This is a scanned copy of a US Army Training Regulation, the fore
runner of the current Field Manual. The original format was smaller,
so I grouped the pages together. The original has 19 pages.
TR 435-227
TRAINING REGULATIONS
WAR DEPARTMENT,
No. 435-227
Washington, March 18, 1933.
COAST ARTILLERY CORPS
SERVICE OF THE PIECE, 14-INCH GUN, M1920 MII, ON RAILWAY
MOUNT, M1920
Prepared under direction of the
Chief of Coast Artillery
Paragraphs
Section I. Introduction------------------------------------------------------------------------------1
II. Organization of the gun section--------------------------------------------------2-3
III. Duties of the personnel------------------------------------------------------------4-21
IV. Notes on the drill-------------------------------------------------------------------22-24
V. Additional information on the service of the piece------------------------25-27
Section I
INTRODUCTION
Paragraph
Introduction----------------------------------------1
1. Introduction.-a. The service of
the piece herein prescribed is based upon the only installation in
service at the present time. The gun is emplaced on a permanent base
with locally arranged methods of ammunition handling. For this reason
the details of the service of the piece as given will be considered
as a guide only. Minor changes to meet local conditions and
materiel will be made by the battery commander.
b. These regulations deal with the service
of the piece after it has been emplaced. Detailed instructions
regarding the care and maintenance of the materiel and covering the
emplacement and withdrawal from the position of the weapon will be found
in TR 131-14B and 13l-14E. Pending the publication of further regulations
on this subject, battery commanders will assign the personnel to
duties covering the emplacement and withdrawal from position, and the men
will be thoroughly drilled in their respective tasks.
Section II
ORGANIZATION OF THE GUN SECTION
Paragraph
Composition--------------------------------------------------2
Formation------------------------------------------------------3
2. Composition.- Each emplacement of one gun
is manned by a gun section (39 enlisted men) consisting of a gun squad,
an ammunition squad, a mechanic, and a power plant operator. In addition,
each emplacement has a staff sergeant (electrician) responsible to the
battery executive for all electrical apparatus, and one motorcyclist, orderly,
and messenger for the officer in charge of the emplacement.
a. Gun Squad.- The gun squad (23 enlisted
men) consists of the gun commander, gun pointer, elevation setter, chief
of breech, three telephone operators, and 16 cannoneers numbered from 1
to 16, inclusive.
b. Ammunition squad.- The ammunition squad
(14 enlisted men) consists of a chief of squad, and 13 cannoneers numbered
17 to 29, inclusive. This squad is divided by its chief into details for
the service of powder and projectiles as discussed later.
3. Formation.- Each section assembles in two ranks with
4 inches between files and 40 inches between ranks. The Post of the
gun commander is in the front rank, one pace to the right of his Section.
Mechanics take post in the front rank on the left of their respective sections.
When present, staff sergeants take post one pace to the right of the gun
commander; motorcyclists and power plant operators take post on the left
of the rear rank. (Fig. 1.)
Section III
DUTIES OF THE PERSONNEL
Paragraph
Battery executive--------------------------------------------------------4
Assistant battery executives-----------------------------------------5
Gun commander----------------------------------------------------------6
Chief of ammunition squad--------------------------------------------7
Gun pointer----------------------------------------------------------------8
Elevation setter-----------------------------------------------------------9
Telephone operators---------------------------------------------------10
Chief of breech-----------------------------------------------------------11
Breech detail (No. 1)----------------------------------------------------12
Loading tray detail (Nos. 2, 3, 4, and 5)----------------------------13
Elevating detail (No.6)-------------------------------------------------14
Hoist detail (Nos. 7 and 8)--------------------------------------------15
Projectile serving detail (Nos. 9 and 10)---------------------------16
Powder serving detail (Nos. 11, 12, 13, and 14)------------------17
Recorders (Nos. 15 and 16)-------------------------------------------18
Ammunition squad (Nos. 17 to 29, inclusive)--------------------19
Mechanic------------------------------------------------------------------20
Power plant Operator---------------------------------------------------21
4. Battery executive.- a.
The battery executive commands the gun sections and is in direct charge
of one emplacement, when necessary.
b. He is responsible to the battery
commander for the training and efficiency of the gun sections, for the
condition of the materiel and ammunition under his charge, and for the
police of the emplacements. He is responsible for the observance of all
safety precautions at his emplacement. When the guns are moved into position,
he is responsible for their emplacement, and for their preparation for
railroad travel when they are taken out of position.
