The artillerist's manual and British soldier's compendium

by F. A. Griffiths

MANŒUVRES OF A BATTERY OF SIX PIECES.

Section 25. Battery in line.

1. To advance. Commanding officer’s word of command repeated by officers.
[16]The battery will advance—March.	The officer, and marker of the sub-division of direction take up points.
2. To retire.
Right (or left) reverse—March.
3. To come into action.
Action front.	Senior staff-serjeants.—Left reverse.
4. To diminish (or increase) intervals on the march.
To diminish.
Half, or quarter, intervals on—sub-division.	Nos. 1. Right (or left) half turn—Trot—Front turn—Trot—(except No. 1 of the named sub-division).
To increase.
Full intervals on—sub-division.

5. To take ground to a flank.
Right (or left) take ground— March.	The officers shift to the pivot flank of what will become their leading sub-divisions.
6. To make a half turn on the march.
Right (or left) half turn—March.
7. To form Column of divisions in rear of a flank.
Form column of divisions in rear of the right.	Centre division—Right reverse—March—By the left—Left take ground—Halt—Dress.
March.	Left division—Right reverse—March—By the left—Left half turn—Left take ground—Halt—Dress.
Form column of divisions in rear of the left.	Centre division—Left reverse—March—By the right—Right take ground—Right take ground—Halt—Dress.
March.	Right division—Left reverse—March—By the right—Right half turn—Right take ground—Halt—Dress.

8. To form Column of divisions in front of a flank.
Form column of divisions in front of the left—	Centre division—Forward—March—Left take ground—Waggons close intervals—Right take ground—Halt—Dress.
March.	Right division—Forward—March—Left half turn—Left half turn—Waggons close intervals—Right take ground—Halt—Dress.
Form column of divisions in front of the right—	Centre division—Forward—March—Right take ground—Waggons close intervals—Left take ground—Halt—Dress.
March.	Left division—Forward—March—Right half turn—Right half turn—Waggons close intervals—Left take ground—Halt—Dress.
9. To form Column of divisions on the centre division. This manœuvre is a combination of Nos. 7 and 8.

10. To change front to the rear. First method. By a countermarch.
The battery will change front to the rear—Guns right, Waggons left take ground—March—	The officers shift to the pivot flank of their leading guns—viz., to the left of 1, 3, and 5 guns.
Right countermarch—Front turn—Halt—Dress.
Second method. On the centre.
Change front to the rear on the centre—March.	Centre division—Sub-divisions inwards about wheel—March—Halt—Dress. Right division—March—Left wheel—Left wheel—Halt—Dress. Left division—March—Right wheel—Right wheel—Halt—Dress.
Third method. When at diminished intervals; on the march.
The battery will change front to the rear; on the centre. Left half battery—halt—Half batteries inwards about wheel—Forward.

11. To change front to a flank.
First method. Right (or left) back, on a flank sub-division.
	Nos. 1.
Change front to the right on No. 6. March.	6. Left wheel—Left about wheel—Halt—Dress.
	5. } Right reverse.
	4. } Left shoulders.
	3. } Right reverse.
	2. } Halt—Dress.
	1. }
	Nos. 1.
Change front to the left on No. 1. March.	1. Right wheel—Right about wheel—Halt—Dress.
	2. } Left reverse.
	3. } Right shoulders.
	4. } Left reverse.
	5. } Halt.
	6. } Dress.
For Action.
Change front to the right, on No. 6, for action. March (or change front to the left on No. 1, for action. March).	The named sub-division comes into action in the new direction; the others proceed as before, and come into action to the rear.

Second method. Right (or left) forward, on a flank sub-division.
	Nos. 1.
Change front to the left on No. 6. March.	6. Right wheel—Right about wheel—Halt—Dress.
	5. }
	4. }
	3. } Right shoulders.
	2. } Halt—Dress.
	1. }
	Nos. 1.
Change front to the right on No. 1—March.	1. Left wheel—Left about wheel—Halt—Dress.
	2. }
	3. } Left shoulders.
	4. } Halt.
	5. } Dress.
	6. }
For Action.
Change front to the right on No. 1 for action— March—(or Change front to the left on No. 6, for action—March).	The named sub-division comes into action in the new direction; the others proceed as before, and come into action to the front.

Third method. To the right (or left) on a central sub-division, one flank thrown forward, the other back. This is a combination of the First and Second methods.

Note.—A battery may change its front, Half right, or Half left, on the same principle as already detailed. The commanding officer’s word would be “Change front, Half right (or Half left) on—Sub-division.”

These manœuvres can be executed on the same principle, by divisions, or half batteries.

A Battery can also change front on a moveable pivot by a simple wheel.

