MOUNTED DRILL.
=125.= _General instructions._
1. At drill or manœuvre, the sections of a battery are termed “right,”
“centre” or “left,” and the subsections are numbered from 1 to 6 as
they stand in line without reference to any number or letter in use for
administrative purposes. In column they are termed “leading,” “centre,”
and “rear.”
A four-gun battery is organized on similar lines.
At brigade drill batteries are termed “right,” “centre,” and “left,” or
“leading,” “centre,” and “rear,” according to their position in line or
column respectively.
2. The object of drill is to acquire accuracy and flexibility in
carrying out movements necessary for manœuvre.
These movements should be as few and simple as possible, and the
brigade or battery should be trained to execute them with precision and
rapidity in any direction passing over as little ground as possible.
3. When a general order is not distinctly heard by a part of the line,
each commander (when the intention is obvious) will conform as quickly
as possible to this movement.
4. Numbering in line is from right to left; in column from the right of
the head of the column.
The relative position of batteries within a brigade, of sections within
a battery, or of subsections within a section, may be changed at any
time, but sections must not be broken up.
The battery or the section on the right of the line is always, for the
time being, the right battery or section. Line is to be formed in any
required direction with the utmost rapidity possible, without regard
to the original positions which batteries or sections or subsections
within sections, occupied when they were last told off.
5. The command “MARCH,” unless preceded by some other command, means
“Trot.” This does not refer to heavy batteries.
When moving at any pace exceeding a walk, the command “WALK” will
precede by a few seconds the command “HALT.”
Movements and formations will be made on the move unless the order “to
the halt” is given; in the case of formations “to the halt” the base
body advances its own depth before halting.
If a formation be ordered when a battery is on the move the original
pace will be preserved by the base body, while that of each portion
of the remainder will be increased or diminished as may be necessary,
until the formation is completed; but in field and heavy batteries, if
moving at the trot, and the formation is to the head of the column, the
pace of the base body will be reduced to the walk until the formation
is completed, when the trot will be resumed.
6. Horse and field artillery cannot be reversed on its own ground;
when acting with other troops, the battery interval should be allowed
on each flank to enable the subsections to wheel outwards if required.
It is generally advisable in parade movements to remain in rear of any
intended alignment until the other troops are finally formed.
7. When it is intended to increase the front the formation may be to
either or both flanks. If no special order is given the formation will
be outwards, the body which is immediately in rear of the head going to
the right. If it is intended to form on the right or left it must be so
stated.
To pass obstacles, and to facilitate movement, the batteries may
increase or decrease the battery intervals.
_Mountain Artillery._
8. Mountain batteries are organized in two lines for drill and
manœuvre, the firing battery, and 1st line.
The relief mules which form part of the firing battery should be taken
one from each subsection.
At drill and manœuvre the firing battery moves independently of the 1st
line, which, if present, follows some distance in rear and conforms
generally to the movements of the firing battery.
9. Mountain batteries move usually at the walk, and the command “MARCH”
means walk, unless some other pace is ordered. A pace of four miles an
hour should be maintained on level ground.
A distance of one yard between mules, measured from nose to croup, is
always maintained on a good road.
Batteries should also be able to move some distance at a slow trot and
should be trained accordingly.
10. To reverse or take ground.--Every animal is at once turned about,
or to the right or left, as ordered, the gun detachments moving round
with the mules and maintaining their position relative to them. As a
general rule mules are reversed to the left.
In executing a movement to a flank, the half wheel of subsections is to
be preferred.
11. In the detail of drill movements contained in sections, the
instructions are generally applicable to mountain batteries with the
following modifications:--
i. All reference to the movement of wagons of field
artillery may be neglected.
ii. Where the incline of subsections or carriages is ordered
for a field battery, the movement will be executed by
the half wheel of subsections except for diminishing or
increasing intervals in line. Where a formation into
line or column is effected in field artillery by one
part of the battery increasing its pace, in mountain
artillery that part of the battery makes no change, but the
remainder of the battery checks its pace.
=126.= _Falling in for parade._
1. The men of each subsection will fall in on foot in front of their
own stables, where they will be inspected by their Nos. 1, and the
reports made to the battery serjeant-major. The drivers and mounted men
of each subsection will then be marched into stables ready to turn out
when ordered, and the dismounted men marched to the gun park.
2. The teams will be inspected by the Nos. 1 before they proceed to
the gun park. When ordered to turn out, the subsections are formed up,
mounted in front of their stables, marched to the gun park and hooked
in. Teams should not be hooked in until shortly before the hour for
parade.
3. Each section will also be inspected by its section commander, whose
duty it is to see that every man, animal, and carriage is properly
equipped, that each gun is in working order, the buffer filled and the
bore clear.
He should then dismount drivers and detachments and make his report to
the captain.
If a section is without an officer, the senior non-commissioned officer
of that section takes his place and commands it.
4. When bare charges are carried and when the cartridge is contained in
a case which is not attached to the shell, all drill ammunition will be
left in barracks or camp.
_Mountain Artillery._
5. When ordered to turn out, the drivers will turn out with their mules
by subsections and be marched to the gun park, where they will form up
behind the guns in the position for action.
Mules will not be loaded or the girths tightened till the last possible
moment.
=127.= _Intervals and distances._
1. Intervals are measured from No. 1 to No. 1 when limbered up, from
muzzle to muzzle when in action, and from knee to knee between files.
Between files 6 inches.
Open files 2 yards.