c. He inspects the materiel under
his charge and personally verifies the adjustment of all pointing devices
as frequently as is necessary to insure accuracy. He tests all circuits
and firing devices before each drill or practice, paying special. attention
to the safety features.
d. He receives the reports of
the chief of section and reports to the battery commander, ""Sir, No. (Nos.)____
in order,"" or reports any defects he is unable to remedy without delay.
e. Should circumstances arise
after the emplacement has been reported ready which in his opinion would
make it unsafe to fire, he causes the firing circuit to be broken or the
lanyard to be dropped, when firing by lanyard, and reports his action to
the battery commander.
f. At the conclusion of the drill or
practice, he commands: REPLACE EQUIPMENT, inspects the, emplacements,
and reports to the battery commander.
5. Assistant battery executives.- The assistant
battery executives, when available, are each in direct charge of one gun
emplacement. They will perform the duties of the battery executive in so
far as these duties pertain to the emplacement to which they are assigned.
If necessary, the battery railway officer will act as assistant battery
executive.
6. Gun commander. The gun commander (noncommissioned
officer) is in command of the gun section and is also chief of the gun
squad. He is responsible. to the battery executive for training and
efficiency of the personnel of his section, for the condition of the materiel
and ammunition under his charge, and for the police of the emplacement
to which assigned.
b. He supervises the service of the piece
and the service of ammunition at his emplacement, and personally directs
the work of care and preservation of all materiel.
c. He gives the command Details, posts,
when the section arrives at the emplacement, and supervises the procuring
of equipment. (Fig. 2.) After all details have reached their posts,
he commands: EXAMINE GUN. He then makes an inspection of
the gun, carriage, and other materiel, paying special attention to the
recoil cylinders, firing mechanism, safety devices, recuperators, air compressor,
the oiling of the various bearings, and the power plant. He receives the
reports of the chief of the ammunition squad and the chiefs of the various
details of the gun squad, and reports to the battery executive, ""Sir,
No.____ in order,"" or reports any defects
he is unable to remedy without delay.
d. When necessary to verify the section,
he commands: CALL OFF. The cannoneers call off their numbers,
beginning with No.1 and followed by the unnumbered members of the section
in the most desirable order.
e. At the command Load, when
given by the battery commander through the battery executive, the gun commander
repeats the command and supervises the loading. The piece is not fired,
however,
until the battery commander commands: COMMENCE FIRING,
and the proper firing signal has been received. Should circumstances arise
after the piece has been reported ready that in his opinion would make
it unsafe to fire, he commands or signals: STAND FAST,
and breaks the firing circuit or causes the lanyard to he dropped, if firing
by lanyard, and reports his action to the battery executive.
f. At the command Commence firing,
if the piece is unloaded, the gun commander commands: LOAD, and
supervises the work of his section. He also commands: LOAD, before
each shot of a series. After the piece is loaded and laid, he sees
that all personnel is clear and that the breech platform is raised, closes
the firing circuit, if used, and calls or signals to the battery executive,
""Sir, No.____ ready."" As soon as the gun has been fired he opens the
firing circuit. When firing by Case III, he is responsible that the
piece is fired upon receipt of the proper signal, safety precautions
permitting. He listens for the explosion of the primer, which may
be audible if the powder charge does not explode.
g. He gives the command Cease firing
when the number of shots specified has been fired. When the number
of shots has not been specified, the gun commander repeats the command
Cease firing when it is given by the battery executive. When dummy ammunition
is being used, he commands: UNLOAD, and sees that the piece
is unloaded.
h. In case of a misfire the gun commander
commands: STAND FAST, and the, precautions prescribed
in Section V will be taken.
i. At the command Replace equipment,
the gun commander supervises the replacing of equipment, sees that all
material is properly secured and the emplacement policed, and then, unless
otherwise directed, forms his section.
j. When there is no battery executive or
assistant, the gun commander, in addition to his other duties, performs
those prescribed for the battery executive.