12. To advance from a flank, in column.
Advance from the right, in column of divisions—March.	Right division.	Forward by the left. March.
	Centre, and left divisions	Right take ground. March—Left take ground.
	Nos. 1.
	2. } Waggon right.	Waggon rear.
	4. }
Advance from the left, in column of divisions—March.	Left division	Forward by the right—March.
	Centre, and right divisions	Left take ground—March. Right take ground.
	Nos. 1.
	5.} Waggon left.	Waggon rear.
	3.}

13. To advance from the centre, in double column of sub-divisions.
Advance from the centre, in a double column of sub-divisions—March.	Centre division—Forward.—Trot—March. Right division—Left take ground—March. Left division—Right take ground—March.
	Nos. 1.
	2. } Right take ground—Trot.
	1. } Right take ground.
	5. } Left take ground—Trot.
	6. } Left take ground.
14. To move from a flank along the front in a column of divisions.
Move from the right, along the front, in column of divisions. March.	Forward—March. Left wheel.
Note.—To advance from the left, along the front, is done in the same manner.

15. To advance from a flank, in echellon of sub-divisions.
Advance from the right, in echellon of sub-divisions—March.
Advancing from the Left is done on the same principle.
Note.—A Battery in echellon of Sub-divisions, if required to change its front when in action,can do so at the word “Action left” (or right), by merely throwing the trails round, and bringing the gunsinto the new direction, the limbers and waggons forming in rear of their guns.
16. To advance from a flank in echellon of divisions.
Advance from the right, in echellon of divisions—March.	The right division advances, the centre moves off in succession, when at its wheeling distance, in rear of the leading one. The left division follows in the same manner.
Advancing from the Left is done on the same principle.
Note.—A Battery in echellon of Divisions, if required to change its front when in action, does so as follows:—
Change front to the left, on the left guns of divisions—March.	Nos. 1. 2. } 4. } Action left. 6. } 1. } Front limber up. 3. } Left wheel—Halt. 5. } Action front.

An echellon of Half batteries is formed in the same manner as that of divisions; the rear half battery must, however, keep its wheeling distance from the leading one. When in action, if the front is to be changed, it is better to do it on a centre gun.

Retirements in echellon, are done on the same principle as the advance.

17. To retire from a flank in column.
First Method.
Right division to the rear—March.	Right division—Sub-divisions inwards about wheel—March.
	Centre and left divisions—Forward—Right wheel—March—Right wheel.
To retire with the Left division is done on the same principle.
Second method.
Retire from the right, in column of divisions—March.	Right division—Right reverse—March.
	Centre, and left divisions—Right take ground—March—Right take ground.
	Nos. 1.
	2. } Gun left.
	4. } Gun rear.

18. To retire from the centre in a double column of sub-divisions.

In order to perform this manœuvre, the battery should be reversed, and then (with waggons leading) it is performed in the same manner as the advance from the centre, in a double column.

19. To retire from a flank by alternate Half batteries, in action.

When a battery in line, in action, is ordered to retire from a flank by alternate Half batteries, the named half battery at once limbers up to the rear, retires to its distance in echellon, and comes into action. As soon as this half battery is in action, the other limbers up to the rear, retires, passes the half battery in action, and so on. The senior officer of each half battery gives the word of command.

Note.—This manœuvre would generally be practised with the prolonge.

20. To break into column to a flank.
Break into column of divisions to the right. March.	Nos. 1. 1. } Right take ground. 3. } Guns front. 5. } 2. } 4. } Right wheel. 6. }

Breaking into Column to the Left can be done on the same principle.

A Column of Half batteries can be formed in the same manner; the pivot sub-divisions wheeling as before, but the others after taking ground, must incline away to gain their required intervals.

Note.—This movement would generally be employed in breaking into column from line, to march past with other troops; and with half batteries it would be done at reduced intervals.

21. To increase, and diminish the front.
First method.
From Column of route, to form Column of divisions, on the march.
Column, right in front.
Form column of divisions.	Right division—Forward by the left.
	Centre and left divisions.—Forward by the left. Trot—Walk.
	Nos. 1.
	2. }
	4. } Left half turn—Trot—Front turn.
	6. }
Column, left in front.
Form column of divisions.	Left division—Forward by the right.
	Centre and right divisions.—Forward by the right—Trot—Walk.
	Nos. 1.
	5. }
	3. } Right half turn—Trot.
	1. } Front turn.
Second method.
From Column of route, to form Column of divisions, in succession.
Column, right in front.
In succession form column of divisions.	Nos. 1.
	1. }
	3. } Halt.
	5. }
	2. } Left half turn.
	4. } Front turn.
	6. } Halt—Dress.
Column, left in front.
In succession form column of divisions.	Nos. 1.
	6. }
	4. } Halt.
	2. }
	5. } Right half turn.
	3. } Front turn.
	1. } Halt—Dress.

