The Gunner's Examiner

Chapter I

Reading edition

EXTRACTS FROM GENERAL ORDERS NO. 105, WAR DEPARTMENT, WASHINGTON, MAY 11, 1907.

144. A candidate to be eligible for qualification as first-class gunner must have previously qualified as second-class gunner, though both qualifications may be made at the same examination.

145. Boards of examination shall be convened annually in each artillery district by the district commander, to meet within one month after the expiration of the indoor instruction period. Separate boards may be convened for the examination of candidates for first and second-class gunners and also for the posts attached to the artillery district. All boards shall consist of three artillery officers, selected with reference to their special qualifications for this duty; provided, that when a member of the board is a company commander he will, during the examination of candidates from his company, be replaced by an officer of another company. Where travel is necessary the selection of an officer for this duty will be made subject to the approval of the authority competent to order the necessary journeys.

146. Each company commander will, previous to the commencement of the examination, submit to the adjutant a duly signed list, in the triplicate, giving the full names, arranged in muster-roll order, of all the men in his company who are to be examined for first or second-class gunners, with the statement that he believes that each man so presented is capable of qualifying in the class designated. These lists will be transmitted to the senior member of the board by the post commander.

147. In determining the qualifications of candidates credit shall be given for practical knowledge of subjects rather than for text-book answers to questions.

Schedules for Examinations for Candidates for Gunners.

148. For candidates in companies assigned to gun defence:

For second-class gunners—

(a) Service of the piece25

(b) Guns and carriages25

(d) Cordage, gins, shears, jacks15

(e) U. S. magazine rifle10

——

100

For first-class gunners—

(a) The azimuth instrument20

(b) Duties in the plotting-room50

(d) Elementary gunnery5

(e) Warships10

——

100

149. The examination of candidates for first-class gunners of organizations assigned exclusively to rapid-fire guns not provided with separate position-finding system shall include the following head in lieu of that given above under (b):

(b) Subcaliber firing 50

150. The examination of candidates for first-class gunners shall be held as far as practicable at such places as the material or equipment pertaining to the subject in hand is located, i.e., at the guns or in the plotting-rooms.

151. The examination in subjects (a), (b), (c) for second-class gunners and in subjects (a), (b), (c) and (d) for first-class gunners shall be confined to the material of the battery and its accessories to which the company is assigned. If no azimuth instrument is included in the battery equipment, the instrument used in the company instruction shall be used in the examination. If for any cause beyond the power of the battery commander any part of this equipment has been removed from his control and has not been available for instruction for at least two months previous to the examination, such material shall form no part of the examination.

152. For candidates in companies and detachments assigned to mine defence:

For second-class gunners—

(a) Ammunition, nomenclature, and service of guns assigned

to the company of which the candidate is a member15

(b) Material of and duties in the loading room (except

electrical principles involved)35

(d) Cordage10

(e) U. S. magazine rifle10

——

100

For first-class gunners—

(a) Care and preservation of mine material20

(b) Handling high explosives20

and plotting-board20

(d) Batteries, generators, and searchlights assigned to

the company of which candidate is a member20

(e) Apparatus and operation of switchboard and care

and use of telephone20

——

100

153. The qualifying mark for classification as first or second-class gunner shall be in each case not less than an average of 75 per centum. Whenever, during the progress of the examination of a candidate for either grade, the sum of the marks received on subjects in which he has already been examined, increased by the maximum allowed for the remaining subjects, is less than 75, his examination will be discontinued.

154. Instruction in the course for first or second-class gunner will be given to such men as the company commander may consider capable of mastering the prescribed schedules.

155. Men not receiving instruction in the gunners' classes will perform such duties at their batteries or elsewhere during the hours for instruction as their company commander, with the approval of the post commander, may direct.

156. The board shall keep a record of its marks during the examination, but these marks shall not be published in orders. The record of each company shall be sent to the artillery district commander as soon as possible after the completion of the examination, to be published immediately. The report of the board to be published in orders shall contain the names of those who have qualified as first and second-class gunners and recite the date of the report, which will be the date of the completion of the company examination in each case, the names being arranged for each organization in each class in muster-roll order.

Syllabus of Examination for Candidates for Gunners in Companies assigned to Gun Defence.

The following syllabus gives the outline of the scope of the examination of candidates for gunners in companies assigned to gun defense. While the indoor instruction in any subject need not be limited to what is indicated in this syllabus, the examination of candidates for gunners shall be confined thereto.

SECOND-CLASS GUNNERS.

(a) Service of the Piece.

Questions on the service of the piece and nomenclature of the piece to which organization is assigned. If the company is assigned to pieces of different calibers, the candidate will be examined upon the piece of the caliber selected by the company commander. Examining boards are cautioned not to attach too much importance to nomenclature, where a candidate shows a knowledge of the practical use of the part under examination.

(b) Guns and Carriages.

Explain briefly how a breech-block of a heavy gun or mortar is dismantled; having a breech-block completely dismantled (not dismounted), how it is assembled and adjusted for firing; how old packing is removed from recoil-cylinders, and how they are repacked; how recoil-cylinders are filled. Object, care, and use of throttling-valve for guns and by-pass valve for mortars. Parts and surfaces of guns and carriages to be oiled; how much oil to use, and how it is used. Adjustment of grease-cups. In the case of rapid-fire guns explain how to adjust firing mechanism, percussion, and electric (if so equipped).

Examination: Name the kind of powder used in the pieces of battery to which organization is assigned; give the weights of service charges and corresponding muzzle velocities of these pieces; also the lowest and highest muzzle velocities of the steel and cast-iron mortars, if assigned to mortar battery. Name the projectiles used in the pieces and give their weights. Tell how to distinguish from the painting of projectiles used, its kind, armor-piercing quality, and nature of bursting charge. Point out the cap, the ogive, the bourrelet, the body, the base, the rotating band, the fuse hole of a projectile.

Name each kind of fuse used in the battery (ring resistance, centrifugal, combination, detonating, see Ordnance Department pamphlet No. 1727); tell how it is inserted to make a tight joint. Name the different kinds of primers used in the battery. Friction, electric, combination (electric-friction), percussion, igniting. Reload a drill primer. (Ordnance Department pamphlet No. 1881.)

(d) Cordage.

How is the size of a rope denoted? How do you serve a rope? Make a square knot; a bowline; rolling hitch; blackwall hitch; round turn and two half hitches; clove hitch. What is a strap or sling, and what is its use? Make a shear lashing. Mouse a hook and explain for what purpose used.

Point out the shell, sheave, pin, strap of a block, and describe the different kinds (single, double, treble, snatch, and tail blocks). Point out the running part; the standing part; the fall of a tackle.

Rig the following: Whip, gun tackle, luff, single burton.

Gins.—Name the different parts of a garrison-gin. Explain briefly how it is assembled and raised (the drill is not required). How can the upper block be placed in position after the gin has been raised?

Sheares.—What do sheares consist of, how are they rigged and raised, and what are they used for? How and when is the tackle made fast? How are sheares held in position after being raised?

Hydraulic Jacks.—For what is a hydraulic jack used? What liquids are used in the jack? How is it filled and emptied? How is the jack cared for when not in use? Show how to use the jack when lifting a heavy weight; in lowering a heavy weight; use of the claw in connection with the jack.

(e) U. S. Magazine Rifle.—Nomenclature of the piece, kind and weight of powder used, description and weight of projectile, muzzle velocity. Setting of sight for range and deflection.

FIRST-CLASS GUNNERS.

(a) Azimuth Instrument (pattern in use by the company for instruction), definition of angles, horizontal angles, vertical angle, angle measured by the instrument, leveling and orientation; focussing the telescope. Graduation of the instrument: Set up the instrument over a given point and orient it from sufficient data; direct the telescope successively on a series of points and read their azimuths with accuracy.

(b) The Plotting-room (for guns).

1. Plotting-board.—Point out the following: Primary and secondary stations, directing gun, displacement, gun-arm, travel-scale, azimuth-correction scale, tally dials, range-correction scale.

Lay off a distance of so many yards on the board; conversely, tell the distance in yards between two given points on the board.

The azimuths of a fixed target from the primary and secondary station being given, locate the corresponding point on the board, and give its azimuths and range, from the directing gun or directing point.

The azimuths of a fixed target from the primary and secondary stations being given, locate the corresponding point on the board and determine its range and azimuth from the directing gun or point.

2. Range Board.—Show how to make the range corrections for atmosphere, wind, tide, muzzle velocity, travel, and how this range correction is applied to the range-correction scale.

3. Deflection Board.—Show how to make deflection correction for wind, drift, and travel. Show how to make azimuth correction in Case 3 for wind, drift, travel, and how this correction is applied to azimuth correction scale.

What data are sent to the guns in Case 1, Case 2, and Case 3?

The plotting-room (for mortars).

1. Plotting-board.—Point out the following: Primary and secondary stations, directing point, gun-arm, gun-arm azimuth circle, displacement, powder zones, elevation, times of flight.

Lay off a distance of so many yards on the board; conversely tell the distance between two given points on the board.

The range and azimuth of a fixed point (from primary station) being given, locate the corresponding point on the board. Tell the zone, elevation for firing at this point, and its azimuth from the directing point. The azimuth of a fixed target from the primary and secondary stations being given, locate the corresponding point on the board and determine its range and azimuth from the directing point.

2. Show how a target is tracked, how to get travel, how the time of flight is used, how to get predicted point, how to get set-forward point. What is the predicted point used for? What is the set-forward point used for? What data are sent to the pit and what to the B. C. station? Show how range corrections are made.

3. Drift Device (for deflection board if issued).—Show how to make arbitrary and drift corrections.

1. For Rapid-fire Guns.—Set and read the sight for given elevations and deflections; aim the gun at some object; show how elevating and traversing hand-wheels are used; explain the use of the deflection scale for firing right and firing left. What is Case 1?

2. For Mortars.—Use of the gunner's quadrant, setting and reading the instrument, when and how placed when used with mortars. With the data received from the plotting room lay the piece. What is Case 3?

3. For Heavy Guns.—(Heavy guns refer to 8-inch, 10-inch, and 12-inch rifles and other guns which are provided with a system of vertical and horizontal position finders.) Name the principal parts of the telescopic sight (one used for instruction purposes); show how it is used. Its readings for elevation and deflection, east count of its scales. Place it on the Hagood tripod mount, level it; set it for given elevation and deflection.

4. Use of Difference Chart.—An example like the following will be given: Range 4500 yards, azimuth 210. Put down the corrected range and azimuth.

Examination in the foregoing subject (c) to be confined to the authorized systems in use by the company during the year and to the complete equipment of the battery to which the company is assigned.

(d) Elementary Gunnery.—Axis of the bore; line of departure; line of sight; drift; muzzle velocity; quadrant elevation; sight elevation; angle of fall; jump; trajectory; time of flight.

(e) General Features of Warships.—General features of battleships (broad beam compared to length, low freeboard, general massive appearance, large turrets fore and aft, heavy guns, heavy armor, generally moderate speed).

Armored cruisers: (High freeboard, narrow beam compared to length, medium armor, medium turrets, medium guns, high speed).

Protected cruisers: (Fine lines, moderate size, no armor, medium guns usually with shields, protective deck).

Torpedo-boat destroyers: (High bow, generally great speed, light guns, no armor).

Torpedo boats: (Small size, high speed, no armor).