7. Chief of ammunition squad.- a.
The chief of the ammunition squad (noncommissioned officer) is responsible
to the gun commander for the efficiency of the personnel under his charge,
for the condition and serviceability of the ammunition and ammunition-handing
apparatus such as trolleys, cranes, blocks and chains, and powder serving
trays, for the observance of all safety precautions in the care and service
of ammunition, for the correct recording of projectile and powder data,
and for the police of the magazine and cars under his charge.
b. Before the beginning of an action he is
responsible to the gun commander for the placement of powder and projectiles
within handling distance of the cranes, and that the service of ammunition
is uninterrupted during the continuance of the same.
c. At the command Details, posts,
he opens the ammunition cars, and magazines, if necessary, and posts the
members of his squad.
d. At the command Examine gun he
inspects the material under his charge, gives the necessary instructions
for preparing ammunition and equipment for service or drill, and reports
to the gun commander, "ammunition service in order," or reports any defects
he is unable to remedy without delay.
e. At the command Load
he directs and supervises the service of ammunition.
f. At the command Fire,
no duties.
g. At the command Stand fast,
due
to a misfire, he stands ready to have a new charge served with the least
practicable delay.
h. At the command Cease firing,
when dummy ammunition is used, he causes the dummy projectile and dummy
powder charge to be put in their proper places.
i. At the command Replace equipment
he supervises the replacing of equipment, sees that all ammunition and
materiel are properly secured, forms his squad, and reports to the gun
commander.
8. Gun pointer.- a. The gun pointer
(noncommissioned officer or private) is charged with the duty of laying
the piece in direction. He is responsible to the gun commander for
the proper operation, care, and adjustment of the sighting apparatus,
azimuth index, the traversing mechanism, and the electrical firing mechanism
and circuit.
b. At the command Details, posts, he
procures the sight, places it in its seat, and takes post on the sighting
platform. When using Case III method of pointing, he takes post at
the azimuth index box, facing the gun.
c. At the command Examine gun he
examines and adjusts the sight and verifies the adjustment of the azimuth
index. He examines and tests the traversing mechanism, both hand
and power, and the electrical firing mechanism and circuit, if used.
He reports to the gun commander, " Traversing in order," or reports
any defects he is unable to remedy without delay.
d. At the command Load he sets
the last deflection recorded on display hoard on the sight and traverses
the piece so as not to interfere with the loading and so that he will be
on the target by the time the gun has been given the proper elevation.
He fires the piece or gives the command Fire as soon as the
piece is pointed after the gun commander has signaled or called "Ready."
When so directed, he endeavors to locate the position of the splash of
his shot and corrects his deflection if necessary. When firing by
Case III, he sets the azimuth index to the last azimuth setting posted
on the display board, and calls "Set" to the azimuth recorder.
e. At the command Cease firing
he keeps the piece pointed in direction, unless otherwise directed.
f. At the command Stand fast,
if due to a misfire, he keeps the piece pointed in direction, unless otherwise
directed. If the command is given before the command Ready
or Fire he causes all movement of the gun in direction to
be stopped immediately.
g. At the command Relay in
Case III pointing lie causes the piece to be laid on the new data, and
proceeds as before.
h. When the service of ammunition requires
the gun to be loaded at a certain position, as soon as the piece is fired,
the gun pointer causes it to be traversed as rapidly as practicable to
the loading position
9. Elevation setter.- a. The elevation
setter (noncommissioned officer or private) is charged with the duty of
laying the piece in elevation. He is responsible to the gun commander
for the proper operation, care, and adjustment of the quadrant and elevating
mechanism.
b. At the command Details, posts,
he takes post at the quadrant, facing it.
c. At the command Examine gun
the elevation setter, assisted by No.6, examines and adjusts the quadrant;
examines and adjusts the elevating mechanism, both for hand power and electrical
power; checks the clearance of the trunnions by means of the clearance
gauge, and reports to the gun commander, "Elevation in order," or reports
any defects he is unable to remedy without delay.
d. At the command Load he causes the gun to be
brought to the loading angle if not already there, sets off the last elevation
posted on the display board, and at the signal or command Elevate,
given
by the chief of breech, causes the piece to be elevated until the bubbles
of the quadrant cross levels are centered, sets the elevation brake and
calls "Set" to No.16, the elevation recorder. As soon as the piece
is fired, he causes the gun to be brought to the loading angle as rapidly
as practicable.
e. At the command Stand fast,
if due to a misfire, he keeps the piece laid in elevation unless otherwise
directed. If the command is given before the command Ready
or
Fire,
he causes all movements to cease immediately.
f. At the command Relay he
lays the fire in elevation according to the new data, and calls "Set,"
as before. If the command Withdraw powder charge is
given, he brings the piece to the loading position rapidly, and proceeds
as at the command Load.
g. At the command Cease firing
he continues to keep the piece laid in elevation unless otherwise directed.
When the dummy ammunition is being used, he causes the piece to be brought
to the loading position, so that the dummy powder charge and projectile
can be removed.
