penetration would be sufficient to lodge them. They are of no service
in breaching solid stone walls, but are very effective against
earthworks, ordinary buildings, and for bombarding. For these purposes
a good percussion or concussion fuze is desirable, but no reliable
fuzes of these kinds have as yet been devised.
266. Solid shot should only be used when great accuracy, at very long
range, and penetration are required.
267. If, in loading, a shot or shell jams in the bore, no attempt
should be made to force it down, but it should be withdrawn. This may
be done with the ladle, by depressing and striking the muzzle against
the lower sill of the port, or by running the gun out hard against the
side at extreme depression.
268. A gun is not to be loaded with more than a single shot at once,
without the express sanction of the Captain, and never with more than
a single shell. Solid shot are not to be fired from shell-guns
without a direct order from the Captain.
269. Experiments show that firing two loaded shells together should
never be practised. With quite reduced charges [of from 1/8th to
1/12th the weight of the single shell], of 88 loaded shells thus
fired, 25 were broken and 48 did not explode, and some of the
remainder were exploded too soon by the shock of discharge. Of 50
unloaded 8-inch shells, fired two at the same time, with 6 lbs. of
powder, only one was broken by the shock of the discharge. This
difference between loaded and empty shells is accounted for by the
fact that a small hole is generally broken into the outer shell,
through which its charge is ignited. _See_ p. 13, Report of Admiral
Farragut, dated August 31, 1853, on experiments made at Old Point
Comfort.
270. In loading with a shell, the most exact attention is required to
all the precautions relating to the position of the fuze and the mode
of setting home the shell. The Loader is to be specially instructed
that unless the leaden patch is stripped off, to expose the priming,
the fuze will not ignite, and consequently the shell cannot explode.
271. Grape-shot have not sufficient penetration to be used with
effect, generally, against ships-of-war beyond 150 yards. When the men
on the spar-decks of the enemy are exposed, by the heeling of the
ship, grape or canister may be used against them, at distances varying
from 200 to 300 yards. Against light vessels, a single stand of grape
from heavy guns may be used at about 400 yards. The dispersion of the
balls is about one-tenth the distance, and is practically independent
of the charge.
272. The XI-inch gun, at 10 deg. elevation, gives for the mass of grape or
canister a range of about 1,300 yards; the spread about 10 deg.. They may
therefore be used with great effect against boats or exposed bodies of
men.
273. A stand of grape is not to be used with any other projectile.
274. Canister or case-shot, prepared for immediate use, are supplied
for all guns, including boat and field howitzers, and are effective at
short distances against boats or exposed bodies of men; they may be
used also, under favorable circumstances, against the tops of an
enemy.
275. Shrapnel-shell or spherical case-shot is intended to exceed the
range of canister, and is to be used only under the same
circumstances, but at an increased distance. Canister is more
effective at from 250 yards with the 12-pdr. howitzer, to 400 yards
with the XI-inch; but beyond those distances shrapnel should be used
up to 900 yards for the 12-pdr., and 1,500 with the XI-inch. A
well-delivered shrapnel-shell from a heavy gun must sweep away the
crew of a pivot or other gun, on a spar-deck not protected by
bulwarks. The 'distant firing' charge is always to be used with
shrapnel.
SEVENTH COMMAND.
"PRIME!"
"_He inserts a primer and turns the hammer down upon it._"
276. To prevent the primer from being blown out of the vent by the
blast of the next gun, as occasionally happens on light-covered decks.
With guns of the old pattern this cannot be done, because, if turned
down, it would interfere with the aim.
277. It is essential that the head of the primer shall be placed flat
and pressed close upon the vent, that the hammer may strike it fairly.
The tip of shellac, by which the lower end of the tube is sealed,
occasionally obstructs the jet of flame so as to split the tube. In
this case the flame is dispersed laterally, and fails to ignite the
charge; it is therefore a good precaution to pinch the end of the tube
before putting it into the vent.[40]
278. The tubes of all the primers are carefully gauged before issuing
them for service; but such as, from any cause, become so much enlarged
as not to go easily into the vent, should be rejected without
attempting to force them down.
It will occasionally happen, either from carelessness or inattention
to the instructions given for the proper manner of pulling the
lock-string, that the head of the primer will be crushed without
exploding it. Frequently a second and stronger pull will have the
desired effect, if the fulminate has not been dispersed; in case,
however, this attempt should prove unsuccessful, the tube of the
primer should be drawn out, if possible, before using the priming-wire
to clear the vent.
279. In case either lock or primer should entirely fail, recourse will
be had to the friction-primers or to the spur-tubes. In using the
first, the Captain of the gun, after taking the primer from the box,
will raise up the twisted wire-loop until it is on a line with the
spur; place the tube in the vent with the spur towards the muzzle of
the gun, and so that this spur will rest on the lock-piece; then hook
the lanyard into the raised loop, and pull it, when otherwise ready to
fire the gun, as though it were a lock-string, using, however, a less
degree of force. The lanyard may be hooked to the loop before the tube
is put into the vent. When the spur-tubes are used, the Gun Captain
exposes the priming and the 2d Captain applies the match.
280. The men should be practised at unloaded guns, in placing the
primers, both percussion and friction, properly, and in pulling the
lock-string so as to insure their explosion, until this very essential
knowledge and skill have been perfectly attained.
EIGHTH COMMAND.
"POINT!"
"_His eye ranging over the sights!_"
281. The Gun Captain gives the necessary order, "Right" or "Left,"
"Raise" or "Lower," by voice or sign. He alone should speak, giving
his orders in a sharp, clear tone, but not louder than necessary for
his own crew to hear him.
282. He should make use of the following signs to assist in making
himself understood, which, when the crew become well drilled, are
sufficient without the verbal orders.
IN POINTING.--He should move the left hand, held vertically, to the
right or left, according as he wishes the right or left tackle hauled
upon.
IN ELEVATING.--He should move the hand, held horizontally, up or down,
according as he wishes the breech raised or lowered.
283. Officers of divisions, while instructing the men in aiming,
should be particular in impressing upon their minds the necessity of
bringing the eye to an exact level with the bottom of the sight-notch,
as otherwise they will fire too high.
284. In lateral training, when the direction of the gun is frequently
changed by the coming up or falling off of the ship, or when the
position of the object to be fired at is rapidly changing by passing
in opposite directions, or from other causes, it is better to train a
little beyond, and then watch the proper moment for firing, instead of
endeavoring to train at once directly on the object.
285. The lateral training, or pointing, when considerable, should
always precede the elevation; because, the jarring of the gun is apt
to alter the elevation.
286. "If roller handspike is not used in training." A great difference
of opinion exists on this point. The use of the roller handspike
somewhat facilitates extreme train, but the gun cannot be fired until
it is unshipped, which alters the elevation and consumes time. It is
perhaps preferable to use one handspike under the bracket, manned by
two men, and the other to lift and slue the gun, manned by one man,
under the transom.
287. "Elevate or Depress as directed!" If the carriage is fitted with
a quoin, handspikemen standing between the handspikes and the side of
the ship, place their handspikes on the steps of the carriage and
raise the breech. As soon as the quoin is free, the 2d Captain takes
hold of it with both hands and withdraws the quoin to the full extent;
handspikemen "raise" or "lower" the gun slowly and steadily. When the
proper elevation is given, the Gun Captain gives the word "Well!" and
the 2d Captain forces the quoin tight under the breech, giving the
word "Down!"
