The bombardier, and pocket gunnerAdye, Ralph Willett
History
The bombardier, and pocket gunner
Adye, Ralph Willett
Artillery -- Handbooks, manuals, etc.; Artillery drill and tactics
_BATTALION Guns._—The following are the usual positions taken by
battalion guns, in the most essential manœuvres of the battalion to
which they are attached; but the established regulations for the
movements of the infantry in the British Service, take so little notice
of the relative situations for the artillery attached to it, that there
is no authority for a guide on the subject. _In review_, both guns are
to be placed, when, in line, on the right of the regiment; unlimbered
and prepared for action. The guns 10 yards apart, and the left gun
10 yards from the right of the grenadiers. Nos. 7 and 8 dress in line
with the front rank of the regiment. The officer, at open order, will
be in front of the interval between his guns, and in line with the
officers of the regiment. When the regiment breaks into column, the
guns will be limbered up and wheel by pairs to the left: the men form
the line of march, and the officer marches round in front of the guns.
In the review of a single battalion, it is usual after marching round
the second time, for one of the guns to go to the rear, and fall in at
the rear of the column. Upon the regiment wheeling on the left into
line, the guns, if separated, will be unlimbered to the right, but if
they are both upon the right, they must be wheeled to the right, and
then unlimbered; and afterwards run up by hand, as thereby they do not
interfere with the just formation of the line, by obstructing the view
of the pivots.
The usual method by which the guns take part in the firings while in
line, is by two discharges from each piece, previous to the firing of
the regiment; but this is usually regulated by the commanding officer,
before the review. Though the guns when in line with a regiment in
review, always remain in the intervals; in other situations of more
consequence, every favorable spot which presents itself, from which the
enemy can be more effectually annoyed, should be taken advantage of.
In column, if advancing, the guns must be in front; if retreating, in
the rear of the column. If in open column of more than one battalion,
the guns in the center must be between the divisions, and when the
column is closed, these guns must move to the outward flank of that
division of the column, which leads the regiment to which they are
attached. In changing front, or in forming the line from column, should
the guns be on that flank of the battalion on which the new line is to
be formed, they will commence firing to cover the formation.
In retiring by alternate wings or divisions, the guns must be always
with that body nearest the enemy. That is, they will not retire with
the first half, but will remain in their position till the second half
retires; and will then only retire to the flanks of the first half; and
when it retires again, the guns will retire likewise, but only as far
as the second half, and so on.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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