RELATING TO THE
at the stem and stern posts of launches, are arranged to be removed when the gun is used. 8. Implements for Shifting the Howitzer from Boat to Field-Carriage.One muzzle-block.
One selvagee strap.
One shifting-spar.
One short iron or wooden bolt, to keep the piece on the right slue.9. Implements, complete, for Serving and Working the Howitzer. Breeching for boat-gun, if deemed necessary.
Lock with lock-string.
Elevating screw.
Sight.
Priming-wire.
Boring-bit.
Vent-cloth.
Sponge and rammer.
Sponge and rammer spare.
Spring-spike.
Rat-tail file. Haversack, with strap, for Captain of howitzer, to contain a supply of primers, spare fuzes, spare lock, vent-bit, vent-cloth, and implements for spiking; leather ammunition-pouches for each of the men of the field-gun, except Nos. 1 and 3, to be supplied by the Quarter Gunner, with one round of ammunition each, and two primers, when the order to land is given. Drag-rope, fitted with hooks and handles.
Trail handspike.
A rope, or chain, to lock the wheels in descending slopes.
Transporting-boxes. AMMUNITION.10. A chest containing shrapnel.
A chest containing shell.
A chest containing canister. These chests are of two sizes; the single, holding nine, and double, eighteen rounds. A key is becketed to each box for unscrewing the lid. Cutting-tool for opening the Bormann fuze, one in each box of shell and shrapnel. FOR SMALL ARMS.11. Cartridge-boxes and belts, furnished with cartridges and percussion-caps, screw-driver, cone-key, and wiper. An empty powder-tank for magazine, to contain filled cartridge-boxes and spare cartridges. SMALL ARMS.12. Breech-loaders, in loops or brackets, under the gunwale of the boat, protected by a water-proof canvas covering, running round the rising of the boat. Rifles.
Revolvers.
Swords.
Boat arm-chest.
A good tarpaulin to cover ammunition. PROVISIONS.13. Pork. To be cooked if there be time.
Bread, in water-proof bag.
Cheese, or canned meats.
Fresh water, in breakers; always to be used for ballast when ballast
is required.
Fuel and kindling. UTENSILS AND ARRANGEMENTS FOR COOKING.14. Launch-stove and utensils.
Mess-kettle.
Tin pots and spoons.
Funnel.
Bucket. TOOLS AND ARTICLES FOR REPAIRING DAMAGES.15. Axe, One for each boat.
Hatchet, One for each boat.
Hammer, One for each boat.
Hand-saw, One for each boat.
Nails, 2 pds. for each launch; 1-1/2 pds. for each large cutter; and 1 pd. for each of the rest.
Sheet-lead, 3 square feet for each launch; and 2 square feet for each cutter.
Tacks (number), 100 for each launch; 75 for each large cutter; and 50 for each of the rest.
Marlinspike.
Spun-yarn.
Grease. MISCELLANEOUS ARTICLES.16. Boat ensign.
Set of signals for boat of Senior Officer.
Boat-compass.
Spy-glass.
Lead and line.
Lantern.
Candles.
Tinder-box, with flint and steel.
Fishing-lines and hooks. FOR TREATMENT OF SICK AND WOUNDED.17. Tourniquets.
Bandages.
Lint.
Medicines.
Surgical instruments. BOAT-GEAR.18. Masts.
Spars.
Rigging.
A set of oars, fitted with trailing-lines long enough to allow them to trail alongside in the water.
Three boat-hooks.
Spare oars, with trailing-lines, for one thwart.
Cranes on the gunwale to hold spars and spare oars, raised sufficiently high above the gunwale (9 inches) to allow the oars to be got out or trailed. The spars thus arranged form a considerable protection against musketry.
Small thrum-mats for muffling oars when required.
Anchor.
Chain or rope. Hand-grapnels, fitted with a fathom of light chain, and five fathoms of line.
Sails.
Awning and stanchions.
Tent awning. (See Drawing.) N.B.—In order to avoid delay and confusion when boats are called away for service, it is recommended that the articles required by the foregoing lists should be kept separately in the store-rooms, in convenient packages for stowage in the boats and protection against the weather. The contents of each package must be marked on it, together with the name of the boat for which it is intended. Particular attention should be paid by the Executive Officer of the vessel to the best and most compact stowage of all articles required for boat expeditions, which will, necessarily, vary according to the size of the boat and the nature of the service she is to perform. The occasions will be very rare when all of these articles are required at the same time. FORM OF EXERCISE AND MANŒUVRE FOR THE BOAT-HOWITZERS OF THE UNITED STATES NAVY.
