FROM THE EDITORThe desire to be as faithful as possible to the source text has been tempered by the need to emphasize safe operation of the piece. Not every amendment by the editor has been explained in the text itself, as too many explanations prevent a smooth reading of the drill. We have sought in an abbreviated form to give further explication in the sections entitled "COMMENTS ON THE DUTIES OF...".
It is the practice of The Washington Artillery to refrain from the use of alcoholic beverages before manning the gun. Anyone who has imbibed is prevented from being assigned to a Number at that time, as there are too many things that can go wrong when people are not in their fullest state of awareness.
We emphasize the vital necessity of at least No.s 1 and 2 wearing 100% wool jackets when they assume those Numbers, again as a safety precaution. In the event of an accidental discharge, wool does not support combustion; take away the source of the flame, and the wool stops burning. A wool blend is less safe, and any other fabric is significantly less safe yet.
Someone once said that the difference between re-enactors and Boy Scouts is that Boy Scouts have adult supervision. For the sake of the spectators, our fellow re-enactors, our families, and ourselves, we should take every prudent measure to ensure that we are enjoying this hobby of ours in as safe a manner as is possible.
POSITIONS OF CANNONEERS
The positions of the cannoneers are indicated by the numbers by
which they are known.
This diagram represents the formation known as "CANNONEERS...POSTS".
The letter "G" refers to the Corporal whose job on the cannon is Gunner.
Most re-enacting artillery Companies function without anyone to serve as No. 7.
IMPLEMENTS
Each of the cannoneers is to be equipped with specialized implements appropriate to the position, or Number, at which they serve. As these will be referred to in the drill only by their names, it is important to become familiar with the names and descriptions of the implements to be used. Number 1 is to be issued a pair of leather gloves. He uses a sponge or rammer (both names apply), a large ash staff with a wool-covered sponge head at one end that is to be wetted for cleaning and cooling the bore, and a rammer head at the other for inserting and ramming home the charge. Number 2 is to be issued a pair of leather gloves. He has a worm, a tool that is a long ash staff with a metal corkscrew end used to remove debris left by the exploding charge, and also to extricate failed charges once the tube has been flooded to prevent a mishap.
Number 3 wears a leather thumb cover called a thumbstall, which is to have a leather thong to tie around the wrist of Number 3. He also has a small, thin, almost triangular leather pouch which holds the priming wire or vent pick, a pointed metal rod with a loop at the opposite end, and a vent brush, used to clean the vent to avoid fouling. Number 4 wears a leather primer pouch (somewhat akin to an infantryman’s cartridge box) attached to a belt; when the lanyard is not required, it holds the lanyard, a length of cord tied to a wooden handle, with a hook at the free end.
Number 5 wears a leather haversack in which he carries the ammunition from the limber chest to the cannon. Numbers 6 and 7, who work together at the chest, have tools to prepare the ammunition. When re-enactors are issued those tools, they consist of a fuse punch and a fuse saw. Either of them may be entrusted with the limber chest key, although the key may also be found in the possession of the Gunner. The Gunner is responsible to carry the sight, whatever type is appropriate for the piece.
LOADING AND FIRING
The piece is taken to the drill ground, unlimbered, and prepared for action; the limber is placed in position behind the piece, and facing towards it; the end of the pole of the limber set back six yards from the end of the handspike.
The recruits are to receive the command:
TAKE IMPLEMENTS
At that time, they are to form up at the limber chest where Numbers 6 or 7 will issue them their basic tools, other than the sponge (or rammer) and the worm. Once they have the necessary gear, Numbers 1 and 2 are to proceed to the piece to take up the sponge (or rammer) and the worm. They are not to get into position at the piece until the command "TO YOUR POST" or "CANNONEERS - POSTS" is given.
For the instruction of recruits united for the service of the gun for re-enactment purposes, the exercise is conducted "BY DETAIL" as the recruits initially learn the drill, by which is meant that the Instructor is giving all the commands in a step-by-step sequence. His commands are:
LOAD BY DETAIL -
LOAD;
TWO, THREE, FOUR -
SPONGE;
TWO, THREE, FOUR -
RAM;
TWO, THREE:
READY;
FIRE;
CEASE FIRING
When the men are sufficiently instructed to go through the manual without detail, the commands of the Instructor for that purpose are reduced to:
LOAD;
READY;
FIRE.
An Officer or the Chief of the Piece will give the order to:
LOAD;
COMMENCE FIRING;
CEASE FIRING.
Or, he will simply order:
COMMENCE FIRING;
CEASE FIRING
After the command "COMMENCE FIRING", the action is continued as laid down for loading without detail until the command "CEASE FIRING" is given by the Chief of the Piece and the Gunner.
DUTIES OF THE CHIEF OF THE PIECE
(SERGEANT)
The Chief of the Piece has charge of the platoon, consisting of seven to ten Cannoneers, six to nine Drivers, and two Corporals (Gunner and Chief of Caisson); or a minimum of fifteen men, not including the Sergeant. However, most re-enactment batteries consist of six men per piece, not including the Sergeant. The equipment in his charge is one piece, two limbers, one caisson, and thirteen horses. He oversees the operation of the platoon and insures that the Gunner gives the proper range and direction during firing, that proper ammunition is readily available, and horses are properly stationed. The Sergeant is the platoon guide on the march and is therefore mounted. (NOTE: Few re-enactment batteries employ horses as part of their impression.)
DUTIES OF THE GUNNER
(CORPORAL)
The Gunner gives all executive commands for the gun in action. He is answerable to the Chief of the Piece that all the Numbers perform their duties correctly. He communicates the orders which he receives from the Section Chief, or Chief of the Piece, for the kind of ammunition to be fired; sending to No. 6 the time or distance for each round, when firing shells or spherical shot. He should, when the firing is slow, see that each fuse is properly prepared, and make such corrections as are necessary. For this purpose he, as well as No. 6, should be provided with a fuse-gouge.
