By means of the =elevating mechanism= the howitzer, sleigh and cradle are inclined at the various firing angles, varying from zero to 42 degrees, by rotation in the trunnions of the cradle. Two elevating segments attached to the cradle are actuated by the elevating pinion shaft operating in bearings integral with the elevating worm wheel case secured to trail. To lower end of worm shaft is fitted a worm which engages a worm wheel and pinion shaft in the gear case. On upper end of worm shaft is attached the elevating hand wheel fitted with a handle and plunger enabling the operator to lock the howitzer at any desired elevation. The motion of the handwheel is transmitted through the worm gear to the pinion shaft and thence to the elevating segments. [Illustration: 155 MM HOWITZER, MODEL OF 1918 (SCHNEIDER) TRAVERSING ROLLERS] The handwheel is provided with a handle of a spring locking type, downward pressure on which unlocks it from the handwheel latch plate, permitting the mechanism to be operated. =Traversing Mechanism.= The traverse of the carriage is obtained by means of the traversing mechanism causing the carriage to slide on the axle, the trail pivoting on the spade. The movement is 3 degrees each side of center or a total of 105 mils. At the center of the axle is rigidly attached a bronze traversing nut through which passes the traversing screw which may be operated from either side of the carriage by means of handwheels connected to the screw through bevel gears and shaft. The traversing screw operates in the travelling housing longitudinally and held in position by thrust bearings and thrust bearing adjusters at both ends of the screw. When either of the handwheels is operated the traversing screw is rotated and moves to the right or left as the case may be, carrying the entire carriage which moves across the axle on traversing rollers. In order to reduce friction during the traversing operation the carriage rests on the axle through Belleville springs and two concave faced traversing rollers mounted on roller shafts in the axle housing. When gun is fired the Belleville springs are compressed and the carriage rests on the axle through the bronze traversing roller boxes. On top of axle projecting to the left of carriage is riveted an azimuth scale graduated in mils so that the position of the carriage on the axle may easily be seen at any time. When in traveling position the carriage should be locked to the axles by the axle traveling lock, thus relieving the traversing mechanism from unnecessary stress. [Illustration: 155 MM HOWITZER, MODEL OF 1918 (SCHNEIDER) TRAVERSING MECHANISM]