Half extended files 4 ”
Extended files 8 ”
Close interval between subsections 4 ”
” ” ” heavy batteries 6 ”
Half interval between subsections 10 ”
” ” ” heavy batteries 12 ”
Full interval between subsections 20 ”
” ” ” heavy batteries 25 ”
Battery intervals--
Between batteries at full intervals 25 ”
” ” close ” 10 ”
Intervals--
between brigades 25 ”
” artillery and other troops 25 ”
2. Distances are measured between animals from tail to head, between
carriages from rear end of carriages to head of the following team, and
between the units of a column or Échelon from No. 1 to No. 1, except
when otherwise stated:--
Between ranks half a horse-length (4 feet).
Battery column, column or
échelon of sections 40 yards.
Column or échelon of sections,
heavy batteries 50 ”
Column of batteries 125 ”
” ” heavy batteries 100 ”
Short échelon of sections or
batteries 20 ”
Short échelon of section or
batteries, heavy batteries 25 ”
Quarter column of batteries 12 ” between carriages
and lead horses’ heads.
” ” sections 6 ” ” ” ”
Column of route 4 ” ” ” ”
Between brigades and larger bodies
in column of route 20 ” ” ” ”
Between batteries in column of route 10 ” ” ” ”
Column or échelon of sections
of mountain batteries 100 ” ” ” ”
=128.= _Frontages and depths._
1. The frontage at full interval of a horse, field or mountain battery
(6 guns) may be taken to be 100 yards, and that of a heavy battery 75
yards.
2. The depth in column of route of a horse battery with detachments on
a flank, or of a field battery, is obtained by allowing 20 yards for
each carriage with an allowance for the headquarters. Horse artillery
with detachments front or rear requires an extra 8 yards for each
detachment; if the detachments are in files, 4 yards must be allowed
for every two horses in the detachment.
The road spaces occupied by batteries in column of route are as
follows:--
A horse artillery battery (6 guns and 12 wagons):--
With detachments right or left of the guns 390 yards.
” ” front or rear 440 ”
” ” in files 490 ”
A field battery (with 6 guns and 12 wagons) 390 ”
A heavy battery (with 8 wagons) 340 ”
The depth of a mountain battery, in column of route, is obtained by
allowing 3 yards for each mule or pony, and adding 25 yards for Nos. 1,
coverers, range-takers and signallers.
=129.= _Posts of officers, N.C.Os., &c._
1. The positions assigned to the brigade and battery commanders are
those to be taken up when the formation is completed; while it is in
progress their posts are wherever they can best superintend and be seen
and heard by their commands.
In order to carry out this principle effectually, commanders of
batteries and brigades should not remain too close to their commands.
When moving in line, or in line of battery columns, their normal
position is in front of the centre.
In quarter column formations officers (other than those in front) and
serrefiles take half distance.
2. BRIGADE COMMANDER. _In line._--In the centre, two horse-lengths in
front of battery commanders.
_On other occasions._--In the best place from which he can command the
brigade.
3. BATTERY COMMANDER. _In line._--One horse-length in front of the
centre of the line of section commanders.
_In column or quarter column of batteries._--One horse-length in front
of, and three from the directing flank of, the battery.
_In all other formations._--In front of the battery.
4. CAPTAIN. _In line._--One horse-length in rear of the centre of the
serrefile rank.
_In column of batteries._--As in line.
_In quarter column of batteries, full or close interval._--Half a
horse-length on the outer flank of the battery, in line with the front
rank or gun leaders.
_In battery column._--Three horse-lengths on the right flank of the
centre of the battery.
_In column of subsections and column of route._--One horse-length in
rear of the rear carriage.
5. SECTION COMMANDER. _In line._--One horse-length in front of the
centre of his section.
_In battery column or quarter column._--The leading section commander
as in line, the remainder in centre of sections in line with front rank
or gun leaders.
_In column of subsections and column of route._--Where he can best
command his section.
6. OBSERVATION OFFICER (HEAVY BATTERIES).--With the observation party.
7. ADJUTANT.--The adjutant will, as a rule, accompany the brigade
commander and assist him as required.
When a formation is completed he will place himself as follows:--
_In line._--On the right flank of the brigade, one horse-length from
and in line with the front rank or gun leaders.
_In column and échelon._--Three horse-lengths on the right flank of the
leading battery in line with the front rank or gun leaders.
8. BRIGADE SERJEANT-MAJOR. _In line, in column, and in
échelon._--Covering the adjutant at one horse-length distance.
9. BRIGADE TRUMPETER.--With brigade commander.
10. BATTERY STAFF-SERJEANTS. _In line and in column of batteries._--One
horse-length in rear of the flank subsections; the serjeant-major on
the right.
_In quarter column of batteries, full and close interval._--As in line,
but half a horse-length in rear.
_In battery column._--The serjeant-major and the
quarter-master-serjeant in the centre of the leading and rear section
respectively in line with the gun axles. In mountain artillery as for
line.
_In column of subsections and in column of route._--The serjeant-major
on the off side of the leading gun in line with the leaders (in column
of route, with the battery commander); the quarter-master-serjeant one
horse-length in rear of the rear carriage in line with and on the left
of the captain.
11. SERJEANT-FARRIER AND MOUNTED SHOEING-SMITH. _In line._--The
farrier, one horse-length in rear of No. 2 subsection, and the
shoeing-smith (saddler in a British mountain battery) the same distance
in rear of No. 5.
_In quarter column of batteries, full and close interval._--As in line,
but half a horse-length in rear.
