THE
ARTILLERIST’S MANUAL,
AND
BRITISH SOLDIER’S COMPENDIUM.

By MAJOR F. A. GRIFFITHS,

R. F. P. ROYAL ARTILLERY.

SEVENTH EDITION.

Published by Authority.

LONDON:

SOLD BY W. H. ALLEN AND CO., LEADENHALL STREET;
PARKER AND SON, 445, WEST STRAND;
CLOWES AND SONS, CHARING CROSS;
SIMPKIN, MARSHALL AND CO., STATIONERS’ HALL COURT;
J. BODDY AND SON, AND W. P. JACKSON, WOOLWICH;
&C. &C. &C.

1856.

Entered at Stationers’ Hall.

PRINTED BY W. CLOWES AND SONS, STAMFORD STREET, AND CHARING CROSS.

[Pg iii]

PREFACE.
SEVENTH EDITION.

Similar to each of the preceding editions of “The Artillerist’s Manual, and British Soldier’s Compendium,” the present work contains much additional matter; and notice has been taken of the subjects in which improvements, or alterations have been adopted. To those Officers, and Non-commissioned Officers, who are in possession of the 6th edition of The Manual, it is advisable that I should specify the chief additions, &c., in the present edition, viz.:—

Alterations:

Percussion small arms.
Manufacture of cartridges.
Ball cartridge barrels, and boxes.
Carcasses.
Quick match.
Shells, weight, &c.
Ordnance, length, weight, &c.
Service, and management of heavy ordnance.
Wads for heavy ordnance.
Charges for the Royal Navy.

Additions:

Manual, and platoon exercise of Riflemen.
Instructions for aiming with the rifle musket.
Light infantry signals, and sounds.
Fusil exercise.[iv]
Instructions for pitching, and striking tents.
Lights, long. Lights, signal.
Parachute light ball.
Water fuze.
To extricate a shot when jammed in a gun.
To ascertain if a magazine is damp.
Detail for active service of 9-Pounder Troop of Royal Horse
Artillery.
Reserve of gun, and small arm ammunition.
Detail for active service—18-Pounder Field battery.
”          ”      ”      9-Pounder Ditto.
”          ”      ”    32-Pounder Howitzer Ditto.
Small arm ammunition reserve.
Exercise of rockets.
To estimate distances in the field.
To find the distance from an object, height known.
Instructions for the exercise, and service of great guns, and
shells, on board Her Majesty’s ships.
Instructions for landing seamen, and marines, with Field pieces.
Charges for the Royal Navy, for boats.
Proportion of charges, for a 51-screw steam frigate.
Ditto        Ditto        50-gun frigate.

Also—1 New Plate.
2    ”   woodcuts.
1    ”   diagram.

In the publication of each edition my object has been the same—to render The Manual a Compendium of all that can be required by Officers in the Field; and if I may be allowed to judge by the gratifying manner in which the work has been received by the Officers of the United Services, my humble exertions have indeed been successful, ten thousand copies of The Manual, including the present edition, having been printed.

The extensive circulation of “The Artillerist’s Manual,[v] and British Soldier’s Compendium,” is no doubt, however, chiefly to be attributed,—

In conclusion, I have to express my grateful feelings to His Royal Highness the General Commanding in Chief, who has been graciously pleased to promulgate the Memorandum, dated Horse Guards, 13th October 1856;[1] and my warm thanks are also due to the Officers of the various Departments at Head Quarters, for the kind manner in which they have invariably assisted me in the revision of the work, in order that each succeeding edition may keep pace with the improvements, alterations, or requirements of the United Services.

F. A. GRIFFITHS.

Putney, October 13th, 1856.

[vi]

(Copy.)

Horse Guards,

Memorandum.

13th October 1856.

His Royal Highness, the General Commanding in Chief, strongly recommends to the Officers, and Non-commissioned Officers of the Army, the Revised edition of a Work, entitled “The Artillerist’s Manual, and British Soldier’s Compendium,” a work replete with the most useful Military information, and of which Major Griffiths, R.F.P., Royal Artillery, is the author.

By command of
His Royal Highness,
The General Commanding in Chief,
(Signed) G. A. Wetherall,
Adj.-General.

[vii]

GENERAL INDEX TO THE SUBJECTS.

[viii]

PLATES.

[ix]

INDEX TO THE SUBJECTS,
ETC.

PART I.

PART II.

PART III.

PART IV.

PART V.

PART VI.

[xv]

PART VII.

PART VIII.

[xviii]

PART IX.

PART X.

PART XI.

PART XII.

[xxiv]

PUBLICATIONS,
REFERRED TO, OR EXTRACTED FROM.

[Pg 1]

THE

ARTILLERIST’S MANUAL,

AND

BRITISH SOLDIER’S COMPENDIUM.

PART I.
INFANTRY EXERCISE, MOVEMENTS, &c.

MUSKET—FLINT LOCK.

PERCUSSION SMALL ARMS.

BLANK CARTRIDGES.

The charge of powder for Blank cartridges, for all the above-mentioned Small arms, is the same; viz., 3½ drams.

The cartridges are made with blue paper.

MANUFACTURE OF CARTRIDGES.

The following articles are required for the manufacture of Cartridges:

Five tin measures, containing two and a half drams.

Five tin funnels. A large knife.

An iron straight edge for cutting the paper.

Five cylindrical mandrels of hard wood, to roll the cartridge.

A former, to make the hollow in the inner case, to receive the point of the bullet.

A set of tin patterns for shaping the paper.

Cartridge paper and fine white paper.

Bullets and gunpowder.

To construct the Cartridge.—Cut the paper according to the patterns, place the rectangle (fig. 9) on the little trapezium (fig. 10), the sides A B C of the rectangle coinciding with the sides A B C of the trapezium, lay the mandrel on the rectangle, parallel to the side B C, the base of the mandrel even with the side C D of the rectangle; roll the whole tightly on the mandrel; place it vertically, and fold the remainder of the trapezium paper into the hollow in the base of the mandrel; commencing with the acute angle of the trapezium, make use of the point of the former to close the folds; examine the bottom of the inner case thus formed, to see that there remains no hole for the escape of the powder when charged; introduce the point of the bullet into the aperture at the base of the mandrel; take the trapezium envelope (fig. 11), place the mandrel and bullet parallel to the side F G, the base of the bullet at half an inch from the base F H, of the envelope; press up the point of the bullet into the cavity; roll the envelope tightly on the bullet and on the mandrel; fold the remainder of the envelope on the base of the bullet, commencing with the acute angle; place the base of the cartridge on the table; withdraw the mandrel, squeezing the case of the cartridge with the left hand, and raising up the mandrel with the right hand.

[4]

To charge the cartridge, introduce the point of the copper funnel into the bottom of the case of the cartridge; pour in 2½ drams of fine grain powder from the powder-flask; withdraw the funnel, taking care that none of the powder escapes between the case and the envelope; squeeze the top of the cartridge, and twist it round.

Fig. 9. Fig. 10.

Fig. 11.

When completed, the base of the cartridge must be dipped up to the shoulder of the bullet in a pot of grease, consisting of six parts tallow to one of bees-wax.

[5]

SMALL ARM AMMUNITION.

Dimensions of Boxes.

Length, 1 ft. 4 in. Depth, 8⅝ in. Breadth, 7¼ in.
including the cleat.

Weight of Boxes.

Empty, 7 lb. 6 oz.

Contents and Weight of Barrels and Boxes.

INSTRUCTIONS FOR BROWNING GUN BARRELS.

The following ingredients, viz.:—

1½ oz. of Spirits of wine,
1½ oz. Tincture of steel,
  ½ oz. of Corrosive sublimate,
1½ oz. of Sweet spirit of Nitre,
1 oz. of Blue vitriol,
  ¾ oz. of Nitric acid.

are to be mixed and dissolved in one quart of soft water.

Previous to commencing the operation of browning, it is necessary that the barrel should be made quite bright with emery or a fine smooth file (but not burnished), after which it must be carefully cleaned from all greasiness; a small quantity of pounded lime rubbed well over every part of the barrel is best for this purpose: a plug of wood is then to be put into the nose of the barrel, and the mixture applied to every part with a clean sponge or rag. The barrel is then to be exposed to the air for twenty-four hours; after which it is to be well rubbed over with a Steel scratch-card or Scratch-brush, until the rust is entirely removed; the mixture may then be applied again, as before, and in a few hours the barrel will be sufficiently corroded for the operation of scratch-brushing to be repeated. The same process of scratching off the rust and applying the mixture is to be repeated twice or three times a day for four or five days, by which the barrel will be made of a very dark-brown colour.