288. To facilitate the operation of pointing guns according to the
distance of the object aimed at, sights are prepared and fitted to
each gun; and breast-sweeps for all truck-carriages of heavy guns.
The ordinary sights consist of two pieces of bronze gun-metal, one of
which, called the reinforce-sight, is a fixed point, firmly secured to
the sight-mass, upon the upper surface of the gun between the
trunnions. The heads of the sights should not be bright, otherwise it
interferes with the aim when they are exposed to a bright sun.
289. The other, or breech-sight, is a square bar or stem, with a head,
in the top of which is a sight-notch. It is set diagonally, so as to
expose two faces to the rear; the rear angle chamfered, to afford a
bearing for the clamp-screw. This bar or stem is made to slide in a
vertical plane, in the sight-box fixed to the breech sight-mass, and
is held at the various elevations for which it is graduated by means
of a thumb-screw. Its length is sufficient for all the elevation which
can be given--about 5 deg.--before the muzzle appears above the front
sight, after which a long wooden sight must be used, graduated for the
whole length of the gun, using the notch in the muzzle.
The bar or stem of the sight has lines across its faces denoting for
all the old guns degrees of elevation, each of which is marked with
the number of yards at which a shot or shell will strike the point
aimed at, when that line is brought to a level with the top of the
sight-box, and the gun is loaded with a specified charge of powder;
for the guns of the new system, the ranges are marked in even hundreds
of yards.
The uppermost line on the stem marked level is the zero of the other
graduations, and when adjusted to the level of the top of the
sight-box, the bottom of the notch in the head of the breech-sight and
the apex of the reinforce-sight show the dispart of the gun. When the
line of sight coincides with these points, it is parallel to the bore,
and when continued to a distant horizon, the gun is laid level or
horizontal.
Sights should invariably be made so that the level line on the stem
will correspond with the bottom of the head when it rests on the
sight-box, and thus secure a dispart-sight in case of accident to the
screw in the sight-box.
A white line, one-fourth (.25) of an inch wide, drawn on top of the
gun from the breech-sight to the notch on the swell of the muzzle, has
been found to greatly facilitate the aim. For night-firing a broad
wooden block, painted dead-white, to ship over the reinforce-sight,
leaving 1/4 of an inch of the sight exposed, will assist in preventing
the aim from being too high.
290. For shot-guns the ranges in yards for one shot with the
distant-firing charge of powder are marked for each degree of
elevation on the right in-board face of the sight-bar; for the
ordinary firing, on the left face.
291. The gun being placed a certain height above the water, depending
on the class of vessel and the deck on which it is mounted, it is
evident that, when the axis of the bore is horizontal, the shot will
have a range proportionate to this height. This range or distance is
commonly called point-blank, or point-blank range, and is the number
noted in the column marked P.B., or 0 deg., or level in range tables.
This point-blank, therefore, depends on the class of gun, the charge,
and the height above the water.
292. A preferable definition of this distance is "range at level."
293. The aim is always supposed to be directed at the water-line. But,
with the sight-bar at level, if a gun is aimed by it at the water-line
of a vessel at point-blank range, the shot would strike short of the
point aimed at by about one-quarter of the distance; or, if aimed,
under similar conditions, at the upper part of the hull, the shot
would fall a distance below the point aimed at equal to the height of
the gun.
294. In firing at small objects, particularly boats, within
point-blank range, it is therefore important to attend to this source
of error. It is desirable that all sights should be marked, from 100
yards to the greatest range, and thus avoid all consideration of
point-blank.
In fitting new guns, or those upon which the sights require replacing,
the sight-bar will be fitted as described in Article 289, and
graduated from 100 yards downwards.
For shell-guns the ranges are marked for shells on the sight-bars, in
the same manner as those for the shot of shot-guns.
295. These sights being each adjusted to a particular gun, and marked
with its class and number, do not, in strictness, admit of being
transferred to other guns, even of the same class.
296. When used, the stem of the breech-sight must be raised or
lowered, to correspond with the ascertained or estimated distance, in
yards, of the object aimed at, and firmly secured there by the
thumb-screw. Then, if the ship be steady, elevate or depress the gun
until the line of sight from the bottom of the notch of the
breech-sight, the top of the reinforce-sight, and the point to be
struck, will coincide; but if the ship have a rolling motion the gun
must be so laid, after the sight is set for the distance, that this
coincidence may be obtained, if possible, at the most favorable part
of every roll which the ship makes.
297. The inclination of the line of metal to the axis of the bore
varies in guns of the same class, as well as in those of different
classes. Aiming, therefore, by the line of metal cannot be relied on
for definite ranges; besides that, within those ranges, it is apt to
mislead by giving too much elevation to the piece. Therefore, when the
established sights are not furnished, or have become unserviceable,
wooden dispart-sights lashed on the reinforce should be immediately
substituted. A narrow groove in the upper surface of the wooden sight,
made to coincide with the plane of the line of sight marked on the
gun, will assist the Gun Captain in getting the true direction
quickly.
Half the difference between the diameters of the gun at the base-ring
and swell of the muzzle, or at any intermediate point on the line of
metal, will give the proper height of the dispart-sight at the point
where the least diameter was taken, to which must be added the height
of the lock-piece above the base-ring, in order to get a line of sight
over it, parallel to the axis of the bore.
The guns of the Dahlgren pattern are cylindrical for a certain
distance forward of the base-line, always giving a line of sight
parallel to the axis of the bore.
298. All the new guns are marked on the top of the lock-piece,
base-ring, the reinforce sight-mass, and the swell of the muzzle, by
notches which indicate a vertical plane passing through the axis of
the bore, at right angles to the axis of the trunnions.
299. Pivot-guns have been supplied with trunnion-sights, designed to
be used when the ordinary sights do not give the required elevation.
This instrument, however, gives but a rude approximation in either
elevation or direction.
300. The rifled cannon in service have the breech-sight on the side of
the breech and the front sight on the rimbase, which permits the gun
to be accurately aimed and the object kept in view at all elevations.
It is intended in future to apply this arrangement to all cannon
mounted on pivot-carriages.
301. Various modes have been practised to ascertain at sea the
distance from the object aimed at, so as to regulate the elevation of
guns, but none can be depended upon for giving it with minute
accuracy, and even when obtained it is continually varying; therefore,
when the projectile is seen to exceed or fall short of the object
considerably, the sight-bar must be readjusted accordingly. It thus
becomes, under ordinary circumstances, the best instrument for
approximating distances. In correcting the elevation, however, the
variation of range to the first graze, attributable to eccentricity,
differences of windage, and other causes, must be taken into
consideration, as, under the most favorable circumstances, at the
Experimental Battery of the Ordnance Yard, this variation is found to
equal fifty yards, more or less.
302. In addition to the errors arising from these sources, we have
also those due to the direction and force of the wind, the movement of
the ship across the line of fire, and to sheering round a pivot when
performing evolutions.
303. They can be obviated or diminished by the following means:
1st. Allow the Gun Captain to estimate the distance to windward or to
leeward, right or left, to be allowed for the deflection; or,
2d. Indicate the number of yards right or left of the object; which,
after all, depends on his estimation of distance.
3d. Furnish a sight which, in addition to the elevation, allows for
the deviation, and permits the Gun Captain in all cases to aim
directly at the target.
Such a sight is furnished to the Parrott rifles, and is desirable for
all guns.