_In battery column._--One horse-length in rear of the rear carriages,
the farrier in rear of that on the right. In mountain artillery as for
line.
_In column of subsections and in column of route._--One horse-length
in rear of the captain and quartermaster-serjeant, except in mountain
artillery, where they will be in single file, farrier leading.
12. TRUMPETERS.--One with the battery commander, the other with the
captain.
13. NOS. 1.--Of horse artillery, on the left of the lead driver of the
gun or with their detachments. (_See_ Sec. =134= (2).)
Of field artillery, on the left of their gun leaders.
Of mountain and heavy artillery at drill and manœuvre in front of their
subsections.
14. COVERERS.--On the left of their wagon leaders (of heavy artillery
in front).
15. PATROL, RANGE-TAKERS, SIGNALLERS, AND OBSERVERS.--_In line._--In
line one horse-length in rear of the centre of the battery from right
to left in the order named; at open files when the battery is at full
or half interval; at close files when it is at close interval.
In mountain artillery these men are dismounted and form in single rank
one pace in rear of the centre of the battery.
_In column of subsections and column of route._--In a column of parties
from front to rear in the order named; the men of each party abreast
of one another, and the rear party one horse-length in front of the
leading section commanders.
_In battery column or quarter column._--In column as above, one
horse-length on the right flank of the centre of the battery.
_In quarter column of batteries full or close interval._--As in line,
but at half a horse-length distance.
16. SPARE HORSES. _In line._--In the serrefile rank in rear of the
centre of their sections, those of the centre section on the left of
the line of patrols, range-takers, &c.
_In quarter column of batteries, full or close interval._--One
horse-length in rear of the rear battery. Those of the leading battery
on the right, and those of the rear battery on the left.
_Mountain artillery._
17. SENIOR DRIVER N.C.O. _of British Mountain Batteries_, (Driver
Havildar Major).
_In line._--One pace in rear of the pioneer mule of the right section.
_In action._--He is in charge of the firing battery mules.
18. PIONEER MULES. In column of route and subsections.--Leading their
section.
_On all other occasions._--In the centre of the section, in line with
the second ammunition mule.
Two gunners, or one only if short-handed, per subsection are detailed
as pioneers, and walk alongside the pioneer mules in the order of march.
19. RELIEF MULES WITH FIRING BATTERY. _In line._--Distributed in rear
of the 2nd ammunition mules.
_In battery column and in column of subsections._--Following in rear of
the firing battery.
_In column of route._--With their subsections.
20. WHEEL AND AXLE MULE. (10-pr. B.L. equipment only.) _In line and
battery column._--One yard in rear of the pioneer mule of the centre
section.
_In column of subsections._--One yard in rear of the last mule of the
relief mules with the firing battery.
_In column of route._--The last of the firing battery mules of its
subsection.
_Indian mountain batteries._
21. INDIAN OFFICERS. _In line at close order and in battery
column._--One horse-length in rear of the centre of firing battery of
their sections.
_At drill and in action._--Two native officers assist the captain, the
third is with the battery commander.
_On all other occasions._--On the outer flank of and near the rear of
their sections.
22. BATTERY STAFF-SERJEANTS.--The havildar-major and
quartermaster-havildar as for the battery serjeant-major and battery
quartermaster-serjeant, but at one pace instead of a horse-length
distance.
23. PAY HAVILDAR.--_In line_ in rear of No. 3 subsection.
_In battery column._--In rear of right subsection of centre section.
_In column of subsections and column of route._--In front of the
quartermaster-havildar.
=130.= _Commands and signals._
1. Orders may be given:--
i. By word of command.
ii. By signal.
iii. By trumpet sound.
_Words of command._
2. Direct word of command is not suitable for any larger body at the
halt than a brigade, or on the move than a battery.
3. All words of command should be given in a firm and explicit manner,
and loud enough to be heard by all concerned. The executive part of the
command must be clearly distinguished from the preparatory part, and
must not follow it too quickly. =Commands will be accompanied by the
corresponding signals.=
4. Battery commanders repeat the brigade whistle and then give their
own executive word or signal.
Section commanders, as a rule, command by signal, and give orders by
word of mouth only in case of necessity.
Nos. 1 do not repeat commands or signals.
The leader of every unit is responsible that the command is passed on
correctly to the next leader.
_Signals._
5. The following signals are to be employed to represent the words of
command mentioned:--
_Signal._ | _To Indicate._
|
i. Arm swung from rear to front |“_Advance_,” _or_ “_Forward_,”
below the shoulder, finishing with| or “_Commence movement_.”
the hand pointing to the front. |
|
ii. Arm circled above the head. | “_Retire_,” or “_Subsections_
| --_Right about wheel_.”
| (In mountain batteries)
| “_Left reverse_.”
|
iii. Hand raised in line with the | “_Walk_,” or “_Quick-time_.”
shoulder, elbow bent, and |
close to the side. |
iv. Clenched hand moved up and |“_Trot_” or “_Double_.”
down between thigh and shoulder.|
|
v. Circular movement of hand below |“_Gallop_.”
the shoulder in a vertical plane.|
|
vi. Arm raised at full extent above |“_Halt_.”
the head. |
|
vii. Body or horse turned in the |“_Incline_.”
required direction and arm extended|
in a line with the shoulder. |
|
viii. Clenched hand brought to the |“_Right_ (or _left_) _take_
shoulder, and the arm then extended|_ground_.”
sharply in the required direction |
two or three times. |
|
ix. Circular movement of extended |“_Shoulders_,” or
arm in line with the shoulder in |“_Wheel_.”
