Order of Drill |
1 |
2 |
4 |
3 |
5 |
6 |
7 |
G |
A trained and disciplined battery could come into action and fire its first shot in wellunder one minute. Depending upon the terrain, a 14-yard space between the cannons was called for in regulations.At Malvern Hill on July 1,1862, however, the interval of the Union artillery was virtually hub to hub. Cannoneers took their positions as seen in photo above. At the command "Commence firing" the (G) gunner ordered "Load". Number (1) sponged the tube. Number (2) took a round from number (5) and placed it in the muzzle. Number (1) rammed the round home, while Number (3) held his thumb on the vent. The (G) gunner sighted the cannon. When the gun was loaded, (3) moved to the trail and moved it left or right with a trailspike as directed by the gunner.Number (5) got another round from Number (6) or (7) at the limber where (6) cut the fuses (if needed) for shell and or case shot. The gunner stepped clear to the side of the piece to observe the effect of fire, and gave the command "Ready". Numbers (1) and (2) stepped clear. Number (3) punctured the cartridge bag with the vent pick.Number (4) attached the lanyard to a friction primer and inserted the primer in the vent. Number (3) covered the vent with his left hand while (4) moved to the rear. At the gunner's command "Fire", Number (3) stepped clear of the wheel. Number (4) yanked the lanyard. The gunner ordered the cannon run back up and the process was repeated until the command "Cease fire". |