NOMENCLATURE.19. The Cascabel is the part of the gun in the rear of the base-ring; and is composed of— The breech-plate.
The knob.
The neck.
Base-ring.
Cylinder.
Chase.
Loop, with hole for bolt.
Lock-lugs.
Mass-sight.
Mass for breech-sight. The Bore includes all the part bored out, viz.: Cylinder of bore.
Chamber. These guns must not be polished bright. BOAT-CARRIAGE COMPLETE, consists of— Bed.
Slide.
Compressor-plate.
Compressor-bolts.
Compressor-handles.
Lugs for loop. FIELD-CARRIAGE COMPLETE, consists of— Axle.
Trail.
Braces.
Supports for transporting boxes.
Lugs for loop.
Trail-wheel or runner.
Bolt for trail-wheel or runner.
Socket for handspike.
Elevator.
Disk of elevator.
Box for elevator.
EXERCISE OF THE BOAT-HOWITZER.20. While preparations are in progress for clearing out the boats, the Officer of each boat will see that the howitzer, and its various equipments, are also in readiness. The Junior Officer or Officer of the piece will attend to the gun itself and its carriages. The Quarter Gunner will get up the ammunition from below; also the lock, sights, sponges, spare fuzes, ammunition-pouches, and primers. Spare article box. This will be the proper time for examining the shrapnel and shells, which must receive the particular attention of the Officer who is to command the boat. The Captain of the gun will look after the traverses, tracks, and pivot-plates. The Coxswain will have ready the thwarts, oars, masts and sails. When the boat has been cleared for hoisting out, lay the thwarts and traverses, and bolt the pivot-plates on the bows and quarters; if the stem and stern pivot-plates interfere with the purchases, they can be secured after the boat is in the water. If the field-carriage is to accompany the gun, lay the wheel and trail tracks. In a sea-way, it may be better to place the howitzer in the launch, laying it athwartships, and bolting the two ends of the slide into the bow pivot-plates, which will hold it perfectly firm. As a general rule, the howitzer is not to be handled separately from one of its carriages. It may be hoisted into the launch on either field or boat carriage, as circumstances may dictate. When the boat-carriage is preferred, sling it with a stout strap passed through the loop-lugs and brought up round the gun, into which hook the purchase; previously shove the bed a little towards the rear end of the slide, so that the carriage will hang square, and set the compressors tight. When the boat has been hoisted out, the howitzer, its ammunition, and equipments, should be stowed in it conformably to the requirements of the occasion. Ordinarily, the howitzer may be placed in the bow on its boat-carriage, bolted to the stem-pivot; the field-carriage aft, with its wheels resting on the floor of the stern-sheets and bearing against the after thwart; the trail laid over the quarter-rail, so as not to interfere with the steering; and the ammunition stowed in the stern-sheets, or elsewhere, as may be most convenient for trim of boat, or for its own preservation.These arrangements can be subsequently changed as circumstances may require. The Captain of the howitzer slings his haversack and deposits in it a supply of primers, a vent-bit, and vent-cloth, which are handed to him by the Quarter Gunner. The equipment of the boat will be much facilitated by assigning to each man special duties of preparation and providing articles. As the bow-oars cannot well be pulled when the howitzer is mounted in the bow, Nos. 1 and 2 do not ordinarily assist at the oars.