[6]

When the barrel is sufficiently brown, and the rust has been carefully removed from every part, about a quart of boiling water should be poured over every part of the barrel, in order that the action of the acid mixture upon the barrel may be destroyed, and the rust thereby prevented from rising again. The barrel, when cold, should afterwards be rubbed over with linseed oil, or common oil. It is particularly directed that the use of the hard hair-brush be discontinued in browning, and the steel scratch-card or scratch-brush used in place of it, otherwise the browning will not be durable, nor have a good appearance. The browning mixture must be kept in glass bottles, as it will soon lose its virtue if kept in earthenware.

The locks are on no account to be made of the hardening colour, as the repetition of the operation of hardening has a very injurious tendency.

PERCUSSION FIRELOCKS.

Muskets with Percussion locks require to be carefully handled, to prevent the cocks being made loose, by which their direct fall on the nipples would be rendered uncertain.

They will, at all times, when unloaded, be used with the cocks down upon the nipples; but, when they are loaded, the caps, or primers, will be put on, and the muskets carried at half-cock for safety, there being then less risk of accidental explosion than with the cocks resting on the caps.

When marching with the cap on, the cock will be brought up under the arm-pit, the sling resting on the arm; but at other times the firelock may be carried with the barrel downwards, the right hand grasping the piece between the loop and swell; and the left the right arm just below the elbow.

INFANTRY EXERCISE, AND MOVEMENTS,

Extracted from

“FIELD EXERCISES AND EVOLUTIONS OF THE ARMY,”

the Parts and Sections being numbered according thereto.[3]

PACES.

Slow time, each step, 30 inches, and 75 paces in a minute.

Quick time, each step, 30 inches, and 108 paces in a minute.

Double time, each step, 36 inches, and 150 paces in a minute.

Back step, each 30 inches. Side or Closing step, 10 inches.

[7]

To calculate the number of Paces (each 30 inches) required for a given number of Files.

As a soldier occupies 21 inches, take two-thirds of the number of Files in the division, and add an inch for each File.

Table of the number of Paces corresponding to a given number of Files.

FLINT FIRELOCKS.

MANUAL EXERCISE.

  1. Secure arms.
  2. Shoulder arms.
  3. Order arms.
  4. Fix bayonets.
  5. Shoulder arms.
  6. Present arms.
  7. Shoulder arms.
  8. Port arms.
  9. Charge bayonets.
10. Shoulder arms.
11. Advance arms.
12. Order arms.
13. Advance arms.
14. Shoulder arms.
15. Support arms.
16. Stand at ease.
17. Attention.
18. Carry arms.
19. Slope arms.
20. Stand at ease.
21. Attention.
22. Carry arms.
23. Order arms.
24. Unfix bayonets.
25. Stand at ease.

PLATOON EXERCISE.

As front rank standing.
or, As rear rank standing.
—  As front rank kneeling.
—  As rear rank kneeling.
  1. Prime, and Load.
  2. Handle cartridge.
  3. Prime.
  4. ’Bout.
  5. Draw ramrods.
  6. Ram down cartridge.
  7. Return ramrods.
  8. As front rank, Ready.
  9. Present.
10. Load.
11. Shoulder arms.
As rear rank, Ready, &c.

AS A COMPANY.

Prime and Load.
Company Ready.
Present.
At the word “Cease firing,”
the Company, if made ready, receives
the words,
Half-cock arms.
Shoulder arms.
Or the word will be given to
“Fire a volley; and half-cock,”
(at priming position,)
Shoulder arms.
Shut pans.

[8]

INSPECTION OF A COMPANY.

  1. Attention.
  2. Fix bayonets.
  3. Shoulder arms.
  4. Rear rank take open order—March.
  5. Open pans.
  6. Slope arms.
  7. Carry arms.
  8. Shut pans.
  9. Order arms.
10. Examine arms.
11. Return ramrods.
12. Unfix bayonets.
13. Rear rank take close order—March.
14. Stand at ease.

DISMISSAL OF A COMPANY.

Attention.
Shoulder arms.
Recover arms.
Ease springs.
Right face.
Lodge arms.

PERCUSSION FIRELOCKS.

MANUAL EXERCISE.

Words of Command similar to those for Muskets with Flint locks.

THE PLATOON EXERCISE, AND DIFFERENT FIRINGS FOR THE ORDINARY OR RIFLE MUSKET.

FUSIL EXERCISE.

  1. Secure arms.
  2. Shoulder arms.
  3. Order arms.
  4. Fix bayonets.
  5. Shoulder arms.
  6. Port arms.
  7. Charge bayonets.
  8. Shoulder arms.
  9. Support arms.
10. Stand at ease.
11. Attention.
12. Carry arms.
13. Slope arms.
14. Stand at ease.
15. Attention.
16. Carry arms.
17. Trail arms.
18. Shoulder arms.
19. Order arms.
20. Unfix bayonets.
21. Stand at ease.
22. Attention.

[10]

THE MANUAL AND PLATOON EXERCISES OF RIFLEMEN.

THE MANUAL EXERCISE.

Present arms.
Shoulder arms.
Order arms.
Shoulder arms.
Support arms.
Carry arms.
Trail arms.
Shoulder arms.
    From the Order, to Trail arms.
Trail arms.
    From the Trail, to Order arms.
Order arms.
Fix swords.
Shoulder arms.
Charge bayonets.
Shoulder arms.
Order arms.
Unfix swords.
Stand at ease.

THE PLATOON EXERCISE.

Prepare to load.
Load.
Rod.
Home.
Return.
Cap.
Shoulder.
Make ready.
Present.
    After firing, the rifle to be brought immediately
to the position of—
Prepare to load.

INSTRUCTIONS FOR AIMING WITH THE RIFLE MUSKET.

[11]

WORDS OF COMMAND FOR FUNERAL PARTIES.

Ranks open—Arms shouldered—Bayonets unfixed, facing the quarters of the Deceased.

When the Corpse is brought out:
|    Present arms—Reverse arms—Rear rank take close
|  order—March.

Divisions, Sub-divisions, or Sections are wheeled forwards (or
backwards) to form Column left in front.
|    Rear rank take open order—March.

When arrived at the Burial-ground:
|    Halt—Ranks, left and right wheel—Quick
|  march—Halt—Inwards face—Rest upon your
|  arms reversed—Stand at ease.

When the Corpse has passed through:
|    Attention—Reverse arms—Re-form Column—Ranks,
|  right and left wheel—Quick march—Halt,
|  front—March.

When facing the grave:
|    Rest upon your arms reversed—Stand
|  at ease.

After funeral service:
|    Attention—Present arms—Shoulder arms—Load
|  with blank cartridge—Fire three volleys
|  in the air—Order arms—Fix bayonets—Shoulder
|  arms—Rear rank take close order—March.

March back to barracks, right in front.

COMPANY DRILL.

Part 2.—Section 1.—Formation of the Company.

The Company is ordered to “Fall in” at close order; is then sized from flanks to centre; and told off in Sub-divisions, and four sections. In Column of Sections, the Senior officer takes the Leading, the second senior the Third, the third Senior the Fourth, and the junior the Second section. The Company is also told off by “Threes from the right,” numbered 1, 2, 3. Should there be a blank file in telling off the company in line, it will invariably be the fourth file from the left. The Company is also told off from the right by alternate files, right, and left.

In Close order the Rear rank is one pace, in Open order two paces, and for inspection three paces, from the front rank.

[12]

MODE TO BE OBSERVED IN DISMISSING A COMPANY OFF PARADE.

Recover arms.
Right face.
Lodge arms.

In turning in a Guard, or Piquet, the same mode is to be observed.

MANNER OF INSPECTING A COMPANY ON PARADE.

Attention.
Fix bayonets.
Shoulder arms.
Rear rank take open order—March.
Slope arms.

The inspection of Arms will now take place

[16]

Carry arms.
Order arms.
Examine arms.
Return ramrods.

An inspection of the Appointments, Clothing, &c., is now to be made.

Unfix bayonets.
Rear rank take close order—March.
Stand at ease.

MOVEMENTS OF A BATTALION.

Part 3.—Section 1. Commands.

All words of command must be given short, quick, and loud.

S. 2. Degrees of march.

    The Slow step is particularly applicable to purposes of parade, and occasionally to the march of extended lines.

    The Quick march is the usual pace to be applied to all general movements of Battalions, or greater bodies, in Column, or Line.

    The Double march is only to be applied to the movements of the Divisions of a battalion, except upon peculiar occasions for short distances.

S. 3. Marching in line.

    The March in line is generally adopted where the country is open.

S. 4. Wheeling.

    Wheels are made on a Halted pivot from Line into Column, and from Column into Line. The principle of the Moveable pivot must always be applied to the wheel of divisions marching in column. Wheels of divisions may be either made forward, or backward. In progressive movements they are to be made Forward, but particular occasions require that they should be made Backward on the pivot flank. The Backwards wheel need not, however, be practised where the ground is uneven, and the Divisions stronger than 15 or 16 files: where this is the case, the Command will be

S. 5. Movements.

    Every movement must be divided into its distinct parts, and each part executed by its cautionary and executive words of command. All field movements and firings are to be performed with fixed bayonets, except when troops are acting as Light infantry.