On receiving the command or signal to commence firing, he gives the command "LOAD"; takes hold of the handspike at the end with his right hand, and at the center with his left; places his left knee against the left hand, bending over it, the right knee being slightly bent; looks over the top of the piece, and gives the direction. He then steps to the breech to give the elevation, which he does by placing the hausse on its seat, taking hold of a handle of the elevating screw, drawing back his right foot, bending over his left knee, and sighting through the slit in the hausse. When the piece is loaded and pointed, he removes the hausse, gives the command "READY", and stepping clear of the wheel to that side where he can best observe the effect of his shot, gives the command "FIRE." As soon as the piece has been fired, he causes it to be run up to its former place if necessary.
When the Instructor, instead of giving the command "COMMENCE FIRING", gives that of "LOAD", the Gunner repeats it and performs the same duties as before, including giving the command "READY", except that he does not command "FIRE" until ordered so. After the command "COMMENCE FIRING" is given, the action is continued by the Gunner without further commands from the Instructor, until the firing is ordered to cease. When the commands are all given by the Instructor, as in "LOADING BY DETAIL", the Gunner performs the same duties, but without repeating the commands.
NUMBER ONE
The Instructor calls No. 1 to the right side of the piece, insuring that No. 1 is equipped with a pair of long, heavy leather gloves, ear plugs, and a wool jacket, and indicates the following parts with his hand, after naming them:
The SPONGE and RAMMER: staff, sponge, rammer head, ferrules;
The GUN: bore, muzzle, face, vent.
He then commands:
TO YOUR POSTS
SPONGING AND RAMMING
Until the command "LOAD", No. 1 stands square to the front at
"ATTENTION", in line with the front part of the wheels, holding the
sponge about the middle of the staff in his right hand and trailing it at an angle of 45°, sponge head up. The Instructor commands:
BY DETAIL: LOAD
(3 pauses; 4 motions)
At this command, No. 1 faces to the left, steps obliquely to the right with his right foot (without moving his left), and at the same time brings the sponge smartly to a perpendicular position by drawing his right hand up in line with the elbow. The sponge is grasped firmly in the hand, and the rammer head kept just over the right toe, the elbow close to the side. If that position is held for any length of time and the weight of the rammer causes No. 1 to need to set it down, the rammer head must be placed on the right toe of the boot rather than setting it on the ground. Resting the rammer head on the ground may collect dirt, gravel, or other foreign matter on the rammer head which may then end up in the tube of the cannon, creating a safety hazard.
TWO
No. 1 steps obliquely to the left with his left foot, planting it about halfway between the piece and the wheel, and opposite the muzzle; bringing the sponge at the same time across his body to the left so that his right hand may be opposite the middle of the body, the sponge staff being inclined at an angle of 45° across the front of it.
THREE
No. 1 takes a sidestep to the front of 30² , and lowers the sponge into the sponge bucket, which is beneath the muzzle. The upper quarter or third of the sponge should be wetted; it is not necessary to soak the entire sponge. He then withdraws the sponge and brings the staff to a horizontal position, while at the same time stepping backwards 15² with the right foot. He twists his body to the right while No. 2 worms the tube, bringing the sponge around to the right horizontally until the sponge head is in direct line with the direction in which the cannon is aimed.
The shaft is cradled in the left hand and shaken vigorously with the left arm to remove excess water (the excess water wetting the ground in direct line with the cannon muzzle to lessen the likelihood of starting a grass or brush fire), the right hand holding the shaft firmly in place in order to keep from dropping the staff onto the ground. When raising the shaft toward the chest as he shakes the excess water out of the sponge, No. 1 is to curl his wrist up; and then he is to snap the wrist down on the downward shaking movement. (Under no circumstances is No. 1 to spin the sponge in his hands so as to remove excess water because of the risk of dropping the sponge onto the ground.)
No. 1 then steps back up to the muzzle and brings the sponge staff up horizontal with the piece, the sponge end just outside and to the lower left of the muzzle so as not to interfere with the worming of the tube.
FOUR
No. 1 inserts only the sponge head immediately after No. 2 removes the worm, then drops his left hand behind his thigh; shoulders square, feet equally turned out, straightens the right knee, and bends over the left, awaiting the next command.
SPONGE
(3 pauses; 4 motions)
At this command, No. 1 fixes his eye on the vent to see that it is closed, covered by No. 3 and rams the sponge home. As he feels the sponge head stop at the bottom of the bore, he gives two turns to the sponge to the left, then two turns to the right, taking great care to press it at the same time against the bottom of the bore. During the whole time of sponging, No. 1 is to keep his eye on the vent.
(NOTE: While it is desirable to never wrap either thumb around the shaft of the rammer, as a practical matter it is sometimes virtually impossible not to wrap the thumbs around the shaft of the rammer when sponging. If the sponge is as tight in the tube as it should be, it will be quite difficult to insert the sponge without having a tight grip as can only be accomplished by wrapping the thumbs around the shaft. Too, it is extremely difficult to maintain a tight grip on the rammer after the shaft gets wet, as the shaft may become when inserted repeatedly into the tube as the cannon is fired time and again.)
TWO
No. 1 draws out the sponge, at the same time straightening his left knee and bending his right; seizes the staff near the sponge head with his right hand, back of the hand down, and places the sponge against the face of the piece.
THREE
No. 1 turns the sponge by bringing his hands together in the middle of the staff, giving it a cant with each hand, spinning the sponge head over in a clockwise direction; at the same time turning his wrist (which brings the staff horizontal) and extending his hands to the ends of the staff (back of the left up, back of the right down with the thumbs extended along the shaft).
During the whole time of sponging, No. 1 keeps his eye on the vent. If at any time it is not closed, he will discontinue the maneuver, and he or any other cannoneer may command "STOP VENT!". Once the vent has been satisfactorily closed after the command "Stop Vent!", No. 1 is to repeat the entire sponging procedure, beginning from the command "Sponge".