304. In case the ordinary sights should be lost or rendered useless,
tangent firing may be resorted to against ships, by pointing with the
wooden dispart-sight at such part of the ship as the Tables indicate
for the distance, and according to the class of gun in use at the
time.
A Table of this kind is appended, which has been calculated for the
8-inch and some of the heavier of the 32-pounder guns when loaded with
single shot and distant-firing charges.
The different classes of sailing ships-of-war, whether of the same or
of different nations, are not of the same length, nor are their masts
of the same height from the deck, or from the water. They, however,
correspond so nearly, for the same class of ships of the same nation,
that calculations made from the angles subtended by the average height
of their masts, will generally give their distance with sufficient
accuracy for general firing.
Tables are inserted at the end of the book, in which the distances
corresponding to different angles made by the masts of English and
French ships-of-war are shown--from which the intermediate distances
due to other angles may be estimated, and the sights regulated
accordingly, if circumstances should render it desirable. Also an
abridged Table, in which the height of our own mast is used as the
base.
305. Officers of divisions and Captains of guns should be occasionally
practised in measuring the distances of objects by the eye, at times
when opportunities offer of verifying the accuracy of their estimate
by comparing it with the distance obtained by the foregoing methods,
or any other which will afford the best means of comparison.
306. Within point-blank range, if the hull of an enemy's vessel is
obscured by smoke or darkness, the aim may be directed by the flashes
of his guns.
307. Most naval guns are now fitted with elevating screws, passing
through a hole in the cascabel of the Dahlgren system, and for those
of the old system attached to the carriage: but the ordinary beds and
quoins are also still in use; they are arranged to allow the extreme
elevation and depression of the guns which the ports will admit with
safety. When the inner or thick end of the quoin is fair with the end
of the bed in place, the gun is level in the carriage; or horizontal,
when the ship is upright. The degrees of elevation above this level,
which may be given to the gun by drawing out the quoin when laid on
its base, are marked on the side or edge, and those of depression on
the flat part of the quoin, so that when the quoin is turned on its
side for depressing, the marks may be seen. The level mark on the
quoin is to correspond with the end of the bed. When the quoin is
entirely removed, and the breech of the gun rests on the bed, the gun
has its greatest safe elevation; and when the quoin is pushed home on
its side, the gun has the greatest safe depression that the port will
admit.
Care must be taken that the stop on the quoin is always properly
lodged, to prevent the quoin from flying out or changing its position,
and that the bed is secured to the bed-bolt.
Porter's bed and quoin has been adopted for all carriages requiring
quoins. This quoin, being graduated to whole degrees, requires a small
additional quoin for slight differences of elevation in smooth water.
When the elevating screw is used, a quoin should be at hand to place
under the breech of the gun, when at extreme elevation, to relieve the
screw from the shock of the discharge, and prevent a change of the
elevation, as well as to take the place of the screw if it should be
disabled. When the fire is continuous at the same distance, the lever
of the elevating screw should be secured by a lanyard, to prevent the
screw from turning and altering the elevation.
308. If a greater elevation for broadside-guns should be desired for
any special purpose, it may be obtained by placing inclined planes
behind the rear trucks, for them to recoil over and produce a
corresponding depression of the muzzle of the gun as it comes within
the port. But it will be observed that, beyond the elevation which the
ports will admit of, the sights can no longer be taken by the tangent
or any other top sight, as the upper sill of the port interferes. The
gun must therefore be laid by the quoin and pendulum.
Additional depression may also be obtained by placing inclined planes
for the front trucks to recoil upon, or by raising the breech by means
of a wooden toggle placed vertically under it. One end of a
tripping-line is fastened to the middle of the toggle, and the other
to the breeching-bolt in the side of the ship; by this arrangement the
toggle is tripped from its place at the commencement of the recoil,
and the muzzle is raised so as to clear the port-sill by the
preponderance of the breech.
NINTH COMMAND.
"READY--FIRE!"
_"Waits patiently for the coincidence of the sights upon the object."_
309. The exact moment for firing, at sea, necessarily varies with
circumstances; but when these are favorable the following general
principles should govern:
310. When the ship is steady, the gun should be fired when the line of
sight is brought upon the object; but when the ship has much rolling
motion, the moment for firing should be chosen a little before, so
that the shot will probably leave the gun when the roll brings the
line of sight upon the object aimed at.
When practicable, and too much time will not be lost, it will be best
to fire when the vessel is on the top of a wave and just begins to
roll towards the object. If the loss of time should be found
objectionable, the gun may be fired at any other instant, when
properly pointed, giving a preference, however, to the moment when
rolling towards rather than when rolling from the object, and making
due allowance for the probable change of elevation by the roll of the
ship before the shot leaves the gun.
311. If, from any cause, the firing should be delayed after the gun
has been pointed, it should be carefully pointed again before the
order to fire is given.
312. The great object is to fire low enough to strike the hull if the
shot preserve the intended direction, and as a general rule to strike
it near the water-line.
313. To avoid loss of shot from lateral deviations, it is recommended
to direct all the guns to be pointed to strike somewhere between the
fore and mizzen masts of an enemy; when quite near, the guns of the
forward divisions should be pointed in preference to that part of the
hull about the foremast, and one or two of the after guns at the
rudder, if it should be fairly exposed.
REMARKS ON THE DIFFERENT KINDS OF FIRING.
314. FIRING AT WILL.--By this is meant firing the guns independently
of each other, each Captain of a gun seizing the most favorable
opportunity. This firing should always be used in action--unless
ordered to the contrary--whenever the object is visible, the smoke
from one gun not greatly impeding the firing of another.
315. FIRING IN SUCCESSION.--By this is meant firing one gun after
another in regular order, commencing from the foremost or after gun,
according as the wind is blowing from aft or forward. This firing may
be used with advantage in the commencement of an action, or whenever a
continuous, steady fire is desired, as the smoke from one gun will not
impede the firing of the next.
316. QUICK FIRING.--By this is meant rapid firing at will, the
tangent-sight not being raised. This firing should be used only when
close alongside an enemy, as then but little pointing would be
required.
317. When the guns are laid for the projectile to strike the object
aimed at without grazing between the gun and the object, the firing is
said to be direct. This mode of firing is to be preferred when the
object fired at is so near that the chances of hitting it are very
great, and also when the intervening surface between the gun and
object is so rough or irregular that a projectile striking it would
have its velocity much diminished or destroyed, and its direction
injuriously affected.
DIRECT FIRING requires a good knowledge of distance, and precision
both of elevation and lateral direction, in order to strike an object
which is comparatively a point. It is always to be preferred when the
distance is accurately known.
318. When the guns are so laid that the projectile makes numerous
grazes between the gun and the object, and continues its flight, the
firing is denominated ricochet.
That properly so called is performed at level, or at most at three
degrees of elevation; shot will often ricochet at much greater angles,
but it is not what is meant by ricochet firing.
RICOCHET FIRING, upon a smooth surface within certain distances, has
some important advantages over direct firing. When the guns have very
little or no elevation, and are near the water, as they are in a
ship's battery, the projectile strikes the water at a very small
angle; its flight is not greatly retarded by the graze, and it rises
but little above the surface in its course. The distant charge should
always be used, but the penetration is not to be depended on beyond
1,500 yards against ships-of-war.
Ricochet firing at low elevations requires only correct lateral
direction, since the projectile would rarely pass over and would
probably strike a vessel if within its effective range, whether the
actual distance had been correctly ascertained or not.
