Chapter VI: Mounted Drill

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=125.= _General instructions._

1. At drill or manœuvre, the sections of a battery are termed “right,” “centre” or “left,” and the subsections are numbered from 1 to 6 as they stand in line without reference to any number or letter in use for administrative purposes. In column they are termed “leading,” “centre,” and “rear.”

A four-gun battery is organized on similar lines.

At brigade drill batteries are termed “right,” “centre,” and “left,” or “leading,” “centre,” and “rear,” according to their position in line or column respectively.

2. The object of drill is to acquire accuracy and flexibility in carrying out movements necessary for manœuvre.

These movements should be as few and simple as possible, and the brigade or battery should be trained to execute them with precision and rapidity in any direction passing over as little ground as possible.

3. When a general order is not distinctly heard by a part of the line, each commander (when the intention is obvious) will conform as quickly as possible to this movement.

4. Numbering in line is from right to left; in column from the right of the head of the column.

The relative position of batteries within a brigade, of sections within a battery, or of subsections within a section, may be changed at any time, but sections must not be broken up.

The battery or the section on the right of the line is always, for the time being, the right battery or section. Line is to be formed in any required direction with the utmost rapidity possible, without regard to the original positions which batteries or sections or subsections within sections, occupied when they were last told off.

5. The command “MARCH,” unless preceded by some other command, means “Trot.” This does not refer to heavy batteries.

When moving at any pace exceeding a walk, the command “WALK” will precede by a few seconds the command “HALT.”

Movements and formations will be made on the move unless the order “to the halt” is given; in the case of formations “to the halt” the base body advances its own depth before halting.

If a formation be ordered when a battery is on the move the original pace will be preserved by the base body, while that of each portion of the remainder will be increased or diminished as may be necessary, until the formation is completed; but in field and heavy batteries, if moving at the trot, and the formation is to the head of the column, the pace of the base body will be reduced to the walk until the formation is completed, when the trot will be resumed.

6. Horse and field artillery cannot be reversed on its own ground; when acting with other troops, the battery interval should be allowed on each flank to enable the subsections to wheel outwards if required. It is generally advisable in parade movements to remain in rear of any intended alignment until the other troops are finally formed.

7. When it is intended to increase the front the formation may be to either or both flanks. If no special order is given the formation will be outwards, the body which is immediately in rear of the head going to the right. If it is intended to form on the right or left it must be so stated.

To pass obstacles, and to facilitate movement, the batteries may increase or decrease the battery intervals.

_Mountain Artillery._

8. Mountain batteries are organized in two lines for drill and manœuvre, the firing battery, and 1st line.

The relief mules which form part of the firing battery should be taken one from each subsection.

At drill and manœuvre the firing battery moves independently of the 1st line, which, if present, follows some distance in rear and conforms generally to the movements of the firing battery.

9. Mountain batteries move usually at the walk, and the command “MARCH” means walk, unless some other pace is ordered. A pace of four miles an hour should be maintained on level ground.

A distance of one yard between mules, measured from nose to croup, is always maintained on a good road.

Batteries should also be able to move some distance at a slow trot and should be trained accordingly.

10. To reverse or take ground.--Every animal is at once turned about, or to the right or left, as ordered, the gun detachments moving round with the mules and maintaining their position relative to them. As a general rule mules are reversed to the left.

In executing a movement to a flank, the half wheel of subsections is to be preferred.

11. In the detail of drill movements contained in sections, the instructions are generally applicable to mountain batteries with the following modifications:--

i. All reference to the movement of wagons of field
artillery may be neglected.
ii. Where the incline of subsections or carriages is ordered
for a field battery, the movement will be executed by
the half wheel of subsections except for diminishing or
increasing intervals in line. Where a formation into
line or column is effected in field artillery by one
part of the battery increasing its pace, in mountain
artillery that part of the battery makes no change, but the
remainder of the battery checks its pace.

=126.= _Falling in for parade._

1. The men of each subsection will fall in on foot in front of their own stables, where they will be inspected by their Nos. 1, and the reports made to the battery serjeant-major. The drivers and mounted men of each subsection will then be marched into stables ready to turn out when ordered, and the dismounted men marched to the gun park.

2. The teams will be inspected by the Nos. 1 before they proceed to the gun park. When ordered to turn out, the subsections are formed up, mounted in front of their stables, marched to the gun park and hooked in. Teams should not be hooked in until shortly before the hour for parade.

