Limber Drill
The procedures and commands presented below are recommended and endorsed by
the National Civil Warr Artillery Association, in the preparation of the gun
crew at the limber prior to posting on the gun. All commands are CAPITALIZED
while descriptions of the action are in normal print. When specific cannoneers
are involved in the action, the individuals illustrated are darkened.
Position A - With gun and limber previously placed, the Gunner or Chief-of-the-piece
has moved the gun crew (detachment) into position to begin the manning of the
piece. The detachment is at rest. The command of the detachment has been relinquished
to the Gunner. The Gunner initiates the preparation sequence.
Gunner orders: DETACHMENT, ATTENTION...POST ON THE LIMBER, MARCH.
(Gun crew advances to position B)
Position B: Numbers 1 and 2 locate themselves near the outside rear of the right
and left limber wheels followed by 3, 4, and 5. The Gunner advances to a position
between the limber and gun, and then faces the limber. Numbers 6 and 7 locate
themselves close to the rear of the limber chest. Number 6 unlocks the chest,
assisted by 7, who holds open and closed (as necessary), the chest. Number 8
locates himself so that he may observe the implement exchange and the activities
of the spectators. Number 6 takes charge of the gun crew. The Chief-of-the-piece
observes from a convenient position.
Number 6 issues gauntlets to numbers 1 and 2. When the exchange is completed,
number 6 orders the detachment to advance.
Number 6 orders: DETACHMENT, ONE STEP FORWARD, MARCH.
(Gun crew advances to Position C)
Position C: Numbers 1 through 5 move forward one step:
Number 6 issues a tube pouch (for the primers) and a lanyard to number 4. Number
7 issues a second tube pouch, thimbstall, priming wire (vent prick), gimlet,
and vent brush to Number 3. Numbers 5 and 7 assist Number 3 with the thimbstall
and pouch adjustments. When the exchange is completed, Number 6 orders the detachment
to advance.
Number 6 orders: DETACHMENT, ONE STEP FORWARD, MARCH.
(Gun crew advances to position D)
Position D: Numbers 1 through 5 move forward one step. Number 5 stands next
to number 7.
Number 6 issues the cartridge haversack to Number 5. When the exchange is completed,
Number 6 orders the chest cover closed.
Number 7 closes the cover. Number 6 informs the Gunner that all exchanges have
been accomplished.
Number 6 reports: IMPLEMENTS HAVE BEEN DISTRIBUTED.
Satisfied that the crew has been properly outfitted, the Gunner takes command
and moves the crew to the gun.
Gunner orders: DETACHMENT, ATTENTION...POST ON THE GUN, MARCH.
(Gun crew advances to position E)
Position E: Numbers 1 and 3 advance to the right side of the gun. Numbers 2
and 4 to the left side. Numbers 1 and 2 locate themselves outside the gun wheels,
near the front edge of the wheel. Numbers 3 and 4 locate themselves outside
the gun wheel, aligned opposite the cascabel. Number 5 locates himself near
the front of the Limber Pole. Numbers 1 through 4, and 6 and 7 will perform
their duties of serving the gun from these positions. The Gunner and number
5 will move about as necessary between the gun and the limber. Number 8 will
move as required to ensure the safety of the ammunition chest and the spectators.
When each of the crew is in position, the Gunner will direct the loading of
the piece. The Gunner will order the further preparation of the gun and its
service by the crew. The Chief-of-the-piece monitors the drill from a convenient
position, observing the activities of the spectators as well, and relaying the
orders of the Section officer to the Gunner and the cannoneers.
Ready to go on?
From this point, the Gun, Section, Battery, and/or Battalion is usually all
at the same stage. Every step of the each of the drills provides an opportunity
to stop the proceedings, set the speed, and address safety issues. AT ALL TIMES,
ANY ONGOING ACTIVITY MAY BE HALTED BY ANY CREW MEMBER ORDERING "CEASE
." If this happens, the issue is addressed, then the Gunner
commands "Commence ", and the drill is reinitiated, where it
left off.
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email me at Tim George.