the required direction. |
|
x. Arm waved from above the head |“_Sections right_ (or _left_)
to a position in line with the |_wheel_.”
shoulder, pointing in the required|
direction. |
|
xi. Arm waved horizontally from right|1. “_Form line_” from
to left and back again as though |battery column or line
cutting with a sword, finishing with |of battery columns or mass.
the delivery of a point to the front.|
|
|2. “_Form mass_” from
|line, column of route
|or column of sections.
|
|3. “_Advance in battery_
|_column_” (for a single
|battery in line) or
|“_Advance in mass_”
|(from brigade in line).
xii. Two or three slight movements |“_Form line_” from échelon.
of the open hand, palm to the |
front (arm extended, hand waist |
high) denoting a forward movement |
looking to each flank in turn. |
|
xiii. As above, but arm to the rear, |“_Form échelon_” from line.
denoting a backward movement. |
|
xiv. Two or three slight movements of|“_Dismount_” or “_Lie down_.”
the open hand towards the ground. |
|
xv. Two or three slight movements |“_Mount_.”
with the open hand upwards (palm up).|
|
xvi. Arm raised as for “_Halt_” |“_Action_.”
and then pointed to the ground. |
|
xvii. Weapon held up above and as if |“_Enemy in sight in
guarding the head. |small numbers_.”
|
xviii. As in xvii, but weapon |“_Enemy in sight in_
raised and lowered frequently. |_large numbers_.”
|
xix. Weapon held up at full extent of|“_No enemy in sight_.”
arm, point of muzzle uppermost. |
Signals for formations from line also apply to échelon.
For signals to first line wagons in action, _see_ Sec. =201=.
6. Officers giving signals should, as far as possible, face the same
way as those to whom the signals are made, but when a signal ordering a
change of direction is made, the body or horse should be turned in the
required direction.
All signals should be made with whichever arm will show most clearly
what is meant.
In order to ensure uniformity in the system of giving signals, they
must be practised in the riding school.
7. Signals of position, such as “_Halt_” or “_Incline_,” should be
maintained. Signals of movement, such as “_Advance_” or “_Shoulders_,”
should be repeated until it is clear that they are understood.
8. The whistle (_see also_ Sec. =201=) will be used:--
i. By brigade and battery commanders to draw attention to a signal
about to be made--a short blast. The whistle must not be used when
approaching guns or infantry already in action.
ii. To turn out troops from bivouac or camp to fall in or to occupy
previously arranged positions--a succession of alternate long and short
blasts.
When a battery is manœuvring as part of a brigade, the battery
commander will only repeat the brigade commander’s whistle, to whom he
will look for his signal.
Section commanders will wait for their battery commander’s whistle and
act on his signals, not on those of the brigade commander.
_Field calls._
9. The following field calls should be understood, and such as are
applicable maybe used _see_ (Trumpet and Bugle Sounds for the Army):--
“Forward” _or_ “advance.”
“Walk.”
“Trot.”
“Gallop.”
“Charge.”
“March.”
“Halt.”
“Annul,” _or_ “As you were.”
“Troops, half-right.”
“Troops, half-left.”
“Form line.”
“Retire” or “Troops right (or left) about wheel,”
or (for artillery) “Subsections--Right about wheel.”
“Squadron columns.”
“Head of column change direction, half-right.”
“Head of column change direction, half-left.”
“Pursue.”
“Rally,” _or_ “Close.”
“Mass.”
“March at ease,” _or_ “Sit at ease.”
“Attention.”
“Stand to your horses.”
“Prepare to mount, or dismount.”
“Mount.”
“Dismount.”
=131.= _Leading and dressing._
1. To preserve uniformity of movement, men and horses must be trained
to maintain the regular pace of trot and gallop.
For the same reason the trot and gallop must commence simultaneously
throughout the battery.
As large bodies cannot move in perfect order as rapidly as smaller
bodies, the leader must regulate the pace accordingly.
2. The “_battery leader_” is the officer personally leading and
controlling the movements of the battery. He should be well to the
front.
Should the battery commander for any reason temporarily cease to act as
battery leader, his place will be taken by the senior section commander.
3. The “_battery guide_” is the commander of the directing section,
which is the second from the right (or in column and échelon the
leading section). He is responsible for the direction and pace of the
battery, following and conforming to the movements of the battery
leader.
The other sections will keep their relative positions from the
directing section.
4. Similarly in brigade the officer personally leading is the “_brigade
leader_,” and the battery leader of the second battery from the right
the “_brigade guide_.” A line of columns is considered a line in all
matters connected with dressing.
In échelon or column movements the battery leader of the leading
battery is the brigade guide.
=132.= _Wheeling._
1. When wheeling, dressing is to the opposite flank to that to which
the wheel is made. This flank regulates the pace at which the wheel is
made, care being taken that the correct interval is preserved from the
pivot.
2. To wheel half or quarter, right or left, the word of command is
“HALF (or QUARTER), RIGHT (or LEFT).” If it is required to complete the
wheel to the full quarter circle, after having wheeled half right or
half left, the command is “RIGHT (or LEFT).” When a definite degree of
wheel has been ordered no further command is required, the battery or
brigade guide being responsible for taking up the proper direction at
the conclusion of the wheel ordered.
3. In throwing shoulders forward both flanks are kept in motion, the
pivot describing part of a circle, and the outer flank and intermediate
subsections by a compound of inclining and wheeling, conforming to the
pivot movements. To perform wheels on this principle the command is
“RIGHT (or LEFT) SHOULDERS,” followed by “FORWARD” when the required
degree of wheel has been attained.
