Chapter VIII: Part I: Section VIII

ON FIELD GUNS AND BATTERIES.

1. What proportion of artillery should be allotted to an army in the field?

The proportion of artillery to other troops varies generally between the limits of one and three pieces to 1,000 men, according to the strength of the army, the character of the troops composing it, the strength and character of the enemy, the nature of the country which is to be the theatre of the war, and the character and objects of the war.

2. What regulates the selection of the kinds of artillery and the proportion of the different kinds in the train?

Similar considerations to those specified in the foregoing answer. The following principles may be observed in ordinary cases:

{ ¼ are 12-pdrs.
3 pieces to { ⅔ guns, of which { ¾ “ 6-pdrs.
1,000 men. { { ¼ “ 24 or 32-pdrs.
{ ⅓ howitz., of which { ¾ “ 12-pdrs.

3. What is a field-battery?

A certain number of pieces of artillery so equipped as to be available for attack or defense, and capable of accompanying cavalry or infantry in all their movements in the field.

4. How many pieces are allotted to a field-battery?

Four guns and two howitzers.

[Sidenote: 41]]

5. Are all field batteries alike?

No; field batteries accompanying infantry are composed of the heavier, and those accompanying cavalry of the lighter pieces, the first manned by foot-artillery, and the latter by horse-artillery.

6. In what respect does a battery of horse-artillery differ from one of foot-artillery?

The main difference consists in the cannoneers in a battery of horse-artillery being mounted; in rapid evolutions of foot-artillery they are conveyed on the carriages.

7. What is the composition of a field-battery on the war establishment?

KIND OF BATTERY. 12-PR. 6-PR.

GUNS. { 12-pdrs., mounted, 4
{ 6-pdrs., “ 4
HOWITZERS. { 24-pdrs., mounted, 2
{ 12-pdrs., “ 2
—————— 6 6
CAISSONS. { For guns, 8 4
{ For howitzers, 4 2
—————— 12 6
TRAVELING FORGES, 1 1
BATTERY WAGON, 1 1
—————— 2 2
—————————
Whole No. of carriages with a battery, 20 14

{ Shot, 560 560
{ For 4 guns, { Spher. case, 224 80
{ { Canisters, 112 160
{ ———————— 896 800
{ { Shells, 168 120
AMMUNITION. { For 2 howitzers, { Spher. case, 112 160
{ { Canisters, 42 32
{ ———————— 322 312
{ ——————————
{ Total No. rounds with a battery, 1218 1112

DRAUGHT HORSES. { 6 to each carriage, 120 84
{ Spare horses, 1-12, 10 7
————————
Total, 130 91

[Sidenote: 42]]

=NOTE.=—For two 32-pdr. howitzer carriages and four caissons, the number of rounds of ammunition is:

Shells, 112
Spher. case, 84
Canisters, 14
———
Total, 210

8. What is the composition of a battery of mountain howitzers?

Howitzers, 6
Gun-carriages, 7
Ammunition-chests, 36
(48 rounds for each howitzer.)
Forge and tools, in 2 chests, 1
Set of carriage-makers’ tools in 2 chests, 1
Pack saddles and harness, 33
Horses or mules, 33

9. What composes the _Field-Park_?

The spare carriages, reserved supplies of ammunition, tools, and materials for extensive repairs, and for making up ammunition, for the service of an army in the field from the _Field-Park_, to which should be attached also the batteries of reserve.

10. What determines the quantity of such supplies?

The quantities of such supplies must depend in a great measure on the particular circumstances of the campaign.

11. How is the ammunition which cannot be transported by the batteries carried?

With the park; in caissons, or in store wagons.

[Sidenote: 43]]

12. Do any other carriages and stores form part of the Field-Park?

Yes; spare gun-carriages, one to each field-battery,

_Traveling Forges_, }
_Battery-Wagons_, } one or more of each.

_Spare spokes_, 50 to each battery, }
_Spare fellies_, 20 to each battery, } in store wagons.
_Spare harness_, } in }
_Horse-shoes and nails_, } boxes. }

Gunpowder, saltpetre, sulphur, charcoal, laboratory paper,
cannon-primers (percussion and friction), fuzes and plugs
for field-service, stuff for cartridge bags, woollen yarn,
cotton yarn, glue.

13. Are any other pieces ever used for field service?

Yes: sometimes the 12 and 18-pdr. siege guns, and the 8-in. siege howitzer.