The indicator that the vent has not been adequately closed will be a hissing sound, caused by air being forced through the vent. Less likely to happen, although clearly an indication that the vent has not been adequately stopped, would be the escape of smoke from the vent after the vent is supposed to have been stopped. No. 1 should also be alert to the feeling of a minimal resistance or pressure within the tube as he inserts the sponge, a resistance that is less than normally experienced, for that is a reliable indicator that the vent has not been adequately stopped.
FOUR
No. 1 introduces the rammer head into the muzzle as soon as No. 2 has inserted the charge. He then releases the grasp of his left hand and extends his left arm horizontally just above the tube, the back of his hand facing up, with his fingers pointing toward the breech.
RAM
(2 pauses; 3 motions)
At this command, No. 1 rams the cartridge / round home, throwing the weight of his body with the rammer; bending over his left knee, and passing his left arm with the elbow slightly bent and back of his hand up in a horizontal position over the piece, until it points in the direction of the left trunnion, taking care not to touch the tube with the left hand or arm at any time; the right shoulder thrown back, and the eyes cast toward the front until the cartridge / round is home.
In ramming, No. 1 passes his body behind the face of the piece just prior to seating the cartridge / round. At the moment of seating the cartridge / round, the right hand drops off the shaft under the muzzle. (Note: Cartridge / round is set home only once; double-ramming is not recommended.) It is important to not touch the tube with the hand since repeated firing may heat the tube sufficiently to burn the skin through the glove or a hole in the glove. It is also important to keep the rammer centered within the tube as much as is possible while ramming; the wood may be brittle and could shatter inside the tube, leaving splinters in the tube and creating a safety hazard.
TWO
No. 1 smoothly pulls the rammer out with his right hand, allowing it to slide through the hand as far as the middle of the shaft, where he grasps it firmly. Seizing it close to the rammer head with his left hand (back of the hand facing up, both knees straight, eyes to his own front), he then draws the rammer close to his body, his hands being withdrawn from the axis of the gun bore, and returns the rammer to a vertical position.
THREE
(NOTE: When this step is executed without benefit of drilling "By Detail" [or "By the Numbers"], No. 1 is to nod to No. 2 to signal that he is ready to step back from inside the wheel, and they are to execute their stepping out simultaneously.)
No. 1 immediately steps back outside the wheel, first with the right foot, then with the left foot. When the right foot makes the first step, the right hip will be on a line with the front of the wheel. The second step is to be a left oblique step to place No. 1 behind the muzzle of the cannon and outside the wheel. In drawing the right foot to the left with that second step, he gives the sponge a cant with his left hand, at the same time quitting it, and brings the sponge to a perpendicular position in the right hand, the rammer head resting on the toe. This is to entail two steps only.
READY
At this command, which is never to be given by the Gunner until No. 1 is outside the wheel and only when preparing for the firing to commence, No. 1 breaks well off to his left with the left foot, bending the left knee, and straightening the right leg, drops the end of the sponge staff into the left hand, back of the hand down, and fixes his eyes on the muzzle. No. 1 is not to cover his right ear with his right hand while in this position; hearing protection should be adequate protection against hearing damage, and covering the ear with a gloved hand will provide insignificant, even unnoticeable, additional protection. It also gives the appearance of being fearful of the cannon, a posture we should never adopt.
The heels should be parallel to the wheel, the body erect on the haunches, and the sponge and rammer held in both hands at a 60° angle with the rammer head on the toe of his right boot, sponge-head to the left of No. 1.
FIRE
Immediately upon the piece having been fired, No. 1 rises on his right knee and swiftly returns to the position of "ATTENTION", facing No. 2 across the cannon. At the command "LOAD", he steps in and performs his duties in the same manner as before.
When the loading is not "BY DETAIL" which will be the norm at re-enactments, No. 1 goes through all his duties at the command "LOAD". He returns to his position outside the wheel as given in the third motion of "RAM", breaks off at the command "READY", and at the flash of the gun, assumes the "ATTENTION" position.
At the command "LOAD", he steps in and performs his duties in the same manner as before. This he continues until the command "CEASE FIRING" is given, at which command he resumes the position "ATTENTION". If the sponging has been commenced before the command "CEASE FIRING" is given, it is completed before No. 1 resumes his post.
In sponging howitzers, No. 1 presses the sponge to the bottom of the chamber, which should be well sponged out. He wipes the bore by rubbing its whole surface without allowing the sponge to turn in his hands.
COMMENTS ON THE DUTIES OF NO. 1
The position of the left foot will not be considered as absolute. It is given as the usual one, and may be modified according to the caliber of the piece and the height of the man. The same remarks apply to the distance between the feet. They will be placed in such position, and at such distance from each other, as will enable the man to perform his duties with the most ease and steadiness, and at the same time exert his full strength (which will always be required after firing a few rounds, especially when a new sponge is used or when the rammer shaft gets wet).
One object of casting the eyes to the front whilst ramming is to refuse the right shoulder. To secure this object, the left hand, when it passes over the piece, is not carried further back than the direction indicated. This will keep the shoulders in a line parallel with their position at the commencement of the movement until the cartridge is set home, and thus guard against fatal results in case of a premature discharge.
At many points during the drill, No. 1 will be a mirror image of No. 2. This will be true particularly as they stand at "POST" position, as they make oblique steps to and from the piece, and in the "READY" position. No.s 1 and 2 should take care to move in unison. Likewise, as No. 2 is worming the tube, No. 1 should be aware of No. 2’s movements even as No. 1 is shaking the excess water from the sponge so that the movement to the tube is fluid and follows No. 2 closely in time.