The deviation of projectiles is, however, generally increased by
ricochet, and in proportion to the roughness of the surface of the
water. Even a slight ripple will make a perceptible difference not
only in direction, but in range and penetration, and the height to
which the projectile will rise in its bounds.
Although these facts demand attention, yet when the estimated distance
does not require an elevation of more than three degrees, projectiles
from guns pointed rather too low for direct firing will probably
ricochet and strike the object with effect, even when the water is
considerably rough. This may be called "accidental ricochet."
When the water is not smooth, the most favorable circumstances for
ricochet firing are when the flight of the shot is with the roll of
the sea, and that roll is long and regular.
Ricochet will be effective against small objects up to 2,000 yards,
but should not commence at less than 600 yards; at less distances it
is preferable to fire direct. Ricochet is of no value from rifled guns
firing elongated projectiles, as they lose all certainty of direction
on the rebound.
Upon smooth water, a shot fired horizontally from the 32-pdr. of 33
cwt., with 4-1/2 lbs. powder, ricocheted and rolled about 3,000 yards;
the greatest range obtained from an elevation of 5 deg., with the same gun
and charge, was less than 1,800 yards. _See_ Dahlgren's Report on
32-pdr. of 32 cwt., p. 90.
Shot rarely ricochet at all with elevations above 5 deg., and the bounds
are always higher, with equal charges from the same gun, as the
elevation of the gun is increased.
319. Concentration of fire may be desirable under certain
circumstances; and arrangements have been sometimes made to secure it
by the simultaneous discharge of a number of guns upon some part of an
object whose distance is known.
The advantages of these arrangements are not very obvious, excepting
in cases where the position of the enemy may be visible from one part
of a ship and not from all the guns in the batteries.
The object sought to be obtained is therefore to aim from in-board at
an invisible target, the distance and direction of which are indicated
by the Captain. It is consequently necessary that he shall be so
placed as to obtain a distinct view of the enemy, or have suitable
observers to inform him of his exact position.
320. In general, this sort of fire has been of little efficacy; but by
the aid of a simple implement, readily made on board ship, it is
believed that good results may be obtained, and particularly at night,
when firing from guns on covered decks is now absolutely ineffective.
It consists of a simple metal or wooden batten, sliding in two beckets
attached to the outer or inner sides of each of the brackets of the
carriage, retained in any position by a thumb-screw. This batten is
graduated by experiment or calculation for either the parallel or
converging fire, for such points on the bow, beam, or quarter, as may
be deemed advisable.
A small knob is screwed into the inner end of each batten, and a
cod-line provided, with a loop in each end, somewhat longer than the
width across the transom. If, then, one of the battens be drawn out to
the graduation representing the degree of train required, the line
stretched taut from the two knobs and hitched, and guns trained until
this line is parallel to a mark on the deck, or one of the seams of
the deck-plank--if they are parallel to the keel--the guns will all
make the required angle, and may be fired simultaneously or in
succession, as ordered.
[Illustration]
321. The principal object in view, therefore, is so to prepare the
training by anticipation, that when the smoke rises, or on sheering
the vessel, the enemy shall be visible to all the Gun Captains at the
same time; giving them the choice to fire at will, or on a given
signal, if simultaneous fire be desired.
It diminishes the great disadvantages of guns on covered decks, where
the Gun Captains can only with difficulty ascertain the direction of
the enemy; and places the whole battery more completely under the
control of the Commander.
322. The principal care of the Commander must be to keep his guns
always bearing on the enemy, and never pass the limits of extreme
train for all his guns, unless absolutely necessary in manoeuvring.
This he must regulate, either by one of the guns in his vicinity, or,
better, by the aid of a bearing-plate, a species of plane-table which
gives the angular bearing of the object.
323. Concentration of fire upon a particular part of an enemy's vessel
may also be obtained by a general order for the guns to be aimed to
strike that part when visible, leaving the Captains of guns to
determine the proper time for firing, according to circumstances at
the moment. This obviates the objections due to simultaneous firing,
and would generally be equally effective at distances beyond
point-blank. In this, as in all other cases of firing at sea, success
depends mainly upon the skill, judgment, and coolness of the Captains
of the guns.
THE USE OF FUZES.
324. All spherical shells, except those for the 24 and 12 pdr.
howitzer, and all shrapnell, are fitted with the Navy time-fuze.
This fuze is composed of a composition driven in a paper case, and
then inserted in a metal stock which screws into a bouching fitted to
the shell.
The composition is covered with a safety-cap, which protects it from
moisture and accidental ignition; also with a water-cap of peculiar
construction, intended to protect the flame from being extinguished on
ricochet.
A safety-plug at the lower extremity prevents the communication of
fire to the powder in the shell, in the event of the accidental
ignition of the fuze after being uncapped.
325. It is strictly forbidden to show or explain to foreigners or
others the construction of any fuzes, except so far as may be
necessary for the service of the guns.
326. These fuzes are of 3-1/2, 5, 7, 10, 15, and 20 seconds time of
burning; which are supposed to offer a sufficient variety for most of
the exigencies of service. There are also supplied paper-case fuzes of
greater length, which, when used, are always to be inserted in metal
stocks.
All the Navy time-fuzes--paper case as well as metal stock--being
intended for use under a water-cap, burn a longer time in the open
air.
All shells, unless otherwise ordered, are fitted and issued from the
shell-houses with the 5-seconds fuze, which is to be regarded as the
general working fuze.
For greater or less distances this fuze may be drawn, and any of the
others substituted.
The Navy time-fuze is rarely extinguished by several ricochets on
water; and near the end of its flight, when fired direct, frequently
acts by concussion.
The fuze used should not be of longer time of burning than requisite
to reach the object; the shorter times are of quicker composition,
therefore more certain; also in firing on ricochet the shell may sink
short of the distance necessary for its explosion, and consequently be
supposed to fail.
327. For special firing, as for example at shore-batteries or masses
of uncovered troops, any of these fuzes may be shortened. To do this,
unscrew the water-cap and back the paper case out from the lower end
with a drift and mallet; cut off from the lower end with a fine saw,
or sharp knife struck with a mallet, the proportional part required,
and insert the upper part in the stock, forcing it down with a few
gentle blows with the drift; screw on the water-cap. It is preferable,
however, when circumstances will admit, to take up such distance as
will correspond with the time of flight of one of the regulation
lengths. When firing against ships or earthworks, the fuze should be a
little longer than necessary, in order to reach the object before
bursting; but a little shorter when firing against boats or masses of
troops, in order to insure its bursting in front of them.
328. The Bormann fuze is fitted to the 24-pdr. and 12-pdr. howitzer
ammunition, and all shrapnell. It has also been fitted to certain
shells used for special firing. The length of fuze is the limit of the
distance within which this fire is effective.
This fuze is opened at the required number of seconds, by cutting
close to the right of the mark on the index-plate. The cut should be
made down to the plane of the table, in order to expose the
composition; and is best made at two or three efforts, instead of
trying to effect the cut at once. This fuze should be carefully
explained to the men, as shells have been taken from guns with the cut
made into the priming-magazine, which would explode them at the
muzzle.
329. There are also on trial for the rifled cannon the percussion and
time fuzes of Schenkl, Hotchkiss, Parrott, and others.
No reliable percussion or concussion-fuze has as yet been arranged for
spherical shells.