10. Telephone operators.- a.
The BC telephone operator is responsible for the reception and transmittal
of all orders, instructions, or information to and from the battery commander
and the officer an charge of the emplacement, and the keeping of such records
as may be directed. The deflection telephone operator is responsible
for the reception, recording, and display of all deflection (or azimuth)
data received from the plotting detail. Similarly, the elevation telephone
operator is responsible for the elevation data received.
b. (1) At the command Details,
posts, all telephone operators procure telephones and head sets,
record books and pencils, and take post at their respective telephone positions.
In addition, the data telephone operators procure chalk and erasers for
use on the display boards.
(2) At the command Examine gun, the
telephone operators connect up their telephones (if not already installed),
put on their head sets, and establish communication with the battery CP
or the plotting detail as the case may be. The data. operators clean
and prepare their display boards for drill or action. Upon completion
operator reports to the gun commander," BC (deflection) (elevation) telephone
in order," or reports any defects he is unable to remedy without delay.
(3) Until otherwise directed, the three telephone
operators keep their head sets on and continue the duties given in a above.
11. Chief of breech.- a. The
chief of breech (noncommissioned officer or private) is responsible to
the gun commander for the condition and serviceability of the breech mechanism,
breechblock, breech recess, firing mechanism, chamber, and bore.
He is specially charged with the observance of all safety precautions in
so far as they pertain to the breech detail, and is responsible that the
powder charge is so loaded that the igniter charge is on the rear end of
the last section.
b. At the command Details, posts, he
assists No.1 in procuring the necessary cleaning material and equipment,
and takes post on the upper working platform to the right rear of the breech
and facing it.
c. At the command Examine gun, he
assists in removing the breech cover, examines the breech mechanism, breechblock,
breech recess, chamber, and bore, and gives the necessary directions for
cleaning and preparing them for service. Upon completion, he reports
to the gun commander, "Breech in order," or reports any defects he is unable
to remedy without delay.
d. At the command Load, if
the breech is closed, he assists in opening the breech and supervises the
loading. He calls "Bore clear," when ready to have the spanning tray
inserted in the breech. He gives the command Home ram
for seating the projectile and checks the proper loading of the powder
charge. As soon as the piece is loaded, he opens the breech closing
air valve. In case of no air, he assists No.1 in closing the breech
by hand. After the primer has been inserted, the firing mechanism
raised, and the breechblock fully rotated and locked, he calls or signals,
"Elevate," to the elevation setter, and takes his designated cover post
for firing. After the piece is fired he assists No.1 in opening the
breech, wipes off the mushroom head with a wet cloth or sponge, and as
soon as the chamber and bore are clear of burning fragments, shuts off
the gas ejection air valve. If there is no air, he assists No.1 in
wiping and sponging the chamber and breech recess.
e. At the command Relay, no
duties, unless the command Withdraw powder charge is given,
when he calls or signals "Depress" to the elevation setter, and supervises
the withdrawal and disposal of the powder charge and the insertion of a
new charge, if so directed.
f. At the command Cease firing
he assists in opening the breech and supervises the unloading of the dummy
ammunition, if used
12. Breech detail (No.1).- a.
At the command Details, posts No.1 procures the firing mechanism
(if detached) and the lanyard (if required), a primer pouch, primers, drill,
reamer, and a wiper or cotton waste, and takes post on the upper
working platform to the left rear of the breech and facing it.
b. At the command Examine gun No.
1 assisted by Nos. 2 and 3 removes the breech cover and places it as directed;
cleans and oils the breechblock, breech mechanism, and breech recess; examines
and cleans the firing mechanism, vent, and primer seat; attaches the firing
mechanism in position (if detached); and places the coiled lanyard on the
left side of the platform within reach. When necessary, 3 he assists
in sponging the chamber and bore.
c. At the command Load No.1
stands clear and inserts a primer and then when the breech is closed and
locked raises the sliding wedge and steps off the platform to the left
and rear, tripping the breech platform as he does so. If the firing
is by lanyard, No.1 fires the piece by a quick, strong pull (not a jerk)
at the command Fire. As soon as the piece has been
brought to the loading position, No.1 pushes down the swinging platform,
pulls the breech rotating lever, and assists the chief of breech in lowering
the breechblock. He assists Nos. 2 and 3 in seating the spanner tray
in the breech recess.
d. At the command Stand fast,
if due to a misfire, No.1 stands ready to replace the primer, when directed.
