BELT FILLING.
All numbers, also drivers, should be instructed and practised in belt filling by hand, and also with the belt-filling machine, as follows:—
Belt Filling by Hand.
One Man Loading by Hand.—Sit on the ground, with the right foot doubled under the left thigh, the left foot resting on the outer side and drawn towards the right knee.
Place the belt on the left knee, with the tag pointing to the right. Take hold of the first brass strip between the forefinger and thumb; then with the remaining fingers and ball of the thumb, hold the belt so that the pockets will remain open. Take five cartridges in the right hand, insert into pockets, taking care to avoid doubling over the thin edge of webbing. Now place the belt on the knee, and, placing the tips of the fingers on the front of the belt, finally adjust the cartridges by pushing them forward with the thumb until the points of the bullets are in line with the ends of the long brass strips. Continue to load and adjust in fives, and make a final inspection when placing the belt in the box.
Belt Filling by Machine.
Fix machine so that crank handle can be worked with right hand.
Unfold loading tray and leg, the tray being secured to the left of bed plate by pin, the leg being made rigid by turning up the keeper plate on to the pin catch.
Turn the steel guide plate (on bed plate) outwards. Pocket opener must be far enough back to clear the belt.
Place belt behind roller and into belt guide. Edge of belt to be touching side of guide, projecting end of long brass strips to point away from cartridge plunger, and to pass under the steel guide.
Pawl to lie on top of belt.
Turn steel guide into position again and draw belt through with left hand until first pocket is opposite pocket opener.
Fill hopper with cartridges and replenish as required.
Revolve crank handle continuously (not too fast) until belt is filled.
(A light pressure should be kept on the belt with the left hand until the weight of the filled portion is sufficient to assist the pawl.)