The following head will take the place of subject (b) in the examination of candidates for first-class gunners of organizations assigned exclusively to rapid-fire guns:

(b) Subcaliber Firing.—The 15-pounder gun and subcaliber attachment will be used. The target will be Target X, miniature target, page 25, Small-arms Firing Regulations, 1906, pasted on a screen of sufficient size to catch all the shots, preferably the screen used for small-arms Target A; range about 95 feet, where six minutes on the scale is equal to 2 inches at the target; method of scoring as prescribed for small-arms practice.

During the test one member of the board will be at the target and will personally superintend the marking.

The preliminary shots will be fired under direction of the examining board until three hits have been obtained with the same elevation and deflection. The center of impact of these three shots will be referred to the horizontal and vertical axes through the bulls'-eye of the target and its coordinates carefully measured. This center of impact will not be on the miniature target and may be changed by the board as often as they deem necessary during the examination. These measurements, with the elevation and deflection used, will be given to the candidate, who will be required to make corrections corresponding to the distance of the center of impact from the bull's-eye. Each candidate will fire five shots, the piece being thrown off the target between shots. Each shot will be marked as fired, the candidate making such changes in elevation and deflection as he may deem necessary before firing the next shot. The ratio of the candidates' score to the maximum score possible will determine the credit, the maximum credit being 20.

After this test the candidate will fire at the fixed subcaliber target anchored at about 500 yards, without knowing the exact distance, five rounds under service conditions in one minute and thirty seconds. Three sighting shots will be allowed each candidate preceding the latter test. Each hit on the material target counts 6.

Syllabus of Examination for Candidates for Gunners in Companies and Detachments assigned to Mine Defense.

The following syllabus gives the outline of the scope of the examination of candidates for gunner in companies and detachments assigned to mine defense. It is not intended that the theoretical instruction in any subject shall be limited to what is indicated in this syllabus, but the examination for candidates for gunners will be closely confined thereto.

SECOND-CLASS GUNNERS.

(a) Ammunition, Nomenclature, and Service of Guns assigned to the Company of which the Candidate is a Member.

Duties of the cannoneer and nomenclature of the piece to which assigned. (Note: If not assigned to a piece, or if the company is assigned to different pieces of different calibers, the candidate will be examined upon the piece of the caliber selected by the company commander.)

Describe the ammunition and name all the projectiles used for the piece upon which examined.

(b) Material of and Duties in the Loading Room (except electrical principles involved).

What apparatus is used in making a Turk's head? A telegraph joint? A joint to be used under water? Name all the parts of an assembled mine. Name all the parts of a compound plug and explain how to load one. What is a cut-out plug? Explain how to prepare a cut-out plug and box. What apparatus is used in preparing a compound plug? How are mines numbered? How are mooring pipes prepared, and what are the rules for lengths of mine cables and of mooring ropes?

What apparatus is taken out in the grand-junction box-boat? How and in what way are the cores of cable numbered? How is a mine, together with its attachments, arranged on a boat for planting? Name the apparatus on the boat used in planting and raising mines. What are the duties in the triple-junction box-boat in planting and in raising mines, and what precaution is taken so that cables may be distinguished when box is raised? Explain how soundings for a triple group are made.

(d) Cordage.

Name the important knots used in mine work and explain how to make four of them. The mooring rope of a heavy weight cannot pass over the winch, but lifting must be done with the fall; explain the method of proceeding.

(e) U. S. Magazine Rifle.—Nomenclature of the piece, kind and weight of powder used, description and weight of projectile, muzzle velocity. Setting of sight for range and deflection.

FIRST-CLASS GUNNERS.

(a) Care and Preservation of Mine Material.

Name the supplies necessary for cleaning mine material. Name those used in preserving it, stating for what each is used, and how certain ones (to be selected by the examiner) are applied.

(b) Handling High Explosives.

What high explosives are used in mines? What are the important precautions to be taken in loading mines? How is frozen dynamite thawed? Where is the main supply of explosive kept, and how much is taken out at one time to the explosive house near the loading-room?

Names of important parts. Set up the instrument with given data. Read angles from instrument. Act as observer. Act as reader.

Describe a plotting board. Explain the method of computing the time from any plotted point to a mine. Act as plotter.

(d) Batteries, Generators, and Searchlights assigned to the Company of which the Candidate is a Member.

Name the batteries used in mine work. Describe the casemate battery. What precautions are necessary in keeping it in order? What is used as the signal battery in mine work? Describe a searchlight. Describe parts of generators and important points to be observed in caring for them.

(e) Apparatus and Operation of Casemate Switchboard and Care and Use of Telephone.

Name the apparatus of the switchboard. Explain how to fire a mine by judgment, and how to start the motor generator. Explain how to test mine and cable ends. How are boat telephones operated? Name the parts of fire-control telephones used in mine-commander stations, and give the principal points to be observed in operating them.

SECOND-CLASS GUNNERS.

General Information.

1. Gunnery is the science and art of operating and firing guns.

2. A gun is a machine which throws projectiles with great force in a certain direction under the expanding force of powder gas.

3. The army is composed of the following divisions: The line and the staff. The line is composed of Infantry, Cavalry, Artillery, Engineers, etc. The staff of Quartermaster Dept., Commissary Dept., Ordnance Dept., Signal Corps, Pay Dept., etc.

4. The artillery in our army is organized as a corps of Coast Artillery composed of 169 companies and 6 regiments in the Field Artillery.

5. A battery of coast artillery consists of two or more guns or two or more pits of mortars.

6. A fire command is composed of two batteries or more whose fire sweeps the same area or adjoining areas; this fire is controlled by one man, called the fire commander.

7. A battle command is two or more fire or mine commands sweeping the same or adjacent areas; this commanded by one man—the battle commander.

8. A mine command is a portion of submarine defenses and rapid-fire guns, all commanded by one man—the mine commander.

9. The number of men required for a fire, battle, or mine command depends on the number and caliber of the guns or mortars or the size of the mine command.

10. The number of men in a coast artillery company is 109; in a troop of cavalry 65, in a company of infantry 60.

EXTRACTS FROM G. O., 9, W. D. 1908. IV. Seacoast Artillery Table of Annual Allowances of Ammunition for Target Practice and Instruction per Battery in Commission.

Entries of the first column:

A = 15 pdr. R. F. (all models)

B = 4-inch and 4·72-inch R. F.

C = 5-inch R. F., models of 1897 and 1900

D = 6-inch Ordnance Department R. F., models of 1897, 1900, 1903, and 1905

E = 8-inch rifle

F = 10-inch rifle, models of 1888, 1895, and 1900

G = 12-inch rifle, models of 1888, 1895, and 1900

H = 12-inch mortar, models of 1886 and 1890:

H1 = At batteries to which only one company is assigned

H2 = At batteries to which two companies are assigned

Full Service Charges. Additional

Primers for Drill.

Guns, CaliberTrial Shots.Record Shots.Sub-ServiceDrill

and Model. caliber.Primers.Primers.

1st2d1st2d

Pract.Pract.Pract.Pract.

A3310103000160800

B3—10—900225225

C3—10—90060400

D33101090060400

E336460060400

F336460060400

G336460060400

H1331616150100400

H2331616300200800

Note.—All projectiles will be service weight and form, cast iron only, or such projectiles as are specially designated for target practice. Companies which cannot have subcaliber practice at home station have only one-half the annual subcaliber allowance.

12-inch Mortars.—The number of zones, muzzle velocities corresponding thereto, zone limits, width of zones and overlaps for the 12-inch mortar, cast-iron, steel-hooped, and the 12-inch mortar, steel, have been rearranged and are now as shown by the following table:

Column headings:

A = Number of Zone.

B = Muzzle Velocity.

C = Weight of Projectile.

D = Zone Limits.

E = Width of Zone.

F = Overlaps.

12-inch Mortar, Cast-iron, Steel-hooped.12-inch Mortar, Steel.

ABCDEFBCDEF

F. S.Lbs.Yds.Yds.Yds.F. S.Lbs.Yds.Yds.Yds.

156010462225-300077540055010462210-2970760370

261010462600-348088048060010462600-3431831361

367010463080-4110103040066010463070-4030960399

474310463710-5000129040072510463631-48001169371

583710464600-6240164040081010464429-59401511420

691010465840-7319147959491510465520-74761956449

71050824——————105010467027-92502223492

8——————————1300824

Note.—Each smokeless powder cartridge to have 10-ounce igniter (black rifle powder) at each end in addition to above charges.

All smokeless-powder charges for mortars will be issued made up, ready for use, as the charges vary with each lot of powder. They will be distinctly marked to indicate the zone number.

(a) SERVICE OF THE PIECE.

Q. Give the general duties of a gun commander.

A. The gun commander repeats the commands "Commence firing" and "Cease firing," announces the kind of projectile to be used, the order to fire, the method of pointing, and in restricted fire the number of shots and the firing interval, all in accordance with the orders of a battery commander. The gun commander is responsible to the battery commander for the condition of the material and the efficiency of the personnel of his command.

Q. Give the general duties of a chief of detachment.

A. Each chief commands his own subdivision whenever it acts separately; is responsible for its drill efficiency and for the condition of the material to which it is assigned. He will especially see that the gas-check seat is clean and kept free from injury; that the projectile is rammed fully home; that the chamber is sponged properly after each firing; that the vent is properly served; that the cylinders are properly filled and the throttling-valve properly set before firing; that the mushroom head and gas-check are properly adjusted; that the kind of projectile designated by the battery commander is used, and that the breech detail observe great care and caution in sponging out and wiping breech mechanism and recess free from powder residue, dirt, etc., after each round fired.

Q. Describe how to signal elevate or depress.

A. Elevate: Raise either hand to the height of the head, fingers pointing upward. Depress: Raise either hand to the height of the head, fingers pointing downward.

Q. Describe how you would signal traverse right or traverse left.

A. Motion with either hand, fingers pointing in the required direction.

Q. Give the signals for the following: Clamp or Halt; Ready.

A. Clamp or Halt: Raise either arm to a horizontal position, fingers closed. Ready: Raise either arm vertically to its full extent, fingers extended.

Q. How would you signal stand fast with the whistle at a rapid-fire gun?

A. One blast signifies stand fast, the pause being of sufficient duration to enable orders to be correctly given and received; to resume operations the command "Go on!" will be given. Other signals may also be used.

12-INCH B. L. R. DISAPPEARING CARRIAGE. (CHAIN HOIST ON LEFT SIDE.)

Q. What composes a gun section?

A. A gun commander, a gun detachment, an ammunition detachment, and a reserve.

Q. How many men in a gun detachment?

A. One chief, one gunner, one range-keeper, and eighteen privates.

Q. Name the details into which a detachment is divided, and give posts of each.

Details.Posts.

Chief of detachmentTwo yards in rear of the breech, facing it

(sergeant).or wherever presence is necessary.

Gunner (duly qualified Sighting-platform or wherever presence is

non-commissionednecessary.

officer or private).

Range-keeper (non-Near the elevation-scale, on the right or

commissioned officerleft of the carriage.

or private).

Breech detail (Nos.Nos. 1 and 2 in line immediately in rear of

1, 2, and 3).the breech, facing it, No. 1 on the right;

No. 3 on the right of the piece, two feet

from and facing it, opposite the elevating-band.

Rammer detailAt the platform rail facing the carriage, No.

(Nos. 4, 13, and 14).4 opposite the rammer, four feet from its

head, Nos. 13 and 14 four paces to his

right and left respectively.