[17]

S. 6. The Alignement.

    To march in an Alignement is to make troops march in any straight line, which joins two given points—or to form upon any such given line. When troops are to form in a straight line, two necessary points in it must always be previously ascertained. One, the point of Appui at which one flank of the Body is to be placed, and the other the distant point of formation or dressing, on which the front of the body is directed.

S. 7. Points of formation.

    The line on which troops move, or are successively to form, may be taken up to any extent by the prolongation of an original short base, given in the direction which the Commander of a line will point out.

S. 8. Dressing.

    The Officer in dressing is placed on that flank of his division to which the men’s eyes are turned on the word “Dress,” and from the second file from the flank of the Company towards which his wheeling flank moves from column, or his inward flank from echellon: he makes his corrections on his intermediate point. In all wheelings into line the word “Eyes Front” will be given as soon as the dressing is completed. When Officers change from one flank to the other in order to close, they will pass by the front, and repass by the rear of their Companies. On all other occasions, when it is necessary to change their flanks in line, they will pass and repass by the rear.

S. 9. Open column.

    All changes of position, by means of the Open column, will be effected by the formation of a column, right or left, in front, on the named division. If on a flank division, the caution will specify whether the other flank is to be thrown back, or forward: if on a central division, the caution will in like manner specify which wing is to be thrown forward. An open column may effect a change of position upon its front, rear, or any central division by the named division wheeling up according to the front to which it is intended to change; and the other divisions facing, and filing into the new alignement.

S. 10. Column at Quarter distance, and Close column.

    When Close columns are formed, the Companies or Divisions must be at one pace distance. In the wheel of a Column at quarter or close distance, the leading division acts as a moving base for the rear Companies to follow; its length of step is regulated according to the depth of the column, and when at quarter distance must be very short to enable the rear to circle simultaneously round at the usual pace. Upon the wheel being ordered, all the rear divisions make a half face to the wheeling flank; but at a quarter distance, the leading[18] division will advance six paces on the word “Quick (or Double) March,” and will wheel round the pivot file at a shortened pace, while each succeeding division will advance, in circling round, to quarter distance, which will leave room for the rear divisions to circle into their relative positions at that distance. In wheeling on the Moveable pivot, the rear divisions make a half turn towards the shoulder brought forward, and the front division wheels and advances at a shortened pace in the new direction, the rear divisions circling round. In Close column, the supernumeraries will form on the reverse flanks of companies; and when the column marches to a flank, they will move with their companies; when the Close column is to countermarch they will remain on the reverse flank, and countermarch on their own ground. When a Column deploys on a rear division, the named division when uncovered will move up to the front (which its covering Serjeant will mark); the points, therefore, necessary for the formation of the Battalion will be taken in prolongation of these points, and the Divisions which successively move up must Halt, Front, until their front is clear.

S. 11. Echellon.

    The Echellon position and movements are applicable to the oblique or direct changes of situation, which a Battalion may be obliged to make to the front or rear, or on a particular fixed division of the line. The oblique changes are produced by the wheel (less than the quarter circle) of divisions, which places them in the echellon situation. The direct changes are produced by the perpendicular and successive march of divisions from line to front or rear. In Echellon, the inner flank, (or that which first joins its preceding division when the line is to be formed forward,) is the directing one; and in Oblique echellon the wheels are made on it, into echellon—forward, and into line—backward.

Practical rule for the Battalion and Line on all occasions of Wheeling by Companies into echellon.

“Each covering Serjeant having previously placed himself before or behind a given file (the 8th) from the standing flank, will take the named number of paces from the centre of that file on the arc of the circle, and thereby become a direction for the Company to wheel up to, and halt.”

    As eight paces from the eighth file complete the Quarter circle, so four paces give the One-eighth, and two paces the One-sixteenth of the circle. All changes of front by the Echellon march are performed by the forming divisions wheeling half the angle wheeled by the division to be formed upon. In all changes of position by echellon, whether direct or oblique, the leaders of companies will invariably be on that flank towards which the change of position is to be made. But in taking ground to a flank on the march, in echellon of Sub-divisions[19] or Sections, Companies’ leaders remain in their places as when in line.

S. 12. Squares.

    Squares are formed either from Line, or from Column at full, half, or quarter distance. The Hollow square, four deep, is sufficiently solid to oppose an attack of Cavalry: it possesses, at the same time the advantage of rendering the fire of all the men available to the resistance of the enemy. The Solid square should seldom be adopted, because a proportion of the men cannot give their fire. Close columns should in all cases when practicable, open therefore to quarter distance, and form Square (as in Sec. 21, No. 1, Part III.). But as every position in which a Battalion may be placed should be susceptible of ready resistance against Cavalry, the Close column can always assume an efficient posture of defence, by the six centre Companies wheeling outwards by Threes, and closing to the front, and the two rear Companies facing to the right about: the Officers and Serjeants taking post in the centre. The wing of a battalion can in like manner form the solid square from a Close column of Sub-divisions. When Cavalry is not to be resisted, it will be sufficient to form the Square two deep to the rear. The formation of Battalion squares, either from Line or Column, is to be completed as expeditiously as possible; and the Squares may afterwards be placed in direct echellon for mutual defence.

S. 13. Firings.

    In all movements, Firing should commence after a formation. In firing by Companies, the Leaders will give the Word “Ready” when the previous division fires, preserving the pause of slow time between this and “Present,” the men firing when they have covered their objects. In firing by wings, one wing will receive the word “Ready,” the instant the other has completed its loading. Great care must be taken in file firing that it is not hurried, and that the men “Present” deliberately. The value of a soldier’s ammunition, and a jealousy of its expenditure without effect, must be carefully inculcated; for in proportion as a cool and well-directed fire serves to distract and throw an enemy into disorder, so is a wild, confused, and hurried fire (which is always without effect) calculated to give him confidence, and a contempt for his opponent. Soldiers should, therefore, bear in mind that nothing makes so strong an impression on an enemy, as the thinning of his ranks by a well-directed fire; and that nothing tends more to animate and encourage troops than the diminished fire from ranks so thinned; affording also the most favourable opportunity for a successful charge. In firing in square, the two front ranks are to come to the kneeling position without cocking, on preparing to receive cavalry. The standing ranks in square will fire independently from the right of faces.

[20]

Street firing.

A Column at open, half, or quarter distance, formed in a street or narrow ground where deployment is impracticable, may be required to fire previous to charging forward, or by successive divisions in retiring. It will be performed in the following manner:—

If advancing, the two front Companies only will fire in succession; the leading Company firing and loading kneeling, the second Company closing to the front, and firing standing. When the enemy’s fire has been overcome, or at any favourable moment that may present itself, the column will charge briskly forward, and make good the ground it is contending for.

In retiring, the leading division will give its fire; Slope arms; Face outwards by sub-divisions; File to the rear; Re-form Company; Load; and remain halted, until its front is again clear, or the whole column is put in motion. The moment the front of the second company is clear, it will give its fire; Face outwards by sub-divisions; and file to the rear as above directed: and so on by companies in succession: the companies thus follow each other, and when the front of the column occupies the whole breadth of the street, the outward files of companies will double in the rear, to give the companies which have fired room to pass. It must never be forgotten, in entering towns or villages occupied by the enemy, that the first thing to be done, on gaining a footing in the place, is to clear the houses on both flanks, and the column should on no account proceed through the streets without previously occupying the houses on either side; the troops employed for that purpose breaking through partition walls, or pushing on from house to house, so as to accompany the march of the main body, and protect its flanks.

FORMATION OF THE BATTALION.

When the Battalion is formed, there is to be no interval between any of the Companies, and every part of the front of the Battalion should be equally strong. The Grenadiers will be on the right, Light company on the left, the other companies from right to left. The Battalion will be told off into Right, and Left wings.

FORMATION OF THE BATTALION, AT CLOSE ORDER.

The Commanding officer is advanced in front for the general purpose of exercise when the Battalion is single; but in the March in line, and in the firings, he is in the rear of the Colours. The Lieutenant-colonel is behind the colours, twelve paces from the supernumerary rank. The 1st Major is six paces in the rear of the second Battalion company from the right flank; 2nd Major at the same distance in the rear of the second Battalion company from the[21] left; the Adjutant at the same distance in rear of the colours. One Officer is on the right of the front rank of each company, and One on the left of the Battalion; all these are covered in the rear rank by their respective Serjeants; and the remaining Officers and Serjeants are in a third rank behind their companies. The colours are placed (both in the front rank) between the two Centre companies. The supernumerary rank is at three paces distance when in Line; and when in Column, it is at the distance of one pace.

When the Battalion takes Open order.

When the Battalion resumes Close order.

EVOLUTIONS OF THE BATTALION.

MOVEMENTS OF THE BATTALION FROM LINE.