STATIONS.21. For 20 men the stations in the boat and at the howitzer will be as follows; if fewer are employed, the higher numbers are to be omitted:
| BOAT. | HOWITZER. | | Stations. | Duty. | | Quarter Master, | Stern-Sheets. | Signals and assists with ammunition. | | Quarter Gunner, | Ammunition. | Ammunition. | | | Cockswain, | Helm. | | | | Chief of Piece, | Bow. | Superintends the firing. | | Port. | Starboard. | | | 1. ——— | Bow-oar. | Captain of howitzer, points and fires the gun, superintends orders, and gives orders in absence of an Officer. | | If the lock and sight are on left side Captain will take station on port side. | | 2. Bow-oar. | ——— | 2d Captain, tends vent and primes. | | 3. ——— | 2d oar. | Sponger, sponges and pushes home charge. | | 4. 2d oar. | ——— | Loader, receives and enters ammunition. | | 5. ——— | 3d oar. | Tends forward compressor. | | 6. 3d oar. | ——— | Tends after compressor. | | 7. ——— | 4th oar. | Train rope. | | 8. 4th oar. | ——— | | | 9. ——— | 5th oar. | | | 10. 5th oar. | ——— | | | 11. ——— | 6th oar. | | | 12. 6th oar. | ——— | | | 13. ——— | 7th oar. | | | 14. 7th oar. | ——— | | | 15. ——— | 8th oar. | | | 16. 8th oar. | ——— | | | 17. ——— | 9th oar. | Runs field-carriage forward when landing. | | 18. 9th oar. | ——— | Runs field-carriage forward when landing. |
Officer of boat directs the whole of the operations, or may take especial charge of the howitzer. Officer of the gun is in command of the piece, unless otherwise ordered by the Officer of the boat.
(Preliminary Order)—"MAN THE HOWITZER!"22. The Captain of the gun sees that the elevator, sight and lock are in order for firing. Nos. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7. Trail oars. No. 3 goes to starboard side of muzzle, having the sponge and rammer ready. No. 4 goes to port side of muzzle, takes out tompion. No. 5 to starboard side, near forward compressor. No. 6 port side, near after compressor. No. 7 after-end of slide, and hooks training-rope. No. 2 tends the vent and puts in primer. If the gun is unloaded, it must be run in.
I. "SPONGE!"23. No. 2 closes vent, (a) No. 3 enters the sponge, and, pressing it firmly to the bottom of bore, turns it round and withdraws it. (b) Quarter Gunner takes a round from the ammunition-box, and, if shell or shrapnel be used, holds it for the Officer in command of gun to adjust the fuze.
II. "LOAD!"24. Quarter Gunner passes forward with the fixed charge, protecting it under his jacket, (c) No. 4 receives the charge from Quarter Gunner and enters it. No. 3 pushes home to the mark on rammer-handle, (d) No. 2 puts in primer and covers it with his hand until Nos. 3 and 4 are clear of the gun. (e)
III. "POINT!"25. Nos. 5 and 6 ease compressors. (f) All six men and Captain of gun run out the howitzer, (g) Nos. 5 and 6 then tighten compressors. Officer of gun puts up the sight as directed by Officer of boat. (h) Captain of gun brings the elevation within the limits of the boat's motion, and causes No. 7, with the assistance of some others, to train nearly to object if the boat is under way.
IV. "FIRE!"26. If the boat has motion, or is under way, a discretionary execution of this order is necessarily implied.The assumed elevation having been given by the elevator, a slight motion of the helm is made to sweep the piece laterally, so as to cross the object. The Captain of the gun closely watches this movement, with his eye down on the sights, and holding the lock-lanyard firmly, draws it as soon as the sights coincide with the object. Immediately after firing he coils up the lanyard and pulls from the vent any pieces of the quill that may remain, and also enters the bit to clear it entirely through, (i)
NOTES TO THE FORM OF BOAT EXERCISE. 27. (a) The necessity for closing the vent is a mooted question; but as the operation itself is a slight one, having no appreciable effect in complicating or delaying the manoeuvre of the gun, it is not deemed advisable to omit it in this "Form." An equally sure method, is merely to lay a piece of untwilled woollen cloth over the vent, and press it down with the hand; or else turn the lock on it, and hold that down. (b) Too much care cannot be used in sponging, as a premature explosion endangers life and limb. A moist sponge is to be preferred, for contact with it must surely extinguish every trace of fire in the bore. It may be considered as a safeguard against accident, for during many years' practice, in proving pieces and exercising the men to fire rapidly—ordinarily, seven or eight times in a minute—not a single instance of premature explosion has occurred. (c) The head of the fuze-composition must be guarded against moisture from the fingers, rain, or spray of the sea; otherwise, there will be a failure to ignite. (d) The ammunition is never to be struck with the rammer-head, but pushed home, and with very moderate force; particularly omitting a very common practice of forcing the charge after it reaches the bottom of the bore. In pushing home the charge, No. 2 should always keep his body at the side of the chase, and not before the muzzle. (e) It is not necessary to pierce the cartridge when percussion-primers are used; their fire being always sufficient to pass through it. (f) It is only necessary to give the compressors a turn, or a part of a turn; this will relieve the nip completely, and time is saved subsequently in compressing. (g) Some will take hold of the standard of the carriage-bed that receives the loop of the piece, others of the breech or bed, as may be convenient, to run out the gun. (h) In tightening the thumb-screw that holds the breech-sight in position, do not turn it too hard; the thread may be stripped by continuing to do so. The sight may descend by the shock of the discharge, but this is of no moment. In point-blank firing, the breech-sight is not required; the eye must then range along the cylinder and muzzle-sight. (i) The charge may not be fired; if this arises from not properly drawing the lock, it will be evident at sight, as the wafer of the primer will not flash; in this case No. 2 throws back the lock. If the primer explodes without acting on the charge, care must be taken not to approach the piece too soon, as it may only hang fire, and the recoil will injure any one in the way of it. After a seasonable pause, the Captain of the howitzer will remove the residue of the primer, pass the bit down the vent, and insert another primer.