Cannoneers should be using cannon-grade powder contained first in a plastic, sealable bag and only then adequately rolled in three layers of aluminum foil. There will almost always be residual pieces of foil left in the breech, and No. 1 should be watchful as No. 2 worms the tube to make sure that No. 1 sees pieces of foil come out of the tube with the worm. In the event that No. 2 is unable to remove the foil after repeated attempts, or if No. 1 should remove a large piece of foil after No. 2 appeared to have adequately wormed the tube, No. 1 must take the precaution of sponging the tube again before proceeding. There is no penalty for being "too safe", if that step is regarded as "too safe".
NUMBER TWO
LOADING
The Instructor places No. 2 on the left of the piece, insures he is equipped with ear plugs, a pair of long, heavy leather gloves, and a wool jacket, and repeats the nomenclature as for No. 1, indicating the following named objects, and explains their uses:
STRAPPED SHOT: cartridge, ball, sabot;
CANISTER SHOT: cartridge, canister;
SHELL or SPHERICAL SHOT: cartridge, case shot or shell, fuse;
BORE WORM: staff, worm.
He then commands:
TO YOUR POSTS
Until the command "LOAD" is given, No. 2 remains in his position, square to the front, in line with the front part of the wheels, holding the worm in his left hand and trailing it at an angle of 45° , worm end up. The Instructor commands:
BY DETAIL: LOAD
(3 pauses; 4 motions)
No. 2 faces to the right, steps obliquely to the left with his left foot without moving his right, and at the same time brings the worm smartly to a position perpendicular to the ground by drawing his left hand up in line with the elbow. The worm is grasped firmly in the left hand, the worm staff kept just over his left toe, and the elbow close to the side.
TWO
No. 2 steps obliquely to the right with his right foot, planting it halfway between the piece and the wheel, and opposite the muzzle; bringing the worm at the same time across his body to the right so that his left hand may be opposite the middle of the body, the worm staff being inclined at an angle of 45° across the front of it.
THREE
No. 2 takes a sidestep to the left of 30² and, bending his knee, brings the worm to a horizontal position, extending the hands to the butt end of the staff, the worm head to the right, the back of his left hand up, that of his right hand down.
Looking to see that the vent has been checked for obstructions by No. 3 who drops the vent prick into the vent, upon the removal of the vent prick No. 2 inserts the worm, drops his right hand behind his thigh, shoulders square, feet equally turned out; straightens the left knee and, bending over the right, forces the worm home. With both hands, he gives a minimum of two full turns to the staff in the direction of the worm’s gaining twist. (NOTE: It is important for No. 2 to keep the worm’s shaft centered in the tube, not allowing it to rattle against the sides of the tube. Keeping the worm centered in the tube when inserting or withdrawing it will prolong the life of the shaft and reduce the chances of the shaft splintering or breaking inside the tube.)
No. 2 draws out the worm; at the same time, seizes the staff near the worm head with his right hand, back of hand down. He then draws the worm close to the left side of his body.
FOUR
No. 2 performs an "ABOUT FACE" and leans the worm against the axle and the wheel, positioning his body toward the front of the wheel with his back to the tube. During that time, he is to listen for the sound of No. 1’s tapping the rammer head against the tube signaling that the tube is prepared to receive a charge; and he is to watch for No. 5 so that No. 2 can offer his open hands to receive the next charge. He then faces to the right and receives from No. 5 the ammunition. The cartridge is received in the right hand and the shot in the left for a live charge.
At No. 1’s tapping of the rammer head against the muzzle, tNo. 2 is to present his outstretched hands to receive the round. The charge is to be received in both hands from No. 5 by reaching over the wheel and accepting the charge with the twisted end of the charge facing the rear of the piece as it is received from No. 5. No. 2 then performs an "ABOUT FACE".
Now facing the tube, No. 2 takes the charge cradled in both hands and guides the charge along the underside of the tube until he reaches the muzzle. No. 2 then places the ammunition into the muzzle, taking care that the seam of the cartridge does not come under the vent, or in the case of a re-enacting charge, makes certain that the twisted end of the charge is at the front of the charge facing out of the tube as it is inserted into the muzzle of the cannon with a slight push by his thumb only. He then retrieves the worm with his left hand and stays inside the wheel and behind the muzzle, worm up, the shaft vertical, and at "ATTENTION". No. 2 waits within the wheel area for No. 1 to complete the operation of ramming home the charge inside the tube.
When he sees No. 1 withdrawing the rammer head upon seating the charge, No. 2 steps to his left to line up with No. 1, presumably just immediately forward of the tube, when No. 1 has withdrawn the rammer. No. 2 is to mirror No. 1, both holding their implements in a vertical position. At a signal (a nod) from No. 1, No. 2 takes a step to the rear with the left foot and an oblique step to the right with the right foot, drawing the left to the right so as to stand at "ATTENTION" in line with the portion of the wheel forward of the hub. He and No. 1 remain at a position of "ATTENTION" until the next command, which is:
READY
At this command, No. 2 breaks well off to his right with his right foot, bending the right knee and straightening the left leg; the body erect on the haunches, and fixes his eyes on the muzzle. At the same time, he brings the worm across his chest with his left hand, grasping it with the right hand, holding it horizontal to the ground with the worm head to his right.
Upon the piece having been fired, No. 2 immediately rises on his left leg, bringing the worm staff to a vertical position in the left hand, the staff resting on the left foot as he resumes the position of "ATTENTION" as in "TO YOUR POSTS" ; and remains facing the piece and No. 1 until he hears the command "LOAD" or "CEASE FIRING". At either command, he inserts the worm to remove fouling from the bore.
COMMENTS ON THE DUTIES OF NO. 2
No. 2 should be aware that he is to mirror the No. 1 position at a number of points in the drill. When they stand at "POST" position, as they step in and out obliquely in their servicing the tube, and as they stand in the "READY" position, they are to be mirror images of each other. That requires that the worm be in the left hand of No. 2, not in the right hand (which is a common error among cannoneers).