3. Each section will also be inspected by its section commander, whose duty it is to see that every man, animal, and carriage is properly equipped, that each gun is in working order, the buffer filled and the bore clear.

He should then dismount drivers and detachments and make his report to the captain.

If a section is without an officer, the senior non-commissioned officer of that section takes his place and commands it.

4. When bare charges are carried and when the cartridge is contained in a case which is not attached to the shell, all drill ammunition will be left in barracks or camp.

_Mountain Artillery._

5. When ordered to turn out, the drivers will turn out with their mules by subsections and be marched to the gun park, where they will form up behind the guns in the position for action.

Mules will not be loaded or the girths tightened till the last possible moment.

=127.= _Intervals and distances._

1. Intervals are measured from No. 1 to No. 1 when limbered up, from muzzle to muzzle when in action, and from knee to knee between files.

Between files 6 inches.
Open files 2 yards.
Half extended files 4 ”
Extended files 8 ”
Close interval between subsections 4 ”
” ” ” heavy batteries 6 ”
Half interval between subsections 10 ”
” ” ” heavy batteries 12 ”
Full interval between subsections 20 ”
” ” ” heavy batteries 25 ”
Battery intervals--
Between batteries at full intervals 25 ”
” ” close ” 10 ”
Intervals--
between brigades 25 ”
” artillery and other troops 25 ”

2. Distances are measured between animals from tail to head, between carriages from rear end of carriages to head of the following team, and between the units of a column or Échelon from No. 1 to No. 1, except when otherwise stated:--

Between ranks half a horse-length (4 feet).
Battery column, column or
échelon of sections 40 yards.
Column or échelon of sections,
heavy batteries 50 ”
Column of batteries 125 ”
” ” heavy batteries 100 ”
Short échelon of sections or
batteries 20 ”
Short échelon of section or
batteries, heavy batteries 25 ”
Quarter column of batteries 12 ” between carriages
and lead horses’ heads.
” ” sections 6 ” ” ” ”
Column of route 4 ” ” ” ”
Between brigades and larger bodies
in column of route 20 ” ” ” ”
Between batteries in column of route 10 ” ” ” ”
Column or échelon of sections
of mountain batteries 100 ” ” ” ”

=128.= _Frontages and depths._

1. The frontage at full interval of a horse, field or mountain battery (6 guns) may be taken to be 100 yards, and that of a heavy battery 75 yards.

2. The depth in column of route of a horse battery with detachments on a flank, or of a field battery, is obtained by allowing 20 yards for each carriage with an allowance for the headquarters. Horse artillery with detachments front or rear requires an extra 8 yards for each detachment; if the detachments are in files, 4 yards must be allowed for every two horses in the detachment.

The road spaces occupied by batteries in column of route are as follows:--

A horse artillery battery (6 guns and 12 wagons):--

With detachments right or left of the guns 390 yards.
” ” front or rear 440 ”
” ” in files 490 ”
A field battery (with 6 guns and 12 wagons) 390 ”
A heavy battery (with 8 wagons) 340 ”

The depth of a mountain battery, in column of route, is obtained by allowing 3 yards for each mule or pony, and adding 25 yards for Nos. 1, coverers, range-takers and signallers.

=129.= _Posts of officers, N.C.Os., &c._

1. The positions assigned to the brigade and battery commanders are those to be taken up when the formation is completed; while it is in progress their posts are wherever they can best superintend and be seen and heard by their commands.

In order to carry out this principle effectually, commanders of batteries and brigades should not remain too close to their commands. When moving in line, or in line of battery columns, their normal position is in front of the centre.

In quarter column formations officers (other than those in front) and serrefiles take half distance.

2. BRIGADE COMMANDER. _In line._--In the centre, two horse-lengths in front of battery commanders.

_On other occasions._--In the best place from which he can command the brigade.

3. BATTERY COMMANDER. _In line._--One horse-length in front of the centre of the line of section commanders.

_In column or quarter column of batteries._--One horse-length in front of, and three from the directing flank of, the battery.

_In all other formations._--In front of the battery.

4. CAPTAIN. _In line._--One horse-length in rear of the centre of the serrefile rank.

_In column of batteries._--As in line.

_In quarter column of batteries, full or close interval._--Half a horse-length on the outer flank of the battery, in line with the front rank or gun leaders.