Third method.
From Column of divisions, to form Column of route, on the march.
Column right in front.
Form column of route.	Centre and left divisions—Halt.
	Nos. 1.
	1. Forward.
	3. } Forward—March.
	5. }
	2. } Halt—Right half turn—March.
	4. } Front turn.
	6. }
Column left in front.
Form column of route.	Centre and right divisions—Halt.
	Nos. 1.
	6. Forward.
	4. } Forward—March.
	2. }
	5. } Halt—Left half turn.
	3. } March—Front turn.
	1. }

22. To bring the Rear to the front, in succession, on the march.
First method. In Column of route.
Rear sub-division to the front.	Nos. 1.
	6. }
	5. }
	4. } In succession	{ Right half turn.
	3. }	{ Front turn.
	2. }
Second method. In Column of divisions.
Rear division to the front through the intervals.	Centre and rear divisions in succession. Inwards close—Forward—Full intervals.

23. To form Line on the leading division.
Divisions right in front.
Left of the front form line—March.	Centre division—Left take ground—March—Right take ground—Halt—Dress.
	Left division—Left take ground—March—Right half turn—Right half turn—Halt—Dress.
Divisions left in front.
Right of the front form line—March.	Centre division—Right take ground—March—Left take ground—Halt—Dress.
	Right division—Right take ground—March—Left half turn—Left half turn—Halt—Dress.
On the March.
The centre and rear divisions make a half turn towards the intended line, and come up at an increased pace.
For Action.
Right (or left) of the front form line for action—March.	Halt—Action front.

24. To form Line on the rear division.
Divisions right in front.
Right of the rear form line—March.	Centre division—Right take ground—March—Right take ground—Right reverse—Halt—Dress.
	Right division—Right take ground—March—Right half turn—Right half turn—Right reverse—Halt—Dress.
Divisions left in front.
Left of the rear form line—March.	Centre division—Left take ground—March—Left take ground—Left reverse—Halt—Dress.
	Left division—Left take ground—March—Left half turn—Left half turn—Left reverse—Halt—Dress.
For Action.
Right (or left) of the rear, form line for action, front—March.	The standing division comes into action to the front: the others, as they arrive in line, come into action to the rear.
25. To form Line on the centre division.
This manœuvre is a combination of Nos. 23 and 24.

26. To form Line to the rear on the leading division.
Divisions right in front.
Form line to the rear, on the leading division—March.	Right division—Sub-divisions inwards about wheel—March—Halt—Dress.
	Centre division—Right take ground—March—Left take ground—Sub-divisions inwards about wheel—Halt—Dress.
	Left division—Right take ground—March—Left half turn—Left half turn—Sub-divisions inwards about wheel—Halt—Dress.
Divisions left in front.
Form line to the rear, on the leading division—March.	Left division—Sub-divisions inwards about wheel—March—Halt—Dress.
	Centre division—Left take ground—March—Right take ground—Sub-divisions inwards about wheel—Halt—Dress.
	Right division—Left take ground—March—Right half turn—Right half turn—Sub-divisions inwards about wheel—Halt—Dress.
27. To form Line to the rear of the rear division.
Divisions right in front.
Form line to the rear, on the rear division—March.	Right division—Left wheel—March—Right shoulders—Right shoulders—Halt—Dress.
	Centre division—Left wheel—March—Left wheel—Halt—Dress.
	Left division—Sub-divisions inwards about wheel—March—Halt—Dress.
Divisions left in front.
Form line to the rear, on the rear division—March.	Left division—Right wheel—March—Left shoulders—Left shoulders—Halt—Dress.
	Centre division—Right wheel—March—Right wheel—Halt—Dress.
	Right division—Sub-divisions inwards about wheel—March—Halt—Dress.
28. To form Line to the rear on the centre division.
This is a combination of Nos. 26 and 27.

