C.W.S.A. 3-Man Mortar Drill

#1- commands the piece and serves the muzzle [swabs, loads, and aims]. #2- serves the vent [brings ammunition and fuse, raises and lowers the tube, blocks vent with thumbstall, fires piece with linstock]. #3- serves the ammunition box and acts as safety [measures charge; hands charge, ball, patch and fuse to #2; keeps time]. “Prepare to Load” A. #3 gives charge, patch and ball to #2, who caries them to #1. B. #2 then elevates the tube to vertical and blocks the vent. C. #1 loads powder, patch and ball. D. #2 lowers the tube and unstops the vent. E. #1 then aims the piece. “Pick and Prime” A. #3 gives the precut fuse to #2. B. #2 pricks the vent, then places the fuse. “Prepare to Fire” A. #2 takes the linstock and lights the fuse, calling “fire in the hole!” B. #1 places himself to best observe effect of fire. [Note a safety barrier must be in place behind the vent.] When the mortar fires, #3 starts the stopwatch to time for three minutes to elapse before starting the sequence again. During this time #2 elevates the muzzle and blocks the vent while #1 sponges the tube. [Source: Brent Clancy, C.W.S.A. Inspector General, as related to Steve Short]