_In battery column._--Three horse-lengths on the right flank of the centre of the battery.

_In column of subsections and column of route._--One horse-length in rear of the rear carriage.

5. SECTION COMMANDER. _In line._--One horse-length in front of the centre of his section.

_In battery column or quarter column._--The leading section commander as in line, the remainder in centre of sections in line with front rank or gun leaders.

_In column of subsections and column of route._--Where he can best command his section.

6. OBSERVATION OFFICER (HEAVY BATTERIES).--With the observation party.

7. ADJUTANT.--The adjutant will, as a rule, accompany the brigade commander and assist him as required.

When a formation is completed he will place himself as follows:--

_In line._--On the right flank of the brigade, one horse-length from and in line with the front rank or gun leaders.

_In column and échelon._--Three horse-lengths on the right flank of the leading battery in line with the front rank or gun leaders.

8. BRIGADE SERJEANT-MAJOR. _In line, in column, and in échelon._--Covering the adjutant at one horse-length distance.

9. BRIGADE TRUMPETER.--With brigade commander.

10. BATTERY STAFF-SERJEANTS. _In line and in column of batteries._--One horse-length in rear of the flank subsections; the serjeant-major on the right.

_In quarter column of batteries, full and close interval._--As in line, but half a horse-length in rear.

_In battery column._--The serjeant-major and the quarter-master-serjeant in the centre of the leading and rear section respectively in line with the gun axles. In mountain artillery as for line.

_In column of subsections and in column of route._--The serjeant-major on the off side of the leading gun in line with the leaders (in column of route, with the battery commander); the quarter-master-serjeant one horse-length in rear of the rear carriage in line with and on the left of the captain.

11. SERJEANT-FARRIER AND MOUNTED SHOEING-SMITH. _In line._--The farrier, one horse-length in rear of No. 2 subsection, and the shoeing-smith (saddler in a British mountain battery) the same distance in rear of No. 5.

_In quarter column of batteries, full and close interval._--As in line, but half a horse-length in rear.

_In battery column._--One horse-length in rear of the rear carriages, the farrier in rear of that on the right. In mountain artillery as for line.

_In column of subsections and in column of route._--One horse-length in rear of the captain and quartermaster-serjeant, except in mountain artillery, where they will be in single file, farrier leading.

12. TRUMPETERS.--One with the battery commander, the other with the captain.

13. NOS. 1.--Of horse artillery, on the left of the lead driver of the gun or with their detachments. (_See_ Sec. =134= (2).)

Of field artillery, on the left of their gun leaders.

Of mountain and heavy artillery at drill and manœuvre in front of their subsections.

14. COVERERS.--On the left of their wagon leaders (of heavy artillery in front).

15. PATROL, RANGE-TAKERS, SIGNALLERS, AND OBSERVERS.--_In line._--In line one horse-length in rear of the centre of the battery from right to left in the order named; at open files when the battery is at full or half interval; at close files when it is at close interval.

In mountain artillery these men are dismounted and form in single rank one pace in rear of the centre of the battery.

_In column of subsections and column of route._--In a column of parties from front to rear in the order named; the men of each party abreast of one another, and the rear party one horse-length in front of the leading section commanders.

_In battery column or quarter column._--In column as above, one horse-length on the right flank of the centre of the battery.

_In quarter column of batteries full or close interval._--As in line, but at half a horse-length distance.

16. SPARE HORSES. _In line._--In the serrefile rank in rear of the centre of their sections, those of the centre section on the left of the line of patrols, range-takers, &c.

_In quarter column of batteries, full or close interval._--One horse-length in rear of the rear battery. Those of the leading battery on the right, and those of the rear battery on the left.

_Mountain artillery._

17. SENIOR DRIVER N.C.O. _of British Mountain Batteries_, (Driver Havildar Major).

_In line._--One pace in rear of the pioneer mule of the right section.

_In action._--He is in charge of the firing battery mules.

18. PIONEER MULES. In column of route and subsections.--Leading their section.

_On all other occasions._--In the centre of the section, in line with the second ammunition mule.

Two gunners, or one only if short-handed, per subsection are detailed as pioneers, and walk alongside the pioneer mules in the order of march.

19. RELIEF MULES WITH FIRING BATTERY. _In line._--Distributed in rear of the 2nd ammunition mules.

_In battery column and in column of subsections._--Following in rear of the firing battery.

_In column of route._--With their subsections.