29. To form Line to the reverse flank on the leading division.
Divisions right in front.
Form line to the right flank on the leading division—March.	Right division—Right wheel—March—Halt—Dress. Centre, and left divisions—Left half turn—March—Front turn—Right wheel—Halt—Dress.
Divisions left in front.
Form line to the left flank on the leading division—March.	Left division—Left wheel—March—Halt—Dress. Centre, and right divisions—Right half turn—March—Front turn—Left wheel—Halt—Dress.
30. To wheel into Line.
Divisions right in front.
Left wheel into line—March.	Nos. 1.
	1. } Sub-divisions, left
	3. } wheel—Halt—Dress.
	5. }
	2. } Sub-divisions, right wheel—Right
	4. } about wheel—Halt—Dress.
	6. }
Divisions left in front.
Right wheel into line—March.	Nos. 1.
	2. } Right wheel.
	4. } Halt—Dress.
	6. }
	1. } Left wheel—Left about wheel.
	3. } Halt—Dress.
	5. }

31. To deploy on the rear division.
Note.—All deployments are on the front base.
Divisions right in front.
Deploy on the rear division—March.	Right division—Right take ground—March—Right take ground—Right reverse—Halt—Dress.
	Centre division—Right take ground—March—Left take ground—Halt—March—Halt—Dress.
	Left Division—Forward—March—Trot—Halt—Dress.
Divisions left in front.
Deploy on the rear division—March.	Left division—Left take ground—March—Left take ground—Left reverse—Halt—Dress.
	Centre division—Left take ground—March—Right take ground—Halt—March—Halt—Dress.
	Right division—Forward—Trot—March—Halt—Dress.
For Action.
Deploy on the rear division, for action front—March.	The Divisions all proceed as before, except that the leading division, instead of going to the rear and reversing,comes into action to the right, or left, when in its place; the other divisions come into action to the front.
32. To deploy on the Centre division.
Deploy on the centre division—March.	Right division—Right take ground—March—Right take ground—Right reverse—Halt—Dress.
	Centre division—Forward—Trot—March—Halt—Dress.
	Left division—Left take ground—March—Right take ground—Halt—Dress.

33. To countermarch.
The Column will countermarch—Divisions by sub-divisions inwards about wheel—March—Halt—Dress.	The Sub-divisions wheel about inwards, and halt on their markers. The officers moving up with their sub-divisions.
On the March.—The markers fall in rear of their officers.
34. From Double column of sub-divisions to form Line to the front.
Right and left of the front, form line—March.	Nos. 1.
	2. { Right half turn—Front turn.
	1. { Halt—Dress.
	5. { Left half turn—Front turn.
	6. { Halt—Dress.
On the March.—The rear sub-divisions move up at an increased pace.
For Action.—At the word “March,” the two leading sub-divisions come into action to the front: the othersub-divisions come into action in succession as they arrive in line.
35. From Double column of sub-divisions, to form line to a flank.
Form line to the right, on the right half battery—March.	Nos. 1. 3. } Right wheel—Halt—Dress.
	2. } Forward—Right wheel.
	1. } Halt—Dress.
	4. } Forward—Right wheel.
	5. } Halt—Dress.
	6. }
To form Line to the left is done on the same principle.

INSPECTION, AND REVIEW.

A single Battery.

The Battery is formed in line limbered up; the detachments in the order of march.

The waggons at order—viz., ten yards in rear of their guns.

The Officers at order—viz., the Subalterns one horse’s length in front of, and in the centre of their divisions.

The second Captain on the right of the battery, in line with the Subalterns.

The Staff serjeants on the outer flanks of the waggons.

The Markers move up into the places of their officers.

The Commanding officer in the centre of the battery, one horse’s length in front of the Subalterns.

As the Inspecting Officer arrives, the Officers draw swords and salute; taking the time from the Commanding officer, whose word of command is “General salute, draw swords.” The officers then recover their swords in like manner. As soon as the inspection has been made, the Commanding officer gives the word, “Take close order—March,” when the officers and markers return to their places in line, the officers sloping their swords; and the waggons move up.

Marching past.

This may be done either by Divisions, or by Half batteries; in the latter case usually at half intervals.

The Battery will march past.
Break into column of divisions (or Half batteries at half intervals) to the right—March.

At thirty yards from the Inspecting officer, the Subaltern officers in command of divisions, or half batteries, give the word, “Take order—Eyes Right,” and move out one horse’s length in the front of, and in the centre of their divisions. In Half batteries, the two officers of the leading half battery between the guns of it; the officer of the rear half battery in front of his centre gun. The Commanding Officer two horses’ length in front of the battery, and the Second Captain in rear of the battery. The officers salute at six yards distance from the Inspecting officer, and recover their swords at ten yards past him. At twenty yards past, the Subaltern officers in command of divisions (or half batteries) give the word, “Take close order.”

In trotting past the detachments are mounted; the officers remain on the flanks, and carry swords as they pass the Inspecting officer, giving the word, “Eyes right.”

Should a battery be required to rank past, it wheels as before, until it arrives on the line of the Inspecting officer, when it halts.

The battery will rank past—March.

The battery advances in a column of route, the officers in front of the guns, the markers, staff-serjeants, and farrier in front of the waggons. The officers and drivers salute, as before. The spare carriages in rear of the divisions to which they belong: the second Captain in rear of the whole.