If given before the command Ready or Fire No.1
slacks the lanyard, if used, and stands fast.
e. At the command Relay No.1
slacks the lanyard, if used If the command Withdraw powder charge
is given, he unhooks the lanyard and as soon as the piece has reached the
loading position withdraws the primer, and proceeds as before in opening
the breech and assisting in the breech operation.
f. At the command Cease firing,
when dummy ammunition is being used, No.1 unhooks the lanyard, if used,
withdraws the primer, and assists in withdrawing the dummy powder charge
and projectile.
13. Loading tray detail (Nos. 2, 3, 4, and 5).
-a.
Nos. 2, 3,4, and 5 receive the projectiles and powder charges from the
hoists and by means of the loading tray and spanner tray deliver the ammunition
into the gun. No.2 is chief of the detail.
b. At the command Details, posts
No.2 procures a wiper or cotton waste and assisted by Nos. 11 to 14 brings
up a vessel containing water or sponging liquid and places it at the designated
position. No.3 procures the hand and power extractors and places
them as designated. Nos. 4 and 5 procure the chamber and bore sponges and
place them in a convenient position. They then take post, Nos. 2
and 4. on the left and Nos. 3 and 5 on the right of the loading tray, all
facing the tray.
c. At the command Examine gun
all four assist in removing the breech cover' and placing it as designated.
No.2 examines, cleans, and oils the bearings of the spanning tray; No.3
examines, cleans, and oils the projectile stop. Both men then assist
No.1 on the breech mechanism. No.4 removes the stop pin on the loading
tray and assisted by No.5 insures that the spanning tray will properly
enter the breech recess. All four men assist in sponging the bore
and chamber when directed. Upon completion of examination, No.2 reports
to the gun commander, "Loading and spanning tray in order," or reports
any defects he is unable to remedy without delay.
d. At the command Load Nos.
4 and 5 assist in guiding the projectile and the powder trays to the proper
positions on the loading tray. They release the hoist tongs and signal
the hoist operators when to raise and clear the tongs and tray from the
loading tray. When the chief of breech calls "Bore clear " No.4 removes
the stop pin and, assisted by No.5, slides the spanning tray forward to
Nos. 2 and 3, who guide the tray into the breech recess. At the command
Home
ram No.3 releases the projectile stop and all four assist in seating
the projectile in the gun. The powder sections are then pushed forward,
No.3 being responsible that the last section carries the igniter on the
rear end. As soon as the powder charge has cleared the spanner tray,
Nos. 4 and 5 slide the tray back until No.4 can secure it with the stop
pin.
e. At the command Relay,
all four men stand ready to assist in withdrawing the powder charge and
serving a new one, if so directed.
f. At the command Cease firing,
no duties, but they remain at their posts awaiting instructions.
If dummy ammunition is being used, at the command Unload
they assist in withdrawing the dummy powder charge and projectile to their
proper positions on the loading tray, or deliver same to the hoists if
so directed. No.3 fixes the tackle to the projectile for withdrawal from
the gun.
14. Elevating detail (No.6). -a.
At the command Details, posts, No.6 procures oil and cleaning
material and takes post at the elevating control mechanism on the right
of the gun, facing the piece.
b. At the command Examine gun
he assists the elevation setter m examining, cleaning, and oiling the elevating
mechanism, in testing the clearance of the trunnions, and in testing the
hand power and electrical control.
c. At the command Load, under
the supervision of the elevation setter, No.6 operates the elevating control
mechanism as directed. As soon as each shot is fired he brings the
gun back to the loading position.
d. At the command Cease firing
No.6 maneuvers the gun as directed by the elevation setter and remains
at his post until otherwise directed.
15. Hoist detail (Nos. 7 and 8).-a.
No.7 is the operator of the projectile hoist and No.8 operates the powder
hoist. No.7 is chief of detail.
b. At the command Details, posts,
Nos. 7 and 8 take post at the hoists according to the side from which the
projectiles and powder are to be served. They procure the operating
levers for the hoist controls and insert them in place.
c. At the command Examine gun
Nos. 7 and 8 examine, clean, and oil the hoists, cables, and controls,
and test the hoists with power to insure that the stops work perfectly.