PIVOTING THE HOWITZER. 28. The sweep allowed by the stem-pivot is about one point and a half, starboard or port; if this is not sufficient to train the piece on the object, without diverging too much from the course or position of the boat, then the bow-pivots may be used. The Officer of the boat gives the order— "PIVOT ON THE PORT (OR STARBOARD) BOW!"29. No. 7, with the assistance of the others, trains the rear end of the slide into the bow-pivot which is not to be used. No. 2 bolts it in. No. 3 draws bolt out of stem-pivot, and, with assistance, draws round the forward end of the slide into the pivot to be used; drops in the bolt. No. 2 withdraws the bolt from rear end of slide. The sweep on the bow-pivots includes an arc of about 120 degrees. It is not advisable to train the howitzer more than a point abaft the beam if forward, or more than a point forward the beam if aft; as the accidental explosion of a shell near the muzzle, and even of a shrapnel, might be dangerous to those in the boat. On the bow-pivot, the piece may be pointed nearly from the direction of the keel to a little abaft the beam.
SHIFTING THE HOWITZER. 30. If the howitzer does not bear on the object with such assistance as is admissible from the helm, then the Officer in command may direct it to be shifted to the other end of the boat. The light 12-pounders, with their boat-carriages, average 660 pounds each; and can be transported by hand from one end of the boat to another. With their boat-carriages, the 12-pounders of 750 average 1,200 pounds each; the 24-pounders about 2,000 pounds, and will probably be more conveniently managed, especially if the boat has motion, by placing rollers 2-1/2 to 2-3/4 inches in diameter on the tracks laid for the field-carriage. On these the boat-carriage can be shifted from one end of the boat to the other, using light falls to keep it under command.
DISEMBARKATION OF THE HOWITZER. I. "PREPARE TO LAND!"31. The Quarter Gunner fills the pouches with one round each, and passes them to the men, each of whom, except Nos. 1 and 3, slings a pouch over the right shoulder, and buckles the strap as short as possible, so as to keep the ammunition clear of the water when leaving the boat. The Captain of the gun also shortens the strap of his haversack.
"TRAIL BOW AND STROKE OARS!"32. Nos. 1 and 2 adjust the bed of the boat-carriage to its proper place on the slide for shifting; place the muzzle-block, and make the muzzle bear on it by means of the elevator; pass the strap around the neck of the cascabel and put the shifting-spar through the strap; the Quarter Gunner, assisted by the men from the after oars, raises the field-carriage up on the tracks.
II. "TRAIL!"33. The boat being beached in season, the men trail oars and jump to their stations. Nos. 3 and 4 over the bow to adjust the skids, which are launched by Nos. 5 and 6. No. 2 attends the elevator. No. 3 attends the muzzle. Nos. 8, 10, 11, and 13, the shifting-spar, assisted by as many of the crew as can take hold. No. 7 draws the loop-bolt. The Stroke Oarsmen run the field-carriage forward, the Quarter Gunner guiding it on the track by the trail.
III. "SHIFT THE HOWITZER!"34. Nos. 1 and 2 clear the elevator; heave up the breech of the gun by the spar; Nos. 5 and 6 back the bed on the slide; run the field-carriage a little forward, so that its lugs come under the loop of the howitzer; lower the piece; put in the loop-bolt and elevator; hook on the drag-rope and ship the trail-handspike in its socket.