S. 14. 1. The Battalion halted, and correctly dressed, is to advance in Line.

2. When the Battalion is to retire.

3. While advancing in Line, the Battalion may form to either flank by the Divisions wheeling to the Bight (or Left) on the Moveable pivot, and forming on the flank Company (which will be halted in the direction of the new front) by the Echellon march of divisions.

[22]

S. 15. When a Battalion advancing in Line is to charge.

S. 16. When a Battalion moving in Line passes a wood, &c., to Front or Rear, by the flank march of Companies in file.

1. If to pass to the Front.

2. If to pass to the Rear.*

3. If a Battalion in first Line passes through a second, which advances and relieves it.

4. When the second Line does not advance to relieve the first.

S. 17. When the Battalion advances, or retires, by half Battalion, and fires.

1. If the Battalion is in march, and advancing.

[23]

2. If the Battalion is in march, and retiring.

S. 18. A Battalion in Line to move to attack, or pass a bridge, &c., to the front, from either flank, or from the centre.

1. If from a Flank, by Companies, or Sub-divisions.

2. When the Column arrives near the point where the Line is to re-form.

3. If the advance is from the Centre.

4. When the Double column arrives near the point where the Line is to be formed.

[24]

5. To form Line to the right, from the Double column.

S. 19. A Battalion in Line to retire over a bridge, or defile, or retreat from a Flank or Flanks, in rear of the Centre.

1. If from a flank.

2. If the Retreat is from both flanks.

S. 20. A Battalion in Line to march off in Column of divisions, successively to a flank.

1. If the Movement is along the rear, and from the right flank.

2. When the Movement is from the left flank.

In both movements the Divisions follow in succession the leading division.

[25]

S. 21. When the Battalion, halted in Line, is to form Square on a named Company, or on two centre Sub-divisions.

1. If on a Central company.

2. If on a Flank Company, and to a flank.

3. When the Square is to resist Cavalry.

4. To reduce the Square.

[26]

5. If the Square is to be formed on the two centre Sub-divisions.

6. To reduce the Square and form Line.

7. But should it have been previously necessary to move the Square.

8. When the Line is retiring, the Square may be formed at once without halting.

[27]

S. 22. When the Battalion forms a Square, or Oblong two deep, to protect baggage, &c., against Infantry.

2. When the Square or Oblong is to march by any one face.

3. To reduce the Square.

S. 23. A Battalion halted in Line, to change front to the rear upon the centre.

[28]

CHANGES OF POSITION OF THE BATTALION FROM LINE BY MOVEMENTS OF THE OPEN COLUMN ON A FIXED POINT.

S. 24. The Battalion to change position to the front on the right halted Company, by throwing forward the whole Left, and by the flank march of Companies.

2. The Battalion may change its position to the Left, Right thrown forward, by the formation of the Open column in front of the left halted Company.

3. If the Change of position is effected by the formation of the Open column on a central Company, the caution will specify which flank is to be thrown forward. The Companies face inwards, and disengage.

4. When a Battalion is to change position on a flank halted Company, by throwing back the other flank.

ON A DISTANT POINT.

S. 25. The Battalion in line changes position by breaking into Open column, marching up in column to the point where its head is to remain, and entering the line by the flank march of Companies.

[29]

S. 26. The Battalion formed in line, changes position by breaking into Open column, marching to a point where its head is to rest, and to which its rear divisions form, by successively passing each other, and wheeling up.

OPEN COLUMN MOVEMENTS.

S. 27. When the leading flank of the Column is changed by the successive march of Divisions from the rear to the front.

S. 28. To change the Wings of a column formed upon a road, where the space does not admit of the Flank movement.

S. 29. When the Column, at open, or half distance, is required to form a Square.

1. If the Square is to be formed on the front Company.

2. If upon a central Company.

3. If an Open column, moving to front, or rear in File, or Sections of Threes, be attacked by Cavalry.

If in File.

If the Column is moving in Sections of Threes.

QUARTER DISTANCE, AND CLOSE COLUMN.

S. 30. When a Battalion forms a close, or quarter distance Column, from Line.

1. If a Close Column before, or behind, either of the flank Companies.

2. On a central Company.

In the same manner, Column may be formed from Line upon any Company facing to the rear; that Company countermarching by files, and the Wings facing outwards, and countermarching to the right, or left; and forming as before.

In all Counter-marches from Line, the Company of formation will be faced by the command of its own Officer.

[31]

3. If a Quarter distance Column upon any named Company.

4. The Close column may be formed from Open column.

S. 31. When the Column, at close, or quarter distance, marches to a flank.

If the Column is at quarter distance, it may be marched to a flank in Sections of threes.

S. 32. When the Column at quarter distance, moving to front, or rear, takes ground to the Right, or Left, by the Echellon march of Sections.

Ground may be taken to a flank by the diagonal march.

S. 33. When a Column halted, at Close, or Quarter distance, is to wheel on a fixed, or moveable pivot.

[32]

1. At close distance on a fixed pivot.

2. At close distance on a moveable pivot.

If the Column is to wheel in double time.

3. At Quarter distance on a fixed pivot.

4. At Quarter distance on a moveable pivot.

S. 34. When a Close, or Quarter distance Column is to change its front by the wheel and countermarch of Sub-divisions round the centre.

1. If at the halt.

2. If the Column at Quarter distance is on the march.

S. 35. When a Column at close, or quarter distance, is to open out to full, or half distance, from front, or rear.

[33]

1. If from the front.

2. If from the rear.

DEPLOYMENTS.

Deployments are made from Column invariably on the base of the front Company; Close columns deploy in File.

S. 36. When the Battalion in column of Companies, at Close, or Quarter distance (right in front), deploys into Line.

FROM CLOSE COLUMN.

1. On the Front Company.

2. On the Rear Company.

Deployments on a central Company are performed in a similar manner. In deploying on a rear, or central Company, the Company of formation will be moved up in Double time.

FROM QUARTER DISTANCE COLUMN.

3. When a Battalion in Column of Companies at quarter distance, right in front, deploys upon its Front division.

[34]

4. On a Rear Company.

The Base points are three paces in advance of the Front Company of the Column.

ECHELLON FORMATIONS AND MOVEMENTS.

S. 37. When a Battalion from Line wheels forward by Companies, to either flank, into Echellon.

2. When the Echellon thus formed marches forward, and halts.

S. 38. When the Battalion having wheeled from Line into Echellon, has marched, and halted, and is to form back parallel to the Line it quitted.

S. 39. When the Battalion having wheeled from Line into Echellon, has marched and halted, and is to form up oblique to the Line it quitted.

1. If the Formation is made forward.

[35]

2. If the wheel of the leading Division exceed the number of paces which it before wheeled from Line into Echellon, the others wheel up one-half of that excess, move on, and successively dress up with it.

3. If the formation is to be on the prolongation of the front Division as it stands, the others wheel back one-half of what they originally wheeled forward, then move on, and dress up with it.

S. 40. When the Battalion formed in Line changes front on a fixed flank Company, by throwing forward the rest of the Battalion.

S. 41. When the Battalion changes front on a fixed flank Company, by throwing back the rest of the Battalion.

S. 42. When the Battalion changes front on a central Company, by advancing one Wing, and retiring the other.

The Company of the Wing to be thrown back is wheeled backward, and the Company of the wing to be brought forward is wheeled forward; or a Central Company is wheeled upon its centre into the new direction.

[36]

S. 43. When, from Open column, the Companies wheel backward into Echellon, in order to form in Line on the front Company.

2. If the Line be formed on the rear Company of the Column, that Company will stand fast, the others will receive.

3. If the Line is to be formed on a rear Company, but facing to the Rear.

4. If the Line be formed on a Central Company of the Column.

S. 44. When from Line the Companies of a Battalion march off in Echellon, successively and directly to the front; and again form Line to the front, or flank.

1. When the intention is to form Line to the front.

2. When the intention is to form Line to the flank.

3. If a Column is to be formed to the flank, from a direct Echellon.

S. 45. When a Battalion, in Echellon of Companies, halted, or in motion, is required to form square.

S. 46. When a Battalion marching in Line is to take ground to a flank by the Echellon movement of Sub-divisions, or Sections.

2. When sufficient ground has been taken to the flank.

[38]

3. When sufficient ground has been taken in Echellon to a flank, and a forward formation of the Line is to be made.

In taking ground to a flank, if a small degree of obliquity from the former position is to be taken, the Line may wheel forward by Companies; if a greater, by Sub-divisions; and if a greater still, by Sections.

LIGHT INFANTRY.

SIGNALS AND SOUNDS FOR REGULATING MOVEMENTS.

The Officers’ call—as established, and therefore not numbered.

  1. To extend.
  2. To close.
  3. To advance.
  4. To halt.
  5. To fire.
  6. Cease firing.
  7. To retreat.
  8. Assembly.
  9. Incline to the right.
10. Incline to the left.
11. The alarm.

