Carlingnose Battery – Gun crew and their duties

The Gun Crew

Fort Record Book – page 6

During both the “precautionary period” i.e. in anticipation of the outbreak of war, and the “war period” the crew consisted of 1 Officer and 12 men with a “Detachment” of 1 Officer and 30 men who manned the two guns.

4 of the men supplied shells via the ladder lifts, while 4 supplied cartridges via the vertical lifts.

2 men operated the D.R.F. – Depression Range Finder – to determine the bearing and range to a target. This was then used to set the bearing and elevation of each gun using the range tables described above.

There was also a relief crew of 1 officer and 11 men. [Presumably the crew and relief crew were on 24 hour duty, with the men on detachment being mustered as required.]

The men came from 21 Coy R.G.A. – Royal Garrison Artillery – and the S.S.S. Forth – Royal Engineers Special Services Section.

Duties of the Gun Crew

Here are the procedures followed by the gun crew to load, aim and fire the guns as detailed in the 6 inch BL gun handbook 1911 on pages 52 to 59. It was not simply a case of bunging in a shell and pulling the trigger!

Drill

The gun detachment consists of a Gun Captain, two Gun Layers, a Setter and 8 other gun numbers. It falls in and is told off in the usual manner.

[I.e. The detachment consists of an officer and eleven men. In the following description the setter and 8 others are numbered from 1 to 9 by seniority.]

Ammunition Supply

Cartridges are supplied from recesses (or depots if required) in the emplacement, by hand to the gun platform. Supply may also he made to the level of the emplacement by lift.

Projectiles are supplied from recesses in the emplacement, and from depots, which should be arranged round the emplacement floor under cover of the parapet. Supply may also be made to the level of the gun platform by lift.

The normal supply of ammunition will be from the recesses or depots; in this case 6 and 8 working alternately supply 3 or 5 with cartridges, and 7 and 9 lift projectiles on to the gun platform. This supply must be made intelligently as the gun is traversed, from the most convenient recess or depot.

When supply is from lifts, 6 and 8 will work in a similar manner, keeping 3 or 5 supplied by the shortest way; 3 and 5 pick up and load shells alternately, 7 and 9 go below to assist the ammunition detail.

Lids of cylinders will he removed at the foot of the cartridge lift before sending up, and cartridges will be supplied naked to 3 or 5.

Empties will be stacked by 6 and 8 without obstructing the working numbers at the gun.

As the recesses only hold a limited number of rounds it will be advisable not to reduce the total for each gun below 12, and when this point has been reached, to change to lift supply.

In addition to the above detail, when guns are served by lifts direct from both shell and cartridge stores, 6 additional numbers will be required to supply and work the lift.

To Prepare for Action.

Gun Group Commander orders, “A Group, Prepare for Action.”
Gun Captain orders, “A 1, Prepare, for Action.”

At this order stores are brought up as follows:—

Gun Captain.—Gauge protrusion striker.

Gun Layers.—Electric firing battery (if not on mounting), box of spare parts and tools, sights, and pistol grip.

2. Vent bit, Russian tallow, waste, tubes, spare leads, and tray stores complete*, for drill, a drill tube.

3. Lanyard.

4. Combined rammer and sponge, hook withdrawing guide bolt, bucket filled with water, and sponge cloth.

5. Assists the Gun Layers.

6 and 8. Keys of cartridges and shell recesses. For drill purposes a drill cartridge.

7 and 9. Brush; two keys, fuze, universal; two keys, base fuze and plug (when required), and grease box. For drill purposes a drill shell and shell extractor. Gun floor numbers knee caps.

* Contents of Tray Stores:—
1 box grease, 3 lb.
2 boxes tube, garrison. – (1 to hold spare parts).
1 piece of chalk.
1 lock, E. and P. “ F.”
1 box, slide “A.”
1 oil can, No. 9.
1 rimer, vent, axial, short.
1 screwdriver, 4-inch.
1 screwdriver No. 18.
1 McMahon spanner, 15-inch.
1 wrench, breech mechanism, No. 46.
1 wrench, breech mechanism, No. 41.