IV. "LAND!"35. Nos. 5, 6, 7, and 8 now jump out of the boat, and, with Nos. 3 and 4, divide to each skid; not standing between them, but keeping outside of them. The Stroke Oarsmen wheel the piece up to the gunwale by the spokes, the Quarter Gunner guiding the trail by the trail-handspike, and the rest of the crew take hold of the drag-rope to ease the gun down from the bow, the Quarter Gunner still guiding it down the skids. When down off the skids and on the bottom, the drag-rope is hooked around the axle, and the howitzer run up on the beach. The Captain of the howitzer superintends and assists whenever it may be necessary. The sponges and rammers are now to be attached in their places on the trail. The transporting-boxes will also be filled.
EMBARKATION OF THE HOWITZER. 36. When the howitzer is to be embarked, the transporting-boxes should be taken off and put in the boat separately. The men unsling the ammunition-pouches, and pass them into the boat, which is to be brought to a convenient distance from the beach, and the skids laid and secured. The field-carriage is then pointed with the trail towards the boat, and drawn down to the skids, with a wheel resting on each. Nos. 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, and 8 divide at the wheels, and take hold of the spokes, so as to assist the carriage up. No. 14 ships the trail-handspike and tends it with No. 15. The rest of the men get into the boat and take hold of the drag-rope. At the word "Heave" the men at the wheels bear the carriage up on the skids, those in the boat haul on the drag-rope, and the two at the trail bear it up, so that the Quarter Gunner, who stands at the bow, can get hold of the trail-handspike and guide the carriage fairly. When the howitzer is in the boat, the skids are unhooked and put in the boat by Nos. 3, 4, 5, and 6. The howitzer may now be shifted to the boat-carriage, by reversing the process already described in orders Nos. 1, 2, and 3, for shifting to the field-carriage.
EXERCISE WITH HOWITZER ON FIELD-CARRIAGE.37. GUN'S CREW.
| Stations. | Duty. | | Quarter Gunner | Charge of ammunition and spare equipments. | | No. | 1. Captain, rear of breech, to the right (or left, depending on the position of lock and sight). | Captain of piece — points and fires the howitzer, superintends orders, and gives orders in absence of an officer. | | 2. Rear to breech, to the left. | Closes the vent, put in primer. | | 3. Right side of muzzle. | Sponges and rams home. | | 4. Left side of muzzle. | Receives and enters ammunition. | | 5. Rear and outside of right wheel. | Assists at right wheel. | | 6. Rear and outside of left wheel. | Passes ammunition, assists at left wheel. | | 7. Five yards rear of right wheel. | Assists at right wheel, attends bolt of trail-wheel and trail-handspike. | | 8. Five yards rear of left wheel. | Passes ammunition, assists at left wheel. | | 9. With No. 7. | Assists at right wheel. | | 10. With No. 8. | Assists at left wheel. |
(Preparatory Order)—"MAN THE HOWITZER!"38. The men go to their stations as above designated, the Captain of the howitzer with his haversack, previously supplied, and all the men, except Nos. 1 and 3, with one round in a pouch. No. 3 takes the sponge and rammer. No. 6 unbolts trail-wheel, and ships handspike in its socket of trail. The transporting-boxes, if there be any with the howitzer, are to be deposited about twenty-five yards in its rear, in charge of Quarter Gunner. The drag-rope is deposited with the ammunition-boxes.
I. "SPONGE!"39. No. 3 enters the sponge, and, pressing it firmly to the bottom, turns it round and withdraws it. No. 2 serves the vent.Quarter Gunner takes a round from the ammunition-box, or from the pouch or passing-box of one of the men; and, if shell or shrapnel be used, holds it for the Officer in command of the piece to adjust the fuze.
II. "LOAD!"40. The charge is to be passed along by the Quarter Gunner to No. 8, and by No. 8 to No. 6, and by No. 6 to No. 4, who enters it into the muzzle. No. 3 pushes home to the mark on rammer-handle. No. 2 puts in primer, and covers it with his hand until Nos. 3 and 4 have withdrawn to their stations outside the wheels.
III. "POINT!"41. Officer of gun puts up the sight, as directed by Officer in command. The Captain of the gun gives the piece the proper elevation with the screw, and causes No. 7 to train the gun with the trail-handspike to the desired direction. He then withdraws as far as the lock-lanyard permits, standing on the quarter of the breech, and outside of the wheel. No. 2 stands outside of the left wheel. Nos. 3 and 4 fall back, and the remainder of the gun's crew take the stations first assigned them.