INFANTRY SWORD EXERCISE.

Words of command throughout

THE PROGRESSIVE INSTRUCTIONS OF THE DRILL.

The words in Italics are to serve as a caution only.

Section I.

EXTENSION MOTIONS, AND POSITIONS.

Attention.
First extension motions.—One—Two—Three—Four—Five.
First position in three motions.—One—Two—Three.
Second position in two motions.—One—Two.
Balance motions.—One—Two—Three—Four.
First position.
Third position in two motions.—One—Two.
Second extension motions.—One—Two—Three.
First position.
Front.
[39]Stand at ease.
Attention.
Positions.
First—Second—First—Third.
First—Second—Third—Second.
Single attack—Double attack.
Advance—Single attack—Retire—Double attack.
Front—Stand at ease.

Section II.

PREPARATORY INSTRUCTION WITH THE SWORD.

Attention.
Draw swords—Return swords—Draw swords—Slope swords.
Stand at ease.

Attention.
Prepare for Sword exercise.
Right prove distance—Slope swords.
Front prove distance—Slope swords.
Assault.
One—Two—Three—Four—Five—Six—Seven.
First Point—Two—Second Point—Two—Third Point—Two.
Defend.
Second—Third—Fourth—Fifth—Sixth—Seventh.
Parry—Two. Slope swords. Stand at ease.
Attention.
Guard—Inside guard—Outside guard.

[40]

Section III.

REVIEW, OR INSPECTION EXERCISE.

Attention.
Prepare for Sword exercise.
Right prove distance—Slope swords.
Front prove distance—Slope swords.
Guard—Inside Guard—Outside guard.
One—Two—Three—Four—Five—Six—Seven.
Points—First—Second—Third—Parry.
Guard—Slope swords.

SWORD PRACTICE.

Guard.
Inside, and outside Cuts.—One—Two—Three—Four—Five—Six.
Inside guard.
Outside Cuts.—Two—Four—Six.
Outside guard.
Inside Cuts.—One—Three—Five.
Guard—Slope swords—Stand at ease.

Section IV.

ATTACK AND DEFENCE.

Attention.
Front rank, Right about face—Prepare for Attack, and Defence.
Prove distance—Slope swords.
Guard—Inside guard—Outside guard.
Left cheek—Right cheek—Wrist—Leg.
Left side—Right side—Head.
First point—Two—Third point—Two.
Guard—Slope swords.

Point, and Parry.—Guard—Third point—Point.
Point (continuing as long as requisite).
Guard—Slope swords—Stand at ease.

Section V.

STICK DRILL.

First Practice.

Guard—Continuing the same words of command and movements as in the “Attack and Defence” in Section 4th, omitting the word “Two” in the delivery of each point.

[41]

Second Practice.

Guard—Continuing, &c., as the “Point and Parry,” but not exceeding Six points.

Third Practice.

Guard—Leg—Inside guard—Leg.
Outside guard—Leg—Guard—Slope swords.

Fourth Practice.

Guard—Head—Head—Leg—Leg—Head—Head—Guard.
Slope swords.

Fifth Practice.

Head—Head—Arm—Head—Head—Arm.
Head—Head—Right side—Head—Head—Right side.
Slope swords.

When perfect, by Word of command, the whole of this Section is to be performed in Quick time, by the drill officer naming only the practice required, but first giving the caution—Stick drill by practice divisions.

INSTRUCTIONS FOR PITCHING, AND STRIKING TENTS.

1. Whenever possible, the quartermaster, or an officer acting for him, with a non-commissioned officer and a camp colourman per company, will precede the corps to be encamped.

2. This officer will take up ground for the companies’ and the officers’ and other tents, &c., according to the directions he may have received, to conform to one or other of the methods laid down in the “Regulations for Encampments,” marking by a picket the spot to be occupied by each tent-pole, and taking care that the lines of tents are perpendicular and correctly covered.

3. Before arriving in camp the men will be told off for their several functions as pole-men, peg-men, and unpackers of tents, two men being allotted for each of these duties, and six in all for every tent. More than this number only impede each other.

Each tent requires, therefore, one section of threes to pitch, or strike it.

4. From the remainder of the company the parties will be told off for provisions, wood, water, fire, guards and pickets, and for the pitching of the officers’ orderly-room, store-room, guard-tents, &c.

To each tent, as far as possible, a non-commissioned officer will be told off.

5. It is known that the soldiers’ tent, with its cords, occupies a space of nearly 6 yards—that is, between 7 and 8 paces from pole to pole.

6. The pole-men, being stationed at the spots indicated by the pickets, the pole is lowered, and the cap of the tent fixed on, and all[42] things prepared for the raising of the tent. On the signal, or word of command, the whole of the poles are raised together, the skirt of the tent being lifted over the poleman’s head.

7. It will be remembered, that, to insure stability, four of the cords which divide the circumference accurately into quarters, must be first made fast before any of the others.

8. Each cord must be stretched on the true prolongation of the tent seam.

9. The slides must be made fast at an equal distance from the tent and the ground peg, so as to permit shifting, as expansion or contraction of the cord ensues on atmospheric changes.

10. The non-commissioned officer sees that the door is properly placed, and attends especially to the fastenings of the first four pegs, with a view to the general uprightness of the pole and security of the tent, under the general superintendence of the company’s officers; one being stationed at the flank, the more easily to detect and correct errors.

11. In order to strike the tents, all the pegs are drawn except the four first driven, and four men place themselves at these in readiness for the signal; they draw these pegs, and hold down the tent till the signal be given.

12. On the signal, the pole-men lower the poles to the rear, and come out by the door, bringing the poles with them.

13. In rolling up the tent, the cap is turned on one side, in such a manner as shall make it visible at one end when the tent is rolled. This prevents the cap from cutting the tent.

[43]

PART II.
ROYAL ARTILLERY.

CARBINE EXERCISE.

MANUAL EXERCISE.

Present arms.
Shoulder arms.
Order arms.
Shoulder arms.
Slope arms.
Stand at ease.
Attention.
Carry arms.
Trail arms.
Shoulder arms.
Order arms.
Trail arms.
Order arms.
Fix bayonets.
Shoulder arms.
Charge bayonets.
Shoulder arms.
Order arms.
Unfix bayonets.
Stand at ease.

PLATOON EXERCISE.

1. As a front rank standing.
2. As a rear rank standing.
3. As a front rank kneeling.
4. As a rear rank kneeling.
As front rank standing, Load.
Handle cartridge.
Draw ramrods.
Ram down cartridge.
Return ramrods.
’Bout.
Prime.
As front rank—Ready.
Present.
Load, as before directed.
’Bout.
Prime.
Shoulder arms.
As rear rank standing—Ready.
Present.
Load.
&c., &c.

TO FIRE KNEELING.

As front rank kneeling—Ready.
Present.
Load, as before directed.
’Bout.
Prime.
Order, or Shoulder arms.
As rear rank kneeling—Ready.
Present.
Load, as before directed.
’Bout.
Prime.
Order, or Shoulder arms.
Wing or Battalion: Company,
prepare to load. Load.
Company, Wing,  } Ready.
or Battalion.    } Present.
Half-cock arms.
Shoulder arms.

To fire a volley, and half-cock.
Ready.
Present.
Shoulder arms.

INSPECTION OF A COMPANY.

Double distance—Rear rank take open order—March.
Port arms.
Half-cock arms.
Ease springs.
Shoulder arms.
Order arms.
Examine arms.
Return ramrods.
Fix bayonets.

[44]

DISMISSAL OF A COMPANY.

Recover arms.
Right face.
Lodge arms.

TO FIRE A FEU-DE-JOIE.

With blank cartridge—Load.
Ready.
Present.

Commence firing from the right,
and then reload.

After the third fire.

Shoulder arms.
Present arms.
Shoulder arms.
Order arms.
Three cheers.

FUNERAL EXERCISE.

Present arms.
Reverse arms.
Rest upon your arms reversed.
Stand at ease.
Attention.
Reverse arms.
Rest upon your arms reversed.
Present arms.
Shoulder arms.
With blank cartridge—Load.
Ready.
Present.

After the third round.

Shoulder arms.
Rear rank take close order—March.

On all occasions the percussion Carbine, when capped, or having the snap-cap on, is to be kept at the half-cock, either when the soldier is on duty, or at drill, or when the carbine is lodged in the arm-rack of the guard-room or barrack-room; and on no account whatever is the cock to be allowed to remain down upon the cap at any time, except during the interval between the words of command, “Fire,” and “Load,” in the Platoon exercise.

SWORD, ROYAL ARTILLERY.

Light Cavalry pattern of 1822, for Royal Horse Artillery.

[45]

CAVALRY, SWORD EXERCISE.

Review, or Inspection exercise.

Right prove distance—Slope swords.
Front prove distance—Slope swords.
Perform Sword exercise—First division—Second division.