20. WHEEL AND AXLE MULE. (10-pr. B.L. equipment only.) _In line and battery column._--One yard in rear of the pioneer mule of the centre section.

_In column of subsections._--One yard in rear of the last mule of the relief mules with the firing battery.

_In column of route._--The last of the firing battery mules of its subsection.

_Indian mountain batteries._

21. INDIAN OFFICERS. _In line at close order and in battery column._--One horse-length in rear of the centre of firing battery of their sections.

_At drill and in action._--Two native officers assist the captain, the third is with the battery commander.

_On all other occasions._--On the outer flank of and near the rear of their sections.

22. BATTERY STAFF-SERJEANTS.--The havildar-major and quartermaster-havildar as for the battery serjeant-major and battery quartermaster-serjeant, but at one pace instead of a horse-length distance.

23. PAY HAVILDAR.--_In line_ in rear of No. 3 subsection.

_In battery column._--In rear of right subsection of centre section.

_In column of subsections and column of route._--In front of the quartermaster-havildar.

=130.= _Commands and signals._

1. Orders may be given:--

i. By word of command.
ii. By signal.
iii. By trumpet sound.

_Words of command._

2. Direct word of command is not suitable for any larger body at the halt than a brigade, or on the move than a battery.

3. All words of command should be given in a firm and explicit manner, and loud enough to be heard by all concerned. The executive part of the command must be clearly distinguished from the preparatory part, and must not follow it too quickly. =Commands will be accompanied by the corresponding signals.=

4. Battery commanders repeat the brigade whistle and then give their own executive word or signal.

Section commanders, as a rule, command by signal, and give orders by word of mouth only in case of necessity.

Nos. 1 do not repeat commands or signals.

The leader of every unit is responsible that the command is passed on correctly to the next leader.

_Signals._

5. The following signals are to be employed to represent the words of command mentioned:--

Signals for formations from line also apply to échelon.

For signals to first line wagons in action, _see_ Sec. =201=.

6. Officers giving signals should, as far as possible, face the same way as those to whom the signals are made, but when a signal ordering a change of direction is made, the body or horse should be turned in the required direction.

All signals should be made with whichever arm will show most clearly what is meant.

In order to ensure uniformity in the system of giving signals, they must be practised in the riding school.

7. Signals of position, such as “_Halt_” or “_Incline_,” should be maintained. Signals of movement, such as “_Advance_” or “_Shoulders_,” should be repeated until it is clear that they are understood.

8. The whistle (_see also_ Sec. =201=) will be used:--

i. By brigade and battery commanders to draw attention to a signal about to be made--a short blast. The whistle must not be used when approaching guns or infantry already in action.

ii. To turn out troops from bivouac or camp to fall in or to occupy previously arranged positions--a succession of alternate long and short blasts.

When a battery is manœuvring as part of a brigade, the battery commander will only repeat the brigade commander’s whistle, to whom he will look for his signal.

Section commanders will wait for their battery commander’s whistle and act on his signals, not on those of the brigade commander.

_Field calls._

9. The following field calls should be understood, and such as are applicable maybe used _see_ (Trumpet and Bugle Sounds for the Army):--

“Forward” _or_ “advance.”
“Walk.”
“Trot.”
“Gallop.”
“Charge.”
“March.”
“Halt.”
“Annul,” _or_ “As you were.”
“Troops, half-right.”
“Troops, half-left.”
“Form line.”
“Retire” or “Troops right (or left) about wheel,”
or (for artillery) “Subsections--Right about wheel.”
“Squadron columns.”
“Head of column change direction, half-right.”
“Head of column change direction, half-left.”
“Pursue.”
“Rally,” _or_ “Close.”
“Mass.”
“March at ease,” _or_ “Sit at ease.”
“Attention.”
“Stand to your horses.”
“Prepare to mount, or dismount.”
“Mount.”
“Dismount.”

=131.= _Leading and dressing._

1. To preserve uniformity of movement, men and horses must be trained to maintain the regular pace of trot and gallop.

For the same reason the trot and gallop must commence simultaneously throughout the battery.

As large bodies cannot move in perfect order as rapidly as smaller bodies, the leader must regulate the pace accordingly.

2. The “_battery leader_” is the officer personally leading and controlling the movements of the battery. He should be well to the front.

Should the battery commander for any reason temporarily cease to act as battery leader, his place will be taken by the senior section commander.