IV. "FIRE!"42. The Captain of the howitzer instantly draws the lanyard at the word. No. 2 closes the vent. Nos. 4, 6, and 8 go to the left wheel; 5, 7, and 9 to the right wheel, taking hold of the spokes, ready to wheel the carriage forward, as may be directed by the Officer in command.
(Concluding Order)—"SECURE THE HOWITZER!"43. The Quarter Gunner secures the transporting-boxes, and gets ready the lashing. The Captain of the howitzer coils the lanyard around the lock. No. 7 bolts the trail-wheel. No. 3 may carry the sponge in his hand if the fire is merely suspended. No. 7 may also carry the trail-handspike. Nos. 8 and 9 hook on the drag-rope, and lead its parts fair for taking hold. Wheel the piece to the ammunition-boxes, and place them on the axle. The piece is now ready for any change of position.
REMARKS ON THE USE OF NAVAL LIGHT ARTILLERY. 44. The facility with which the Naval Howitzers are handled is apt to cause a misconception of the purposes for which Naval Light Artillery should ordinarily be used on shore; which are, to be landed from boats in such numbers as may be required, or admitted by circumstances, supported by the seamen and marines of a squadron, and not to be assembled as a battery, to replace, or be substituted for, regular field-artillery.45. The force landed should be handled as light infantry, for which the individuality of sailor-life so well fits the men; while the character of the gun, and the usually broken nature of the shore-line renders this formation necessary.46. Open order in approach, in landing, in motion, and in action, is therefore advisable; because a compact formation requires too much attention to position, distances, and alignments in any of them, with more perfect drill than can well be obtained; and which, under fire, exposes too much of a mark to every shot fired.47. The evolutions in the field should constitute but a small part of the general system of drill, either with a single howitzer or a battery, and should be assimilated to those of light infantry,—that is, the most extended order that the ground admits of,—never massing the guns in close order, but habituating the seamen to open out with them in skirmishing order, keeping on their flanks, never in their rear, using every cover of ground, trees, or, if time will admit, throwing up some earth as a protection against riflemen or the wide-spread fire of shrapnel,—while at the same time the fire is concentrated to prevent attack on the pieces in detail, or is dispersed, as may be required.48. Such a drill will best develop the scope and efficiency of the gun as a naval arm, and will render most effective the peculiar advantages of its lightness and mobility in rapid movements.49. Evolutions in action, or preparatory thereto, should always be performed with the ammunition in the pouches; it being a common error in the service to use the ammunition-boxes at such times, when they are only designed for service out of action.50. If liable to be attacked, all the ground within musket range, especially if it is broken by ravines, should be reconnoitred, particularly on the flanks; and, if possible, all the approaches by which the enemy, and particularly cavalry can approach, should be obstructed; and all obstacles to a retreat or change of position removed.51. Although commanding positions are to be preferred, the top of a hill should not be chosen where the men and pieces are relieved against the sky, forming a much better mark.52. Shell and Shrapnel produce a greater moral effect than grape or canister, and in general a greater real injury, as the latter are generally fired at too great distances.
NOTES ON THE USE OF BOAT-HOWITZERS. 53. N.B.—Before equipping boats with howitzers, notice attentively the Hints for General Service, commencing at page 146, Boat Armament of the U.S. Navy, and Suggestions for Landing, of that system, which relate more especially to the condition and management of boat-guns.54. Too much care cannot be taken to be fully provided, and to have each detail in good condition; for, after the boat has left the ship, it may be impossible to compensate for failure in some seemingly trivial article.55. The chief purposes of naval light artillery are:
1. To attack small vessels that are lightly armed, and furnish but slight protection to the crews.
2. To contend with other armed boats.
3. To cover the landing of troops.56. The landing of seamen is rather a remote contingency in the naval service, and should never be resorted to when opposed by good infantry, or when the object to be attained would take the seamen too far from their boats, which should be the base of operations.57. Boat-Guns.—No tackles are required to run out 12-pdrs.; but 24-pdrs. may possibly require them.58. The hole in the cascabel for reeving a breeching has been purposely omitted in howitzers, as hitherto the use of a breeching has not been found necessary. Should one be required, a thimble may be fitted to the neck of the knob to serve in place of this hole. With a breeching, the piece may be fired as if on an ordinary carriage.59. The recoil is controlled by compressing the slide between the bed and the lower plate. It is necessary, however, that the surfaces of the carriage in contact should be plane. If they are not so, dismount the gun and examine them, and where the wood is worn smooth, remove it in the slightest manner, and correct the surfaces generally. In making the surface plane, it is by no means necessary that it should be rendered smooth. It ought to be as little so as possible for the present purpose.