The time to be taken from the Flugleman as follows:—

[46]

FORMATION FOR SWORD EXERCISE ON FOOT.

FORMATION FOR SWORD EXERCISE MOUNTED.

OFFICERS’ SALUTE.

The Officers to be formed in line at four paces distant from each other, “Standing at ease” with the point of the sword lowered between the feet, the edge to the right, and left hand covering the right.

Attention—Carry swords.

Rear Rank take open Order—“Recover swords” and move forward an oblique pace to the left, so as to be placed in front, and just clear of the second File.

March—Advance three paces to the front, and bring the sword to the “Port,” the blade being diagonally across the body, the edge upwards, and arms nearly extended; the left elbow bent with the hand as high, and in front of the shoulder; holding the blade between the forefinger and thumb, the knuckles to the front, and elbows close to the side.

Present Arms—“Recover swords” at the second motion of the carbine; and at the third motion lower the sword (to the full extent of the arm) to the right, with the edge to the left, and point in the direction of the right foot, the elbow close to the side, at the same[47] time raising the left arm as high as the shoulder, and bringing the hand round by a circular motion over the peak of the cap, the knuckles uppermost, and fingers extended.

Shoulder Arms—“Recover swords” at the first motion of the carbine; and at the second motion “Port swords.”

Rear Rank take close Order—“Right face;” and as the right foot is drawn to the rear, “Recover swords.”

March—Move back into the front Rank. “Front” and “Carry swords.”

The Salute on the march is to commence when at ten paces from the Reviewing officer, the Officer on the right giving the signal to prepare the other Officers by raising the fingers of the left hand two paces, previous to saluting; the sword is then raised by extending the arm to the right, and by a circular motion brought to the “Recover;” and continuing the motion to the right shoulder, from whence the sword is lowered, and the left hand is then gradually raised over the peak of the cap in the manner before directed. The time for completing the salute is six paces, commencing with the left foot, and may be divided (for Drill practice) as follows:—First pace, the sword raised to the right; Second pace, to the “Recover;” Third pace, to the right shoulder; Fourth pace, the sword lowered to the right; Fifth pace, the left arm raised; Sixth pace, hand brought to the peak of the cap.

The head should be slightly turned towards the Reviewing Officer, whilst passing him, and having done so six paces, and given the signal (as before) “Recover swords” at one pace, and in “Port” the following pace.

The same time is given for the Salute when mounted (which is to be completed in four motions), but the sword should then be kept in a line with the knee.

On the march, or when manœuvring, the sword may be carried to the full extent of the arm, the guard of the hilt resting upon the inside of the fingers, the back of the blade being against the hollow of the shoulder.

[48]

PART III.
ORDNANCE, CARRIAGES, ETC.

ORDNANCE.

GUNS.

Guns are distinguished from each other by their metal, and weight of their shot.

A Gun is divided into five parts, which are named Cascable, First reinforce, Second reinforce, Chase, Muzzle.

The metal is made thicker towards the breech than at the muzzle, to strengthen the piece, for the elastic force of the Gunpowder is there greatest, and diminishes in power as the space it occupies is extended. The metal is made thinner towards the muzzle to make the gun lighter.

The Dispart is half the difference between the diameter of the Gun at the base ring and at the swell of the muzzle. By affixing on the muzzle a piece of metal equal to the height of the dispart, the line of sight will be made parallel to the axis of the bore, and therefore an object within point blank range can be seen. Howitzers, and some guns which have a patch or projection on the upper part of the muzzle, have no dispart, the semi-diameter of the muzzle with the patch added to it being equal to the semi-diameter of the base ring. Iron ordnance (Bloomfield’s) are intended to have a degree and a half dispart, but the founder is allowed two-tenths of an inch variation in casting Iron ordnance, for any difference which there may be between the intended and actual diameter of the base ring and muzzle.

Light Brass Field Guns 12, 6, and 3-pounders have a dispart of one degree, and Medium 12-pounders and 9-pounders have one degree and a quarter.

The Angle of dispart is the number of degrees the axis of the bore would point above the object aimed at, when laid by the surface of the gun.

Point blank range is when the piece is laid at the object without any elevation; the plane and the axis of the bore being parallel to each other. Its distance is measured from the muzzle of the piece (fired with the service charge of powder) to the first graze of the shot, or point at which it first touches the ground.

When a Shot is fired from a gun, it is acted upon by three forces:—

1st. The explosion of the Powder, which urges it forward.

2nd. The resistance of the Air, which tends to stop it.

3rd. The force of gravity, which causes it to descend.

A BRASS GUN.

[49]

When a Shot has been fired from a gun one second of time, it has fallen 16-1/12 feet; in two seconds, 64⅓ feet; in three seconds, 144¾ feet; and proportionally for every additional second.[4] For this reason, it is necessary to give a certain degree of elevation to a gun: as, for instance, should the time of flight of a shot be two seconds, the gun must be pointed 64⅓ feet above the object intended to be struck, because in that time it will have fallen through that space; therefore, the more distant the object is, the greater must be the elevation given to enable the shot to reach it.

There are three modes of extending the range of a Shot without increasing the charge of powder, viz.:—

1st. By raising the piece to a higher level.

2nd. By giving its axis greater elevation.

3rd. By excentric projectiles; recent experiments having shown that if the centre of gravity is placed directly above the centre of figure the range is greatly increased.[5]

A Tangent scale is affixed to the breech of Guns and Howitzers, by means of which the requisite elevation may be given, and the object seen at the same time. This scale has divisions, called degrees, marked on it, and it is placed in a groove at the breech, from which it can be raised (being fastened by a screw) to give the necessary elevation.

The divisions on the Tangent scale are found by multiplying the length of the piece in inches, from the base ring to the swell of the muzzle, by ·017455, and the product will give the length nearly of each degree or division on the tangent scale. By subtracting the dispart from this product, the length of the tangent scale above the base ring for one degree of elevation will be obtained.

The Sights of a gun are two small notches marked on the upper part of the base ring (or on the top of the tangent scale) and swell of the muzzle. Their situation is ascertained by means of a spirit level.

The line of metal is an imaginary line drawn along the surface of the metal between the two sights.

The line of metal Elevation is obtained by laying a Gun at an object by means of the sights, without giving any elevation; from the thickness of metal at the breech, the line of metal elevation varies from one to two degrees.

The Centre of metal is indicated by a line drawn through the uppermost point of the base ring and swell of the muzzle; and is ascertained by means of a spirit level.

Windage is the difference between the diameter of the bore, and[50] that of the shot. The windage formerly allowed was one-twentieth the diameter of the shot, but it is now reduced considerably: (Field Guns having only one-tenth of an inch) and this diminution of windage is very beneficial, longer ranges being obtained with the same charges of powder, and also greater precision of fire.

The Vent, for every nature of Ordnance, is two-ninths of an inch in diameter.

Bouching a gun is fixing a pure copper vent into it; which is done by drilling a hole in the piece, where the vent is usually placed, about one inch in diameter, and screwing therein a piece of wrought copper with a vent of two-ninths of an inch through the centre of it.

Tertiating a gun is examining the thickness of metal, whether the bore is perfectly straight, the trunnions properly placed, &c. It is performed by means of calliper compasses, and other instruments.

Quadrating a gun is ascertaining if it is properly placed on its carriage, and if the wheels are of an equal height.

A Gun is honeycombed when the surface of the bore has cavities, or holes in it.

The Length of a gun is ascertained by measuring it from the rear of the base ring to the face of the muzzle.

The Calibre of a gun is the diameter of the bore.

To find the length of a gun, in feet and inches, its length in Calibres being known—

Divide the product of the number of Calibres and the diameter of the bore, in inches, by 12, and the quotient will be the length in feet and inches.

To find the Number of calibres in the Length of a gun.

Divide the length of the gun in inches by the number of inches in the calibre.

Gun metal is a compound of 8 lb. or 10 lb. of tin, to 100 lb. of copper. The property of tin being to harden, the largest proportion (10 lb.) is used for mortars, they requiring a greater degree of hardness than guns.

Ordnance cast of gun metal are generally designated Brass Ordnance.

Brass guns are used for field batteries, they having been considered preferable to iron for the service, being lighter than iron guns could be cast of the same calibre, without risking their bursting.

Brass guns are, however, soon rendered unserviceable by repeated and quick firing.

Iron guns are better adapted for batteries in the attack or defence of towns or fortresses, and also for service on board ship; being less expensive than brass, and better able to sustain long-continued and rapid firing. At the siege of Badajoz the firing continued for 104 hours, and the number of rounds fired from each 24-pounder averaged 1249; at the siege of St. Sebastian, each piece fired about 350 rounds in 15½ hours. None of these guns were rendered unserviceable;[51] but three times the number of brass guns would have been required to produce the same effect, or maintain such long and rapid firing.

Service Charges of powder.

