---- | Tends after compressor.
7. ---- 4th oar. | Train rope.
8. 4th oar. ---- |
9. ---- 5th oar. |
10. 5th oar. ---- |
11. ---- 6th oar. |
12. 6th oar. ---- |
13. ---- 7th oar. |
14. 7th oar. ---- |
15. ---- 8th oar. |
16. 8th oar. ---- |
17. ---- 9th oar. | Runs field-carriage forward when landing.
18. 9th oar. ---- | Runs field-carriage forward when landing.
|

Officer of boat directs the whole of the operations, or may take
especial charge of the howitzer.

Officer of the gun is in command of the piece, unless otherwise
ordered by the Officer of the boat.

(Preliminary Order)--"MAN THE HOWITZER!"

22. The Captain of the gun sees that the elevator, sight and lock are
in order for firing.

Nos. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7. Trail oars.

No. 3 goes to starboard side of muzzle, having the sponge and rammer
ready.

No. 4 goes to port side of muzzle, takes out tompion.

No. 5 to starboard side, near forward compressor.

No. 6 port side, near after compressor.

No. 7 after-end of slide, and hooks training-rope.

No. 2 tends the vent and puts in primer.

If the gun is unloaded, it must be run in.

I. "SPONGE!"

23. No. 2 closes vent, (_a_)

No. 3 enters the sponge, and, pressing it firmly to the bottom of
bore, turns it round and withdraws it. (_b_)

Quarter Gunner takes a round from the ammunition-box, and, if shell or
shrapnel be used, holds it for the Officer in command of gun to adjust
the fuze.

II. "LOAD!"

24. Quarter Gunner passes forward with the fixed charge, protecting it
under his jacket, (_c_)

No. 4 receives the charge from Quarter Gunner and enters it.

No. 3 pushes home to the mark on rammer-handle, (_d_)

No. 2 puts in primer and covers it with his hand until Nos. 3 and 4
are clear of the gun. (_e_)

III. "POINT!"

25. Nos. 5 and 6 ease compressors. (_f_)

All six men and Captain of gun run out the howitzer, (_g_)

Nos. 5 and 6 then tighten compressors.

Officer of gun puts up the sight as directed by Officer of boat. (_h_)

Captain of gun brings the elevation within the limits of the boat's
motion, and causes No. 7, with the assistance of some others, to train
nearly to object if the boat is under way.

IV. "FIRE!"

26. If the boat has motion, or is under way,