4. In small changes of direction (which are usually done by
shouldering) the battery leader takes the new direction and the battery
guide conforms. When a wheel amounts to a quarter of a circle or nearly
so, the battery leader must give the signal to wheel and if desired
the word of command and place himself in front of where the centre of
the battery will be when the wheel is completed. He gives the signal
“FORWARD” and moves in the new direction as soon as the battery is
facing in the required direction.
5. If it is desired to move the line or column consisting of guns and
wagons to a flank, the command is “RIGHT (or LEFT) TAKE GROUND,” upon
which each carriage wheels at once to the flank named. To move each
carriage to the rear the command is “RIGHT REVERSE,” upon which each
carriage wheels about to the right.
When horse artillery receive the command “RIGHT (or LEFT) TAKE GROUND,
or RIGHT (or LEFT) REVERSE,” if the detachments are in front or rear of
their guns they wheel right, left, or about on their own ground.
=133.= _Markers._
1. The duties of markers will be restricted at drill to indicating the
points for the assembly and formation of the battery or brigade for
rendezvous.
2. The markers for a battery are the battery serjeant-major and battery
quartermaster-serjeant, who are termed respectively the right and left
markers. Battery markers mark for the points nearest to their positions
in the original formation. They are placed and dressed by the captain.
3. The markers for a brigade are the brigade serjeant-major and the
right marker of each battery. They are termed the brigade and battery
markers respectively. They are placed and dressed by the adjutant.
4. On the command “MARKERS” being given they move to their places, are
dressed by the officer in charge of them, and when dressed receive the
word “STEADY” from him. When the formation is completed he gives the
command “EYES FRONT” and the markers fall in.
5. When marking for line, markers face the new alignment, their horses’
heads 6 inches from it, battery markers opposite the points where the
horses of the Nos. 1 of the flank subsections will be, and the brigade
marker in line with, and 1 yard outside, the flank marker on the
directing flank.
6. When marking for column of batteries, each marker should place
himself 1 yard to the left of the spot where the No. 1 of the
subsection for which he is marking will rest when the formation is
completed, and should face the front. The brigade marker faces the
marker on the directing flank of the leading battery; the adjutant
places himself behind the brigade marker and corrects the covering.
Markers are not required for a single battery in battery column.
A line of columns is considered a line in all matters connected with
marking.
=134.= _The battery of horse artillery._
1. The number of men required for the service of each gun is 11, of
whom 9 are mounted. In addition a man is required with each section as
section commander’s horseholder. He is numbered 12, and falls in on the
right of the detachment of the left subsection of his section, except
in column of route, when he rides with the leading subsection of his
section.
2. The senior N.C. officer of each detachment is the No. 1 in charge
of the gun, and rides on the left of the lead driver of the gun,
except in the case of “_detachment front_” when he is on the right of
the detachment. The next senior is No. 7 the coverer in charge of the
wagons, who rides on the left of the lead driver of the firing battery
wagon. Having taken this wagon into action he returns with the team
or limber to the selected position and is employed in the supply of
ammunition as the commander of the wagon line may direct. Nos. 1, 2,
3, 4, 5, 6 are active numbers (_see_ Handbook); Nos. 10 and 11 are
horseholders and hold the horses of the active numbers, except those
of 1 and 6 which are held by the centre driver of the gun and wagon
respectively. Nos. 8 and 9 are dismounted men and are carried on the
first line wagon. The horses of the battery commander and of the man,
who works the director, are held by the first trumpeter.
3. A section of horse artillery, with full detachments, is shown in
Fig. 26 (the shaded figures representing the horses of active numbers).
In cases of reduced detachments Nos. 6, 5, 10 are omitted in succession.
4. A battery forms for drill and manœuvre as above. Detachments one
horse-length on the right of and in line with the gun muzzles. This
formation is termed “Detachments right rear.” Lead horses of the firing
battery wagons one horse-length on the left of and in line with the gun
muzzles.
5. To decrease the front of the subsection the following formations may
be adopted:--
Detachments { Lead horses of guns one horse-length
front. { in rear of the detachments covering
{ the centre.
Detachments { Detachments one horse-length in rear
rear. { of and covering the guns.
In each case the firing battery wagons will cover the gun or detachment
at a distance of four yards.
The front may be still further reduced by advancing from the right or
left of detachments by files.
[Illustration: FIG. 26.]
6. _To dismount and mount detachments, in line,_
_close interval, guns rear._
{ At the caution, the front rank advances
PREPARE TO { one horse-length and halts; the odd
DISMOUNT--DISMOUNT. { numbers, both of front and rear ranks,
{ advance one horse-length,and at the word
{ “_Dismount_,” the whole dismount together.
{ After mounting, the odd numbers of both
{ front and rear ranks rein back and dress
{ on the even numbers. The front rank then
PREPARE TO { reins back one horse-length and halts.
MOUNT--MOUNT. {
{ If this is required to be done with
{ “detachments left” at close interval, the
{ detachments must be advanced one
{ horse-length in front of the guns, and
{ then dismounted, as laid down above.
=135.= _The field battery._
1. The number of men required for the service of each nature of gun
is given in the handbooks. No. 1 is the senior; and the coverers, who
are the next senior, are mounted non-commissioned officers. Nos. 1
ride on the left of the lead drivers of their guns and the coverers
will occupy a similar position as regards the wagons of the firing
battery, will take them into action, and will return with the teams
to the first line wagons. They will subsequently be employed for the
supply of ammunition, as the commander of the wagon line may direct.