3. The “_battery guide_” is the commander of the directing section, which is the second from the right (or in column and échelon the leading section). He is responsible for the direction and pace of the battery, following and conforming to the movements of the battery leader.

The other sections will keep their relative positions from the directing section.

4. Similarly in brigade the officer personally leading is the “_brigade leader_,” and the battery leader of the second battery from the right the “_brigade guide_.” A line of columns is considered a line in all matters connected with dressing.

In échelon or column movements the battery leader of the leading battery is the brigade guide.

=132.= _Wheeling._

1. When wheeling, dressing is to the opposite flank to that to which the wheel is made. This flank regulates the pace at which the wheel is made, care being taken that the correct interval is preserved from the pivot.

2. To wheel half or quarter, right or left, the word of command is “HALF (or QUARTER), RIGHT (or LEFT).” If it is required to complete the wheel to the full quarter circle, after having wheeled half right or half left, the command is “RIGHT (or LEFT).” When a definite degree of wheel has been ordered no further command is required, the battery or brigade guide being responsible for taking up the proper direction at the conclusion of the wheel ordered.

3. In throwing shoulders forward both flanks are kept in motion, the pivot describing part of a circle, and the outer flank and intermediate subsections by a compound of inclining and wheeling, conforming to the pivot movements. To perform wheels on this principle the command is “RIGHT (or LEFT) SHOULDERS,” followed by “FORWARD” when the required degree of wheel has been attained.

4. In small changes of direction (which are usually done by shouldering) the battery leader takes the new direction and the battery guide conforms. When a wheel amounts to a quarter of a circle or nearly so, the battery leader must give the signal to wheel and if desired the word of command and place himself in front of where the centre of the battery will be when the wheel is completed. He gives the signal “FORWARD” and moves in the new direction as soon as the battery is facing in the required direction.

5. If it is desired to move the line or column consisting of guns and wagons to a flank, the command is “RIGHT (or LEFT) TAKE GROUND,” upon which each carriage wheels at once to the flank named. To move each carriage to the rear the command is “RIGHT REVERSE,” upon which each carriage wheels about to the right.

When horse artillery receive the command “RIGHT (or LEFT) TAKE GROUND, or RIGHT (or LEFT) REVERSE,” if the detachments are in front or rear of their guns they wheel right, left, or about on their own ground.

=133.= _Markers._

1. The duties of markers will be restricted at drill to indicating the points for the assembly and formation of the battery or brigade for rendezvous.

2. The markers for a battery are the battery serjeant-major and battery quartermaster-serjeant, who are termed respectively the right and left markers. Battery markers mark for the points nearest to their positions in the original formation. They are placed and dressed by the captain.

3. The markers for a brigade are the brigade serjeant-major and the right marker of each battery. They are termed the brigade and battery markers respectively. They are placed and dressed by the adjutant.

4. On the command “MARKERS” being given they move to their places, are dressed by the officer in charge of them, and when dressed receive the word “STEADY” from him. When the formation is completed he gives the command “EYES FRONT” and the markers fall in.

5. When marking for line, markers face the new alignment, their horses’ heads 6 inches from it, battery markers opposite the points where the horses of the Nos. 1 of the flank subsections will be, and the brigade marker in line with, and 1 yard outside, the flank marker on the directing flank.

6. When marking for column of batteries, each marker should place himself 1 yard to the left of the spot where the No. 1 of the subsection for which he is marking will rest when the formation is completed, and should face the front. The brigade marker faces the marker on the directing flank of the leading battery; the adjutant places himself behind the brigade marker and corrects the covering.

Markers are not required for a single battery in battery column.

A line of columns is considered a line in all matters connected with marking.

=134.= _The battery of horse artillery._

1. The number of men required for the service of each gun is 11, of whom 9 are mounted. In addition a man is required with each section as section commander’s horseholder. He is numbered 12, and falls in on the right of the detachment of the left subsection of his section, except in column of route, when he rides with the leading subsection of his section.