The Point blank range of Iron 32, 24, 18, and 12-pounders with solid shot varies from 380 to 260 yards; from which to 1200 yards, every ¼ degree increases the range about 100 yards; and from 1200 to 1500 yards, every ¼ degree increases the range about 50 yards.

The Point blank range of Brass, Medium 12, 9, and Heavy 6-pounders, with solid shot, is 300 yards, and from which to 700 yards, every ¼ degree elevation increases the range 100 yards; from 700 to 1000, every ¼ degree increases it 75 yards, and from 1000 to 1200, every ¼ degree increases it 50 yards.

The Point blank range of Brass, Light 12, 6, and 3-pounders is 200 yards, from which to 600 yards, each ¼ degree increases the range 100 yards, and from 600 to 1000, each ¼ degree increases it 50 yards.

Note.—For Weights, Dimensions, Ranges, Charges, &c., vide Tables.

HOWITZERS.

Howitzers are a short description of Ordnance, either Brass or Iron, and are used for projecting Shells. Their principal advantages are that they can be more easily loaded, and are considerably lighter, in proportion to their calibre, than Guns; and they also may be used as Mortars. They have no dispart, the diameter of the base ring and swell of the muzzle being equal, except in the 24 and 12-pounders; which, however, are provided with a patch to make up the difference.

Millar’s howitzers differ from the old pattern in the increased length, being from six to ten calibres; and in the conical form given to their Chambers (called Gomer) which are the frustrum of a cone, terminating in an hemisphere.

Note.—Vide Tables for Weights, Dimensions, Ranges, Charges, &c.

CARRONADES.

A Carronade is a short piece of Iron Ordnance, with a loop under the reinforce instead of trunnions. Its construction is materially different to that of guns; having a chamber; a part scooped out inside the muzzle forming a cup; also a patch on the reinforce. They take their name from the Carron Foundry (where they were first cast for the Navy in 1779), are considerably lighter than Guns of similar calibres, and are fired with charges of about one-twelfth the weight of the shot.

[52]

Carronades are chiefly used on board ship, but occasionally in casemates, and retired flanks of fortresses.

Note.—For Weights, Dimensions, Ranges, &c., vide Tables.

MORTARS.

Mortars differ from Guns in the construction of their bore, and also in their form, which is considerably shorter, the metal being much thicker, and the trunnions being at the extremity of the breech.

They are used for throwing Shells into a town, or battery, setting fire to and overthrowing works, blowing up magazines, and breaking through the roofs of barracks, casemates, magazines, &c. They are distinguished from each other by the diameter of their bore. Their chambers are in the form of a frustrum of a cone, in which the powder is more concentrated; the Shell fits close to the sides of the piece, and thereby receives the whole force of the expansion of the powder. The greatest charges their chambers will contain, and the corresponding Ranges, are as follows:—

When Mortars are used in firing on Inclined planes, up or down hill, should the inclination be considerable, take half the angle it makes with the horizon, and add it to, or subtract it from 45 degrees (which is for a medium plane), and it will give the greatest range upon the required plane.

Note.—Vide Tables of Dimensions, Weight, Charges, Ranges, &c.

VALUE OF ORDNANCE.

BRASS ORDNANCE.

Dependent on the market price of metals; at £100 per ton, after their combination, the value of gun metal is from 4 pence to 4½ pence per lb.

IRON ORDNANCE.

The value is variable according to the market price. Average from £14 to £16 per ton, according to the nature of the ordnance, the higher price being the value of the smaller pieces.

[53]

PROOF OF ORDNANCE.

All natures of Ordnance undergo several kinds of proof before they are received into the service:—

1st. They are gauged as to their several dimensions, internal and external; as to the justness and position of the bore, the chamber, vent, and trunnions, &c.

2nd. They are fired with a regulated charge of powder and shot, being afterwards searched to discover irregularities, or holes produced by the firing.

3rd. By means of engines, an endeavour is made to force water through them.

4th. They are examined internally by means of light, reflected from a mirror.

IRON GUNS.

The guns are first examined as to their proper dimensions, in which no more than ·3 of an inch variation is allowed; and in the diameters of the bore only ·033 from 42 to 18 pounders, and ·025 from 12 to 6 pounders; but in the position of the bore ·5 of an inch out of the axis of a piece from a 42 to an 18 pounder, and ·334 of an inch from a 12 to a 6 pounder is allowed.

They are then fired twice with the charge in the following table, with one shot and two high junk wads, and examined with a searcher after each round.

In this examination they must not have any hole or cavity in the bore of two-tenths of an inch in depth behind the first reinforce ring, or one-fourth of an inch in depth before this ring.

BRASS GUNS.

From 3 to 12 pounders the diameter of the bore must not vary more than ·025 of an inch, nor in any dimensions more than ·2.

The 12 pounders are fired twice, the remainder three times. Any hole ·15 of an inch upwards, or sideways in the bore, or ·1 in the bottom, between the breech and first reinforce; or ·2 of an inch upwards, or sideways, or ·15 in the bottom of the bore before the first reinforce ring, will be sufficient to condemn them.

[54]

MORTARS, AND HOWITZERS.

The exterior dimensions are in no respect to deviate more than ·1 of an inch in the 10, and 8 inch Howitzers, and ·05 of an inch in the 24, and 12 pounder Howitzers, and Royal and Coehorn Mortars, and Howitzers. Their bores and chambers must not deviate from their true diameters, or positions more than ·025 of an inch.

PROOF CHARGES.

The Brass Mortars, and Howitzers are fired twice with their chambers full of powder, and an iron shell. The Mortars on their own beds at an elevation of about 75 degrees, and the Howitzers on their carriages at an elevation of about 12 degrees. The Iron Mortars are proved with a charge equal to the full chamber, and a solid shot equal in diameter to the shell. Royal or Coehorn Mortars, and also 24, and 12 pounders, or Royal Howitzers, having a hole of ·1 of an inch in depth in the chamber, or ·15 of an inch in the chase are rejected. A hole ·15 of an inch in depth in the chamber, or ·2 of an inch in the chase is sufficient to condemn the 10 and 8 inch Howitzers.

CARRONADES.

The bores, and chambers of Carronades must not deviate more than ·05 of an inch from their true dimensions, and positions.

PROOF CHARGES.

They are proved with two rounds, with their chambers full of powder, and one shot and wad. A hole of ·2 of an inch in depth in the bore, or ·1 in the chamber condemns the piece.

WATER PROOF.

All Ordnance, after having undergone the before-mentioned proofs, and the subsequent searchings, are subject to the Water proof. This is done by means of a forcing pump, having a pipe or hose fitted and secured to the mouth of the piece, and a plug to stop up the vent.

After two or three efforts to force the water through any honeycombs or flaws, which there may be in the bore, they are left to dry, and generally the next day examined by light reflected from a mirror. If the bore should contain any small holes or flaws, which have not been discovered by the former proofs, they are very readily found by this, as the water will continue to weep or run from the holes, after the solid parts of the bore are perfectly dry.

When a gun bursts in proving, the remainder in proof at the same time are subjected to another proof round.

Ordnance condemned, for any of the foregoing reasons as unserviceable, is marked as follows:—

[55]

INSTRUCTIONS FOR THE CARE AND PRESERVATION OF IRON ORDNANCE.

Great attention should be paid to the care and preservation of iron Ordnance when in Depôt or on Service, to prevent the irreparable injury Guns sustain from rust and corrosion.

With this view the first step to be taken is to clear their bores and exterior surfaces from all rust and dirt, which is done on the inside with circular Spring Scrapers, fixed on the end of a long shaft or handle, these scrapers are made to press strongly on the sides of the cylinder, and by being drawn backwards and forwards by two or three efficient labourers, will remove the rust, and if not in a very bad state, will restore a regular smooth surface; the bottom or end of the bore is also scraped with a tool for that purpose, and the vent is opened by passing a square steel rimer of its diameter through it, gently turning the tool round until the vent is clear; after which the bore must be well brushed out, first with a hard round brush, and then with a Turk’s-head brush, so that not the least dirt remains in it. This being performed, the first coat of lacquer may be laid on, to which when dry, a second is to be added. This is done with a common painter’s brush, fixed vertically on the end of a staff sufficiently long to reach down the cylinder; and the bottom of the bore is lacquered by another brush fixed horizontally at the end of the staff; the outside or exterior parts of the pieces are also to be well scraped with an old sea-service sword, or steel tool of that nature, tolerably sharp, especially about the mouldings, where former coatings and dirt have accumulated, and when the rust will not give way, it should be slightly hammered, so as to loosen it. These operations must be continued until the whole coat of old paint, rust, or dirt, is completely removed, after which the dust must be well brushed or rubbed off, and the piece will then be fit to receive its first coat of anticorrosion, to which, when dry, a second is to be added.

Before the work is commenced the pieces should be arranged as nearly as possible in the places where they are to remain, as too much rolling is apt to disturb the coating of paint, especially before it has gained sufficient hardness to be durable.