The following group and battery stores will be brought up, and such others as are considered necessary locally:—

Battery Stores

Bar Testing sight	1 per work
Buffers, syringe	1 per work
Clinometers, large	1 per work
Instruments, testing primary batteries or voltameters	1 per work

Group Stores

Borers, tube chamber	Square end	1
	Pointed end	1
Brush, rammer and sponge		1 per gun
Extractor tube special, Box Slide “A”		1 per 2 guns
Hammers, claw		1 per gun
Lock, E. & P. “F.”.		1 per 2 guns
Pliers, side cutting, 8-inch		1
Whistles.		1

The Gun Captain will satisfy himself that the buffer is properly connected up, not leaking at the glands, and contains the correct amount of oil; that the capsquares are properly secured, and that the lubricators on the top of the cradle are filled with oil. When the breech is opened he looks to see that the bore is clear. He superintends the firing of an electric and a percussion tube to test the firing arrangements. He receives reports, from the numbers responsible, of any irregularity or deficiency in connection with the different parts of the gun, mounting or stores.

The Gun Layers fix the sights in the cradle and see that they fit and work properly, and that the sight carrier or bracket is firmly attached to the mounting; test the sights and elevation indicator, place the pistol grip in position, examine the lock, gauge its protrusion,* and place it in position on the slide box in the vent, make the necessary connections, and test the firing circuit. They see that the elevating and traversing gears are oiled and in good working order. Uncover the dials and see that they are properly connected up.

* To gauge the protrusion of the striker.—remove the lock and apply the “gauge, protrusion, striker.” Ascertain by inspection that there are no small pieces of foreign metal between the point of the striker and the edge of the firing hole.

2 places the oil can, Russian tallow and waste in a convenient position on the mounting, and his other stores handy for use, attaches the tube boxes to the mounting, placing some tubes in the tube box and the remainder in a convenient position for use. He places the vent hit in the clips on the right spring box.

3 removes the breech and muzzle covers and places lanyard handy for use.

4 places the combined rammer and sponge in the bucket filled with water, on the gun floor in rear of the breech, and hook withdrawing Guide Bolt handy for use.

6 and 8 go to the recesses or head of the cartridge lift and prepare to issue cartridges; for drill, they place the drill cartridges ready for use.

7 and 9 go to the shell depots or recesses (or shell lift and shell store if supply is by the lift) and prepare shell for loading, i.e., clean and fuze them. For drill, they place the drill shell and extractor in a convenient position for use. 7 hands a fuze key to 3, who places it in a convenient position for use.

The group and battery stores are placed in their allotted position.

2 opens the breech by taking hold of the breech mechanism lever with his right hand and pulling it towards him as far as it will come. He then passes the vent bit down the vent and carefully cleans the vent, examines the breech screw and threads of the breech, sees that they are clean and free from burrs, lubricates the threads with a slight film of oil, and covers the coned seating of the obturating pad lightly with tallow. He then inserts an electric tube, pressing it past the tube retainer.

(If the pad is hard, it should be softened by immersion in hot water before firing is commenced. This is particularly important when using half-charges, should the probable temperature of the pad be below 50° F.)

The Gun Captain then sees the bore is clear.

To close the breech 2 pushes the lever home with his right hand with a continuous motion. This prepares for electric firing.

If difficulty is experienced in closing the breech, 4 will assist 2 to force the lever home, but when once the motion of closing the breech has been commenced, the lever must on no account be partially drawn back to obtain a fresh purchase, as the tube may be partially extracted, and any subsequent forward motion of the lever would bend it. In the case of a percussion tube, this might explode the detonating composition and fire the charge prematurely.

The Gun Layer tests the circuit by firing the tube, when ordered to do so by the Gun Captain.

2 opens the breech, examines the pad to see if it fits properly, which he will ascertain by seeing if it is covered all over with Russian tallow, smears well with same, inserts a percussion tube, cocks the lock, and closes the breech.

3 hooks the lanyard, gives “ready,” and fires the tube when ordered to do so by the Gun Captain.

2 opens the breech, thus extracting the tube, and closes it again.

(Note. – Whenever the breech is closed without inserting a tube, the extractor should be pressed well home before closing. Under no circumstances should the lock be snapped unless a tube is in the vent. Should it be necessary to ease spring, it should be done gently by hand.)

The Gun Captain collects reports from each number regarding any damage or deficiency. He then places his men under cover, and reports to the Gun Group Commander “Bore clear ready to load.”

After each number has completed his work, he takes post as follows:—

Gun Captain on the right side of the rammer.

Gun Layers on the sighting steps.

2 in rear of gun in prolongation of right side of gun, left foot in front, facing auto-sight layer.

