Chapter I: Introduction

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The compiler of this volume believes that the Field Artillery student should possess a broad, general knowledge of the history and development of ordnance, with some idea of the elements of gun construction; that he should be acquainted with the organization, ideals and practicalities of modern field artillery armament; that he should know the ammunition and the guns in our Field Artillery service with their care and maintenance.

It is also believed that in the R. O. T. C. units of Field Artillery the student should make the complete 3” equipment the basis of his knowledge of materiel. He should become thoroughly and familiarly acquainted with this weapon, and, to a lesser extent, with the other light pieces which are in present use. The reason for this being that our experience in the World War has shown that a thorough knowledge of one class of materiel permits a ready adaptation to any other type. He should also know the manner of functioning of the 4.7” and 155-mm rifles, with a somewhat more intensive knowledge of the 155-mm howitzer—and with a sound knowledge of the capabilities and limitations of all.

To complete his instruction in materiel he should know the use and care of Fire Control equipment, Signal equipment, and the small arms used in the field artillery, pistol, automatic rifle and machine gun.

The lack of a single volume covering the above has been the cause of the compilation of this book. The compiler hopes the R. O. T. C. student will find in it a text which will be interesting, instructive and comprehensive. To the lieutenants in charge of Department “A” and to those who aspire to that responsibility it is hoped that this work will prove a valued addition to their professional libraries.

The subjects covered herein have been taken wholly or in part from the various official handbooks, from “Ordnance and Gunnery, U. S. M. A.,” “Naval Gunnery, U. S. N. A.,” “America’s Munitions,” “Gun Making in the U. S. A.,” “Ordnance and Gunnery for Field Artillery Officers,” “Artillery Firing,” “The Field Artillery Journal,” Ordnance Doc. 2033, from lecture notes taken at the School of Fire, Brigade Training Pamphlets, and various other sources.

The compiler is indebted to Lt. Col. Lloyd E. Jones, F. A. and Major H. C. Jackson, F. A. for the valuable advice and the helpful assistance they rendered in this compilation.

CONTENTS.

Page

Chapters I. Definitions. 11

II. History and Development of Materiel. 16

Biblical references—Use by Romans in Punic
wars—Greeks; Chinese use of pyrotechmy;
French field artillery in the time of Charles
VIII; Gustavus Adolphus and artillery in
the 17th century; Louis XIV; Gribeauval’s
work in 1765; Shrapnel, 1808; Smooth
bores to rifles, middle of 19th century;
French “75;” Period 1897 to date.

III. Elements of Gun Design and Construction. 27

Guns—wire wrapped and built-up; twist;
breechblocks; carriages; traversing
mechanisms; elevating mechanisms;
recoil systems. Air and spring recuperators;
shields; sights; wheels; trails.

IV. Modern Armament. 46

Discussions of types of artillery and their
organization; missions and guns suitable
to accomplish different missions;
ideal and practical types for divisional
corps and army artillery.

V. Three-inch Field Gun.

Weights and dimensions. 62

Description of gun, carriage, caisson and
limbers; functioning of principal parts.

Mounting and dismounting.

VI. 75-mm Model 1897 (“French 75”). 84

Weights and dimensions.