Elevating detailAt the elevating hand-wheels, facing them,

(Nos. 5 and 6).No. 5 on the right of the carriage, No. 6

on the left.

Traversing detailIn front of the traversing-cranks, facing

(Nos. 7 and 8).from the parapet, No. 7 on the right of

the carriage, No. 8 on the left.

Tripping detailAt the tripping-levers, facing the carriage,

(Nos. 9 and 10).No. 9 on the right of the carriage, No. 10

on the left.

Truck detailNear the hoist, in rear of a loaded truck,

(Nos. 11 and 12).No. 11 on the right, No. 12 on the left,

both facing the truck.

Telautograph detailAt the telautograph.

(No. 15).

Hoist detail (Nos.At the delivery-table and facing it.

16, 17, and 18).

Q. Name the equipments or implements which each member procures and places in proper position at the command "Posts!" on first arriving at the gun.

A. Gunner: Sight and difference-chart.

Range-keeper: Stop-watch and prediction-scale.

No. 1: Translating roller or crank, can with sponge and oil, and a silk wiper.

No. 2: Loading-tray and a silk wiper.

No. 3: Primer-pouch, bag for empty primers, scabbard containing punch, gimlet, and reamer, and a lanyard.

No. 4, assisted by No. 13: Rammer.

No. 9: Wrench, funnel, and measure with oil.

No. 10: Chamber-sponge and wrench.

No. 11: Dummy-cartridge extractor.

No. 12: Shot-trucks.

No. 13: Same as No. 4 (Rammer). No. 13 assists No. 4.

Q. State in brief what each member of the gun detachment inspects and tests at the command "Examine gun!"

A. Chief inspects gun and carriage throughout.

Gunner inspects and tests sight, sight-standard, azimuth subscale, traversing-gear, and firing-key.

Range-keeper inspects elevating gear.

No. 1 removes breech-cover and inspects breech mechanism, and assists in sponging bore when necessary.

No. 2 examines bore, chamber, gas-check seat, and breech-recess, cleans them when necessary, and oils breech-recess.

No. 3 cleans vent and primer-seat, hangs lanyard on elevating-arm.

No. 4 brings sponges and assists Nos. 1 and 2 when necessary and replaces sponges.

Nos. 5 and 6 test elevating-gear with range-keeper.

Nos. 7 and 8 test traversing-gear with gunner.

Nos. 9 and 10 examine recoil-cylinders to see that they are properly filled. No. 9 does the filling with oil when necessary. Wrenches, funnel, and measure are passed back and replaced, filling-plugs replaced, and Nos. 9 and 10 take posts two paces on right and left, respectively, of No. 4.

No. 11 receives and disposes of muzzle-cover, passes up and replaces funnel and oil-measure when necessary, then takes post near No. 12 at the trucks.

No. 12 removes muzzle-cover, examines trucks.

No. 13 inspects and tests telautograph. If a telephone is used, he puts on head receiver and wears it until dismissed.

Q. Explain briefly how to open a breech mechanism, Model 1888.

A. Figure 1 shows breech in normal position—closed. No. 2 turns rotating crank-catch 90° to left and turns rotating-crank in the direction of the arrow till it stops (Fig. 2).

No. 1 turns translating-roller to left till, at the end, the shock releases the block (Fig. 3), then swings block free to right of gun till it engages securing-latch (Fig. 4). Mechanism 1895 is opened by No. 3 turning crank continuously till motion stops, being careful that crank does not catch safety-lanyard.

Q. Give duties of each member of the detachment at the command "Load!"

A. Chief commands: (1) "With shot!" (shell or dummy projectile); (2) "Load!"

Gunner gives direction to piece according to the system used, and either fires electrically or signals to No. 3 to fire. (Except in Case 3.)

Fig. 1.

Range-keeper calls off range, using predicting-scale, and corrects same for gun difference; signals or calls out "Elevation-set!"

No. 1 assists in opening and closing breech. Examines for dirt, etc., the breech-block and gas-check. Oils same. When necessary, assists in ramming. Places third section of cartridge on shot-tray.

Fig. 2.

No. 2 assists in opening and closing breech, examines for dirt, etc., and oils gas-check seat and threads of breech-recess. He commands: (1) "Home!"; (2) "Ram!" Observes scale on rammer, places second section of cartridge on front part of shot-tray, pushes fourth section into chamber, such that its base will almost clear the gas-check seat. If necessary, inserts loading-tray and sponges, assisted by No. 10.

Fig. 3.

No. 3 inserts a primer. At command "Trip!" steps to rear and slightly to right of piece. Fires at gunner's signal. Coils lanyard. Removes old primer and places it in a bag.

No. 4 brings up rammer and places it against base of projectile, assisted by Nos. 9 and 13. Assists in ramming projectile and sections of cartridge. Replaces rammer on its support.

Nos. 5 and 6 set the elevation-scale for given range.

Nos. 7 and 8 traverse, at the command of the gunner.

Nos. 9 and 10 assist in ramming. Trip the piece. After firing No. 10 brings up chamber-sponge.

Fig. 4.

Nos. 11 and 12 bring loaded truck and place it in position, adjusting height of shot-tray to that of the breech. No. 11 steps to right, and No. 12 to left, of truck. If there be a brake, No. 12 sets it; if not, No. 11 chocks the front wheels. No. 12 places first section of cartridge on tray, No. 11 the fourth. Both remove truck to delivery-table and take posts at a loaded truck.

Nos. 13 and 14 assist in ramming projectile and sections of cartridge. Assist 9 and 10 at pinch-bars when piece will not trip.

No. 13 assists No. 4 in bringing up and replacing rammer.

No. 15 calls out and posts ranges and deflections or azimuths received.

No. 16 notifies chief of ammunition detachment kind of projectile required, also when to start and stop the hoist.

Nos. 16, 17, and 18 load the trucks.

Q. Give the positions of the ramming detail.

A. Nos. 1, 4, 9, and 13 on right. Nos. 2, 10, and 14 on left. All face rammer and grasp it with both hands.

Q. Explain the method of ramming.

A. Nos. 13 and 14 take hold near the end of the rammer, rammer-head being on base of projectile. At the command "Ram!", all rush forward, carrying projectile to its seat with force. Nos. 1 and 2 quit the rammer when near the truck. First three sections of cartridge are rammed without command.

Q. Explain how to unload a dummy charge.

A. The chief commands "Unload!" Breech is opened and truck brought up as for loading. No. 4 brings up extractor and pulls out sections. No. 1 puts two sections on right of truck, No. 2 puts others on left.

Nos. 1, 2, 3, and 4 withdraw projectile to truck. Truck is removed and extractor replaced.

Q. Explain how to retract a gun.

A. Chief commands (1) "From battery!", (2) "Heave!", (3) "Halt!"

At the first command Nos. 7 and 8 go to the retraction-cranks. No. 7 operates the retaining-pawl and speed-crank to permit the pulling out of the ropes. Nos. 9 and 10 mount on the gun-levers and place the ends of the ropes on the hooks, receiving them from Nos. 3 and 4, who mount on the chassis to assist. Nos. 1 and 2 pull out the ropes and pass the ends to Nos. 3 and 4. No. 7 takes in the slack. Nos. 7, 8, 9, and 10 take positions at the retraction-cranks, and at the second command turn the cranks.

Nos. 3, 4, 5, and 6 relieve Nos. 7, 8, 9, and 10 when directed by the chief of the detachment. Odd numbers work on the right side of the carriage, even numbers on the left side. When the gun has reached the loading position the command "Halt!" is given. As the command "Cast off!" is given No. 7 lets out enough slack to enable Nos. 1 and 2 to take the rope-ends off the hooks.

Q. Where electric motors are provided, who operates them?

A. The gunner the traversing-controllers, No. 5 the elevating and retracting controllers; No. 6 watches the circuit-breakers, and when broken by an overload he closes the breaker.

Q. When the shot-hoist is on the right, what changes in the service of the piece are made?

A. No. 4 in ramming takes position between Nos. 2 and 10 on the left side. Nos. 10 and 14 assist No. 4 in bringing up and replacing the rammer, instead of Nos. 9 and 13. No. 9 brings up and replaces sponge and assists in sponging, instead of No. 10.

Q. How many men in the ammunition detail?

A. One chief and twelve privates.

Q. Name the details into which it is divided, and the numbers composing each.

A. Hoist detail, Nos. 1 and 2.

Projectile detail, Nos. 3, 4, 5, and 6.

Cartridge detail, Nos. 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, and 12.

Q. Give the duties of each in brief.

A. No. 1 operates the controller and starts the hoist supplying the delivery-table with ammunition.

No. 2 repeats name of projectile announced, rolls same with cartridge to hoist-carrier.

Nos. 3 and 4 operate a trolley and differential pulley.

Nos. 5 and 6 operate another trolley and pulley.

Nos. 7 and 8 uncase cartridges.

Nos. 9, 10, 11, and 12 place sections on receiving-table in proper order. If electrical power fails, Nos. 1 and 2 operate hoist by hand-cranks.

Note.—Since the drills for the 10-inch and 8-inch disappearing guns differ from the drill for the 12-inch in so few minor details, no separate questions and answers in these cases are given. In the 10-inch piece the following differences were noted: Nos. 13 and 14 are omitted in the rammer detail; No. 4 in procuring implements attends to the rammer alone; in loading, No. 2 pushes the second section of cartridge into the chamber instead of the fourth; in ramming, the positions from front to rear are Nos. 1 and 9 on right, Nos. 2, 4, and 10 on left, facing rammer, etc. When hoist is on right side No. 10 assists No. 4 (No. 13 being left out).

In the 8-inch piece the rammer detail consists of No. 4 (13 and 14 omitted), the truck detail of No. 11 (12 omitted), and the hoist detail of Nos. 16 and 17 (No. 18 omitted). The duties of the numbers omitted in these details are performed by the remaining numbers in that detail, otherwise the drill is precisely the same as for the 12-inch piece. In extracting a dummy Nos. 2 and 3 do not assist in withdrawing; Nos. 1 and 4 do this.

12-INCH B. L. R. MOUNTED ON NON-DISAPPEARING CARRIAGE WITH CHAIN HOIST.

Q. How many men in a detachment?

A. One chief, one gunner, one range-keeper, and nineteen privates.

Q. Name the details into which a gun detachment is divided, and give posts of each.

Name of Detail.Posts.

Chief of detachment (sergeant).Two yards in rear of the

carriage-platform, facing it.

Gunner (duly qualifiedSighting-platform.

non-commissioned officer

or private).

Range-keeper (non-commissioned On the left of the carriage, opposite

officer or private).the elevation-scale.

Breech detail (four privates,Nos. 1 and 2 immediately in

Nos. 1, 2, 3, and 4).rear of the breech, Nos. 3

and 4 one yard in rear of

Nos. 1 and 2, all facing the

breech, odd numbers on the right.

Elevating detail (two privates,At the elevating hand-wheels,

Nos. 5 and 6).facing them, No. 5 on the

right of the carriage, No. 6

on the left.

Traversing detail (two privates,At the traversing-cranks, facing

Nos. 7 and 8).the carriage, No. 7 on the

right of the carriage, No. 8

on the left.

Sponge and rammer detail (twoOne yard in rear of the carriage

privates, Nos. 9 and 10).platform, facing it, No.

9 on the right.

