO’ x9” ... ... ... 13,, ,, 3’ x 4” x 5” ... ... ... 3,, ,, 3’ x 0” x 3” ... ... ... 2

Spmnmisner,McMalnomn ... ... ... ... I1-iammmrnerandpunch .. ... ... ... I

Elevate the howitzerabout00°,amnd rnnn it up till time wheelstouch tln~parapet. Place two 3 x 6 x 9’s, close to the pivotplate,andby nneamasof wined purcinasesand two nmodinmnm scotchmes,run tine lnowitzer back till tire wheels rest on time C x 9’s and thecarriageis ira a properpositionfor lowering on to tire pivot platescotch time wheels. -

Remove tire sights, breech fittings, eapaquares,and cast looseandlay downshandspikes,&c.

A 4 x 5 is placed inn the muzzle, and supportedso tinat themuzzle will be 5 feet above time plnntform, or time piece elevatedabout 60. A limber is now run into tire esrnplacemmnemntand overthetrail, with olme wheel touching time right of time carriage,andtine othen’ outside the left wined of time carm-iage. Lasin a 11 xx 5~on iop of tine wheels,having a spoke vertical, so timat tine

n’etumrns will passhalf in front and hialf inn rear of thno verticalspoke. Thehmssberbox is removed,,a 6 x 9 on its fiat is placedon tine limberbed, with its edge bearing against that pon-tion ofthelimber bedwhere the front of thebox bears. Another 6 x 9on its edge, betweenthat and the rear of the limber. Apply alever over that amid under the bn-eech,with a 3 x 6 betweenthepoint and thepiston rods. Bear down till a (i-inch roller canbeplacedin the breech over the 14 x 5~x 5~,following up with

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points of imandspikesin the trunnioni holes. As soon astine i-oileris placedin thebreech,come up on time lever,withdraw time hand-spnkes, and leave tine howitzer suspended. Scotch up tire rollerwith two sniahl scotches. Tine height of the bottom of thetrunnions is timen about4 feet9 incinesabove time pivot plate.

To Lower the Carriage.Two C x D’s, oneon top of theother, restin~on the pivot plate,

are placed underneatintine bracket on enncln sine,with two 4 x S’son top; acrossthesea 6 x 5 as a fulcrum. Apply two hammd-spikes in front unnder the axletree,take the weigint on scotchesontop of tine skidding, and remove tine wlneels; replace time linchpins, place tine middle of a handspike underneatheachaxletreearmun, nmarmnedby four nunnbers. Take tine weight of tine cam’riage,removetime skidding,allow tine carriageto reston the pivot plate,and connectup. Time top carriage is then put on and secum-ed,thelevem applieniunder the breecin agairm ; take thewei~iit of tinehowitzer,withdraw the roller fromnu the breech, come nip on timelever, andallow tine trunmuionsto rest in time trunnion imoles. Thecapsquares,elevatinggear,breechfittings, &c., areadjustedandallstoresarranged. -

To Shift the TravellingCarriage.This operationis the reverseof the above.

N0TE.—Tlnis method of shifting simould always be adopted inopenbatterieswhen theenmploynnmentof gynswould serveto exposethe iositiomm of the battery. But in well concealedpositions tinemetinod of shifting by gyn is quicker rind easier, requires lessstores,anda smallerdetachment.

To Mount or Dismountthe Howitzeron to or from itsTravelling Carriage.

Thi operationwould always be donewith theaid of a gyn.

~ni.li~

(mm 15109) Wt. 41.171—410 seer 1(15 U & S P. Irve