The following objects also require to be particularly attended to—viz.:

In skidding Guns, &c., care must be taken that they are laid under metal, so that their muzzles may be sufficiently inclined downwards to prevent rain or any moisture lodging, and the bores from time to[56] time should be swept out, as dust or sand blowing into them and being suffered to remain, would be very destructive; nor should the Guns be ever stacked one over the other, if the space where they are kept is sufficiently large to admit of their being laid in single tiers.

After the Ordnance is once got into a complete state of preservation, by following these instructions, very little trouble or expense will attend their being kept so, for a slight coat of anticorrosion on the exterior, and a thin coat of lacquer in the cylinder every three or four years, is all they will require, provided they are every now and then brushed out as before stated.

On coating the Guns, it may be found useful to let the painter mark on them the date, which will show how long it lasts, as this may differ at different stations, especially such as are exposed to much damp air, and it will afford the means of calculating the necessary demands of articles for this purpose at stated periods.

The same rules are to be observed in the preservation of all iron Ordnance mounted on works, with regard to the application of lacquer and anticorrosion, and the precautions of keeping the pieces laid under metal, and frequently brushing out their bores, &c., as recommended in the foregoing instructions.

MIXTURE OF INGREDIENTS FOR COATING AND LACQUERING IRON ORDNANCE.

This mixture, when well stirred and incorporated, will be fit for use, but, as by long keeping in this state it becomes hard, no more should be mixed than is required for present use.

BLACK LEAD LACQUER, FOR THE BORE OR CYLINDER.

The oil to be boiled, and the paint to be well ground. This will keep. Great care should be taken in boiling the oil, as any damp falling in would cause an explosion.

INSTRUCTIONS FOR LACQUERING SHOT, AND SHELLS.

All Shot and Shells (including Shrapnell) are first to be cleaned exteriorly by the machine or otherwise, and then such as are found sufficiently correct and up to their proper gauge are to be twice lacquered with the following composition, leaving sufficient time between for the coats to become perfectly dry and hard. The warmest weather is the proper time for this operation. Ten labourers can examine,[57] clean, and lacquer with two coats one thousand shot in a day, provided the weather be favourable.

COMPOSITION.

Grant’s black 40 lb.     Red lead 5 lb.     Raw linseed oil 5 gallons.

The red lead is to be ground into a part of the oil, in order that the whole of the ingredients may be thoroughly incorporated.

TO RENDER ORDNANCE UNSERVICEABLE BY SPIKING, ETC.

The most effectual method of rendering Guns unserviceable, or of no further use, is by removing one or both of the trunnions, which may be done by striking it near its end with a sledge hammer; or by firing a shot against it from a carronade, or howitzer, the muzzle of the piece being placed near the trunnion.

Brass Ordnance may also be rendered unserviceable by firing whole or broken shot into the bore from another piece; or by filing a shot against the chase, which generally bulges the metal within the bore.[6]

For spiking Ordnance, two kinds of spikes are used:—

1st. The Common spike, which is 4 inches long, ·27 inches in diameter at the head, and about ·1 at the point. It is driven as far as it will go into the vent, and afterwards broken off close to the gun.

2nd. The Spring or temporary spike, which is ·17 in diameter, and varies in length from 3·25 to 5·25 inches. It has a flat head to prevent its falling through the vent into the bore, and also a spring about two inches in length, which extends from the point towards the head. In passing through the vent, this is compressed, but as soon as it is clear of the metal, it expands and cannot be withdrawn, unless it is again compressed sufficiently to allow its being again drawn into the vent, which may be done by pressing a rammer head against it, provided the spring is towards the muzzle, which may be known by a small notch cut in the head of the spike to point out its direction.

A long spike with a soft point may be driven into the vent, and the end projecting into the bore clenched; which, as well as either a common nail or even a wooden peg would answer as a temporary expedient if a proper spike were not at hand. Should a momentary abandonment of the guns become unavoidable, by taking away the cap-squares, elevating screws, quoins, linch-pins, or side-arms, the Enemy will be prevented using them for some time.

An artilleryman should, however, never forget that the guns are his Standard, which it should be his pride and glory to defend to the last moment, never deserting them without positive orders to do so,[58] or until the last glimmering hope of saving them is destroyed. But should the necessity of abandoning the guns appear imperative, then let the Artillerist remember that a parting shot (especially canister) at the advancing columns of the enemy, may insure not only his own safety, but also that of a large portion of the army.

UNSPIKING ORDNANCE.

If a gun has been spiked with a Common steel spike, load with a charge of powder equal to half the shot’s weight: lay a leader of quick match along the bore, and double shot the gun, introducing the shot, however, very carefully.

By affixing a piece of slow match to the end of the quick match which reaches to the muzzle, the gun may be easily and safely fired. Should the spike not be removed, the operation may be repeated.

When Brass guns have been spiked, it would be advisable, a day or two before making the above experiment, to scratch round the spike with a graver, and pour a few drops of Sulphuric, or Nitric acid into the circle, which, being repeated, will find its way down between the spike and the metal, particularly if the former is not perfectly round. When the gun cannot be unspiked by the above-mentioned operations, make a large fire round the breech to soften the spike, and after the gun has been gradually cooled, the spike may generally be removed by using the drill.

When a gun cannot be unspiked, the only means of rendering it serviceable is to drill another vent, about half an inch from the original one.

To drill a new Vent will require about an hour per inch. Care must be taken that a very small drill is first used, and afterwards one rather less than the diameter of the vent, otherwise the vent will run the risk of being too much enlarged.

[59]

[60]

[61]

CARRIAGES.

Garrison carriages are made of oak and other hard wood. Trucks iron; but in those situations which are not exposed to enfilade, the carriages are cast iron.

Ship carriages.—The Brackets and Transoms are elm, Axletrees oak, Trucks elm.

Field gun carriages.—All Travelling carriages are now made entirely of oak. The Carriages, for the heavy iron 12 and 9-pounders with bracket-trail, and also for all heavy battering ordnance, are made of oak. Limbers have the axletree beds of oak; Futchells, Splinter, or Sweeping-bar, of ash; Foot-boards, fir or elm. Limber boxes have the sides elm, and the rest fir. Ring-tires are used for light 3-pounders and hand-cart wheels. Shafts are always made of ash. Wheels have the Nave of elm, Spokes (12) of oak, Felloes (6) of ash.

Sleighs are used for the conveyance of artillery, during the winter, in Canada.[7] The sleigh consists of a platform six feet ten inches long, and three feet ten inches wide, placed on runners sixteen inches high; upon this rest two strong transoms, to which the brackets supporting the gun are secured. A box, distinct from the ammunition boxes, is placed on each side of the gun, together capable of containing about thirty rounds of ammunition, and which serve as seats for Nos. 1 and 6. These boxes usually contain the shot, and small stores carried in the axletree boxes, as well as long reins for driving, when in single draught. The extreme breadth of the runners is three feet.

Packing the Intrenching tools, &c.

Marching order.—In marching order, the following stores and intrenching tools are on the gun sleighs; two fitting ropes, one spare swingletree; swords of Nos. 1 and 6 on front platform under breast of gun, claw hammer, wrench, and pincers; in sockets, two portfire sticks on right rear of platform.

On No. 1 ammunition sleigh; two fitting ropes, prolonge, two spare swingletrees, and sword of No. 3, on front part of platform; carbines of No. 1 and 6, on front box; spare sponge, and worm on platform right of boxes; spare handspike on left side; 4 spare traces between front and rear boxes; swords of Nos. 4 and 5 on platform in rear of boxes, covered by knapsacks of Nos. 1, 6, 5, and 4. The[62] knapsacks are strapped from off-handle of off-box to rear handle of rear box.

On No. 2 sleigh; felling axe, and two camp kettles, on front of platform; sword of No. 2 on front box; pickaxe in rear of front box; four spades strapped to front of rear boxes; four water buckets strapped to guard irons of front box, two at each side; swords of Nos. 7 and 8 in rear of boxes, covered by knapsacks of Nos. 2, 3, 7, and 8.

DEPRESSION CARRIAGES.

Of these there are two descriptions—

1st. Those in the batteries at Gibraltar.
2nd. Those constructed for general service.

These latter carriages are similar to common standing carriages, excepting that they are about a foot longer, and the front transom is hollowed so as to allow of a greater depression, and has a bolt behind it for the end of the stool bed. There is also a skid, or transom, placed across the last step of the carriage, which has a thread in it for the elevating screw that supports one end of the stool bed. These carriages admit of a depression of 30°, but after every round the piece must be brought horizontal to load, which is done by taking out altogether the rear transom. Depression Carronade carriages differ from the common carriages in having their trucks in rear instead of in front. They are depressed by an iron segment of a circle, which is moveable in a slit in the trail, and which has holes in it about an inch apart, through which a bolt is to be placed to support it at any height, the intermediate depression being given by a screw.

[63]

[64]