The positions of the other numbers of the detachment are given in the
handbook of the gun.
2. In action the horses of officers and non-commissioned officers are
held as follows. (_See_ Fig. 29, p. 306.)
i. Battery commander’s and that of the man who works the
director by the 1st trumpeter;
ii. Captain’s by the 2nd trumpeter.
iii. Battery leader’s or that of the officer accompanying
the battery commander, by an orderly.
iv. Battery serjeant-major’s by one of the battery
headquarters.
v. Section commander’s by the lead drivers of right
subsections.
vi. Nos. 1 by their centre drivers.
=136.= _The mountain battery._
1. The number of men required for the service of each gun is given in
the handbook. No. 1 is the senior and leads his subsection, walking in
front of the leading mule. The gunners walk alongside the mules in the
order shown in the handbook. In bad or hilly ground they help the mules
whenever necessary.
2. A N.C.O. is detailed to be in charge of and lead the 1st line mules
of each subsection, and will be employed in the supply of ammunition.
3. In action the horses of the battery commander and battery
serjeant-major are taken by the 1st trumpeter, that of the captain by
the 2nd trumpeter, and those of the section commanders by a N.C.O. or
driver of their right subsection.
=137.= _The heavy battery._
1. The number of men required for the service of each gun is given in
the handbooks. The senior N.C.O. is called the No. 1, and the next
senior, the coverer. The No. 1 is in charge of the gun, and the coverer
in charge of the wagon.
2. In action the horses of officers and non-commissioned officers are
held as follows:--
i. Battery commander’s and serjeant-major’s by the 1st trumpeter.
ii. Captain’s by the 2nd trumpeter.
iii. Section commander’s by a man detailed for the purpose.
=138.= _Battery drill._
i. The formations of a battery are:--
i. Line.
ii. Échelon or short échelon.
iii. Battery column.
iv. Battery quarter column.
v. Column of subsections.
vi. Column of route.
------------------+-------------------------------------------------
2. _From_ | The battery leader moves in the required
_line to |direction. The battery guide follows preserving
_advance._ |smooth and uniform pace. The remaining
|section commanders dress by the battery
|guide and keep section interval from him, but
|without constantly fixing their attention on him.
|
MARCH. | The Nos. 1 keep correct interval and distance
|from the section commanders. If
|obstacles are met section commanders lead
|their sections round them, or direct individual
|guns to evade them.
------------------+-------------------------------------------------
3. _From line to_ |
_advance in_ |
_échelon or short_|
_échelon._ |
|
ADVANCE IN | The named section advances, the others
ÉCHELON (_or_ |follow at the distance ordered.
SHORT ÉCHELON) |
FROM THE RIGHT |
(CENTRE _or_ |
LEFT)--MARCH. |
------------------+-------------------------------------------------
4. _From line to_ |
_retire._ |
|
i. SUBSECTIONS | Wagons and serrefiles follow their gun
RIGHT ABOUT |round.
WHEEL--MARCH. |
+-------------------------------------------------
ii. RIGHT | Each carriage wheels to the right about and
REVERSE--MARCH.|follows in rear of the serrefiles, who turn about
|on their own ground.
|
|_Note._--If it is required to make the rear
|the front the order is “GUNS FRONT, SERREFILES
|REAR.”
------------------+-------------------------------------------------
_Note._--The retirement of a mountain battery at full and half interval
is usually carried out by the order “LEFT REVERSE--MARCH.”
Nos. 1 and serrefiles turn about on their own ground.
On the order “GUNS FRONT, SERREFILES REAR,” the leading mules step
short, and the axle mules move to the front by inclining to the right,
followed by the others in succession from the rear.
---------------------+----------------------------------------------
5. _From line_ | The odd subsections advance at the pace
_to retire_ |ordered while the even subsections check the
_when at half_ |pace. When the odd subsections are clear of
_interval._ |the even subsections the battery commander
|orders “SUBSECTION RIGHT ABOUT WHEEL,”
|and when the subsections are all in line again
THE BATTERY | The original pace is taken up.
WILL RETIRE--MARCH. |
|
|_Note._--A line may reverse when at half
|interval in a similar manner.
---------------------+----------------------------------------------
6. _From line_ | All the section commanders turn half right
_to incline._ |(or left) while the lead drivers of all the
|carriages wheel their horses half right (or
i. RIGHT |left), and all move off in the new direction.
(_or_ LEFT) |The lines of the section commanders, guns and
INCLINE--MARCH. |wagons remain parallel. To resume the original
|direction the order is “FORWARD.” In horse
|artillery the detachments preserve their
|positions relative to their guns.
|
| In a mountain battery the incline is
|executed by every man and animal turning
|half right (or left) on his own ground and
|moving in the new direction.
---------------------+----------------------------------------------
ii. SUBSECTIONS HALF | In this case, the wagons follow the guns
RIGHT (_or_ LEFT)|instead of inclining independently. all resume
--MARCH. |the original direction on the command
|“SUBSECTIONS HALF LEFT (or RIGHT).”
|
| Inclining should only be done for short
|distances.
|
| In a mountain battery each subsection
|follows its No. 1, who turns half right
|(or left) as ordered.
---------------------+----------------------------------------------
7. _From line_ |
_to take_ | Each carriage wheels at once. Officers, &c.,
_ground to_ |move to their places in column.