Most charges will be black powder which has been sealed in a plastic bag to protect it from moisture in the air, and then wrapped in aluminum foil. When the charge is fired, there will commonly be a large piece of aluminum foil remaining in the breech of the tube. It is important to use the worm effectively, and never to rely upon the wetness or dampness of the sponge to grab hold of the foil. The purpose of sponging after worming the tube has been effected is to extinguish any remaining sparks. If the sponge is damp but does not effectively flood the breech (which it is not intended to do), there may be sparks remaining. (NOTE: Most cannons will be far safer if the breech is a little too wet than a little too dry, but the cannon should not, for normal firing purposes, be awash with water in the tube.)
If a spark remains, the act of ramming the charge may rupture the foil and the plastic in which the black powder is contained. The spark may require several seconds to ignite the black powder, which would make the detonation of the charge approximately coincident with No. 1’s removal of the rammer from the tube.
In every instance of premature discharge of the piece that we have investigated or for which we have been given the details, all have apparently occurred as No. 1 was ramming the charge or had just completed ramming the charge; and all owned one other distinctive. That second distinctive is that the powder was wrapped in a muslin or cloth bag which was then wrapped in aluminum foil, or that the powder was wrapped only in aluminum foil. Some government agencies and some re-enacting organizations recommend against or prohibit the powder from being first sealed in a plastic, sealable bag, commonly voicing the concern that the plastic from one firing may clog the vent and result in a misfire of the next charge. Our extensive experience in literally thousands of rounds fired tells us that this is an unwarranted fear, and clearly the lesser of two or more evils when weighed against the potential for personal injury or death.
It is far better to re-worm several times in order to catch hold of any remaining foil than it is to depend upon the sponging to both remove the foil and wet any remaining sparks. It would be difficult to overstate the importance of No. 2 in making the piece safe for No. 1, as well as the rest of the cannoneers of the piece.
NUMBER THREE
SERVING THE VENT
The instructor places No. 3 on the right side of the piece, indicates the following objects, and explains their uses:
TUBE POUCH;
THUMB STALL;
VENT PRICK;
VENT BRUSH;
GUNNER’S GIMLET;
FRICTION PRIMER;
LANYARD / LANYARD HOOK;
VENT / VENT FIELD; and
BREECH: cascable, knob, and neck of cascable.
He then commands:
TO YOUR POSTS
At this command, No. 3 stands in line with the knob of the cascable, standing in line with No. 1, the vent prick in his right hand, the thumb stall on the left thumb, the tube pouch fastened to the waist.
LOAD
No. 3 steps obliquely two paces to his left so as to locate himself within the wheel with the tube to his left. Executing a smart "Left Face" so he is facing No. 4, No. 3 inserts and removes the vent prick from the vent (prior to the worm or sponge being inserted) to be sure that there is no obstruction in the vent; wipes the vent field with the thumb stall (which he then holds pressed upon the vent, keeping his elbow raised), his fingers on the left side of the piece so as to allow the Gunner to point over his thumb; executes a "RIGHT FACE"; and keeps the right hand on the tube pouch. No. 3 maintains the position with his thumb over the vent and his other fingers on the left side of the piece while the piece is charged and the rammer is removed from the bore by No. 1.
[In the context of a living history, No. 3 may then jump to the end of the trail handspike and, seizing it with both hands, prepare to move it to the right or left on a signal from the Gunner. The Gunner will signal by tapping the right of the trail for a movement to the left, and the left of the trail for a movement to the right. As soon as the piece is pointed, the Gunner raises both hands as a signal to No. 3, who then resumes the position with his thumb over the vent. However, this is rarely performed at re-enactments and should be considered as optional.]
READY
At this command, No. 3 executes a "LEFT FACE" so that he and No. 4 are then facing each other across the tube. Dropping the vent prick into the vent, he pricks the cartridge with one or two glancing strokes of the back of his left hand to the top of the vent prick ring, being careful to strike the vent prick only glancingly on the top of the vent prick ring as it is set into the vent and is pressed into the cartridge. At no time is No. 3’s hand to pass over or remain over the vent in the event that the powder accidentally discharges. If there is no resistance or almost no resistance to the vent prick’s penetrating the charge, it is possible that the charge has, for some reason, not been adequately seated by No. 1. Quite often, this may be attributed to the firing of a piece which has been fired countless times before, or where an overly long vent prick has been used until a small barrier (in the form of pitting) has been worn into the tube. Should there be repeated misfires, it may be necessary for No. 1 to double -ram the charge, although this is not desirable.
After No. 4 has inserted the primer, No. 3 places the edge of his left hand on the lanyard cord on the left side of the vent, with a minimum of 3² between the vent and his hand, and keeps eye contact with No. 4 as No. 4 steps outside the wheel. Once No. 4 gives him a signal, nodding his head to No. 3 in affirmation that No. 4 is ready to proceed, No. 3 then steps obliquely two paces to his right, clear of the wheel, and stands at a 45° angle with his back toward No. 4 and his right leg further back than his left. Keeping his eyes on the muzzle of the cannon so that he will know when the piece has been discharged, he remains in that position until the cannon has been discharged. Once the cannon has been discharged, he is to return to the position "TO YOUR POSTS."
At the command "LOAD", he serves the vent as before.
No. 3 should be careful to keep the vent closed from the time the sponge enters the muzzle until the rammer is removed by No. 1. To assure an adequate sealing of the vent, it may be necessary to keep the thumb stall moist. This may be done by licking the thumbstall, pouring water on it periodically from a canteen, or dipping it into the sponge bucket. It is not recommended that the thumbstall be wetted from the sponge bucket, however, as it may tend to disrupt the drill and interfere with No. 1’s ability to service the piece in concert with No. 2.