330. These fuzes will be exhibited and explained by the Ordnance
Officer on the application of Commanders of vessels, who, with the
Executive Officer and Gunner, are enjoined to make themselves
thoroughly acquainted with this most important part of the equipment.
331. Commanders of vessels will carefully note and report the
efficiency of all fuzes fired in action or exercise; giving the
elevation of the gun, the estimated or measured range, the number
fired, the name of the inventor, whether percussion or time, the
number of failures to explode the shell, premature explosions, and
satisfactory action. Great waste of ammunition is frequently
occasioned by an under-estimate of the distance.
332. The times of flight and length of fuze for all projectiles, so
far as ascertained at the Experimental Battery at Washington, are
given in the TABLE OF RANGES, Appendix B.
333. The best effect of a percussion-fuze is obtained by firing into a
mass of timber. They frequently fail if fired into a bank of soft
earth, sand, or other material which does not offer a sufficiently
sudden resistance; also, if fired at high angles of elevation, owing
to the fact that the rifle-shells do not generally strike point
foremost.
334. Time-fuzes are also very unreliable in rifle-guns; expanding
projectiles cut off the flame from the fuze.
With the Parrott shell, however, the Navy time-fuze is the most
certain of ignition and regular in its time of burning. The
safety-plug should be removed when the Navy time-fuse is used in
rifled cannon, as recent experiments show that it is a probable cause
of premature explosions of shells.
In testing the Navy time-fuse by the watch, or michronometer, the
safety-plug must be removed: otherwise the fuze will burn longer than
the time for which it is marked.
BOARDERS.
335. It is not supposed that any directions can be framed which will
entirely provide for all the various circumstances which may require
attention when about to board an enemy, or to repel a similar assault
made by an enemy upon our vessels.
The following general suggestions are, however, presented for the
consideration of Captains, in order that some degree of uniformity may
be preserved when other more important considerations do not prevent
it.
336. Upon the signal for Boarders, the divisions called should form on
the gangway of the side which is not engaged, properly armed, and
remain there until ordered elsewhere, provided there be time to make
this disposition of them. In all movements from one part of the ship
to another, cutlasses should be sheathed and pistols in the frogs. The
men of each division should be united as much as possible under their
own officer. Bayonets not fixed until ordered.
"PREPARE TO BOARD!"
(FROM ANY SPECIFIED PART OF THE SHIP.)
337. The Boarders should repair to the place directed, taking care to
keep themselves down so as not to be seen by the enemy, and form close
to the bulwarks, until the order is given to--
"BOARD THE ENEMY!"
338. The Boarders should then gain the enemy's deck as quickly as
possible, keeping near enough to each other for mutual support, and to
act in concert against the opposing force, using every possible
exertion to clear the enemy's decks by disabling or driving the men
below.
In case the intention of boarding should be discovered by the enemy,
and he collects his men to repel the attack, the marines and small-arm
men should take positions where they can best fire upon the men thus
collected; and, if possible, the spar-deck guns loaded with grape, and
howitzers loaded with canister, should be used for the same purpose
before the Boarders are ordered to make the attack.
So long as the contest is continued after boarding, the fire should be
kept up against the enemy from all the guns with as much vigor as the
number of men remaining at them will allow.
The guns should then be much depressed, in order that there may be
little or no danger to our own men. Much positive injury may be
inflicted on the enemy in this way, besides the advantages of
dividing his attention at such an important moment.
If it should be necessary to repel Boarders from the enemy, the
Boarders and Pikemen must be called, and at the order--
"PREPARE TO REPEL BOARDERS!"
(AT ANY SPECIFIED PART OF THE SHIP.)
339. The Pikemen should arrange themselves in rear of those armed with
swords, and in situations which will allow them to rest the points of
their pikes on the hammocks or rail, and cover that part of the ship
and the parts where the assault is expected. The marines, with their
muskets loaded and bayonets fixed, may be formed behind the Pikemen,
or at any other place from which their fire on an assailing enemy may
be most effective and least dangerous to our own men.
340. The moment an enemy commences his assault, the order--
"REPEL BOARDERS!"
Should be given, and every effort made to prevent his gaining or
retaining any foothold in the ship.
It will, of course, be important to bring grape and musketry to bear
at once upon the enemy's men when they are assembled for boarding, if
they should be discovered in time.
The men left at the guns must be watchful that the enemy does not gain
an entrance through ports or quarter-galleries.
341. In case the enemy should effect a landing on the decks, the pikes
may, from their length and the press of the contending parties, become
less efficient than the swords. Whenever this occurs, the sword must
be brought into full use, as the most efficient weapon for attack or
defence at such close quarters.
342. The howitzers, mounted on the field-carriage and charged with
canister, should be ready for use in case of the enemy's getting a
footing on the spar-deck.
343. Unless induced by circumstances to attempt to board the enemy
first, the most favorable opportunity for attack will present itself
when his men have been driven back; and to guard against the
contingency of being repulsed, in all cases where the Boarders are
called to attack the enemy they are to be covered by the marines and
all the available small-arm men on deck.
344. The men, and especially the Boarders and Pikemen, must be
exercised and encouraged to practise with the single stick and sword,
as far as circumstances will allow.
GENERAL PRECAUTIONS
TO BE OBSERVED IN TIME OF WAR.
345. In time of war, unless otherwise ordered by the Admiral
commanding, every cruiser should at nightfall carefully extinguish all
lights not absolutely necessary, and shade all those that are
indispensable, that they may not be visible from out-board.
346. The watch on deck shall be mustered at their quarters, and the
guns so far cast loose as the state of the weather will permit.
347. The officer of the watch shall, on taking the deck, ascertain
that the means of making and answering signals and a competent
signal-man are always at hand. It is his duty to make himself fully
acquainted with all the day and night signals.
348. Before making night-signals, every light should be extinguished
or covered.
349. Particular care is required, when it is expedient to conceal the
lights of the ship, to look well to the cabin and wardroom lights.
Ports and air-scuttles there, are more apt to be imperfectly masked or
thrown open heedlessly by servants.
350. If in company with other vessels, two guns in each broadside must
always be ready for making signals of immediate or urgent necessity.
351. No vessel cruising shall allow a strange or suspected vessel to
come within gunshot, without the watch being at quarters and ready to
open fire.
352. It is the duty of the officer of the watch to immediately inform
the Commander of all suspicious movements which he may observe, or
which may be reported to him, and of all unknown vessels or boats that
may appear in sight.
353. Speed being one of the principal elements of military force,
Steamers will, on going into action, have all the fires lighted and in
condition to make steam.
The beat to quarters for action is therefore a signal to start fires
in all the furnaces not in operation.
354. If at anchor singly or in squadron in our own waters, in those of
an ally, or elsewhere within our right to exercise control, and where
liable to an attack by an enemy in any form, no strange or suspicious
vessel must be permitted to be underway between evening gun-fire and
daylight. The nearest vessel must require her to anchor, and send an
armed boat to ascertain her character.
355. If the Senior Officer opens fire on any vessel, the nearest
vessel in a position to do so will also be prepared to fire to bring
her to, if signalled. All boats to be hailed and ordered alongside to
give the countersign, or to lay off on their oars to be visited by the
guard-boat.
356. If at anchor in or about an enemy's waters, steam shall be kept
up at night at all times, sufficient to move the vessel at half speed
at least, and the engines moved certainly every hour, or oftener if
necessary, to keep them in a condition for immediate service. In
vessels with single engine, liable to be caught on the centres, means
for turning it off to be kept at hand, and suitable persons stationed
to attend to it.