_a flank._ |
| In a mountain battery every animal is at
RIGHT (_or_ |once turned to the right (or left) as ordered,
LEFT) TAKE |Nos. 1 and serrefiles turn on their own
GROUND--MARCH. |ground. The dressing is towards the axle
|mules.
---------------------+--------------------------------------------
8. _From line_ | The closing or opening is done upon the
_to diminish_ |battery guide. He moves straight forward,
_or increase |while the other section commanders and the
the intervals._ |carriages incline inwards or outwards, and
|when at the required interval, move forward
|in succession. When all are in their places,
HALF |the trot is resumed by order of the battery
(CLOSE _or_ FULL) |leader.
INTERVAL--MARCH. |
| Should it be required to diminish or increase
|the intervals without advancing the battery,
|the battery guide stands fast, the carriages
|reverse, move inwards or outwards, and form
|up to the halt at the required interval.
|
| Should the battery commander desire it, he
|may order the formation on any section or
|subsection, when his command will be “HALF
|(CLOSE or FULL) INTERVAL ON THE RIGHT (or
|LEFT) SECTION (or No. ).”
---------------------+--------------------------------------------
9. _From line_ | The subsection on the named flank (or, in
_to advance_ |the case of an advance from the centre, the
(_or retire_) |right subsection of the centre section) moves
_in column_ |forward, the section commander placing himself
_of route._ |in front. The remaining subsections
|incline to their right or left, checking the
|pace as required, and turn forward in
|succession when in rear of the head of the
|column.
---------------------+----------------------------------------------
ADVANCE IN | In advancing from the centre, the left
COLUMN OF |subsection of the centre section follows the
ROUTE FROM |right subsection, then those of the right
THE RIGHT |section.
(LEFT _or_ CENTRE) | A retirement is carried out in a similar
--MARCH. |manner, the command being, “RETIRE IN
|COLUMN OF ROUTE FROM THE RIGHT (LEFT, or
|CENTRE)--MARCH.” The subsections wheel
|about and proceed as before.
---------------------+----------------------------------------------
10. _From_ |
_line to_ | This is carried out in a similar manner to
_advance_ |the previous movements, except that on
(_or retire_) |leaving the alignment the wagons move up
_in column_ |as ordered on the right or left of their guns
_of subsections._ |at 20 yards interval.
|
ADVANCE IN | The command for a retirement is “RETIRE
COLUMN OF |IN COLUMN OF SUBSECTIONS FROM THE RIGHT
SUBSECTIONS |(LEFT, OR CENTRE)--WAGONS RIGHT (OR LEFT)
FROM THE |--MARCH.”
RIGHT (LEFT | In mountain artillery the advance or
_or_ CENTRE)-- |retirement in column of subsections is done in
WAGONS RIGHT (_or_ |a similar way, the firing battery mules of
LEFT)--MARCH. |subsections following each other in succession,
|and the 1st line, when this is on parade,
|moving in the same order in rear.
---------------------+----------------------------------------------
11. _From_ | The advance unless otherwise ordered is
_line to_ |always from the centre or directing section.
_advance in_ |The centre section advances straight to its
_battery column._ |front. The right section inclines to its
|left and follows immediately in rear of the
|centre section, checking the pace as required
ADVANCE IN |to do so. similarly the left section inclines
BATTERY |to its right and follows the right section.
COLUMN (_or_ | The wagons of 3 and 2 disengage and move
FROM THE |forward at an increased pace so as to allow
RIGHT _or_ |the guns of the right and left sections to get
LEFT)--MARCH. |into their places without checking. This done
|they drop back again.
|
| To advance in battery column from a flank
|the named section advances, followed by the
|remainder in succession.
---------------------+----------------------------------------------
12. _From_ |
_line to_ |
_retire in_ | After the subsections have wheeled about
_battery column._ |the movement is carried out as in para. 11,
|the section is now on the right following the
|centre section.
RETIRE IN |
BATTERY |_Note._--In mountain artillery the retirement
COLUMN--SUBSECTIONS |in battery column may be done similarly by
ABOUT |reversing, the order being “RETIRE IN BATTERY
WHEEL--MARCH. |COLUMN--LEFT REVERSE--MARCH,” and the
|movement is carried out as above when the
|reversing is completed.
---------------------+----------------------------------------------
13. _From_ | The rear subsections of sections incline to
_column_ |their right and move up at the prescribed
_of route_ |interval on the right of those in front.
_to form_ |
_battery | If the order “ON THE LEFT FORM BATTERY
_column._ |COLUMN” is given, the rear subsections form
|in a similar manner on the left of those in
|front.
|
FORM | In mountain artillery battery column is
BATTERY |formed from column of subsections in the
COLUMN--MARCH. |same way.
---------------------+----------------------------------------------
14. _From_ |
_battery_ | The right (or left) subsection of the leading
_column_ |section moves straight to the front, the other
_to advance_ |inclines and follows.
_in column_ |
_of route._ | The rear section acts similarly, checking
|the pace until there is room for them to move
ADVANCE IN |forward.
COLUMN OF |
ROUTE FROM |In mountain artillery an advance in column
THE RIGHT |of subsections is similarly carried out.
(_or_ LEFT)-- |
MARCH. |
---------------------+----------------------------------------------
15. _From_ |
_battery_ | The wagons incline to the left and move
_column_ |up on the left of their guns at close interval.
_to form_ |The sections close up to quarter column
_battery_ |distance.