Shot-hoist detail (four privates,No. 11 opposite the shot-hoist

Nos. 11, 12, 13, and 14).tackle, facing the carriage,

Nos. 12 and 13 in rear of the

windlass crank-handle, facing

it, No. 13 on the right, No. 14

in front of the windlass

crank-handle, facing it.

Truck detail (two privates,Near the hoist, in rear of a

Nos. 15 and 16).loaded truck, No. 15 on the right.

Telautograph detail (one private,At the telautograph.

No. 17).

Telautograph detail (two privates,At the delivery-table and facing it.

Nos. 18 and 19).

The posts of the gun detachment as given above are for inspection, and preparatory to the service of the gun.

The chief of detachment and gunner go wherever their presence is necessary.

Q. Name the equipments or implements which each member procures and places in proper position at the command "Posts!"

A. Gunner: Sight and difference-chart.

Range-keeper: Stop-watch and prediction-scale.

No. 1: Translating-roller (or crank), can of oil with sponge, lanyard, and silk wiper.

No. 2: Loading-tray, primer-pouch, etc.

No. 5: Wrench, funnel, and measure of oil.

No. 6: Wrench.

No. 9: Rammer and prop.

No. 10: Chamber-sponge.

No. 11: Dummy-extractor.

Nos. 15 and 16: The trucks.

Q. State in brief what each member inspects and tests at the command "Examine gun!"

A. Chief: Gun and carriage generally.

Gunner: Sights and sight-standard, azimuth subscale, traversing-gear, and firing-key.

Range-keeper: Elevating-gear.

No. 1: Removes breech-cover and inspects breech mechanism.

No. 2: Bore, chamber, gas-check seat, breech-recess, vent, primer-seat.

Nos. 3 and 4 assist in sponging bore if on No. 2's inspection it is found to need it.

Nos. 5 and 6: Recoil-cylinders.

No. 9 passes up funnel, measure, etc., to No. 5.

Nos. 7 and 8: Traversing-gear with gunner.

No. 10 passes up and replaces sponge when necessary.

Nos. 11 and 12: Shot-hoist tackle; remove muzzle-cover.

Nos. 13 and 14: Shot-hoist gearing.

Nos. 15 and 16: Trucks.

No. 17: Telautograph or telephone.

Q. Give duties of each member of the detachment at the command "Load!"

A. Chief gives commands for loading.

Gunner and range-keeper same as for 12-inch disappearing.

No. 1 assists in opening and closing breech. Examines for residue, dirt, etc., the breech-block and gas-check, and oils same if necessary. Inserts first and third sections of cartridge. Adjusts lanyard. Fires at command of gunner.

No. 2 assists in opening and closing breech. Examines gas-check seat and breech-recess; oils and cleans the same if necessary. Inserts loading-tray. Swings projectile into position and gives commands for ramming. Observes scale on rammer. Inserts second and fourth sections of cartridge, seeing that the last section is properly seated. Removes loading-tray. Breech being closed, inserts a primer. After firing removes primer and places it in bag. Assisted by No. 4, sponges chamber.

No. 3 receives rammer and places it on base of projectile. Assists in ramming projectile and first three sections of cartridge. Passes rammer back to No. 9.

No. 4 assists in ramming. Receives chamber-sponge and assists in sponging. Passes sponge back to No. 10.

Nos. 5 and 6 elevate and depress the piece.

Nos. 7 and 8 traverse the piece at the gunner's command, and assist in depressing the piece if necessary.

No. 8 closes safety-switch at command "Ready!"

No. 9 passes up rammer to No. 3, and assists in ramming. Replaces rammer.

No. 10 passes up and replaces chamber-sponge. Mounts carriage-platform and assists in ramming.

No. 11 hooks tackle to shot-tray and commands "Hoist!", mounting the steps and steadying the projectile in time to command "Halt!" When the projectile is at height of breech commands "Lower!", and guides tray to truck-platform and unhooks it.

Nos. 12 and 13 hoist the projectile. Pass sections of cartridge to Nos. 1 and 2.

No. 14 assists in hoisting, and, while Nos. 12 and 13 pass up sections, lowers shot-tray.

Nos. 15 and 16 bring up and return trucks.

No. 17 calls out data received and posts it.

No. 18 notifies chief of ammunition detachment when to start and stop hoist. Repeats to him kind of projectile designated.

Nos. 18 and 19 load the trucks.

Q. Give positions of rammer detail.

A. Nos. 1, 3, and 9 on right; Nos. 2, 4, and 10 on left, facing rammer.

Note.—No. 2 commands "Ram!", and by about three separate rushes the projectile is rammed home; No. 2 giving "Home!", "Ram!", when the brass scale on rammer is about two feet from face of breech. Nos. 3 and 4 withdraw rammer.

Q. Explain how to unload a dummy.

A. Chief commands "Unload!" (gun being depressed to 0° elevation).

No. 10 passes extractor to No. 4, who withdraws cartridge.

Shot-tray being in position at the breech as in loading, Nos. 1, 2, 3, and 4 withdraw projectile to shot-tray. It is lowered and replaced by the shot-hoist detail. Where no chain ammunition-hoist is provided the drill will be modified to meet the conditions by the battery commander.

The ammunition detachment and duties of members operating electric motors are the same as in the 12-inch disappearing-gun drill.

Q. In what particulars does the drill for the 10-inch non-disappearing gun differ from the 12-inch non-disappearing?

A. First. Nos. 1, 2, 3, and 4 man the rammer. Second. Sponge and rammer detail is composed of No. 9 only. Third. Truck detail consists of No. 10 only. Fourth. The cartridge detail consists of four men only.

DRILL FOR 8-INCH NON-DISAPPEARING.

Q. How many privates in a detachment?

A. Fifteen.

Q. Name the details into which a detachment is divided, and give posts of each.

Name of Detail.Posts.

Chief of detachment (sergeant).Two yards in rear of the carriage,

facing it.

Gunner (duly qualifiedSighting-platform.

non-commissioned officer

or private).

Range-keeper (non-commissioned On the left of the carriage,

officer or private).opposite the elevation-scale.

Breech detail (two privates,In line, immediately in rear of

Nos. 1 and 2).the breech, facing it, No. 1

on the right.

Elevating detail (two privates,At the elevating hand-wheels,

Nos. 3 and 4).facing them, No. 3 on the

right of the carriage, No. 4

on the left.

Traversing detail (two privates,In front of the traversing cranks,

Nos. 5 and 6).facing from the parapet, No.

5 on the right of the carriage,

No. 6 on the left.

Shot-hoist detail (four privates,Nos. 7 and 8 at the

Nos. 7, 8, 9, and 10).windlass-cranks,

facing to the rear, No.

7 on the right of the carriage,

No. 8 on the left, No. 9

opposite the shot-hoist tackle,

facing the carriage, No. 10

at the foot of the steps to the

carriage-platform, on the left

of the carriage, facing it.

Sponge and rammer detail (oneOne yard in rear of the

private, No. 11).carriage-platform, facing it.

Truck detail (one private, No. 12).Near the hoist, in rear of a

loaded truck.

Telautograph detail (one private,At the telautograph.

No. 13).

Hoist detail (two privates, Nos.At the delivery-table, facing it.

14 and 15).

The posts of the gun detachment as given above are for inspection, and preparatory to the service of the gun.

The chief of detachment and gunner go wherever their presence is necessary.

Q. Name the equipments or implements which each member procures and places in proper position at the command "Posts!"

A. Gunner, range-keeper, Nos. 1, 2, 5, and 6 procure the same as for the 12-inch piece.

No. 9: Chamber-sponge.

No. 10: Extractor for dummy.

No. 11: Rammer and prop.

No. 12: Trucks.

Q. State in brief what each member inspects and tests at the command "Examine gun!"

A. Chief, gunner, range-keeper, Nos. 1 and 2 the same as for the 12-inch piece, Nos. 3 and 4 the elevating-gear.

Nos. 5 and 6: Recoil-cylinders, traversing gear.

No. 7 passes up and replaces funnel and measure.

No. 8: Hoisting-gear, and removes muzzle-cover.

No. 9 and 10: Tackle of shot-hoist.

No. 11 passes up and replaces sponges.

No. 12: Trucks.

No. 13: Telautograph or telephone.

Q. Give the duties of each at the command "Load!"

A. Chief, gunner, and range-keeper are the same as for the 12-inch piece.

No. 1 assists in opening and closing breech. Examines gas-check and breech-block. Assists in launching projectile on the loading-tray. Assists in ramming projectile. Passes back to No. 11 the rammer. Hooks lanyard to firing-leaf. Fires at signal of gunner.

No. 2 assists in opening and closing breech. Examines gas-check seat and breech-recess. Inserts loading-tray. Commands "Home!", "Ram!", and assists in ramming. Observes scale on rammer. Inserts sections of cartridge and pushes them home by hand. Removes loading-tray. Inserts a primer and lowers slide. Removes old primer and places it in a bag. Sponges chamber.

Nos. 3 and 4 elevate the piece.

Nos. 5 and 6 traverse the piece.

Nos. 7 and 8 hoist the projectile at the command "Hoist!" No. 8 lowers the shot-tray.

No. 9 hooks the tackle to the shot-tray and commands "Hoist!" Steadies the projectile. Places section of cartridge on rear of carriage-platform.

No. 10 mounts steps and commands "Halt!" when projectile is level with breech. Launches it on loading-tray, and swings shot-tray clear of carriage-platform and resumes post.

No. 11 passes rammer to No. 2.

As soon as projectile is rammed passes both sections of cartridge to No. 2 and returns rammer.

No. 12 brings up and returns trucks.

No. 13 calls out and posts data received.

No. 14 repeats to ammunition-sergeant kind of projectile to be used; also notifies when to start and stop the hoist.

Nos. 14 and 15 load the trucks.

Q. How is a dummy charge unloaded?

A. The gun is brought to 0° elevation. No. 11 passes up extractor. No. 2 withdraws sections of cartridge. No. 10 passes them to No. 11, who places them on truck. The shot-tray is held in position while No. 2 withdraws the projectile to the shot-tray, when it is lowered to the truck.

Note.—The ammunition detachment is the same as prescribed for the 12-inch disappearing gun.

12-INCH MORTAR, MODEL 1896.

Q. What comprises a gun detachment?

A. Chief of detachment, gunner, and ten privates.

Q. Name the details into which it is divided, and give the posts of each.

Name of Detail.Posts.

Chief of detachment (sergeant).Two yards in rear of the breech,

facing it.

Gunner (duly qualified corporal Near the azimuth subscale

or private).facing the mortar.

Breech detail (two privates,In line immediately in rear of

Nos. 1 and 2).the breech, facing it, No. 1

on the right.

Sponge and rammer detail (twoAt the sponge and rammer,

privates, Nos. 3 and 4).facing the mortar.

Elevating detail (two privates,At the elevating hand-wheels,

Nos. 5 and 6).facing them, No. 5 on the

right of the carriage, No. 6

on the left.

Traversing detail (two privates,At the traversing-cranks, facing

Nos. 7 and 8).the mortar, No. 7 at the right

crank, No. 8 at the left.

Truck detail (two privates,In the gallery, near the entrance,

Nos. 9 and 10).in the rear of and facing a

loaded truck, No. 9 on the

right, No. 10 on the left.

The posts of the gun detachment as given above are for inspection and preparatory to the service of the mortar.