14. For what particular service are these different pieces most suitable?

The siege pieces for batteries of position; the 12-pdr. battery, for following the movements of infantry, and the 6-pdr. battery for those of cavalry.

=NOTE.=—These siege pieces should
be placed on the weakest points of a line, and on
heights which either form a key to the position, or
from whence the greatest and longest continued effect
may be produced.

15. What are the peculiar advantages of Horse-Artillery?

Possessing, from their lighter construction and mounted detachments, much greater locomotive powers than other field batteries, they are especially adapted for following the rapid evolutions of cavalry, for sudden attacks upon particular points, and for supporting the advance or covering the retreat of an army.

[Sidenote: 44]]

16. How is a field gun mounted?

Upon a four-wheel carriage, which answers for its transportation as well as for its service, similar to a siege carriage, but lighter, and the limber carrying an ammunition chest.

17. Where should a battery be placed before the commencement of an action?

As much as possible under cover, by taking advantage of banks, hollow-ways, buildings, woods, &c.

18. Is if advisable to move a battery at once into position in the field?

No; but if unavoidable, it should be masked as much as possible until ordered to open its fire.

19. How should a battery be masked?

If practicable, by covering it with cavalry, in preference to infantry, as the former does it more effectually, and is sooner moved out of the way.

20. In commencing an action, how should the fire of a battery be directed?

When the enemy is in line, the fire should be directed over the whole line, and not upon the real points of attack; but when in column, ready to advance, it should be concentrated upon the real points of attack.

21. How should batteries be placed in relation to the troops with which they are acting?

Upon the flanks of a line, but at such a distance as not to impede its movements, and at the same time to be unfettered in their own; the artillery may thus represent the faces of a bastion, and the line of troops the curtain.

[Sidenote: 45]]

22. Is the front of a line of troops an advantageous position for a field battery?

On the contrary, it is the worst possible, as offering a double object to the enemy’s fire, and greatly obstructing the movements of the troops; while a position in rear is nearly as bad, as the fire might seriously injure, or at least, greatly disquiet them.

23. In supporting an attack, what precautions are necessary?

The battery should be carefully kept clear of the intended line of march of our own troops, and such points occupied as may afford the greatest annoyance to the enemy.

24. How should batteries be disposed with regard to the enemy’s troops?

Generally so as to secure a cross fire on his position, and on all the ground over which he moves to the attack, endeavoring to take him at all times in the direction of his greatest dimensions; that is, obliquely or in flank when in line, and in front when formed in columns. Moderate heights, commanding as much as possible the surrounding country, should always be taken advantage of, but not such as may prevent operations in advance if required.

25. Is it imperatively necessary to confine positions for field batteries to the flanks of a line?

When, from particular circumstances, the front of the army is too extended, and unavoidably divided into two lines, it may become necessary to place one or more batteries in the centre, if those on the flanks are unable to sweep the whole front; but great care must be taken not to impede the advance or retreat of the troops when required.

[Sidenote: 46]]

26. Should the fire of field batteries be carried on at the same uniform rate?

Certainly not; the destruction of the enemy being the object, it follows that at distant ranges, a greater degree of care is required in pointing the guns; the fire is slow and steady, and increasing in rapidity as the enemy advances, without however, impairing its precision.

27. Should the fire of field batteries be carried on in salvoes or otherwise?

Never in salvoes; but in a regular manner, well sustained, and with distinct intervals between every round, commencing slowly, and increasing in rapidity as the range diminishes.

28. Is the fire of batteries more efficacious when dispersed than when concentrated?

The effects of the fire will be in proportion to the number of guns brought together, and therefore, in order to strike a decisive blow, this should at once be done.

29. What projectiles are used with field guns?

Solid shot, spherical case, and canister.

30. At what distance from the enemy should the several kinds of projectiles be employed with field battery pieces?

Solid shot from 350 yards and upwards; spherical case from 600 up to 1000 yards, although it may be used within the first range; and canister within 350 yards, or up to 400 against extended formations.

31. What number of rounds can be fired from a field gun in one minute?

Two solid shot or spherical case, or three of canister.

[Sidenote: 47]]

32. Why are more rounds of canister fired in a minute than of solid shot or spherical case?

Because the latter are fired at greater distances than canister, and require the piece to be carefully aimed, thus requiring more time.

33. What is the smallest number of guns that may with safety be employed in the face of an enemy?

Never less than two, in order to secure a continuous fire and mutual support.