COMMENTS ON THE DUTIES OF NUMBER THREE
No. 3 is in the best position to hear the sound of air escaping when the sponge is being driven into the breech, and so should make it his particular duty to cry out "STOP VENT!" in the event that air does escape from the vent while No. 1 sponges.
NUMBER FOUR
FIRING
The Instructor places No. 4 on the left of the piece, equips him with a tube pouch, and repeats the nomenclature as for No. 3. He then commands:
TO YOUR POSTS
At this command, No. 4 takes the lanyard in his right hand, the lanyard hook in his left hand, and stands in line with the knob of the cascable, covering No. 2.
LOAD
No. 4 inserts the lanyard hook into the ring of a primer as he steps obliquely two paces to his right so as to locate himself within the wheel with the tube to his right, facing front.
READY
At this command, No. 4 executes a "RIGHT FACE" and drops the primer tube in the vent with his left hand. Taking the lanyard in his right hand, he lays the cord of the lanyard back across the tube breech where it will be held in place by No. 3. Once the cord has been held in place by No. 3, No. 4 then steps obliquely out of the wheel and moves to the rear at a 45° angle so far as to keep the lanyard slack but capable of being stretched without altering his position (which should be clear of the wheel, left foot broken to the left and rear, his back to the trail).
No. 4 should be at an angle of approximately 45° to the length of the tube. While moving outside the wheel, he shall keep eye contact with No. 3, giving him a signal by nodding his head when he is in position so No. 3 can step outside the wheel. After insuring that No. 3 is outside the wheel and that Nos. 1 and 2 are in their proper positions with no visible obstructions or people in front of the cannon or in its muzzle blast zone, No. 4 turns his head to the left so as to look back at the Gunner over his shoulder; and raising his left hand, No. 4 nods to the Gunner as a signal that all Numbers are positioned safely and that the piece is ready to be discharged in a safe manner.
FIRE
No. 4 pulls the lanyard briskly and firmly, passing the hand (back up) in a downward direction behind his body so as to keep the lanyard hook from flying back in the direction of his face. This may require 30 pounds or more of force to activate the friction primer. After the piece discharges, he returns to "ATTENTION" as in the position of "TO YOUR POSTS". At the command:
CEASE FIRING
No. 4 secures his lanyard and returns to the position of "TO YOUR POSTS".
No. 3, as well as No. 4, should be equipped with a tube pouch, furnished with friction primers and lanyards. In the absence of No. 4, immediately after pricking the cartridge, No. 3 prepares and inserts a tube, then steps to his post; faces away from the vent, breaks to the rear with the right foot; and at the command "FIRE", discharges the piece with the left hand in the same manner in which No. 4 uses his right. He then resumes his post and tends the vent as before.
NUMBERS FIVE, SIX, AND SEVEN
SERVING AMMUNITION
The Instructor stations No. 5 covering the left wheel 5 yards in the rear of it, and
No. 7 in the rear of and near the left limber wheel; No. 6 is stationed in the rear of the
limber chest, and issues the ammunition. He is provided with a fuse-gouge, and prepares
the shell and spherical case shot according to the distance or time ordered, before
delivering it to No. 5. No such preparation is required for the standard re-enacting
charge. The Instructor commands:
TO YOUR POSTS
No. 5 stands at "ATTENTION", covering the left wheel and five yards to the rear of it.
No. 6 stands at "ATTENTION" in the rear of and lined up on the middle of the limber chest.
No. 7 stands at "ATTENTION" in the rear of and near the left limber wheel.
LOAD
No. 5 walks to the ammunition chest, receives from No. 7 or No. 6 a single round, (the shot in his right hand, the cartridge in his left; or in the case or re-enacting, a single charge), and places them in his haversack so that the twisted end of the charge is facing to the rear of the piece. He immediately walks to the Gunner, and after opening the haversack for the Gunner’s visual examination of the charge, he then takes it to the piece and delivers it to No. 2.
Removing it from the haversack with both hands, No. 5 places the charge into the cradled hands of No. 2, making sure that the twist end of the charge is pointed to the rear of the piece as he hands it to No. 2, and then returns immediately to his post until the piece is fired. In firing shells or spherical case, he exhibits the fuse to the Gunner before delivering the charge to No. 2.
Ammunition pouches or Gunner’s haversacks are used by Nos. 5 and 7, hung from the left shoulder to the right side; the round is placed in the pouch by No. 6 or No. 7 so that the cartridge will be to the front; in the case of blank charges, so that the twisted end of the charge will face to the rear. When it is brought up, No. 5 holds open the pouch and takes out the round with both hands, and delivers it to No. 2. In rapid firing with round shot and canister, Nos. 5 and 7 may alternate in delivering the charges to No. 2, especially when the ammunition is used direct from the caisson. At the command "CEASE FIRING", if there is a charge remaining in the haversack, No. 5 carries the round back to No. 6.
No. 6 will be careful not to raise the lid unnecessarily, making certain with each opening and closing that there are no open flames in the immediate vicinity, including lit tobacco products. It should be kept closed when possible. In firing shells and case shot, he prepares each fuse as directed, assisted when necessary by No. 7. He gives No. 5 the time or distance of the fuse with each round issued, who reports it to the Gunner before delivering it to No. 2. At the command "CEASE FIRING", he carefully replaces the ammunition in the chest and secures the lid.
COMMENTS ON THE DUTIES OF NOs. 5, 6, & 7
It is vital that these positions, because of their proximity to the ammunition chest, should always be alert to the possibility of open flames or sparks or cinders in their vicinity, including lighted tobacco products. They should therefore be alert to movement around and behind the ammunition chest, for a spark from a discharging enemy weapon behind them or a spark from a cigar of a superior officer has the same effect upon the black powder charges. It is imperative that they be aware of the people around the ammunition chest.
Affixed inside the limber chest for each cannon was a Table of Fire, which was glued to the inside of the lid of the limber chest. The Table of Fire included columns which showed the elevation in degrees, the projectile, the range in yards, and the time of flight in seconds.