SECTION OF 12 PDR. SHRAPNEL
With Bormann Fuze and Filling of Sulphur.
D. Van Nostrand Publisher. Julius Bien, pr. 60. Field-Carriage.—In order to moderate the recoil on smooth ground, take out the axle or pin of the trail-wheel and turn the wheel up on the trail. For using the howitzer on shore, two transporting-boxes are supplied, placed on a support and lashed to the axle of the field-carriage. When more than a single piece is landed, it may be found convenient to secure the trail of one field-carriage to the axle of another, and then, by means of pieces of stuff, or boat's spars, secured from axle to axle, to place the ammunition-boxes, provisions, and pouches upon them.61. Shrapnel may be effectively used where the dispersion of common canister becomes too great and its effects feeble. It takes the place of common shell, to a great extent, when uncovered masses of men are in view, and is designed to burst in front of troops, at just such a distance and height as to disperse the balls among them.62. Similar terms are used in marking the sight and the fuze. Thus, if the fuze be adjusted to 2 seconds, and the piece elevated by the sight raised to the line on it marked 2 seconds, then the shrapnel will burst about 500 yards from the piece, and spread its balls from that point to a considerable distance further—effectively at least 150 yards. The adjustment of the fuze to the distance and the altitude of explosion are regulated to the elevation; and, therefore, the three conditions to good effect may be said to depend mainly on a correct knowledge of distance.63. The 12-pdr. shrapnel contains 80 musket-balls, and if its explosion occurs at one hundred or one hundred and twenty yards in front of and fifteen to twenty yards above the object, one-seventh of the number of balls may be relied on to take effect upon an object 20 by 10 feet in size.64. Shells may be advantageously substituted for shrapnel when the hostile force is sheltered, especially by such quarters as small craft or merchantmen afford, or when material of any kind is the object of the fire.65. At two hundred yards canister, only, is required. In case of a want of canister, the shrapnel or common shell furnishes an excellent substitute by cutting into the magazine of the Bormann fuze, which will cause it to explode at the muzzle.66. When provided with the Bormann fuze, the shrapnel, or shell, as issued, is complete. The upper surface of this fuze is graduated into seconds and fourths of seconds; and it is only necessary to lay bare the composition contained in the fuze, by the cutting-tool, to prepare the projectile for instant use. In this respect the Bormann fuze has an advantage over the ordinary fuze. The length of the fuzes limits the distance within which the fire of these guns is considered as effective.67. The introduction of the 12-pounder rifled howitzer has greatly extended the accuracy and effective range of the boat and field artillery.Solid shot and shell have sufficient penetration to be effective against ordinary wooden vessels at any distance which the elevation allowed by the respective carriages will reach. See Table of Ranges. The shrapnel has sufficient velocity at 2,000 yards to disable men and horses. Hitherto no certain or efficient time-fuze has been adopted for rifled howitzers. There are objections to firing grape and canister from rifled guns, as the grooves are injured thereby, and the rotary and irregular motion given to the mass diminishes its effect. If used, the balls should be of lead or zinc.68. Fixed ammunition is preferable, on the score of greater convenience, and of avoiding difficulties.