34. Is the practice of employing field batteries against those of the enemy recommended?

Only under peculiar circumstances; as for instance, when his troops are well covered and his guns exposed, or their fire very destructive.

Their fire should be directed principally against columns of attack, and masses, or upon positions which are intended to be carried.

35. In what time could a battery come into action in the field?

It could come into action and fire one round in 25 seconds, timing from the order “action front,” to the discharge of one piece.

36. Suppose cavalry to be advancing to attack infantry, and first observed at the distance of a mile, passing over the first half mile at a trot; the next quarter of a mile at the manœuvring gallop; and the remaining distance at an increased gallop, terminating with the charge; occupying altogether about six minutes: during the last 1500 yards of their advance how many rounds per piece might a battery fire in that time?

Eleven rounds with effect, thus:

From 1500 to 650 yards, 3' 32"—spherical case, 7
“ 650 to 350 “ 0' 48"—solid shot, 2
“ 350 to close quarters, 0' 34"—canister, 2

[Sidenote: 48]]

37. What number of rounds could a battery fire against infantry, supposing them to pass over 1500 yards in about 16¼ minutes?

Thirty-six rounds with effect, viz:

From 1500 to 650, quick step, 9' 45"—spher. case, 19
“ 650 to 350, “ 3' 50"—solid shot, 7
“ 350 to 100, “ 2' 30"—canister, 8
“ 100 to close { double quick } 0' 40"—can. 2
quarters {and the charge.}

38. Should the enemy attempt to force the passage of a river, what is the best position for artillery to oppose it?

Wherever the best cross fire can be obtained in order to obstruct and harass him as much as possible, and if he has succeeded in passing over any portion of his troops, it should be directed against their formation.

39. When the enemy is making the passage of a river in retreat, where should your guns be posted?

In such a position as to bear upon the batteries that cover the retreat, and also upon his bridges.

40. In forcing the passage of a river, what is the most advantageous position for artillery?

The bridge being generally laid in a re-entering angle, batteries should be posted on each side of the bridge, and far enough from it to secure a cross fire on the opposite bank.

41. Should the indiscriminate expenditure of ammunition be permitted in the field during action?

Upon no account; ammunition should at all times be carefully husbanded, particularly at the commencement of an action, as the want of it at the close may decide the fate of the day; it should also be sparingly used in skirmishes and minor affairs, especially when at a distance from supplies, or in anticipation of a general action.

[Sidenote: 49]]

42. When should the reserve be employed?

When a particular point of the line requires additional support, a favorable position is to be seized, an impression has been made on the line by the enemy, a forward or retrograde movement is in contemplation, or when a determined attack is to be made on him, then the reserve should come up and take part in the action; and it is of the utmost importance that this should be done as expeditiously as circumstances will permit.

43. Where should the reserve be placed previous to an engagement?

In rear with the second line, out of the range of shot, and as little exposed as circumstances will admit, but always in such a position as to have ready access to the front or rear.

44. Should guns be lightly abandoned before an enemy?

Never until the VERY LAST EXTREMITY. An artilleryman must never forget that his gun is his proper ARM; that here lies his strength; that here is his post of honor and of duty; also, that the LAST DISCHARGES are always THE MOST DESTRUCTIVE, and MAY POSSIBLY INSURE THE SAFETY OF THE WHOLE ARMY, or TURN THE TIDE OF VICTORY IN THEIR FAVOR.

45. What is the position for cavalry when placed in support of a battery?

On its flank, about the distance of 100 yards, and as much concealed as possible.

[Sidenote: 50]]

46. What is the proper position of field batteries when infantry squares are attacked by cavalry?

When infantry are formed in squares to resist the charge of cavalry, the guns should be placed outside at the angles of the squares, the limbers, horses, &c., inside. Should the detachments be driven from their guns, they will retire into the square, after discharging their pieces, and taking with them the sponges and other equipments; the moment the enemy has retired, they recommence their fire. Supposing the infantry formed in echelon of regimental squares, and that the time, or small extent of the squares would not admit of the limbers, &c., being placed inside, then the wagons and limbers should be brought up with their broadsides to the front, so as to occupy, if possible, the space between the guns, leaving no intervals for the cavalry to cut through: the prolonge or drag ropes might also offer an effectual momentary impediment to them, if properly stretched and secured.

[Sidenote: 51]]