Q. State in brief what equipments or implements each procures and places in proper positions.

A. No. 1: Oil-can, hand-sponge, and silk wiper. No. 2: Silk wiper. No. 3: Long lanyard, bore and chamber sponge. No. 4: Rammer. No. 5: Wrench for filling plug. No. 6: Wrench for filling plug, measure and funnel. No. 8: Primer-pouch, bag, scabbard, etc.

Q. How is a breech-block opened and closed?

A. In the same manner as for the 8-, 10-, and 12-inch guns.

Q. What does each member of the detachment inspect or test with a view of cleaning or oiling, if necessary, at the command "Examine gun!"?

A. Chief: Mortar in general.

Gunner: Azimuth subscale and traversing-gear.

No. 1: Breech-block and breech mechanism.

No. 2: Bore, chamber, gas-check seat, and breech-recess.

No. 3: Lanyard. (He coils it properly.)

No. 4: Muzzle-cover. (Removes it and places it aside.)

Nos. 5 and 6: Elevating-gear and recoil-cylinders.

Nos. 7 and 8: Traversing-gear. No. 8 clears vent and wipes primer-seat.

Nos. 9 and 10: Trucks.

Q. After examining gun, what changes in posts are made?

A. The chief of detachment and gunner go wherever their presence is necessary. No. 7 takes post at the door of the cartridge-room.

Q. Give the duties of each member of the detachment at the command "Load!"

A. Gun commander operates switches and firing-plug. Observes all detachments.

Chief generally supervises the proper loading of his piece, signals "Ready" or "Misfire," etc.

Gunner gives the piece the proper azimuth, signals "Azimuth set" to the chief.

No. 1 assists in opening and closing breech. Examines or oils, if necessary, the breech-block and gas-check. Assists in ramming.

No. 2 assists in opening and closing breech. Examines or oils, if necessary, the gas-check seat and breech-recess. Commands "Home!", "Ram!" Assists in ramming. Observes the scale on the rammer. Inserts loading-tray and withdraws same. Pushes cartridge properly into chamber. After firing, assisted by No. 5, sponges chamber and bore.

No. 3 assists in ramming. If firing by lanyard be used, he attaches the long lanyard to the short one and, after the piece is elevated, hooks the short lanyard to eye of firing-leaf and fires at the command. After firing, brings bore and chamber-sponge and assists No. 2 in sponging. Replaces sponge.

No. 4 brings up rammer, and places its head on the base of the projectile. Assists in ramming. Replaces rammer.

Nos. 5 and 6 give elevation at command of chief. (No. 5 operates the clamp and lock.) Assists in ramming.

After piece is fired, brings piece to 0° elevation.

No. 7 brings up cartridge and takes post at traverse-crank. On taking cover he returns to cartridge-room.

No. 8 inserts and removes primers.

Nos. 7 and 8 traverse the mortar at the signal of the gunner.

Nos. 9 and 10 bring up loaded trucks.

Q. What are the positions for ramming?

A. Nos. 1, 3, and 5 on right, Nos. 2, 4, and 6 on left, all facing rammer. The projectile is rammed home in one motion.

Q. In taking cover, what is the order of formation in rear of pits?

A. They take cover as shown in the following diagram:

Mortar No. 4Mortar No. 2

" " 3 " " 1

{8, 6, 5, G.} {8, 6, 5, G.}

4th detachment{ } 2d detachment { }

{4, 3, 2, 1 } {4, 3, 2, 1 }

{8, 6, 5, G.} {8, 6, 5, G.}

3d detachment { } 1st detachment{ }

{4, 3, 2, 1 } {4, 3, 2, 1 }

Q. What comprises an ammunition detachment?

A. One chief, two corporals, and sixteen privates.

Q. Name the details.

A. Projectile: One corporal and Nos. 1 to 12. Cartridge: One corporal and Nos. 13 to 16.

Q. Give their duties in brief.

A. The chief has general supervision and is responsible for the proper supply of ammunition.

Nos. 1 and 2 operate a trolley and pulley, and load trucks with shell.

Nos. 3 and 4, 5 and 6, 7 and 8 operate other trolleys similarly.

Nos. 9, 10, 11, and 12 run up empty trucks, and when loaded return them to gallery entrance.

Nos. 13, 14, 15, and 16 pass designated cartridge to No. 7.

Note.—Where there are two magazines to an emplacement there is a separate detachment for each, composed of three non-commissioned officers and eight privates each. (Nos. 1 to 6 compose the projectile detail, and Nos. 7 and 8 the cartridge detail.)

Q. How does the drill for the 12-inch mortar carriage, model 1891, differ from that of model 1896?

A. Nos. 1 and 2 lift shell-tray from hoist-scoop to truck after ramming.

Nos. 5 and 6 man the shell-hoist and hand-wheel, in addition to assisting in ramming.

No. 6 returns to hoist hand-wheel after ramming, and lowers scoop when directed by No. 2.

Nos. 9 and 10 deliver shell on scoop, and return truck.

6-INCH DISAPPEARING.

Q. What composes a gun detachment?

A. One chief, a gunner, and ten privates.

Q. What are their posts preparatory to inspection or service of the piece?

A. Chief of detachment, two yards in rear of the breech, facing it.

Gunner, sighting-platform.

No. 1, two feet to the right and rear of the breech, facing it.

No. 2, two feet to the left and rear of the breech, facing it.

No. 3, two yards in rear of the breech, facing it.

No. 4, at the elevating hand-wheel, facing it.

Nos. 5 and 6, at the serving-table at the rear side of the loading-platform, facing to the front, No. 5 on the right side, No. 6 on the left.

No. 7, on the gun-platform at the head of the steps leading to the cartridge-room.

No. 8, at the telautograph.

Nos. 9 and 10, on the banquette, facing the gun, No. 9 on the right.

Q. What implements or equipments do each procure?

A. Gunner: Sight and difference-chart.

No. 1: Silk wiper, lanyard, sponge and oil-can.

No. 2: Loading-tray and silk wiper.

No. 3: Rammer and prop.

No. 5: Plug-wrench, funnel and measure.

No. 6: Plug-wrench.

No. 7: Chamber-sponge and dummy-extractor.

Q. What does each inspect or test with a view to cleaning or oiling, if necessary, at the command "Examine gun!"?

A. Chief: Gun and carriage throughout.

Gunner: Sight-standard, sight, azimuth subscale, traversing- and elevating-gears.

No. 1: (Removes breech-cover) breech-block and breech mechanism, vent, lanyard (hangs lanyard on elevating-arm).

No. 2: Bore, chamber, gas-check seat, and breech recess, and cleans them if necessary.

No. 3: The sponges (hangs them up when necessary).

No. 4: (Removes muzzle-cover, etc.) elevating- and traversing-gears under gunner's direction.

Nos. 5 and 6: Recoil-cylinders.

No. 7 passes up funnel and oil-measure when used.

No. 8: Telautograph or telephone.

Q. Give in brief the duties of each at the command "Load!"

A. Those of chief and gunner are practically the same as for the 8-inch disappearing.

No. 1 opens breech (by one continuous motion). Inserts a primer and takes lanyard. Closes breech. Fires at the signal. After piece is fired coils lanyard, and opens breech and removes primer.

No. 2 inserts loading-tray. Inserts cartridge by hand.

No. 3 rams projectile home. Replaces rammer. Operates tripping-lever, and trips at the command. After piece is fired sponges chamber.

No. 4 sets the elevation, signalling "Elevation set" by holding one hand at height of head until signal "Ready" is made by chief.

Nos. 5 and 6 alternate in bringing up projectiles and placing them on the loading-tray.

No. 7 receives a cartridge from No. 4 or No. 5 of the ammunition detachment. Passes it to No. 2. Closes safety-switch when gun is in battery.

No. 8 calls out and posts data received.

Nos. 9 and 10 receive projectiles from a truck and place them on serving-table.

Q. How is a dummy charge unloaded?

A. The chief of detachment commands: "Unload!"

No. 1 opens the breech.

No. 2 inserts the loading-tray, withdraws the cartridge and passes it to No. 7, and, as soon as the projectile is withdrawn, removes the loading-tray.

No. 3 brings up the extractor, pulls the projectile on to the loading-tray, and replaces the extractor.

No. 5 withdraws the projectile and returns it to the serving-table.

No 7 carries the cartridge to the steps and passes it to No. 4 or No. 5 of the ammunition detachment.

Q. How is the piece retracted?

A. The chief of detachment commands: (1) "From battery!"; (2) "Heave!"; (3) "Halt!" At the first command No. 3 goes to the retraction-crank and operates the pawl and speed-crank to permit the pulling out of the ropes. Nos. 5 and 6 mount on the carriage and place the loops of the ropes on the hooks. Nos. 1 and 2 pull out the ropes and pass the ends to Nos. 5 and 6. No. 3 takes in the slack. Nos. 3 and 4 take positions at the retraction-crank, and at the second command turn the crank. Nos. 5 and 6 relieve Nos. 3 and 4 when directed by the chief of detachment. When the gun has reached the loading position the command "Halt!" is given. At the command "Cast off!" No. 3 lets out enough slack to enable Nos. 1 and 2 to take the loops off the hooks.

Q. In an emplacement provided with an ammunition-hoist what changes in the above drill are made?

A. Nos. 5 and 6 serve projectiles from a loaded truck placed in rear of the gun.

Nos. 9 and 10 are posted at the delivery-table, and run loaded trucks to Nos. 5 and 6, returning empty ones.

Q. What composes an ammunition detachment?

A. One chief and five privates. Nos. 1, 2, and 3 in the shell-room, and Nos. 4 and 5 in the cartridge-room.

Q. Give their duties in brief.

A. The chief exercises general supervision.

Nos. 1 and 2 load trucks.

No. 3 runs up trucks convenient to the rear of gun, and returns them to shell-room.

Nos. 4 and 5 uncase cartridges and pass them to No. 7.

Note.—Owing to the comparative simplicity and the similarity of drill of almost all smaller-calibered pieces they are omitted in this work.

For definite details in the drill for 6-inch Pedestal, 5-inch Balanced Pillar, 4·7-inch Quick-firing, 15-pounder and 6-pounder Rapid-fire Guns, see Coast Artillery Drill Regulations.

NOMENCLATURE AND GENERAL DESCRIPTION.

Q. What are projectiles?

A. They correspond to the bullets in small-arm cartridges.

Q. Why are projectiles made oblong and guns rifled?

A. To prevent the projectile from tumbling, thereby securing greater penetration, and better results in accuracy of fire.

Q. What is the difference between guns and mortars?

A. Guns are long in comparison with their calibers, mortars are short in comparison with their calibers.

Q. What is meant by a built-up gun?

A. One that is composed of several cylindrical forgings separately shrunk one over the other.

Q. Why are these forgings shrunk on?

A. To give an initial compression to the steel toward the bore, such that the strength of the gun to resist the pressure of the powder-gas will be increased.

Q. Name the principal parts of a built-up gun.

A. The tube, jacket, hoops, and trunnion-band. (See Figs. 5, 6, and 23.)

BUILT UP GUN. Fig. 5.

Q. What is a wire-wound gun?

A. One in which wire takes the place of the jacket and hoops and is wound over the tube. The wire is really in the form of a ribbon.

Q. Define the breech-reinforce.

A. That portion of the gun between the rear of the trunnion-band and the front of the breech. (Fig. 5.)

Q. Define the chase.

A. That portion of the gun between the front of the trunnion-band and the muzzle. (Fig. 5.)

Q. What is a barbette gun?

A. One that fires over a parapet.

Q. What two classes of barbette guns are there?

A. Barbette disappearing and barbette non-disappearing.

Q. What is the center of gravity?

A. That point where, if the gun were pivoted, it would balance. It is always near the trunnions.

Q. What is the difference between front-pintle and center-pintle carriages?

A. Front pintle is where the gun traverses about a point in the front part of the carriage; center pintle where it traverses about a point in the center of the carriage.