For Manoeuvres of Boats Armed for Service, see "Naval Howitzers Afloat;" by Commander Foxhall A. Parker, U.S.N. LANDING SEAMEN, MARINES, AND HOWITZERS FOR EXERCISE OR SERVICE ON SHORE.69. As the efficiency of seamen when landed in any considerable number depends most materially upon a proper system of organization and training previous to their being landed, and without which they are inefficient, the following system is recommended:70. The small-arm men are to be formed into companies of 80 men, with four petty officers. Each company to be commanded by a Lieutenant, with two other officers. The company to be subdivided into two platoons, and each platoon into two sections, and to be exercised in such movements as are absolutely necessary to manoeuvre as a company and in battalion, by the officers who are to command them.71. Small vessels should furnish a platoon of 40 or section of 20 men, that the companies formed by their aggregation may be of equal strength.72. The companies when landed are to fall in, and number from the right according to the seniority of the Captains of their respective ships, so that they at once will fall into their places according to their number when landed.73. Each ship landing two companies is to be prepared to land with the small-arm men six Pioneers—2 with a saw and axe each, 2 with a pickaxe and spade each, 2 with a small crowbar and sledge-hammer, or such intrenching or other tools as the nature of the expedition may require; the tools to be slung on the men's backs; smaller detachments a proportionate number.74. The ship's bugler, if she have one, or drummer, will be sent with the men. He is to be able to sound the "Assembly," "Retreat," "Close," "Extend," "Commence Firing," and "Cease Firing," which sounds the men are to be accustomed to on board ship.75. If the men are likely to be on shore during the night, they should have a haversack and blanket slung across their shoulders.76. As muskets are apt to miss fire the first time if not properly clean, the greatest precaution is to be taken to see that the nipple is perfectly clear before loading; first, by blowing down the barrel and placing the finger before the nipple, to feel that the air passes through it, and afterwards snapping a cap off to dry up any oil or moisture that may be in the barrel. To avoid accidents, it is better not to cap the muskets until after landing.77. When field-pieces are landed, the guns shall be numbered from the right in the same manner as a company.78. One or more armorers should be sent with each landing party with cleaning-rods, screw-drivers, and spare nipples.79. The boats should be formed in divisions, according to the seniority of the Captains of their respective ships—or of the Commanding Officers of the divisions—numbering from the right. The seamen and marines, having been told off in companies previous to leaving their ships, on landing they will form immediately in the same order.80. The howitzers being mounted as boat's guns and prepared for landing are brought at once into action, or remain in the boats, according to circumstances.81. Each division of boats should have a distinguishing flag; and scaling-ladders, intrenching tools, and other implements, should be carried by designated boats.82. The boats will always land a boat's length apart. Before leaving the ship four boat-keepers should be appointed to each boat carrying a howitzer, and two for the others, with an officer in charge of each division of boats, who are on no account to leave them. Should there be a probability of the landing party being attacked on a re-embarkation, the boats should be hauled off to their anchors, with a long scope of cable, having a stern-line to the beach, and a man in the boat to veer in, that the troops may be readily embarked. The officer left in charge of the boats should be careful to avoid being surprised; and, if circumstances admit, strengthen his position by cutting down trees and throwing up small breastworks a short distance in front.83. A fast-pulling boat with Medical Officers will attend in rear of the line, designated by a yellow flag.84. Should the distance from the point of landing be considerable, the boats of each division, in tow of each other, lightest boats leading, will fall in—the leading boat of each division abreast (Art. 72), leaving space for the whole line to form abreast when ordered. On approaching the beach the tow-ropes should be cast off, and the launches with howitzers dress up in line ready to open fire, if necessary, to clear the landing. The officer in command will commence firing from the howitzers when he thinks fit; but no musketry is to be fired without special orders.85. When the Commanding Officer perceives the beach to be clear, or when he considers it proper, he will order "Cease firing!" and direct the boats with skirmishers and light howitzers to pull in and land as quickly as possible. On landing they will immediately extend, advance, and seize the first cover near the beach, if there be any, but will not open fire till the Officer commanding them sounds "Commence firing." The main body then pull steadily in and land, forming line in rear of the covering party. The howitzers form on the flanks of their divisions, or as ordered. Pioneers and scaling-ladders as ordered. The main body being formed, will advance in line or column, according to circumstances, preceded by the skirmishers firing, if necessary. When firing in close order the front rank should fire kneeling, as, owing to the shortness of muskets, accidents frequently occur. Under certain circumstances, as advancing on an open beach, the boats might be employed on the flanks to cover the advance or retreat.86. Should the boats be employed for the disembarkation of troops, the same arrangement should be made. It will then be desirable that every boat should carry a flag similar to that of the Commanding Officer of its division; and, when in large numbers, the boats should also be painted according to the colors of the flags, that the troops may readily know their own boats.87. The re-embarkation should be conducted on similar principles to the disembarkation—the skirmishers and light howitzers extending in rear of the line, which will then pass through the intervals, forming again, if necessary, to support the skirmishers, who will retire firing, and re-form in rear of the line. The main body will then embark, followed by the covering party under cover of the boats' guns.88. When landing in a heavy surf, the ammunition should be put in one or more small powder-tanks, with the lids well screwed down.
PART III.
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