Upon completion No.7 reports to the gun commander, "Hoists in order," or
reports any defects he is unable to remedy without delay. If firing
is to take place, No.7 raises a projectile to the loading tray and returns
the cable and tongs in readiness for another projectile; No.8 lowers his
cable and tongs with the powder tray to receive the powder charge.
d. At the command Load No.8
raises the powder charge rapidly swings it over and lowers it onto the
loading tray. On signal from No.4 (or No.5) he raises the tray, swings
it out, and lowers it for another charge. The next charge will not
be raised above the level of the loading platform until the chief of breech
calls "Bore clear." As soon as the piece is fired, No.7 raises the
next projectile rapidly and places it on the loading tray. Upon signal
from No.5 (or No.4) he raises and swings the tongs out and down for another
projectile.
e. At the command Relay, if
the powder charge is to he withdrawn, No.7 maneuvers his hoist to clear
the next projectile from the loading tray, while No.8 places the powder
tray in position to receive the old charge. They then proceed as
at Load.
f. At the command Cease firing they
remain at their posts until otherwise directed. If dummy ammunition
is being used, No.8 removes the dummy powder charge from the loading tray
when it has been placed on the powder tray; No.7 maneuvers the hoist to
extract the projectile by means of blocks and tackle; and then lowers the
projectile to the projectile detail or places it as directed.
16. Projectile serving detail (Nos. 9 and
10) .-a. Nos. 9 and 10 are responsible for the proper
securing of the tongs to the projectiles for raising. No. 9 is chief of
detail.
b. At the command Details, posts Nos.
9 and 10 procure cleaning material and take post at the position from which
projectiles are to he served. The projectile may be served from an
ammunition car or from piles placed on skids about the gun emplacement.
c. At the command Examine gun
Nos. 9 and 10 examine the projectiles to he used, clean them off, see that
they are properly marked for the tongs, and fasten the tongs to the first
projectile. Upon completion, No.9 reports to the gun commander, "Projectile
service in order," or reports any defects he is unable to remedy without
delay.
d. At the command Load Nos.
9 and 10 fasten the tongs to projectiles as the tongs are lowered. No.9
will signal the hoist operator when ready to hoist, and will have the projectile
stopped and lowered if not properly secured. They will have a projectile
ready for raising as soon as the piece is fired each time.
e. At the command Cease firing
they remain at their posts until directed otherwise. If dummy ammunition
is being used, they assist in withdrawing the projectile from the gun,
receive it from the hoist, and place it in the designated position.
17. Powder serving detail (Nos. 11, 12,
13, and 14).-a. Nos. 11, 12, 13, and 14 receive the powder
charges from the ammunition squad and load them on the powder tray. No.11
is chief of detail.
b. At the command Details, posts Nos. 11
to 14 take posts at the powder tray, facing the piece. They assist
No.2 in procuring the sponging liquid and assist in procuring such other
equipment as may be directed.
c. At the command Examine gun Nos.
11 and 12 examine and clean the powder tray. Nos. 13 and 14 remove the
muzzle cover and place it as designated. If dummy ammunition is to
be used, they place the charge on the powder tray.
d. At the command Load, a powder
charge being ready on the tray, Nos. 11 to 14, as the powder tray is hoisted,
guide it by the two ropes attached to each end. As soon as the tray
is emptied and lowered and the gun has been fired they receive the new
charge from the ammunition squad, load it into the tray, and No. 11 signals
Raise to the hoist operator.
e. At the command Relay, if
the powder charge is to he withdrawn, they stand ready to receive the old
charge and deliver it to the ammunition squad, and then proceed as at Load.
f. At the command Cease firing
they remain at their posts, unless otherwise directed. If dummy ammunition
is being used, they stand ready to receive it from the powder hoist.
18. Recorders (Nos. 15 and 16). -a.
During drill and target practice Nos. 15 and 16 are utilized as the elevation
and deflection recorders, respectively. Under service conditions
these numbers would he available for duty whenever required. They
are charged with the duty of recording all deflections (or azimuths) and
elevations posted on the display boards and also with checking and recording
the deflections (or azimuths) and elevations set on the piece. They
are specially required to record the actual settings of the piece when
fired.
b. At the command Details, posts
they procure record books and pencils and take post, No.15 with the elevation
setter, No.16 with the gun pointer.
c. At the command Examine gun
they assist the elevation setter and gun pointer as directed.
d. At the command Load No.15 records each
elevation posted on the display board. As soon as the elevation setter
calls "Set," he checks and records the elevation setting on the gun and
calls or signals "Elevation set." He identifies by a check mark each
setting upon which the gun is actually fired. No.16 performs the same duties
with regard to the deflection (or azimuth) data and setting, except that
he receives the set deflection from the gun pointer.
e. At the command Cease firing,
they continue to record and check the data unless otherwise directed.