Q. What is a rack?

A. A bar or arc having teeth that engage in a gear-wheel or worm. (See Fig. 7.)

Q. What is a gear-wheel?

A. A wheel with teeth on the circumference.

Q. What is a bevel-gear?

A. Two wheels whose axles are at an angle to each other and whose teeth engage. (Fig. 8.)

Q. What is a miter-gear?

A. A bevel-gear with axles of equal-sized wheels at right angles. (Fig. 9.)

Q. What is a worm?

A. A gear-wheel in the form of a continuous screw. (Fig. 10.)

Q. What is a sprocket-wheel?

A. A toothed wheel that engages the links of a chain. (Fig. 11.)

Q. What is a spur-wheel?

A. A gear-wheel with teeth parallel with the axle of the wheel. If in Fig. 7 the rack were in form of a wheel, it would be a spur-wheel. (The pinion is also a spur-wheel.)

RACK AND PINION. Fig. 7. MITRE GEAR. Fig. 9. BEVEL GEAR. Fig. 8. WORM GEAR. Fig. 10. SPROCKET WHEEL AND CHAIN. Fig. 11.

Q. Point out or describe the location of the following parts of a seacoast carriage:

Base-ring. Foundation-bolts. Leveling-bolts. Upper-roller path. Lower-roller path. Traversing-rack. Conical rollers. Distance-ring. Dust-guard. Racer. Chassis. Top-carriage. Recoil-cylinder. Piston. Piston-head. Throttling-bars. Followers. Stuffing-box. Packing. Guide-hooks. Trunnion-bed. Trunnions. Kim-base. Cap-squares. Cap-square bolts. Elevating mechanism. Traversing mechanism. Azimuth circle. Azimuth indicator. Retraction-gear. Sight standard. Shot-hoist. Crane. Shot-hoist drum. Pawl. Elevating-arc. Recoil-rollers. Chassis-rails. Gun-shield support. Loading-platform. Elevating-shaft.

Extra for R. F. guns:

Pillar-base. Shoulder-rest. Electric batteries. Pistol-grip. Range-drum.

Extra for disappearing guns:

Gun-lever. Lever-axle. Counterweight-shaft. Counterweight. Cross-head. Cross-head guides. Cross-head rack. Tripping-bars. Counter-recoil-buffers. Gunner's platform. Retraction-ropes. Extra recoil-buffers. Electric traversing-controller. Electric elevating-controller.

A. See Figs. 12 to 22 inclusive.

BREECH-BLOCKS, RECOIL-CYLINDERS, ETC.

Q. Point out or describe the location of the following parts of the gun and breech mechanism of 8" and 12", Model 1888:

Bore. Shot-chamber. Muzzle. Powder-chamber. Forcing-cone. Screw-box. Breech-block. Mushroom head. Spindle. Gas-check pad. Vent. Hinge-pin. Rotating-crank. Translating-roller. Tray. Breech-plate. Slotted sectors. Screw sectors. Pinion- and gear-segment. Vent-bushing. Filling-in disc. Exterior ring. Interior ring. Vent-cover. Rotating-crank catch. Obturator-spindle. Obturator-spindle nut. Locking-nut. Translating-stud. Guide-rails of tray. Tray-latch. Securing-latch. Securing-latch catch. Rotating-ring. Rotating-pinion.

12" DISAPPEARING. (From Battery.)

Fig. 12.

12" DISAPPEARING. (in Battery.)

Fig. 13.

12" BARBETTE NON-DISAPPEARING.

Fig. 14.

UNITED STATES CARRIAGE MODEL OF 1896 FOR 12 INCH B.L. MORTAR. (Steel)

Fig. 15.

LATEST MODEL 12" DISAPPEARING CARRIAGE AND GUN.

Fig. 16.

3" RAPID-FIRE GUN. (Pedestal Mount.)

Fig. 17.

5" RAPID FIRE. (Balanced Pillar Mount.)

Fig. 18.

3-INCH R.F. GUN (Masking Parapet Mount).

Fig. 19.

4.7 INCH 120 m/m Q.F. GUN ON CENTRE PIVOT PEDESTAL MOUNTING.

Fig. 20.

4.7" Q.F. (Pedestal Mount.)

Fig. 21.

5" RAPID-FIRE GUN. (Pedestal Mount.)

Fig. 22.

(Continued from Q. on page 40).

For continuous-motion or "Stockett" mechanism the following:

Spiral-gear. Crank. Worm-shaft. Worm. Worm-wheel. Catch-bolt. Spring-bolt. Tray-latch catch. Spindle-ball bearing.

A. See Figs, 1, 2, 3, 4, 23.

CONTINUOUS MOTION BREECH MECHANISM.

Fig. 23.

Q. Point out or describe the location of the following parts of the 5" R.F. breech mechanism:

Block-carrier. Hinge-pin. Spindle-key. Latch-bolt. Latch-lever. Lever. Pinion. Breech-block. Gear-segment. Vent-bushing (copper). Exterior split ring (front). Exterior split ring (rear). Interior split ring. Gas-check pad. Filling-in disc. Tripping-stud. Latch-bolt seat. Slide-housing. Slide-stop. Slide. Slide-handle. Contact-plate. Firing-leaf. Circuit-breaker housing. Circuit-breaker spring. Circuit-breaker contact-pin. Firing-cable.

A. See Figs. 24 and 25.

Q. Point out or describe the following parts of the 4·7-inch quick-firing breech mechanism: Carrier-link, spindle, hand-locking lever, firing-pin, spring-catch, sliding-block, retaining-nut, bolt.

A. See Figs. 26 and 27.

5" R.F. GUN. SHOWING BREECH MECHANISM.

Fig. 24.

Q. Explain briefly how a breech-block of a heavy gun or mortar is dismantled.

A. The breech being open, remove the locking-nut and spindle-nut, place a block of wood against the spindle and gently hammer the mushroom head free from the gas-check pad, then remove it by hand. Pry the exterior and interior split rings free from the gas-check pad and remove them, also the filling-in disc. The spindle-washers can be removed at any time. The parts are assembled as follows: Adjust in the following order: the gas-check pad, exterior and interior split rings, filling-in disc, and spindle-washers. The spindle-washers must be put on after the spindle is put in. Then gently insert the spindle and screw on the locking- and spindle-nuts as prescribed for adjusting the gas-check pad.

5" R.F. GUN AND BREECH MECHANISM.

Fig. 25.

4.7 INCH 120m/m QUICK FIRING GUN.

Fig. 26.

4.7 INCH.

BREECH CLOSING AND FIRING GEAR.

Fig. 27.

Q. Point out or describe the following parts of the one-pounder subcaliber tube for the 12" B. L. R., model 1895:

Gun. Adapter clamp-wedge. Clamp-wedge screw. Thread clamp-screw. Rear adapter. Center support. Front adapter. Adjusting-wrench. Clamping-wrench. Locating-gauge. Clip-extractor. Obturator spindle-plate.

A. See Fig. 28.

ONE-POUNDER SUBCALIBER TUBE.

Fig. 28.

Q. How should gas-check pads be adjusted before firing?

A. First: Close the breech.

Second: Loosen spindle and locking-nuts.

Third: Rotate block half-way.

Fourth: Tighten spindle and locking-nuts in the usual manner, rotate the breech-block home, and pad is adjusted.

Q. How far should a projectile be rammed?

A. Until the zero of the brass ring on the rammer comes flush with the face of the breech-plate. (See Fig. 29.)

SCALE ON RAMMER, TO INDICATE PROPER TRAVEL OF PROJECTILE FOR 8"-10"-12" RIFLE AND 12"-MORTARS

Fig. 29.

Q. Describe how to set the azimuth indicator-plate for a given azimuth.

A. Traverse the gun until the mark on the indicator-plate representing the number of hundredths is opposite the mark on the azimuth circle representing the number of degrees. In Fig. 30 the gun is set at 104°.05.

Fig. 30.

Q. How do you repack a stuffing-box?

A. If any of the old packing is used, it should be put in after the new. See that the stuffing-boxes are well cleaned and oiled.

Put on the piston-rod one ring of 1-inch Garlock's "waterproof hydraulic" packing, and force it well to the bottom of the stuffing-box by a wooden stick and mallet. Treat each layer of packing in a similar manner, being careful to break joints until five rings of new packing have been inserted, or an equal amount of new and old when any of the latter is used. Place the gland on the follower, enter them together in the box and screw up the follower.

No more force should be used on the spanner-wrench than that of two men, and generally that of one man is sufficient. The addition of the pipe to the end of the spanner-wrench should not be permitted.

Q. How do you remove old packing from recoil-cylinders?

A. Remove the gland and follower (using new extractor, to be furnished by the Ordnance Department). Close the extractor around the piston-rod and insert the locking-pin. Turn the extractor to the left, with pressure on the packing, until the needles are firmly engaged in the packing. Draw the packing out, turning slowly to the left. In the case of a box with interior thread, and if the ring is tight, it should be unscrewed and not stripped out by the thread, because unless unscrewed it would catch upon and be injured by the thread.

Extractor-bars are provided to be used for starting the packing from its seat, and by inserting the toes of the bar in the rack-teeth and prying over the edge of the box, being careful not to injure the thread.

Q. What is the object of the throttling-valve?

A. To regulate the flow of oil from the front to the rear of the recoil-cylinders. (See Fig. 31.)

Q. What precautions should be taken where the throttling-valve is provided?

GENERAL METHOD OF CONTROLLING THE ENERGY OF RECOIL IN GUN CARRIAGES.

Fig. 31.

A. That there is a lock on the valve to prevent any one from changing the setting without authority.

Q. Give some general directions for the care and preservation of guns and gun-carriages.

A. All guns and carriages should be elevated and traversed to their full limits daily. Ordinarily a gun and carriage should be painted at least once a year. However, climatic conditions may vary this rule. Sperm-oil, cosmic or light slushing oil should never be applied to a surface that has a suspicion of grit, moisture, or rust upon it. Brass gearing should have a thin film of sperm-oil or synovial oil on it. All oil-holes and recoil-cylinders should be examined daily at the beginning of drill. Special attention should be given to grease-cups on disappearing guns to see that they function properly. Retraction-ropes should be kept oiled and cleaned. No part of the carriage should at any time be allowed to rust, and if the carriage is to remain unused for short intervals, all bright and bearing parts should be covered with a thick coat of light slushing oil or cosmic. If the carriage is to remain unused for long intervals, the cosmic should be mixed with 25 per cent of resin. The mixture is well adapted for the purpose, but must be renewed from time to time. The rollers and roller-paths should be cleaned and covered with slush oil, and the space between the dust-guard and base-ring should be filled with waste or oakum to keep out dust, and wrench-holes inside base-ring should be plugged tightly with fitted wooden blocks.

To oil bore, use is made of an ordinary counter-brush secured to the end of a rod and provided with a half-disc of wood to keep the brush against the bore. By this means any required thickness of the mixture may be applied. The brush-rod is, for the rifles, fitted with a socket for connecting it with the special sponge-staff. For mortars the brush is supplied with a special handle. As a rule, the cosmic and resin mixture can be sufficiently removed from the bore for firing by using the scraper alone, this being a semicircular disc of iron.