2. The senior N.C. officer of each detachment is the No. 1 in charge of the gun, and rides on the left of the lead driver of the gun, except in the case of “_detachment front_” when he is on the right of the detachment. The next senior is No. 7 the coverer in charge of the wagons, who rides on the left of the lead driver of the firing battery wagon. Having taken this wagon into action he returns with the team or limber to the selected position and is employed in the supply of ammunition as the commander of the wagon line may direct. Nos. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 are active numbers (_see_ Handbook); Nos. 10 and 11 are horseholders and hold the horses of the active numbers, except those of 1 and 6 which are held by the centre driver of the gun and wagon respectively. Nos. 8 and 9 are dismounted men and are carried on the first line wagon. The horses of the battery commander and of the man, who works the director, are held by the first trumpeter.

3. A section of horse artillery, with full detachments, is shown in Fig. 26 (the shaded figures representing the horses of active numbers).

In cases of reduced detachments Nos. 6, 5, 10 are omitted in succession.

4. A battery forms for drill and manœuvre as above. Detachments one horse-length on the right of and in line with the gun muzzles. This formation is termed “Detachments right rear.” Lead horses of the firing battery wagons one horse-length on the left of and in line with the gun muzzles.

5. To decrease the front of the subsection the following formations may be adopted:--

Detachments { Lead horses of guns one horse-length
front. { in rear of the detachments covering
{ the centre.

Detachments { Detachments one horse-length in rear
rear. { of and covering the guns.

In each case the firing battery wagons will cover the gun or detachment at a distance of four yards.

The front may be still further reduced by advancing from the right or left of detachments by files.

6. _To dismount and mount detachments, in line,_
_close interval, guns rear._

{ At the caution, the front rank advances
PREPARE TO { one horse-length and halts; the odd
DISMOUNT--DISMOUNT. { numbers, both of front and rear ranks,
{ advance one horse-length,and at the word
{ “_Dismount_,” the whole dismount together.

{ After mounting, the odd numbers of both
{ front and rear ranks rein back and dress
{ on the even numbers. The front rank then
PREPARE TO { reins back one horse-length and halts.
MOUNT--MOUNT. {
{ If this is required to be done with
{ “detachments left” at close interval, the
{ detachments must be advanced one
{ horse-length in front of the guns, and
{ then dismounted, as laid down above.

=135.= _The field battery._

1. The number of men required for the service of each nature of gun is given in the handbooks. No. 1 is the senior; and the coverers, who are the next senior, are mounted non-commissioned officers. Nos. 1 ride on the left of the lead drivers of their guns and the coverers will occupy a similar position as regards the wagons of the firing battery, will take them into action, and will return with the teams to the first line wagons. They will subsequently be employed for the supply of ammunition, as the commander of the wagon line may direct. The positions of the other numbers of the detachment are given in the handbook of the gun.

2. In action the horses of officers and non-commissioned officers are held as follows. (_See_ Fig. 29, p. 306.)

i. Battery commander’s and that of the man who works the
director by the 1st trumpeter;
ii. Captain’s by the 2nd trumpeter.
iii. Battery leader’s or that of the officer accompanying
the battery commander, by an orderly.
iv. Battery serjeant-major’s by one of the battery
headquarters.
v. Section commander’s by the lead drivers of right
subsections.
vi. Nos. 1 by their centre drivers.

=136.= _The mountain battery._

1. The number of men required for the service of each gun is given in the handbook. No. 1 is the senior and leads his subsection, walking in front of the leading mule. The gunners walk alongside the mules in the order shown in the handbook. In bad or hilly ground they help the mules whenever necessary.

2. A N.C.O. is detailed to be in charge of and lead the 1st line mules of each subsection, and will be employed in the supply of ammunition.

3. In action the horses of the battery commander and battery serjeant-major are taken by the 1st trumpeter, that of the captain by the 2nd trumpeter, and those of the section commanders by a N.C.O. or driver of their right subsection.

=137.= _The heavy battery._

1. The number of men required for the service of each gun is given in the handbooks. The senior N.C.O. is called the No. 1, and the next senior, the coverer. The No. 1 is in charge of the gun, and the coverer in charge of the wagon.

2. In action the horses of officers and non-commissioned officers are held as follows:--

i. Battery commander’s and serjeant-major’s by the 1st trumpeter.

ii. Captain’s by the 2nd trumpeter.

iii. Section commander’s by a man detailed for the purpose.

=138.= _Battery drill._

i. The formations of a battery are:--

i. Line.
ii. Échelon or short échelon.
iii. Battery column.
iv. Battery quarter column.
v. Column of subsections.
vi. Column of route.

_Note._--The retirement of a mountain battery at full and half interval is usually carried out by the order “LEFT REVERSE--MARCH.”