3 close up to breech on left side and facing 2.

4 on left side of rammer.

5 to right rear of 3.

6, 7, 8, and 9 as above detailed.

Setter according to case of laying.

To Load.

Gun Group Commander orders, “A Group Load.” Gun Captain orders ‘‘A 1 Load.”

2 opens breech as already detailed, and with his left hand inserts a tube, forcing it home past the tube retainer (if at percussion firing cocks the lock).

7 or 9 place projectile on gun floor. 3 picks up projectile keeping C.G. supported on his left arm and steadying base with his right hand. As breech screw swings open, he slides projectile into chamber by leaning forward, and swings round on his hips to his right to receive cartridge handed to him by 5, who has received it from 6. Gun Captain and 4 ram home in one motion, outer hands back up, inner hands back down and withdraw combined rammer and sponge smartly, dip it in the bucket of water, and stand by to load next round with sponge head just clear of recoil.

(Note. – When loading lyddite shell, the safety pin is withdrawn during supply from recesses by 7 or 9 before lifting shell on to gun floor. At lift supply, 3 or 5 before picking up shell removes the safety pin and uncaps the fuze. When using paper shot and powder charges, special care will be exercised in sponging out the chamber after each round, vide Garrison Artillery Training, Vol. 1, 1910, page 178.)

3 loads cartridge and gives “In.”* 2 then closes the breech with his right hand and gives “Ready.” (At percussion firing, 3 or 5 hooks lanyard and gives “Ready.”)

* With half-charges the primed end must be towards the rear and close up to the vent. To ensure this, the cartridge should be held at the middle with the right hand palm down.

3, after loading cartridge, steps back, and 5 closes up with projectile. 3 receives cartridge from 6 and stands to right rear of 5 ready to hand cartridge to him. In this way, 3 and 5 load alternately.

Note.—At percussion firing, it is most essential that the lock be cocked before closing the breech, otherwise there is great danger of the tube being fired prematurely, owing to the pressure of the striker over the head of the tube.

In order to keep the mushroom head of the obturator from becoming too hot, it will be necessary to utilize every interval in the firing for cooling it by the application of thoroughly saturated cloths. Thirty rounds may be fired with the greatest rapidity without delaying the fire, but after thirty rounds a pause of about thirty seconds should be made for cooling, and if continuous rapid fire is still desired, this pause will have to be repeated about once in ten rounds.

The white metal disc of the obturator must be watched for any signs of fusion, and if the metal should begin to melt the firing ought to be suspended for thirty seconds, in order to cool the mushroom head. Firing can then be resumed, but it would be more satisfactory to change the axial vent and discs, for which about one minute is required.

To Cease Firing.

On the command from the Gun Group Commander, “A. Group Cease firing,” the Gun Captain gives the group letter and number of his gun, followed by the command “Cease Firing.”

Electric Firing.—2 pulls the lever towards him sufficiently to unmask the tube.

Percussion Firing.—3 or 5 unhooks the lanyard; 2 pulls the lever towards him sufficiently to unmask the tube.

Stand Fast.

On “Stand Fast” being ordered, the tube will be unmasked, and all numbers will then stand fast and wait for the next word of command.

The gun is again made ready on the order “Action” or “Commence Firing” being given.

To Lay.

Automatic Sight.

The gun layers adjust their deflection scales to the deflection ordered, repeating alterations.

The auto-layer sets the tide lever and error of day drum as ordered and repeats all alterations.

Rocking-bar layer lays for line and traverses.

Auto-sight layer lays for elevation and fires, and, if ordered to do so, corrects by means of the error of day drum.

To Fire.

(a) Electric Firing. – The gun layers lay on the target and continue to follow it.

At Deliberate or Salvo Fire, they await the order or signal from the Gun Group Commander*. On receipt of this order or signal, the auto-layer will fire the gun by pressing the trigger as soon as the gun is layed.

* The setter will, if necessary, pass the order on to the layer.

At Independent Fire, the auto-layer fires as soon as possible after “A 1 Ready” is given.

(b) Percussion Firing. – Same as (a) except that 3 or 5 fires on order “Fire” from auto-layer.

Case I.—Rocking-Bar Sight – To Lay.

The setter will set the rocking-bar sight to the range (corrected for group difference, if any). The setter and the auto-sight layer repeat the deflection ordered by the Gun Group Commander and put it on their sights.