357. The cable must be kept ready in every respect for slipping, with
a stopper forward of the bits, and even unshackled, if the weather
will permit, with a steady man stationed to slip or cut as may be
requisite.
358. Some of the guns, and those such as may be brought most
conveniently to bear upon the probable quarter of attack, must be
loaded with grape and some with canister, and ample supplies for
reloading be kept on deck. Appliances for extreme depression should be
at hand for broadside-guns; a gun here and there depressed extremely.
The Howitzers, on field-carriages, in place, and loaded with canister.
Pikes distributed about the decks ready for use.
359. Small vessels lying in rivers or sounds, and liable to be
attacked and carried by boarding, will have their boarding-nettings of
wire rope secured at evening quarters; the guns cast loose; the watch
completely armed and on the alert, and every preparation made for
instantly slipping and getting under way and repelling boarders.
360. At the hail by the look-out of "Boat ahoy," without further
orders or the striking of the bell, the engine should be started
_immediately_, the slip-rope cut, and all boats are to be received
while under way and the crew at quarters.
361. It is important that the arms of the watch below should be as
accessible as possible, that no confusion may take place in case of
being summoned suddenly. The engineer and watch in the fire and engine
room must always be armed.
362. On dark, foggy, or hazy nights, no lights should be shown, nor
the bell struck or watch piped to indicate the position of the vessel.
The look-outs, increased and cautioned to greater vigilance, relieved
at least hourly, and visited by either the Commander or Executive
Officer half hourly.
363. The safety of small vessels at night requires that they shall be
always either underway, or else in readiness to be got so at the
shortest warning.
364. If circumstances prevent this, the greater the necessity for
increased precaution and vigilance, and therefore a picket or advice
boat should be kept out in the direction from which attack may be
expected; and, indeed, the resort of picket-boats should be observed
whenever practicable and at all likely to be of service.
365. In case of sending away a boat that is to return before
sunrise--which is always to be avoided, if possible--a concerted
signal, such as a certain number of flashes of a light, preceded or
followed by the firing of a certain number of muskets, must be made at
the distance from the vessel of about one-half mile, the number to be
agreed upon for each night as the boat leaves the vessel. A
countersign is also to be given; but if not understood by the
look-out, he is to call out "Enemy," at the same time warning the boat
to keep off, at which the vessel will be got underway at once.
366. The boat must be furnished with suitable and reliable fireworks
or other means for announcing instantly the approach of an enemy, and
no excuse can be taken for a failure on the part of the picket to give
the alarm. The capture of the picket-boat is a minor consideration.
367. When confident of being able to repel any force, the boat should
return to give timely notice for preparation; and in this case it may
be expedient to be prepared to light up the adjacent waters, to enable
an effective fire to be opened on the enemy from guns and howitzers.
368. Commanding Officers of vessels situated as described in Art. 359,
are required to practise their crews, by going on deck and hailing,
"Boat ahoy," at least once a week.
The time taken for the execution of this order to be noted on the log.
369. In times of anticipated attack from rams or mail-clad vessels
upon a fleet or single ship, it is recommended to load the guns with
maximum charges and solid shot; but where there is doubt of the
character of the assailant, the guns should only be loaded with the
service powder charge having ready at hand shot, shell, shrapnell,
grape, or canister, as the case may demand.
DIRECTIONS IN CASE OF FIRE.
370. In the following directions, no other object is proposed than to
notice some of the more prominent and common preparations which may be
generally made, and the measures to be adopted in vessels on the alarm
of fire. The variety of circumstances under which that danger may be
presented can only be successfully met by properly stationed,
well-trained and disciplined men, judiciously directed by the Captain,
and superintended by officers whose coolness and presence of mind are
proof against every form and degree of danger, which alone will enable
them to adopt and execute the best plans the emergency may require.
To this end the Captain will, as soon as the crew is organized, cause
a FIRE-BILL to be prepared, adapted to the particular arrangements of
his ship, and in accordance with these Directions, by which the crew
is to be drilled once a week till expert, and after that occasionally.
This fire-bill should, as far as possible, conform to the arrangement
for extinguishing fire during exercise at General Quarters. Much
confusion has been known to arise from requiring different duties from
the same person at Fire Quarters, and in case of fire when at General
Quarters.
371. Should the alarm of fire be given when the men are not at
Quarters, that alarm of itself is to be considered as a call to
Quarters, and the men must repair to their stations at once. This must
be impressed upon the men by the Division Officers. But the ordinary
call for inspection is to be given as soon as practicable, by way of
enforcing the order.
The alarm will be given by the sentinel near the bell, by ringing
quickly and loudly successive peals for ten or fifteen seconds, with
short intervals between.
The bell is to cease, however, as soon as the drum begins to sound the
call to Quarters.
Should it be deemed necessary to water and provision the boats,
preparatory to lowering them, the drum will beat the usual call for
provisions, when the men stationed for these purposes will promptly
proceed with their duties. In this case the shot shall be drawn or
discharged from the guns, to guard against accidents in leaving the
vessel, should it be impossible to save her.
372. The Captain will direct the Executive Officer, and such others as
he may deem proper, to visit the place of the fire, and to transmit
reports to him, by officers, of its character and extent, and to
suggest the measures which will most speedily and certainly subdue it,
or prevent its extension.
373. He will, if at sea, cause the ship to be hove-to, or steered in
such direction as will be least likely to increase the activity of
the fire, or will best enable the men to use the means in their power
for controlling and extinguishing it.
374. If fire should take place in a ship at anchor in port or harbor,
his attention must be given to prevent the communication of the fire
to other vessels or combustible objects, and to have the cables ready
for slipping, boats ready, and, if advisable, springs prepared to
change the position of the ship, in order to prevent danger to other
vessels.
375. He will decide whether the magazines and shell-rooms shall be
flooded, and give orders accordingly; whether the hammocks shall be
brought up and stowed; where sentinels shall be placed, and what
disposition shall be made of the sick and prisoners.
If hammocks are to be brought up, each man not a Fireman, Pumpman,
Hoseman, Axeman, or Smotherer, or belonging to the Carpenter's gang,
or detailed as a Sentinel over boats' falls or spirit-room, will lash
and carry up two hammocks and stow them in the nettings on his way to
Quarters. Blankets, or other woollen materials, when wet, afford an
excellent means of smothering fire, and should be left out by the
party lashing up the hammocks and collected by the Smothering party,
in charge of an officer, whose duty it will be to see them properly
used.
376. The Officers of the respective divisions will enforce the
strictest observance of orders from those under their command, and
allow no one to leave his station, unless by express orders or
permission. At the same time they will direct the most trustworthy of
their men to perform any particular duty within their divisions which
may tend to check the spreading of the fire, or furnish the means of
extinguishing it.
377. Officers of gun-deck divisions will be prompt to detach, under
proper officers, men who may be directed for any particular service,
or who may be called from the guns by the calls for Firemen,
Sail-Trimmers, or Boarders. Should the call for Boarders be made in
case of fire, the men will answer it without any other arms than their
swords or battle-axes. Divisional Officers near the main or other
pumps, will cause the men of their divisions to aid in rigging and
working them. The ship's buckets are to be passed up to the pumps, as
soon as possible, by the persons who may be stationed near them, and
these and the fire-buckets and division-tubs filled. The swabs are
also to be got up and thoroughly wetted.