Nos. 1 and serrefiles turn about on their own ground.

On the order “GUNS FRONT, SERREFILES REAR,” the leading mules step short, and the axle mules move to the front by inclining to the right, followed by the others in succession from the rear.

---------------------+----------------------------------------------
5. _From line_ | The odd subsections advance at the pace
_to retire_ |ordered while the even subsections check the
_when at half_ |pace. When the odd subsections are clear of
_interval._ |the even subsections the battery commander
|orders “SUBSECTION RIGHT ABOUT WHEEL,”
|and when the subsections are all in line again
THE BATTERY | The original pace is taken up.
WILL RETIRE--MARCH. |
|
|_Note._--A line may reverse when at half
|interval in a similar manner.
---------------------+----------------------------------------------
6. _From line_ | All the section commanders turn half right
_to incline._ |(or left) while the lead drivers of all the
|carriages wheel their horses half right (or
i. RIGHT |left), and all move off in the new direction.
(_or_ LEFT) |The lines of the section commanders, guns and
INCLINE--MARCH. |wagons remain parallel. To resume the original
|direction the order is “FORWARD.” In horse
|artillery the detachments preserve their
|positions relative to their guns.
|
| In a mountain battery the incline is
|executed by every man and animal turning
|half right (or left) on his own ground and
|moving in the new direction.
---------------------+----------------------------------------------
ii. SUBSECTIONS HALF | In this case, the wagons follow the guns
RIGHT (_or_ LEFT)|instead of inclining independently. all resume
--MARCH. |the original direction on the command
|“SUBSECTIONS HALF LEFT (or RIGHT).”
|
| Inclining should only be done for short
|distances.
|
| In a mountain battery each subsection
|follows its No. 1, who turns half right
|(or left) as ordered.
---------------------+----------------------------------------------
7. _From line_ |
_to take_ | Each carriage wheels at once. Officers, &c.,
_ground to_ |move to their places in column.
_a flank._ |
| In a mountain battery every animal is at
RIGHT (_or_ |once turned to the right (or left) as ordered,
LEFT) TAKE |Nos. 1 and serrefiles turn on their own
GROUND--MARCH. |ground. The dressing is towards the axle
|mules.
---------------------+--------------------------------------------
8. _From line_ | The closing or opening is done upon the
_to diminish_ |battery guide. He moves straight forward,
_or increase |while the other section commanders and the
the intervals._ |carriages incline inwards or outwards, and
|when at the required interval, move forward
|in succession. When all are in their places,
HALF |the trot is resumed by order of the battery
(CLOSE _or_ FULL) |leader.
INTERVAL--MARCH. |
| Should it be required to diminish or increase
|the intervals without advancing the battery,
|the battery guide stands fast, the carriages
|reverse, move inwards or outwards, and form
|up to the halt at the required interval.
|
| Should the battery commander desire it, he
|may order the formation on any section or
|subsection, when his command will be “HALF
|(CLOSE or FULL) INTERVAL ON THE RIGHT (or
|LEFT) SECTION (or No. ).”
---------------------+--------------------------------------------
9. _From line_ | The subsection on the named flank (or, in
_to advance_ |the case of an advance from the centre, the
(_or retire_) |right subsection of the centre section) moves
_in column_ |forward, the section commander placing himself
_of route._ |in front. The remaining subsections
|incline to their right or left, checking the
|pace as required, and turn forward in
|succession when in rear of the head of the
|column.
---------------------+----------------------------------------------
ADVANCE IN | In advancing from the centre, the left
COLUMN OF |subsection of the centre section follows the
ROUTE FROM |right subsection, then those of the right
THE RIGHT |section.
(LEFT _or_ CENTRE) | A retirement is carried out in a similar
--MARCH. |manner, the command being, “RETIRE IN
|COLUMN OF ROUTE FROM THE RIGHT (LEFT, or
|CENTRE)--MARCH.” The subsections wheel
|about and proceed as before.
---------------------+----------------------------------------------
10. _From_ |
_line to_ | This is carried out in a similar manner to
_advance_ |the previous movements, except that on
(_or retire_) |leaving the alignment the wagons move up
_in column_ |as ordered on the right or left of their guns
_of subsections._ |at 20 yards interval.
|
ADVANCE IN | The command for a retirement is “RETIRE
COLUMN OF |IN COLUMN OF SUBSECTIONS FROM THE RIGHT