_quarter_ |
_column._ | Should it be desired, the wagons can be
|brought on the right or at half interval by
FORM |the command “WAGONS RIGHT,” or “WAGONS
QUARTER |HALF INTERVAL.”
COLUMN--MARCH. |
---------------------+----------------------------------------------
16. _From_ |
_battery column_ | The leading section follows the battery
_to form line._ |guide.
|
| The centre and rear sections incline outwards
|and follow their commanders on to the
FORM |alignment.
LINE--MARCH. |
---------------------+----------------------------------------------
_Special for Mountain Artillery._
---------------------+----------------------------------------------
17. _From_ |
_battery_ |
_column to_ |
_form line_ | The right (or left) subsections of sections
_to a flank._ |come into action at once in the required
|direction. The left (or right) subsections
LINE TO THE |wheel to the right (or left) at their proper
RIGHT (_or_ |interval, moving at a trot, if possible, and
LEFT) FOR |come into action on the alignment.
ACTION--MARCH. |
---------------------+----------------------------------------------
=139.= _Brigade drill._
1. The formations of a brigade are:--
i. Line.
ii. Échelon or short échelon.
iii. Line of battery columns.
iv. Mass.
v. Column of batteries.
vi. Column of sections.
vii. Column of subsections.
viii. Column of route.
----------------------+-------------------------------------------
2. _From_ | The brigade advances straight to the front
_line to_ |at an even pace. The brigade leader gives
_advance._ |the direction to the brigade guide, and the
|other battery leaders regulate themselves
MARCH. |and consequently their batteries, by the
|latter.
----------------------+-------------------------------------------
3. _From_ |
_line to_ |
_advance._ |
_in échelon_ |
_or short_ |
_échelon of_ |
_batteries._ |
|
ADVANCE IN | The named battery advances--the others
ÉCHELON (_or_ |follow at the distance ordered.
SHORT ÉCHELON) |
FROM THE RIGHT |
(CENTRE _or_ |
LEFT)--MARCH. |
----------------------+-------------------------------------------
4. _From_ |
_line to_ |
_advance._ |
_in line_ |
_of battery_ |
columns._ |
|
ADVANCE IN | Each battery advances straight to the front
LINE OF |in battery column, the direction, dressing,
BATTERY |and pace being regulated as in line.
COLUMNS--MARCH. |
----------------------+--------------------------------------------
5. _From_ | The batteries advance in battery column.
_line to_ |The heads of the flank columns make half
_advance._ |a wheel inwards and move up in line with the
_in mass._ |centre column, at 25 yards interval.
|
ADVANCE IN | With two batteries, the battery of
MASS--MARCH. |direction moves straight forward, the other
|closes on it.
----------------------+--------------------------------------------
6. _From_ | The battery of direction forms line and
_mass to_ |moves straight forward.
_form_ |
_line to_ | The leading sections of the flank batteries
_the front._ |make a half wheel outwards and move in that
|direction till they have taken their correct
FORM LINE--MARCH. |distance in line from the brigade guide. They
|then wheel to the front and line is formed.
----------------------+---------------------------------------------
7. _From_ | The leading battery forms battery column,
_column of_ |continuing to move straight forward.
_route to_ |
_form mass._ | The centre and rear battery form battery
|column and incline to the right and left
|respectively, coming up on either side of the
FORM MASS--MARCH. |leading battery at 25 yards interval.
|
| In a similar manner mass may be formed
|on either flank.
----------------------+---------------------------------------------
8. _From_ |
_column of_ |
_sections to_ |
_form mass._ |
|
FORM MASS--MARCH. |As in 7.
----------------------+---------------------------------------------
9. _From_ |
_line to_ |
_advance_ |
_in quarter_ |
_column_ |
_of batteries_ |
_from a_ |
_flank (or_ | The right battery advances to clear the
_the centre)._ |front and the other batteries incline to the
|right.
|
ADVANCE IN | They successively incline to the front and
QUARTER |close up to quarter column, the wagons of all
COLUMN OF |coming up on the left of their guns at close
BATTERIES |interval (or on the right or at half interval if
FROM THE |ordered).
RIGHT--MARCH. |
----------------------+---------------------------------------------
10. _From_ |
_line to_ |
_form_ |
_quarter_ |
_column_ |
_of batteries_ | The centre and left batteries reverse and
_to the_ |move to the rear. The centre battery takes
_halt._ |ground to its left, and again to its left
|when in rear of the right battery, and closes
TO THE |up to quarter column. the left battery
HALT, |inclines to its left, again to its left when
QUARTER |it has room, and takes ground to its left
COLUMN OF |when in rear of the column, also closing up
BATTERIES. |to quarter column. the wagons all come up on
ON THE |the left of their guns at close interval
RIGHT--MARCH. |(or on the right or at half interval if
| ordered).
----------------------+---------------------------------------------
11. _From_ | The leading battery moves forward till clear
_quarter_ |of the one behind it. The centre battery
_column of_ |inclines (shoulders at close interval) to its
_batteries_ |right and continues in that direction till
_to form_ |the battery guide has got his interval in
_line to_ |line from the brigade guide, when it inclines
_the front._ |to the left and comes up in line on the right
|of the directing battery. Similarly the rear
FORM LINE--MARCH. |battery inclines to the left and comes up on
|the left.
|
| When the line is formed the trot is taken up
|by all. The wagons drop into their places as
|soon as possible.
|
| When this movement is performed from the
|halt to the halt, the rear batteries take
|ground to the right and left respectively,
|and come up in line by a square movement.
----------------------+---------------------------------------------