19. Ammunition squad (Nos. 17 to 19, inclusive).
-
The division of the members of the squad into projectile and powder details
will depend upon local conditions encountered. For the purpose of
these regulations an arbitrary division is made.
a. Projectile detail (Nos. 17 to 22, inclusive).
-These men obtain from the magazine, or ammunition car, and deliver to
Nos. 9 and 10 projectiles as directed. No. 17 is chief of detail.
Methods of delivery will depend upon available equipment. When not
engaged in the delivery of projectiles, they work under the supervision
of the chief of ammunition squad in cleaning, painting, and marking projectiles
and the policing of the projectile rooms, or cars.
b. Powder detail (Nos. 23 to 29, inclusive).
-No.23
is chief of detail. These men obtain and deliver to the powder serving
detail loaded trays of powder charges as directed. They remove the
charges from the containers, check their weights and all pertinent data,
and place the charges on powder trays, arranging them in proper order if
sectionalized. When not delivering powder, they police the magazines,
or cars, repair the powder trays, prepare empty containers for disposal,
and perform such other work as directed.
20. Mechanic.- a. The mechanic is
custodian of all tools, spare parts, and supplies pertaining to the emplacement.
He issues such equipment, tools, oils, paints, and cleaning materials to
the members of the gun section as may be necessary for the service and
care of the gun and accessories. He is responsible to the gun commander
for the condition and serviceability of the store car, or room, and all
supplies contained therein. He keeps a continuous record of all equipment
on hand and of all supplies received or issued. Assisted by other
members of the section, he makes such minor repairs as can be made with
the means at hand.
b. During the drill or action the mechanic
is in charge of the electric motors, hydraulic speed gears, air compressor,
and all mechanisms. During the examination of the gun, he supervises
the starting of the speed gears, starts the air compressor, and cleans
and oils where necessary. He immediately reports to the gun commander
any defects he is unable to remedy without delay. He keeps constant
watch over the air pressure to see that it is maintained at the proper
amount, and observes closely the action of the gun and mount during firing.
He gives the command Cease firing at anytime when in his
opinion firing would be unsafe due to improper functioning of the mount.
At the completion of drill or practice he sees that the air compressor
is turned off and that all speed gear controls are turned to the "neutral"
position.
21. Power plant operator. -a.
The power plant operator is responsible, under the supervision of the staff
sergeant (electrician), for the proper operation and care of the power
plant. He is responsible for the care and storage of the fuel and
lubricating oils for the plant, and keeps all entries in the "Engine Book"
up to date.
b. In preparation for drill or action he
verifies the oil, water, and gasoline, then primes and starts the engine.
As soon as it is running properly he throws the power on the mount cables
and calls or signals "Power on," having first made sure that the various
details are ready for the power. During the drill or action he watches
the engine to see that it does not overheat, and so regulates the running
as to keep the switchboard meters constantly at the proper settings; he
makes certain that the supply of water, oil, and gas is kept ample for
the continuous running of the plant. He stops the engine at the command
or signal Power off from the gun commander. Before
leaving the plant he examines it carefully, shuts off the gas
feed, fills the oil, water, and gas tanks, if necessary, and properly secures
and locks the doors of the power unit after replacing all tools and other
materials.
Section IV
Paragraph
Operation by hand power------------------------22
Service of ammunition-----------------------------23
Withdrawal of dummy ammunition-------------24
22. Operation by hand power.- To continue
the operation of the piece in case of failure of electrical power the following
additional cannoneers will be required. This personnel should be
designated on the manning tables and taken from the battery maintenance
section and the antiaircraft machine-gun detail. Frequent short periods
of operation without electrical power should be given during training.
a. No.30 (traversing detail), to assist the
gun pointer in traversing the gun.
b. No. 31 (elevating detail), to assist No.6
of the normal gun squad.
c. Nos. 32 to 35, inclusive (projectile hoist
detail), to operate in two relief's in raising the projectile by hand power,
under the direction of No.7 of the normal gun squad.
d. Nos. 36 and 37 (power hoist detail) to
operate in raising the powder charges under the direction of No.8 of the
normal gun squad.
23. Service of ammunition.- During the training
period a complete plan will be worked out for the supply of ammunition
to the gun. Such a plan will be based on the greatest practicable
reduction in the number of men required consistent with the least danger
in having powder charges cached in segregated lots about the emplacement.