SUBSECTIONS |(LEFT, OR CENTRE)--WAGONS RIGHT (OR LEFT)
FROM THE |--MARCH.”
RIGHT (LEFT | In mountain artillery the advance or
_or_ CENTRE)-- |retirement in column of subsections is done in
WAGONS RIGHT (_or_ |a similar way, the firing battery mules of
LEFT)--MARCH. |subsections following each other in succession,
|and the 1st line, when this is on parade,
|moving in the same order in rear.
---------------------+----------------------------------------------
11. _From_ | The advance unless otherwise ordered is
_line to_ |always from the centre or directing section.
_advance in_ |The centre section advances straight to its
_battery column._ |front. The right section inclines to its
|left and follows immediately in rear of the
|centre section, checking the pace as required
ADVANCE IN |to do so. similarly the left section inclines
BATTERY |to its right and follows the right section.
COLUMN (_or_ | The wagons of 3 and 2 disengage and move
FROM THE |forward at an increased pace so as to allow
RIGHT _or_ |the guns of the right and left sections to get
LEFT)--MARCH. |into their places without checking. This done
|they drop back again.
|
| To advance in battery column from a flank
|the named section advances, followed by the
|remainder in succession.
---------------------+----------------------------------------------
12. _From_ |
_line to_ |
_retire in_ | After the subsections have wheeled about
_battery column._ |the movement is carried out as in para. 11,
|the section is now on the right following the
|centre section.
RETIRE IN |
BATTERY |_Note._--In mountain artillery the retirement
COLUMN--SUBSECTIONS |in battery column may be done similarly by
ABOUT |reversing, the order being “RETIRE IN BATTERY
WHEEL--MARCH. |COLUMN--LEFT REVERSE--MARCH,” and the
|movement is carried out as above when the
|reversing is completed.
---------------------+----------------------------------------------
13. _From_ | The rear subsections of sections incline to
_column_ |their right and move up at the prescribed
_of route_ |interval on the right of those in front.
_to form_ |
_battery | If the order “ON THE LEFT FORM BATTERY
_column._ |COLUMN” is given, the rear subsections form
|in a similar manner on the left of those in
|front.
|
FORM | In mountain artillery battery column is
BATTERY |formed from column of subsections in the
COLUMN--MARCH. |same way.
---------------------+----------------------------------------------
14. _From_ |
_battery_ | The right (or left) subsection of the leading
_column_ |section moves straight to the front, the other
_to advance_ |inclines and follows.
_in column_ |
_of route._ | The rear section acts similarly, checking
|the pace until there is room for them to move
ADVANCE IN |forward.
COLUMN OF |
ROUTE FROM |In mountain artillery an advance in column
THE RIGHT |of subsections is similarly carried out.
(_or_ LEFT)-- |
MARCH. |
---------------------+----------------------------------------------
15. _From_ |
_battery_ | The wagons incline to the left and move
_column_ |up on the left of their guns at close interval.
_to form_ |The sections close up to quarter column
_battery_ |distance.
_quarter_ |
_column._ | Should it be desired, the wagons can be
|brought on the right or at half interval by
FORM |the command “WAGONS RIGHT,” or “WAGONS
QUARTER |HALF INTERVAL.”
COLUMN--MARCH. |
---------------------+----------------------------------------------
16. _From_ |
_battery column_ | The leading section follows the battery
_to form line._ |guide.
|
| The centre and rear sections incline outwards
|and follow their commanders on to the
FORM |alignment.
LINE--MARCH. |
---------------------+----------------------------------------------

_Special for Mountain Artillery._

---------------------+----------------------------------------------
17. _From_ |
_battery_ |
_column to_ |
_form line_ | The right (or left) subsections of sections
_to a flank._ |come into action at once in the required
|direction. The left (or right) subsections
LINE TO THE |wheel to the right (or left) at their proper
RIGHT (_or_ |interval, moving at a trot, if possible, and
LEFT) FOR |come into action on the alignment.
ACTION--MARCH. |
---------------------+----------------------------------------------

=139.= _Brigade drill._

1. The formations of a brigade are:--

i. Line.
ii. Échelon or short échelon.
iii. Line of battery columns.
iv. Mass.
v. Column of batteries.
vi. Column of sections.
vii. Column of subsections.
viii. Column of route.

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Field Artillery Training. 1914Chapter VI: Mounted Drill

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