Q. Describe throttling bars.

A. Bars of steel bolted on the sides of recoil cylinders. (The bolt heads can be seen on the outside of the cylinders.)

The piston head is slotted to receive the bars as shown in Fig. 31, and the bars are thicker at one end than at the other, this varies the amount of oil that can pass through the piston head slots and therefore the pressure keeps uniform.

CARE OF GUNS AND CARRIAGES.

(Extract from War Department, 1905.)

Circular } No. 48. }

Light slushing-oil will be used on the different parts of breech mechanisms, including the threads on the block and in the breech recess, in bores of guns, and on all other bright steel or iron surfaces of mobile and seacoast armament, as a preservative when the material is to remain unused for an appreciable length of time. The slushing-oil will replace synovial oil as a lubricant for cross-head guides, etc., which should be given a light coating only. The use of light slushing-oil as a lubricant on breech mechanisms, including the threads on the block and in the breech recess, is forbidden: synovial oil will be used exclusively for lubricating the different surfaces of breech mechanisms, including the threads on the block and in the breech recess, on translating-screws and rollers, and in all oil-holes and on gears, etc., of carriages. Number 4½ lubricant only will be used in grease-cups. If exposed to rain within thirty hours after its application, all surfaces should be carefully examined and recoated if necessary. It can be applied by means of paint-brushes known as sash-tools No. 6, issued for that purpose. Except in very cold weather it can be applied in a thin uniform coat by using the brush, as when painting. During cold weather it should be applied by stippling—i.e., lightly tapping the surface with the end of the brush—the brush being held perpendicular to the surface to be covered. It can be applied to the bores of guns by means of the slush-brush issued for the purpose. In cold weather it should be warmed before being applied to the bores of guns. In all cases it should be applied in a thin coat, since this is all that is necessary to give good protection.

This oil can be readily removed by the use of burlap or waste dipped in kerosene oil. Lye dissolved in hot water and used while hot will also remove it, but not as satisfactorily as kerosene oil. In order to reduce the amount of kerosene oil to be used for its removal, a thick coating of slushing-oil when present should first be removed with a scraper before applying the kerosene.

Water without the addition of lye or kerosene should be used for cleaning bores of guns after firing. They should be permitted to drain and then be wiped dry before applying the slushing-oil.

Before applying the slushing-oil to any surface it should be thoroughly cleaned so as to be free from rust, water, kerosene oil, lubricating-oil, etc., as their presence will cause rusting underneath the slushing-oil. If applied to an oiled surface, the slushing-oil has been found to run off when heated.

On account of the superior protection afforded by this material it will not be necessary to completely remove it for inspection purposes as frequently as has been found necessary with the protecting materials heretofore used. Its frequent removal from a limited area will serve as an indication of the protection which is being afforded.

III. Mortars will hereafter be dismounted from their carriages once every twelve months, and the trunnions and trunnion-beds thoroughly cleaned, including the oil-grooves in the trunnion-bed liners.

The counter-recoil springs will at the same time be dismounted, the old paint removed, and each spring given two coats of new paint. The spring should not be reassembled until the paint is dry.

By order of the Acting Secretary of War:

J. C. Bates, Major-General, Acting Chief of Staff.

Q. Describe the general parts of the throttling-valve and how it operates.

A. The two equalizing-pipes connecting the front and rear of opposite recoil-cylinders have a pipe connecting them; if this pipe is open completely, oil can move freely from the front to the rear of the cylinders. If it be closed partly by a valve called the throttling-valve, much less oil will pass this way. Thus, by regulating the adjustment of this valve, the recoil of the gun is regulated. It is seen that the throttling-bars work with the throttling-valve. (See Fig. 31.)

Q. How much oil should be removed from recoil-cylinders having the filling-plugs on the top of the cylinders?

12-inch disappearing carriages, all models, 3 gallons.

10-inch disappearing carriages, all models, 1½ gallons.

8-inch disappearing carriages, all models, 1 gallon.

6-inch disappearing carriages, model 1898, ½ gallon.

Q. Where new filling-plugs have been inserted explain how the cylinders are filled.

A. For full charges remove the two filling-plugs (one from each cylinder), pour oil into one filling-hole until it flows out of the hole in the other cylinder, wait a moment to allow the oil to settle, and examine for any pocketed air or any temporary obstruction. If necessary, pour in more oil until the oil is observed to be in both cylinders up to the level of the filling-holes, then insert the screw-plugs without removing any oil.

Q. Prior to firing, what should be done to the bore of the gun?

A. Prior to artillery practice the bore, including the powder-chamber, of each piece to be used in practice will be thoroughly cleaned and freed from lubricant before any shot is fired.

Q. How is powder residue removed after firing?

A. After firing the bore may be cleaned by using a sponge covered with burlap well saturated with water. The bore should then be permitted to drain and thoroughly dry before being oiled.

Q. If any rust has accumulated on a bearing part, would you use sandpaper to remove it?

A. The use of sandpaper is forbidden, and emery-cloth No. 1, being coarse enough for any ordinary rusting, should be used, the rust being softened if necessary by kerosene.

Q. Describe the recoil-cylinder for mortars and its action.

RECOIL CYLINDER FOR MORTARS.

Fig. 32.

A. Fig. 32. When the mortar is fired, the piston is forced down, causing the piston-head to force oil through the oil-holes shown on the left of Fig 32. This oil passes through the oil-cavity upward and in rear of the piston-head. By opening or closing these oil-passages by withdrawing or inserting different-sized plugs the friction, hence the recoil, can be adjusted.

Note.—For steel mortars model '91 the plugs are as in Fig. 32; that is, from top to bottom: closed, ½, 0, 0, ½, closed, closed. For C. I. mortars '91: c., ½, 0, 0, ¾, c., c. For model '96 c., ½, ¼, 0, ¼.

Q. What are "grease-cups"?

A. Brass cups placed on the trunnions of guns to lubricate or oil the trunnions and trunnion-beds.

Q. How are they filled and adjusted?

A. Fill up to the bevel edge of the cup with the special oil provided by the Ordnance Department. The cup is then put on and screwed down until the plunger sticks out one quarter of an inch. By doing this a spring bearing on the plunger is forced to act, causing the plunger to press upon the oil, forcing it into the grooves and channels cut under the trunnions. The plunger should be kept at this distance (¼") from the cap by screwing down the cap from day to day. When the plunger will no longer be pressed out it is known that no more oil is in the cup, and it should be refilled.

Q. State some rules to be observed in painting guns and carriages.

A. The gun is painted gray, and the carriage olive-green. These are the only colors authorized. The entire surface of the gun is painted except where the console, or tray, touches the gun. Two coats annually are usually allowed.

Bronze trays will not be painted. Steel trays, excepting the upper and front surfaces and guide-rails, will be painted the same color as the gun. No parts of the breech-block or mechanism will be painted. The unpainted surfaces will be kept clean and bright with rottenstone and oil or "Putz-pomade."

All steel and iron non-bearing surfaces, both inside and out, will be painted. This includes the exposed parts of shafts (except squared ends), bottom plate of counterweight, ladders, cross-heads, cranks (not handles), cross-head pawls (except teeth), and large bronze pieces, including web and spokes of wheels and cylinder-heads.

The following parts are not painted: All wearing or bearing surfaces, which includes the handles of hand-wheels and cranks, teeth of all gear-wheels, teeth of cross-head pawls, teeth of cross-heads, elevating-rack guides, rollers and surfaces on which they travel, piston-rods, crosshead-guides, etc.

The bronze sight-holders will not be painted, nor will the azimuth and elevating-scales and pointers and the followers of the stuffing-boxes; these parts will be kept clean and, with the exception of the sight-holders, will also be kept bright with rottenstone and oil or "Putz-pomade."

The raised surfaces of letters and rims of direction and name-plates are to be kept clean and bright; the background of these plates will be painted the same color as the carriage.

Name-plates shall never be removed in painting the carriage. This is prohibited by orders.

Q. How is old paint removed?

A. Dissolve one pound of concentrated lye, powdered form, in six pints of hot water, and slake in enough lime to give the solution the consistency of paint. Use the solution freely mixed, and apply to the parts where paint is to be removed, with a brush preferably, or with waste tied on the end of a stick. When the solution begins to dry on the surface use a scraper to remove the old paint, and complete the cleaning of the surface with a mop and water. If one application is not sufficient to loosen the paint, apply a second coat. Before applying the new coat of paint wash the surface with liquid made by dissolving one half pound of washing-soda in eight quarts of water, and wipe dry. Let stand a sufficient length of time to have all parts thoroughly dry before painting.

Q. Should oil or grease ever be applied to the surfaces of electrical contacts on a gun or carriage?

A. No. Grease or oil acts as an insulator and prevents the current from passing the contacts.

Q. Point out or describe the following parts of a battery: Emplacement, parapet, traverse, parados, exterior slope, interior crest, interior slope, superior slope, interior wall, gun-platform, truck-platform, loading-platform.

A. See Fig. 14.

Q. Explain how to adjust the firing mechanism.

A. Insert the safety bar in the safety-bar notch of the slide housing. Slip the slide housing over the spindle, at the same time inserting the safety bar in its recess in the breech block. Press both home firmly. Slip on the yoke, pressing down until the notch above the ring is just visible. (In this operation it may be necessary further to adjust the spindle if the yoke does not go on completely, and the gas-check pad may have to be flattened for this purpose.)

Put the ejector in place with the ejector raised and the slide stop pulled out. Place the slide in position.

Q. When the weather is freezing what should be done to the recoil-cylinders before firing service charges?

A. A small amount of oil should be taken out and a reduced charge fired, then fill the cylinders and fire full service.

Q. Where should primers and fixed ammunition be kept?

A. Separate place from powder: never in the magazine. Primers should be kept preferably in the ammunition-chests, and fixed ammunition in the shot-room.

Q. How is the weight of a cored shot or plugged shell brought to standard weight?

A. By adding sand mixed with iron filings, water, or sawdust, according to the degree of increase required.

Q. How should throttling-bar bolts be adjusted?

A. First loosen them slightly, scrape away any paint that clogs them, and then tighten them to full limit.

Q. What is a priming-charge, and where is it placed?

A. A small charge of black powder in both front and rear of every section of cartridge.

Q. Should the trunnion-seats of sight-standards be polished? If not, why not?

A. No. Polishing wears away the brass and throws the sight out of adjustment. They should be wiped clean, however.

Q. Is the removal of the name-plates or sight-brackets authorized at any time?

A. No.

Q. How do you test the adjustment of the azimuth indicator?

A. Insert the bore-sights, traverse the gun until the line of sight through the front and rear bore-sights intersects a datum point whose azimuth is known. If the indicator reads this azimuth, the gun is in azimuth.

Q. How do you test the level of a carriage?

A. If the trunnion sight-bracket is correctly adjusted, place the telescopic sight upon it, set the sight and gun at zero elevation, and traverse the carriage to the full limits. If the bubble in the telescope-level remains stationary, the carriage is level. If not, adjust by turning the leveling-bolts.

POWDERS, PROJECTILES, PRIMERS, AND FUSES.

Q. How do you distinguish the following powders: Musket, sphero-hexagonal,[1] brown prismatic, black prismatic, and smokeless.