Projectiles, in sufficient quantity for any expected action, will be placed
about the emplacement so as to be readily accessible to the projectile
serving details.
24. Withdrawal of dummy ammunition.- Due
to the fact that the gun is at an elevation of -7 degree when in loading
position, the present extractors for the projectile have been found inadequate
to draw the projectile up to the 7 degree incline and lift it over the
edges of the sliding tray and loading tray. This difficulty is overcome
by utilizing a block and tackle in the following manner: At the command
Unload
or Cease firing No.1, assisted by the chief of breech, opens
the breech. The spanning tray is run into the breech by Nos. 2, 3,
4, and 5 who then withdraw the sections of the powder charge, using the
hand extractor furnished. These sections are placed upon the powder
tray and turned over to No.8, who causes the powder tray to be raised from
the loading tray and lowered to the powder serving detail. In the
meantime No.7 assisted by No2 and 3 arranges the block and tackle as shown
in Figure 3. The projectile is unseated from the forcing cone and
withdrawn into the powder chamber by Nos. 2, 3, 4, and 5, using the hand
extractor provided. It is then withdrawn by power to the loading
tray by No. 7 assisted by Nos. 2 and 3 who guide it over the edges of the
spanning and loading tray. In utilizing the block and tackle to withdraw
the dummy projectile, care must be taken to see that no injury is done
to the member to which the upper hook of the block and tackle is made fast.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ON THE SERVICE OF THE PIECE
Paragraph
General Instructions--------------25
Signals-------------------------------26
Safety precautions----------------27
25. General instructions.- a. The
service of the piece should be conducted with dispatch and precision, and
with as few orders as possible. Except for the necessary orders,
reports, and instructions, no talking should be permitted. Cannoneers
change positions as rapidly as practicable.
b. Loading with dummy ammunition and pointing
the piece as for service is the normal practice at drill. Drill primers
or fired service primers should be used.
c. Commands should be given in the prescribed
form. Signals should be substituted for commands whenever practicable.
26. Signals.- a. The commands
or signals Elevate, Depress, Right, or Left, given in pointing, refer to
the direction of motion of the muzzle.
b. Signals with whistles or bugles are authorized.
It is desired to limit verbal commands to a minimum. During continuous
fire none should be necessary except in case of accident or unforeseen
occurrences.
c. The following visual signals are authorized
in the service of the piece:
(1) Elevate.- Raise either hand to
the height of the head, fingers pointing upward.
(2) Depress.- Raise either hand to
the height of the head, fingers pointing downward.
(3) Right or left.- Motion with either
hand, fingers pointing in the desired direction.
(4) Halt.- Raise and fully extend
either arm vertically, hand and fingers open in prolongation of the arm.
(5) Stand fast.- Raise and fully extend
both arms horizontally straight to the front, hands and fingers open in
prolongation of the arm, backs of hands up.
(6) Take cover.- Raise and fully extend
both arms horizontally in prolongation of the line of shoulders, hands
open, fingers extended and joined, backs of hands up.
(7) Ready.- Raise and fully extend
both arms laterally above the shoulders until they make an angle of 45
degrees with the horizontal, hands open, fingers extended and joined, backs
of hands to the rear.
(8) Power on.- Describe circles in
front of body with the right arm.
(9) Power off.- Cross arms in front
of body at waist and move sharply to the sides.
27. Safety precautions.- a. Safety
precautions to be observed in time of peace are prescribed in TR 140-5.
They indicate as well the principles to be followed under war-time conditions
but should be interpreted by the battery executive according to the circumstances
existing at the time of any particular emergency.
b. The following additional precautions are
prescribed for the 14-inch gun on railway mount:
(1) The powder chamber will be thoroughly blown
out by air after each shot, and the chief of breech will not call "Bore
clear" until he can see clearly through the tube.
(2) The magazine and cars all powder charges will
be kept in their containers except the charge which is to be served to
the piece for the next succeeding round. The powder charge for any
given round will not be raised above the level of the loading platform
until the preceding round has been fired and the chief of breech has called,
"Bore clear."
[A. G. 062.12 (8-25-32).]
By ORDER OF THE SECRETARY OF WAR:
DOUGLAS MACARTHUR,
General,
Chief of Staff.
OFFICIAL:
JAMES F. McKINLEY,
Brigadier General,
Acting The Adjutant General.
U.S. GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE: 1933
For sale by the Superintendent of Documents. Washington,
D. C…… Price 5 cents
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