Division-boxes, and all powder or explosive materials not in the
magazines, must be taken in charge by the Quarter-Gunners and placed
in the safest positions, ready to be thrown overboard if ordered.
378. The Officer commanding the Powder division will himself deliver
the keys of the magazines, shell-rooms, and water-cocks to the Gunner,
his Mate, and the men stationed at the water-cocks, and see that they
are prepared to flood the magazines, if orders should be given to that
effect; but he must take especial care that the magazines, passages,
and shell-rooms are kept closed until orders to open them are received
from the Captain.
379. He will also take care that the air-ports are immediately closed,
and all other means adopted for diminishing currents of air,
especially if there should be a hope of confining the fire to the
lower parts of the vessel.
He will at once have the hose led from the bilge-cock, the cock
turned, and, if the forcing-pump or engine is worked below the
gun-deck, will see it manned and worked by some of the men of his
division.
380. The Master will cause windsails to be taken down; and, if set,
courses, spanker, and all lower sails hauled close up; head, channel,
and all other pumps which work on upper deck, and fire-engine, if on
deck, to be rigged and worked by the men of his division stationed
nearest to each of them. If practicable, sails, rigging, boats, spars,
and the sides of ship must be kept wet, and every exertion made to
furnish a full supply of water for extinguishing the fire.
Rigging-axes and battle-axes must be ready for use, in case they
should be wanted for any purpose.
381. The Chief Engineer will detail such Assistant Engineers and men
as may be needed to take charge of steam-pumps, to lead out hose, and
to use such other means of extinguishing the fire as may be ordered or
deemed advisable. If under steam, the main engine will be slowed on
the first alarm of fire, unless otherwise expressly ordered, and the
steam-pumps started.
382. The Surgeon and his assistants will be in readiness to destroy,
if required, all inflammable fluids, or other medical stores which
would increase the fire; and to superintend the removal, if necessary,
of patients who may be lame or confined to hammocks or cots.
383. Exercises, by order of the Captain, following false alarms of
fire, known only to him and the Executive Officer to be false at the
time of giving the alarm, may, it is believed, be resorted to with
advantage, especially at night.
Such alarms furnish the best means of ascertaining practically whether
the necessary preparations for extinguishing fire have been duly
attended to; and what degree of silence, calmness, and promptitude may
be expected from officers and men in repairing to their stations, as
well as in the performance of their duties in a real case of fire.
False alarms, frequently repeated, may perhaps lead some of the men
to move slowly, under the impression that every alarm given is false,
and merely intended for exercise; and this impression may be
entertained even when a fire has actually taken place. This evil
would, however, be comparatively small, since it will be readily
admitted by any one who has witnessed the effect of a fire upon a crew
at sea, that the great difficulty in such cases is to obtain that
necessary quiet and orderly attendance at Quarters which is essential
to the success of all subsequent measures.
FOOTNOTES:
[6] NOTE:--In order not to incumber the text with details, they are
transferred to the "Notes on the Manual Exercise" (Art. 288 to 357), which
are to be carefully studied. Also the notes to Pivot-Gun Exercise.
[7] See notes on this command and the succeeding one, "LOAD," for further
important details.
[8] With the nib-blocks the train-tackle cannot be used to assist in
securing the gun, unless a special eye-bolt is placed for this purpose.
[9] These should always be kept under the centre transom when the carriage
is not in use; also in firing at high angles of elevation to relieve the
rails of the shock.
[10] When the trucks are to be brought into play, the levers should be
shipped on their axle-squares so as to heave upwards, past the centre, and
rest against the wood of the Carriage or Slide; otherwise they must be
kept in place by hand or by a pin, neither of which entirely secures the
Levers from flying back and doing mischief. If hove down, they are apt to
interfere with the Tackles.
In order to ship the Levers expeditiously on the proper square, both are
to be marked with a cold chisel.
The Fore Carriage-Levers require the efforts of two men at each, as the
weight of the gun has most bearing there; each of the other levers is
readily worked by one man.
[11] Principally to moisten the Sponge, which ought never to be omitted,
as there is nothing so effectual in extinguishing any fragments that might
remain burning in the Bore, and cause accidental explosion in loading,
particularly in blank firing. It is a mistake to suppose that this
practice increases the foulness of the Bore; on the contrary, it prevents
it from hardening and accumulating, as long experience has shown.
Sometimes it is convenient for the Spongers to dip the Sponge alongside,
and they soon acquire the habit. Superfluous moisture is easily gotten rid
of by twirling the Sponge at the handle.
[12] Were it practicable to hook a tackle so that it would move the gun,
even from amidships to the port, without being shifted, or were it prudent
to leave the gun free while shifting the tackle, there would be no need of
a second tackle. But it is not possible, in pivoting, to exert direct
action for more than the eighth of a circle by one position of a tackle,
and it is absolutely dangerous at sea to leave the Slide unconfined for an
instant. When, therefore, the Outer-Tackle is a-block, the second tackle
must be hooked and set taut.
[13, 14, & 15] These orders are to be executed in quick succession, so as
to be nearly simultaneous; that is, the compression is first relieved by
backing its lever, upon which the Front-Levermen instantly bring the
carriage on its trucks, and the gun is run back by the In-Tackles, the
Out-Tackles being eased gradually, so as to check any violent movement;
for the trucks, being fitted with friction rollers, allow the heavy piece
to move suddenly and rapidly.
[16] The pivoting of so heavy a Gun is the most complicated of all the
operations with it, and demands special drill. When done to windward, the
hearty effort of the whole Gun's crew is required, particularly if there
be much crown to the deck and no deck circles; to leeward there is no
difficulty, and the time at sea to pivot from side to side may vary from
four to seven minutes. The advantage of the Pivot-Boss will now appear, as
it secures the coincidence of the hole in Slide with that of the Socket,
and permits the Bolt to be removed out or in easily. Hitherto the
difficulty of doing so without a Boss has caused delay, and contributed
more than any thing else to the objections entertained against such heavy
Ordnance, which have been in nowise obviated by either the Pivot
Shifting-Screws of our own Navy, or the Pivot-Flap of the English Navy.
[17] Some difference of opinion may arise in regard to the shipping of
these levers before the gun is run out, and they are required for
pointing. To ship them now amounts to having them on the whole time--to
which the only objection is, that if on, before wanted in pointing they
may be in the way of the men; and, on the other hand, if not on, more
attention may be demanded from 15, 16.
The question will not be material when the men are well drilled.
[18] The gun being now pivoted to the Port, the Breechings should be
shackled and the rear Pivot-Bolt drawn, in regular order. But neither of
these can be done without running out the gun a few feet. For in order to
pivot with the greatest ease, the carriage had been previously run back on
the Slide to the rear Hurter, so as to bring the weight of the gun as near
as possible to the Rear pivot, the very best position being with the
Trunnions of the Gun just forward of the Rear pivot. The shackling of the
Breeching and the removal of the Bolt are, therefore, deferred until the
Gun has been run out in the subsequent proceedings.
The Breeching is always to be shackled to the Ship's side--not to the
Slide, which needlessly strains the pivoting, and also causes the shackle
with its appliances to interfere with the working parts at the forward end
of the Slide.