A. Musket is black and very fine grained. Sphero-hexagonal is black and in the shape of a small ball with a six-sided ring around it. Brown prismatic is brown, in the form of a six-sided prism with a hole in the center. All smokeless powder has the appearance of translucent celluloid and smells of ether. This powder grades in size according to the caliber of the gun, and has for large guns a cylindrical form with small holes running lengthwise in it. (See Fig. 33.)

MUSKET. SPHERO-HEXAGONAL. BROWN PRISMATIC. MORTAR. SMOKELESS POWDER.

Fig. 33.

Note.—The smokeless powder used in the U. S. Coast Artillery is made out of ordinary cotton waste. The process of manufacture is briefly as follows: The cotton waste is first thoroughly washed, cleaned, picked, and then put through shredding- and cutting-machines. It is then dried in ovens for many hours. It is then placed in pots and a mixture of strong nitric and sulphuric acid is poured over it. It is then washed in running water for many more hours. It is now called "guncotton." It is then dissolved with a mixture of alcohol and ether and put under a hydraulic press. On coming out of the press it looks like yellow gum. It is then forced through different sized dies, and in this shape looks like macaroni. It is then cut into various lengths and sizes, according to the caliber of gun for which it is to be used.

Q. Give the weight of charge, weight of projectile, and initial velocity of the piece to which your company is assigned.

A. See table on page 75. (Ref. Ordnance Department, G. O. 9, W. D. '08.) Slight variations from the requirements of this table will be permitted; but it is desired that these requirements shall be fulfilled as nearly as practicable.

Q. Name the different kinds of primers.

A. Common friction, common electric, obturating friction, obturating electric, and combination electric friction.

Q. Explain the action of the common friction and the obturating friction primer.

A. Its action consists in the friction of a saw-tooth wire being pulled through a portion of mercuric fulminate, which explodes and ignites a small charge of powder in the primer, which in turn ignites the main charge in the gun. (See Figs. 34 and 35.)

Q. Explain the action of the common and obturating electric primer.

A. Two insulated wires entering the primers are joined by a platinum wire. (A little guncotton is sometimes imbedded around the platinum wire.) The current heats the platinum, which ignites a small charge of powder or fulminate, if it be a common electric, in the primer, which ignites the main charge. (See Figs. 36 and 37.)

Table of Charges, Velocities, etc., for Rapid-fire and Seacoast Guns. Weights of projectiles, powder charges, muzzle velocity, and pressure for rapid-fire and seacoast guns, service and practice charges.

Column headings:

Col A: 1-pounder Subcaliber Tube.

Col B: 18-pounder Subcaliber Tube.

Col C: 6-pounder.

Col D: 15-pounder, Models of 1891 and 1902.

Col E: 15-pounder, Model of 1903.

Col F: 4-inch D.-S.

Col G: 4·72-inch Armstrong.

Col H: 6-inch Armstrong.

Col I: 5-inch O. D. Model, of 1897.

Col J: 5-inch O. D. Model of 1900.

ABCDEFGHIJ

Weight of

projectile (lbs.)1·06186151533451065858

Weight of charge

(lbs.):

Smokeless--

Nitroglycerin 1·25

{ 40-7·5}

Nitrocellulose[2]2·5 [2]71·3556·067·5{45-10·5} 1916·523

{50-10·5}

{ 40-5·5}

Cordite { 45-8·2} 13·3

{ 50-8·2}

Brown prismatic 12·0

Muzzle velocity

(f.s.):

Smokeless21007502400260026002300 26002600

{40-2150}

Cordite {45-2570} 2150

{50-2600}

Brown prismatic 2000

Maximum permissible

pressure (pounds

per square inch) 25000 18000 37460 34000 41000 34000 34000 34000 38000 36000

Column headings:

Col K: 6-inch O. D., Model of 1897 M1.

Col L: 6-inch O. D., Model of 1900, 1903, and 1905.

Col M: 8-inch.

Col N: 10-inch R., Models of 1888 and 1895.

Col O: 10-inch R., Models of 1900.

Col P: 12-inch R., Models of 1888 and 1895.

Col Q: 12-inch R., Model of 1900.

Col R: 12-inch M., Models of 1886 and 1886-90 M1.

Col S: 12-inch M., Steel Model of 1890 M1.

KLMNOPQRS

Weight of projectile

(lbs.)1061063166046041046104682410468241046

Weight of charge

(lbs.):

Smokeless--

Nitrocellulose29·7539·18015520527532533336254

Brown prismatic 135280 490 7575105105

Muzzle velocity

(f.s.):

Smokeless2600260022002250225022502250105091013001050

Brown prismatic 19752025 2025 102090011501020

Maximum permissible

pressure (pounds

per square inch) 38000 36000 38000 38000 38000 38000 38000 27500 27500 33000 33000

COMMON FRICTION.

Fig. 34.

OBTURATING FRICTION.

Fig. 35.

COMMON ELECTRIC.

Fig. 36.

OBTURATING ELECTRIC.

Fig. 37.

Q. Explain the action of the combination electric friction primer.

A. It is a combination of the two above principles, except that in the electric feature there is no return wire in the combination primer. The current comes in through the stem from the copper contacts on the firing mechanisms, heats the platinum, etc., and goes out through the case of the primer to the breech-block of the gun, thence to the trunnion and to the other pole of the firing-battery. This primer is also obturating. (Fig. 38.)

Q. What is an obturating-primer?

A. One which prevents the escape of powder-gas through the vent. (It need not necessarily be screwed into the vent.)

Q. What are percussion-primers?

A. Such as are used in fixed ammunition and go off by the snap of the firing-pin. They are commonly called caps.

Q. What are high- and low-resistance fuses?

A. A high-resistance fuse is one that requires a high initial velocity to cause the plunger to be released, and is therefore safer in handling. A low-resistance fuse does not require such a high initial velocity to cause it to act. Low-resistance fuses are provided with "safety-wires." (See Fig. 39.)

Q. What fuses are used in the United States service?

A. Frankford Arsenal base percussion, point percussion, and combination. The first two are of either high or low resistance, and vary in size for different calibers of guns. All fuses that are not "centrifugal" have become obsolete for all calibres above 1·65", except the combination fuse, but those on hand will be in service until used up.

Q. How are fuses inserted to make a tight joint?

A. By putting a special preparation, supplied by the Ordnance Department, on the threads. Never use red lead.

Q. Describe the action of a percussion-fuse and name parts.

A. On firing, the plunger-sleeve is forced to the rear and remains in this position during flight. On striking, the plunger and plunger-sleeve are forced forward and the prick-point of the plunger strikes the fulminate of the fuse; this ignites the priming charge in the fuse, which ignites the charge in the shell (Fig. 39).

Note.—There is a new fuse now prescribed for our artillery called "The Detonating Fuse." No one is permitted to take this fuse apart and its construction is kept secret.

COMBINATION ELECTRIC-FRICTION PRIMER.

NOTE: Current comes from the contacts at "A" passes through the platinum wire (heating it) out at "B" and thence to the body at "C" thence to the ground.

Fig. 38.

FRANKFORD ARSENAL BASE PERCUSSION FUSES.

Low. High.

aBody

bClosing-cap

cPrimer closing-screw

dPrimer

eTin-foil disc

fPrimer-shield

gFiring-pin sleeve

hFiring-pin

jSplit-ring spring

kLocking-groove

lBrass-covering disc

mPercussion-primer composition

nMagazine powder-charge

wSafety-wire

vVent

Low Fuse, Model 1900.

Fig. 39.

Q. Explain the action of the combination fuse and name parts.

A. Before firing a hole is punched through the hole on the time-cone corresponding to time of flight at which it is desired that the projectile burst. On firing, the time-plunger strikes the firing-pin for the time-train, then the time-train begins to burn from the point where the hole in the cone was made, and at the end of the time of flight the flame reaches the interior of the fuse, thence to the shell. If this fails or it be desired to use the fuse as a percussion-fuse, the action is as in an ordinary percussion-fuse. Combination fuses are now always made with the centrifugal arming device as in percussion. (See Figs. 40 and 42.)

Q. What is a delayed-action fuse?

A. One which does not explode until a short time after striking.

Q. Explain the action of the new centrifugal fuse.

A. This fuse can act only when a rotary motion is given to it. This rotary motion, due to the rotating band, causes the plunger to bulge away from the center into two parts; when these parts separate it is seen from Fig. 41 that the firing-pin takes up a position parallel to the longer axis of the fuse and its point is almost touching the friction composition. When the projectile strikes, the plunger drives the firing-pin into the friction composition. The action is then the same as in the ordinary percussion-fuse. This fuse is therefore perfectly safe to handle, transport, or use. It becomes active only when a high rotary motion is given it. (See Figs. 41 and 42.)

Q. How are drill-primers loaded?

A. Insert a serrated wire with friction-pellet in the body of the primer, hold it in position with the assembling-tool, screw a rear wire or bottom wire (depending on whether it is an old- or new-model vent) fast to the serrated wire, fill with musket-powder, and close with a brass closing-cup, using the assembling-tool.

Q. Name the different kinds of projectiles in the United States service.

A. Solid shot, cored shot, shell, shrapnel, and canister. (See Fig. 43.)

Q. What is the rotating-band and what is its use?

A. The copper band near the base end. It is forced into the grooves of the rifling and causes the projectile to take up a rotary motion to prevent tumbling during flight.

Q. Why are some projectiles capped?

A. Experimental tests have shown that it will penetrate armor-plate deeper than those not capped.

FRANKFORD ARSENAL TIME PERCUSSION OR COMBINATION FUSE. MODEL 1900.

aBody

b'Compressed powder-ring

bRetaining-ring

b² Brass ring}

b³Brass cup} Gas-check

b⁴Felt washer}

cTime-train

dTime-train cone

eCone-cover

e'Drawn-brass waterproof cover

e²Soldering-strip

fCap

gClamping-nut

hTime-plunger

h'Split-ring spring

iSafety-pin

jConnecting-tube

kPowder-charge

k'Powder-chamber closing-screw

lPercussion-primer

l'Tin-foil discs

l²Percussion-primer composition

l³Brass cup

mConcussion firing-pin

nPercussion firing-pin sleeve

n'Percussion safety-wire

oPercussion firing-pin

pDowel-pins (2)

qStud-pin

rConcussion-primer composition

r'Tin-foil disc

ssVents (4)

tSplit-ring spring

wWrench-hole

yTin-foil base-cover

zBottom closing-screw

z'Base-vents (8)

z²Locking-groove

Fig. 40.

Note.—In punching fuse see that pin enters up to shoulder to insure penetration of cone d.

If fired for percussion-burst, punch at maximum time-setting but do not remove safety-pin i.

Ignition of time-train c is due to punched hole acting as vent for gases from primer-charge r and compressed powder-ring b.

FRANKFORD ARSENAL CENTRIFUGAL FUSES. BASE FUSE "S".

BEFORE ARMING. AFTER ARMING.

Fig. 41.

Q. What is the difference between shrapnel and canister?

A. Shrapnel is composed of a number of spherical balls in a cast-iron case, of the usual shape of a projectile, and has a bursting-charge in either the point or the base to scatter these balls. Canister is in a cylindrical case and has no bursting-charge. Shrapnel has a point combination fuse and is thus readily distinguished from all other projectiles. (See Fig. 43.)

Q. What is the difference between cored shot and shell?

Notes in this chapter

Note 1 · Sphero-hexagonal is no longer used.Note 2 · The minimum charge for mortars is, according to an endorsement from the Chief of Ordnance, 18 lbs.