As soon as the Gunner determined the range of the target, the men at the limber chest would give him the elevation, used in aiming the piece, and then use the time of flight given by the table to set the fuses accordingly. A certain amount of mathematical skill was required to extrapolate that from the ranges given in the table.
The limber chest was the same size for all field pieces with some few exceptions (such as the mountain howitzer. The amount of ammunition it could hold varied with caliber and rifling. As a rule of thumb, a limber chest could hold 50 rounds of ammunition for a six-pounder; with its four chests (two on the caisson and one on each limber), each six-pounder gun carried 200 rounds. That same chest could only hold 32 rounds for a 12-pounder. Regulation required that each chest include some of each type of ammunition used by the piece, although field practice might vary from that established norm.
The lower portion of the chart included a sheet that instructed the men on how to properly care for the ammunition chest. would be the following instructions:
1st. Keep everything out that does not belong in them, except a bunch of cord or wire for breakage; beware of loose tacks, nails, bolts, or scraps.
2nd. Keep friction primers in their papers, tied up. The pouch containing those for instant service must be closed, and so placed as to be secure. Take every precaution that primers to not get loose; a single may cause an explosion. Use plenty of tow in packing.
CHANGING POSTS
In order to instruct the men in all duties on the piece, the Instructor causes them to change posts. For this purpose he commands:
CHANGE POSTS
At the command "CHANGE POSTS", the men on the right of the piece face to the rear; those who have equipments lay them down, No. 1 resting the sponge head on the nave of the wheel and No. 2 resting the worm head on the nave of the left wheel.
MARCH
Each man is to take the place and equipments of the man in his front as follows:
No. 1 takes the place of No. 3.
No. 3 takes the place of No. 8.
No. 8 takes the place of No. 6.
No. 6 takes the place of No. 7.
No. 7 takes the place of No. 5.
No. 5 takes the place of No. 4.
No. 4 takes the place of No. 2.
No. 2 takes the place of No. 1.
The Gunner changes with one of the numbers by special direction of the Instructor. A sufficient number of the most intelligent Cannoneers must be kept instructed to serve as Gunners.
Recognizing that, under conditions of warfare, the numbers of cannoneers may be diminished from their normative levels; and sometimes those reductions in manpower are dramatic. A simple chart illustrates the roles assumed by those diminished numbers, depending upon how diminished their numbers are.
Position Number Remaining Position Numbers To Be Filled Gunner 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 Gunner, No. 1 G, 3, 4 1, 2, 5 Gunner, Nos. 1, 2 G, 3, 4 1 2, 5 Gunner, Nos. 1, 2, 3 G 1 2, 5 3, 4 Gunner, Nos. 1, 2, 3, 4 G 1 2 3, 4 5 Gunner, Nos. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 G 1 2 3, 4 6 5 Gunner, Nos. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 G 1 2 3 4 5 6 Gunner, Nos. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 G 1 2 3 4 5 6 7
The Gunner, who is responsible for the equipments, either distributes them from the limber-chest, or they may be hung on the neck of the cascable and distributed by him to the proper Numbers at the command "TAKE EQUIPMENTS" from the Instructor. He receives them again at the command "REPLACE EQUIPMENTS", making such disposition of them as may be directed.
COMMENCE FIRING
When everything is prepared for firing, the Captain or commanding officer will command "COMMENCE FIRING". This command, given by itself or after "LOAD", is repeated by Chiefs of Sections, and the firing is immediately commenced.
FIRE BY BATTERY;
BATTERY: FIRE
To fire by battery, which may be as many as six guns, the Captain commands "FIRE BY BATTERY"; "FIRE". The first command is repeated by the Chiefs of Sections; the second is not repeated.
FIRE BY HALF BATTERY;
RIGHT (or LEFT) HALF BATTERY: FIRE
The Gunner will inform the cannon crews as to which Half Battery they comprise, either right or left. To fire by half battery, meaning either two or three guns, the commands of the Captain are: "FIRE BY HALF BATTERY"; "BATTERY"; "FIRE".
FIRE BY SECTION;
RIGHT (or CENTER or LEFT) SECTION: FIRE
The Gunner will inform the cannon as to their Section designation (Right, Left, or Center). To fire by section, the command is "FIRE BY SECTION"; "FIRE".
FIRE BY PIECE;
RIGHT SECTION: RIGHT (or LEFT) PIECE: FIRE
To fire by piece, a section will be designated as either the Right or Left Section. That section or piece will then be directed to fire by its Section designation, assigned to it by the Gunner.
The Chiefs of Half Batteries or Sections repeat the first command, and immediately designate their respective commands as right or left half battery - right or left section. They do not repeat the second commands.
CEASE FIRING
The firing is discontinued by this command or signal.
This command is repeated by the Chiefs of Sections and of Pieces, and the loaded pieces discharged or the load drawn. Care must be taken to assure the front is clear before discharging the piece in this circumstance. No. 1 shall place the rammer on the hub of the right wheel and hold it vertically as a signal that the gun is loaded until such time as the piece may be fired.
COMMENTS ON FIRINGS
The Gunner will commonly alert the crew as to whose command they will follow when the order "FIRE" is given.
Despite the procedures and drill a crew follows, an equipment failure or a human error can cause the piece to misfire. When this occurs, the piece will have to be re-primed. The following are instructions on how to safely re-prime the piece. The Gunner commands:
Do NOT Advance!
The Primer Has Failed!
The cannoneers remain in the positions they normally assume upon the discharge of the piece and stand at attention, with the exception of No. 1. At the moment that the Gunner commands "DO NOT ADVANCE! THE PRIMER HAS FAILED!", No. 1 steps up to the center of the outside of the wheel and places the rammer head on the right wheel hub, sponge head straight up, thus indicating to all on the field "HOT TUBE".