[19] It is generally expected that the Compressors are to supersede the
necessity for a Breeching. But experience shows that in firing it is
better to rely habitually on the Breeching, and use the Compressors to
assist. Thus, in firing to windward at Sea, the Compressors are always to
be set, but only so hard as may be required to ease the shock on the
Breeching. In firing to leeward, the Compressors are not wanted, except to
secure the gun in its place when in. When the Ship is not steady, but
rolling, the discretion is to be exercised.
The Preventer, or Inner Breeching, will be found indispensable to avoid
accident when running out to leeward in a sea-way. For with a trained
crew, and all precaution in handling the levers and In-Tackles, there is a
liability to the gun getting away, in which case it moves out with great
violence, and may do serious damage. On one such occasion an XI-in. gun
cracked the stout iron straps of the Compressors, and seemed but just
prevented from freeing itself entirely and going overboard over the
Port-sill. Not being able to replace the Straps, the Compressors were
useless till late in the cruise. Preventer Breechings were then fitted,
and answered so well that the practice was continued at sea as usual. They
now form part of the equipment of all XI-in. guns, and should be just taut
when the gun is out, and the Trucks of the Carriage reach but do not
ascend the curve of the forward Hurter.
[20] This is to detach from the bottom of the Chamber the fragments of
burnt Flannel that are apt to adhere and solidify.
[21] This practice encumbers the deck, and interferes materially at times
with the management of the gun. Trial was therefore made on board the
_Plymouth_, where the gun was on a covered deck, of hooks attached to the
beams above, near each piece, in which the Sponges and Rammers were placed
after having been used. The only objection was, that too much time might
be lost in so doing; but after continued trials this was found not to be
the case, when the men had been properly trained.
[22] Stopping the Vent is omitted by many practised artillerists, as
unnecessary in extinguishing fragments of the cartridges. But as so much
importance has been and still is attached to its performance, and it costs
so little trouble, it seems better to continue the practice, particularly
when so many accidents occur from premature explosion, not only to
untaught and careless people, in saluting on holidays, but also on
shipboard, where they ought not to happen.
[23] Sometimes the box has been fitted too tightly to the Shell, or has
contracted on it, and delay is caused in loading. This should be attended
to in season.
[24] Otherwise the stout stuff and seams found necessary with heavy
charges might resist the primer, and cause a failure to explode the
powder.
[25] It was the habit at the Experimental Battery, and in the experimental
cruise of the _Plymouth_, to mark the handle of the Rammer, so that there
should be no doubt as to the charge being home. This is always useful, but
particularly so in case of the gun bursting, as it makes sure of an
important fact.
[26] It is a common practice in loading, to expend much zeal in striking
the cartridge one or two blows to insure its being home, which is quite
unnecessary when the mark on the handle affords so much better evidence
thereof.
[27] The XI-in. Shell weighs, when loaded, 135 lbs.; the lifting and
entering it into the muzzle was one of the objections of those who were
opposed to the use of heavy calibres. There was not one of the crew of the
_Plymouths_ XI-in. gun who was not found able, on trial, to take up the
Shell and unassisted to put it in the Bore, when the ship was still. At
sea a very simple implement was used--an iron segment with a bent handle
on opposite sides. The Shellmen, 7, 8, turned the shell out of the box
into this ladle, placed on the deck near No. 3, the Loader, who, when
ready, took the left handle, and No. 5 (the 2d Loader) the right. These
two lifted the Shell towards the muzzle, and No. 4 (Sponger), standing
on the Slide, received the right hand from No. 5 as soon as within reach.
No. 3, stepping on the Slide, and No. 4 continued to raise the Shell to
the muzzle, which was not difficult, because of the Bore being
conveniently high above the Slide on which they were standing; the Sabot
projecting beyond the Ladle was entered into the muzzle, and the Shell
pushed in, No. 5 taking the ladle back and laying it on the deck.
[28] As this is very firmly fixed in the recess of the metal stock, it is
to be removed by pulling directly on the tail, which, if twisted, will be
likely to break, and thus cause a loss of time. The patch is passed to the
Gun Captain, who puts it in his belt-box, and is afterwards handed to the
Quarter deck by the Lieut. of Division, in order to verify the number of
shells fired. When the Fuze has been uncovered, care must be taken not to
let it be touched by the moisture of the hand, or by the sea-water.
[29] As the blow might dislodge the priming of the Fuze and prevent its
ignition. It is well to dispense with any wad, even a grommet, if
possible.
[30] A good exemplification of the principle assumed for this exercise,
that when any one of the men has executed an order, he shall not remain in
position until the order is given which requires him elsewhere; for he may
not have any part in the next order, or even in that second next, as
occurs after pivoting, when only a few numbers participate in the
following orders: Sponge--Load, the remainder only doing so at the third
following, viz.: Run Out.
[31] No operation with this gun requires more care. There is a weight of
20,000 lbs. moving on friction Rollers along a metal plate, down an
inclined plane--if once permitted to get loose and to be propelled by the
motion of the ship, the momentum is immense, and must disable some of the
apparatus, perhaps the Gun-Carriage itself. On such an occasion the
preventer breeching is invaluable, and will be the best safeguard, if
fitted so that when well stretched it will not permit the fore trucks to
ascend on the curve of the Fore-hurter, for it is this which strains the
strap of the Compressor.
Permitting the gun to go out with much force also displaces the shell,
whether a grommet-wad be used or not.
[32] To windward, with a steady inclination, the precautions used to
leeward are unnecessary. On the contrary, the difficulty is to move so
great a weight up the inclined plane. Therefore, the carriage is released
from all restraint, and all the available force put at the Out-Tackles,
taking advantage also of whatever roll there may be to windward.
[33] This must, of course, be regulated by circumstances, as already
mentioned in Note 10; as to windward, set the compressors moderately; to
leeward, not at all; off the wind, according to the roll. Let the
compression be so adjusted as to allow the muzzle just to come in.
[34] It is an old custom for the Gun Captain to keep the Priming-Wire in
the vent while the loading is going on, feeling from time to time if the
charge is home. It is a bad practice, because there is a liability of
being caught by the charge as it comes along the Bore, and having the wire
bent, thus spiking the vent, for a while at least. The mark on the Rammer
handle is the best evidence that the charge is in place. The object now is
only to clear the vent of pieces of cartridge stuff, which not
unfrequently get into the vent, and choke it so as to prevent the primer
from exploding the powder.
[35] Though the primers seldom fail to penetrate the flannel stuff of the
cartridge, it is well to pierce the latter with the wire, so as not to
omit any means that may insure the instant discharge of the gun.
[36] The Sight-Bar of the XI-in. Gun is graduated to its own charge only;
if reduced charges are ever used, it will only be at short distances, when
the gun needs no elevation. The Bar will then be down entirely, its head
resting on the Box.
[37] One turn of which is equal to one degree of the quadrant, and may be
of service when the Sight-Bars are not.
The carriages of Gun Sloops and other vessels carrying XI-in. guns allow
of an elevation of 20 deg..
[38] When the vessels are moving, it is best to train the gun a little
ahead, watching when the object draws in line; then, as the roll brings
the piece right in elevation, it is fired.
[39] Many officers are of the opinion that this order should be
divided--"Load with Cartridge," and "Load with Shell." But those guns
would be very badly served which should wait until this time to give the
order for the species of projectile or class of fuze required. _After_
"Load," is the proper time to give subsidiary order to Shellmen what
projectile and length of fuze to bring for next fire.
[40] "In 10,000 fires, when testing guns of different calibres, with the
regulation locks, less than fifty primers failed from all causes."