The rocking-bar layer lays and fires, traversing himself and giving “elevate” or “depress” to the auto-sight layer.

Case I.—Rocking-Bar Sight – To Fire.

(a) Electric Firing. – Same as with auto-sights, except that rocking-bar layer fires by means of the pistol grip.

(b) Percussion Firing. – Same as with auto-sights, except that rocking-bar layer orders 3 or 5 to fire.

Case II. – To Lay.

The rocking-bar layer and setter take post at elevation indicator and electric range dial respectively, and the auto-layer at the autosight. The setter calls ranges to the rocking-bar layer, who keeps gun layed for elevation. With P.F. (Percussion Firing), the Setter for training will keep the training dial reading the same as the training arc by moving the movable face.

Case II. – To Fire.

(a) Electric Fire.—At Deliberate or Salvo Fire, they await the order or signal to fire from the Gun Group Commander. On receipt of this order or signal, the rocking-bar layer completes the operation of laying for elevation and gives “On.” At this caution, the auto- layer will fire when layed for line.

At Independent Fire, the rocking-bar layer gives “On” as soon as possible after “Ready” is given.

(b) Percussion Firing. – Same as (a) except that 3 or 5 fires on order “Fire” from auto-sight layer.

Case III.

Auto-sight layer reads training dial and traverses. Rocking-bar layer and setter as at Case II. Auto-sight layer fires. Where a second setter is authorized, he will call out trainings to the auto layer.

After Firing.

As soon as the gun is fired, 3 or 5 unhooks the lanyard (if at percussion firing), 2 opens the breech. The gun will be at once reloaded.

Missfires.

(a) Electric Firing.—If when the Gun Layer presses the trigger, the gun fails to fire, he will call out “Close the Breech” and at the same time release the trigger. Gun Captain and 4 will give the breech mechanism lever a tap with the head of the rammer; Gun Captain calls “Ready.” The Gun Layer will again press the trigger, and if the gun again misses fire, he will hold the trigger while he counts four in slow time, and if it fails to fire, will call “A 1 Missfire,” at the same time releasing the trigger.

The Gun Layers will continue to follow the target. The Gun Captain will then order “A 1 Stand Clear,” all the numbers will stand clear of the vent. The Gun Captain turns rammer end for end, inserts hook into link guide bolt and pulls it back, keeping to right rear of vent. 4 withdraws lever guide bolt with stiffened lanyard and unhooks it.

2 strikes down on the rammer with both hands, thus ejecting the tube. The Gun Captain unhooks rammer. The nearest number picks up the tube and shows it to the Gun Captain, who sees whether it has fired or not. If the tube has not fired, the Gun Captain orders “ Go on,” and 2 inserts a new tube, raises the lock, and keeps it up while 4 releases lever guide bolt. 2 gives “A 1 Ready.”

Should there be a second missfire, the same procedure will be carried out, except that if the tube has not fired, percussion firing will be resorted to.

If the tube has fired, a pause of ten minutes will be made. All gun numbers and all cartridge cylinders will be removed to a position of safety and at the end of ten minutes, the Gun Captain will raise the lock, standing well clear, 4 releasing lever guide bolt. Gun Captain and No. 4 will then place a bucket filled with water beneath the breech of the gun. The Gun Captain then places himself clear of the breech on the left side and opens the breech by applying the rammer stave to the lever breech mechanism.

After a further pause of one minute, the Gun Captain will lean over the breech of the gun and remove the cartridge. He will then examine the igniter; if it is correct, he will use the cartridge again, adjusting it carefully in the chamber.

If the igniter is smouldering, he will drown the cartridge in the bucket of water.

Percussion Firing.—3 or 5 will call out ‘‘A 1 Missfire.”

Gun Captain and 4 will give the breech mechanism lever a tap with the head of the rammer and re-cock the lock by means of the hook on the rammer stave. 3 or 5 gives “Ready.” If tube again fails to fire, it will be changed as detailed above, except that the lock will be cocked before it is lowered.

Should the second tube fail to fire, the lock will be changed.

The positions under cover are as follows:—

2, 4, Gun Captain and Setter on the right of the gun.

3, 5 and Gun Layers on left of gun.

6, 7, 8 and 9 in rear of the gun.

To Cease Firing and Replace Stores.

All stores are replaced by the numbers who brought them up, and the gun is left under metal by the Gun Layers; the detachment then falls in at detachment rear.

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