The Gunner informs his Chief of the Piece or Section Chief of the misfire, then removes his time-piece and insures that a minimum of 3 minutes has elapsed. When that time has elapsed, the Gunner commands:
Re-Prick And Prime!
At the command "Re-prick and Prime!", No. 1 remains in the "HOT TUBE" position.
No. 2 takes three paces backward and lays the worm on the ground behind him so as to not trip over it. With hands raised to chest level (and not above his shoulders, as in the "I Surrender" posture), he then steps inside the wheel, refusing his body to the muzzle by brushing his abdomen close to the wheel, but not touching it. Upon reaching the axle, he executes a "Left Face" without being prompted by the Gunner or any other officer.
When No. 2 reaches the axle while inside the wheel, No. 3 steps forward to the right wheel with the priming wire in his right hand, standing to the rear of the hub. He remains outside the wheel during the entire process.
When No. 2 extends his hand toward No. 3, then No. 3 is to hand No. 2 his priming wire over the top of the wheel.
No. 2 then removes the faulty primer with the shaft of the priming wire with a prying motion, or asks for the Gunner’s pliers if the faulty primer cannot be removed with the shaft of the priming wire. After removing the faulty primer, No. 2 takes the priming wire and drops it into the vent to re-puncture the charge. (Note: The fingers are NEVER inserted into the ring or hoop of the priming wire.)
(In the event that the priming wire drops down to the ring, then the charge has not been properly seated. No. 2 should remove the priming wire and allow it to drop into the tube again. Should it drop to the ring the second time, then the Gunner should make a decision as to how to proceed at that point. In most cases, the Gunner will order No. 3 to step up and cover the vent as No. 2 re-seats the charge. No. 2 will then re-prick and prime the charge, and No. 3 will insert the primer fuse as No. 2 holds the lanyard cord in place for him as No. 3 steps out. No. 3 will nod to No. 2 to lift his hand from the lanyard cord, and No. 2 will then step out. Once he is in place, the drill will continue as per normal.)
If the priming wire does not drop down to the ring, No. 2 re-punctures the charge with two GLANCING blows to the top of the priming wire with the back of his left hand. He then removes the wire by grasping the straight portion of the wire between his fingers and quickly removes the vent prick. He returns the priming wire to No. 3. Once No. 3 receives the priming wire from No. 2, he returns to his "To Your Posts" position.
As No. 2 is re-pricking the charge, No. 4 should be fitting a new primer to the hook of the lanyard. As No. 2 hands the priming wire back to No. 3, No. 4 marches forward to a point immediately behind the hub of the left wheel, executes "Right Face", and waits for No. 2.
No. 2 then extends his hand to the wheel to receive a new friction primer from No. 4, and No. 4 hands the hooked primer to No. 2 over the top of the wheel. No. 2 inserts the primer into the vent with his left hand and holds the lanyard with the side of his left hand against the barrel about three inches away from the vent.
No. 4 then removes most of the slack in the lanyard by moving to his "Ready" position to fire the piece, keeping eye contact with No. 2 as he steps off the oblique steps to return to his position.. Once No. 4 has removed the slack from the lanyard and is in position, he indicates to No. 2 with a nod of his head that No. 2 may then release the lanyard and step out of the wheel area.
No. 2, after receiving the nod from No. 4, moves back outside the piece in the same manner he came inside the wheel; retrieves his worm; and returns to his "Ready" position.
On seeing No. 2 pick up the worm, No. 1 is to remove the rammer from the hub and step back from the wheel, placing the rammer again on his toe. Once No. 2 is at arm’s length from the wheel and has his worm in a vertical position, No.’s 1 and 2 are to immediately assume the "Ready" position.
Seeing that all cannoneers are safely in position, No. 4 then is to signal the Gunner that they are ready to proceed by raising his left hand and looking over his shoulder as executed when performing the "Ready" command.
The Gunner insures that all cannoneers are in their "Ready" positions BEFORE giving the command "Fire". He then commands "Fire!".
If the piece does not fire on the second or third attempts, the above procedure shall be followed a fourth time. However, the fifth attempt must be to flood the tube with water, a process which includes pouring water into the vent first, and then pouring a bucket of water down the tube itself.. The charge may be withdrawn by the worm after the cartridge has been sufficiently soaked. If the round has been pricked or ruptured in any way, any exposed powder will be dampened by the water; and if the charge has not been violated, then the powder should remain dry and reusable.
At any time that the primer has failed, No. 1 shall place his rammer on the hub of the right wheel and hold it in a vertical position as a signal that the gun is loaded. The probability of supporting or opposing troops moving into the muzzle-blast area while the cannon is loaded is not the determining factor as to whether the rammer should be placed on the hub - it goes up there, no matter what, when there is a failed primer condition or if the cannon is loaded but no primer fuse has been inserted as of then for that round.
These instructions should be followed to the letter. Failure to practice this procedure following a misfire could cause injury due to a hang-fire.
It should be noted that some artillery companies and some artillery organizations advocate crossing implements to signal either a misfire, or a loaded tube which has not had a misfire; and some advocate it when the cannon has been under a "Hot Tube!" condition for a protracted period of time (ranging from twenty to thirty minutes or more) so that one cannoneer need to hold the rammer in the vertical position for what would be an excessive amount of time. We have elected not to follow this practice because it requires that two men place themselves - even if only for a matter of seconds - forward of the face of the tube while entering the area between the wheels and the tube, and then, after crossing the implements and leaving the area between the wheel and the tube, No.s 1 and 2 are once again placed forward of the face of the tube for a matter of seconds. We prefer not to have them there.
The misfire drill as written here (with some textual alterations) was developed and written by Roger Hanson. To Mr. Hanson we offer the sincere thanks of the artillery re-enacting community at large and 5th Company - Washington Artillery of New Orleans in particular.
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