The chief of detachment is responsible that the gunner identifies the target. He is particularly charged with seeing that his piece is properly loaded and that the precautions for safety in case of misfires are carried out. At the command "Cease firing" he will cause the breech to be opened.
The gun-pointer is responsible for the proper regulation of the current for the lights of the night sights. He adjusts the sight in its seat and sets the elevation and the deflection scales for the indicated range and deflection. He aims the gun and fires as soon after the command "Ready" as the piece is aimed. He will observe the splash of his shots if possible and when necessary make the proper correction on his sight. In connection with the gun commander he determines the deflection correction for travel of target, using the deflection scale for the purpose.
Q. Give the duties of the members of the detachment for loading and firing.
A. The chief of detachment indicates the target and range and commands: 1. No. —, 2. With (such projectile), 3. Commence firing (or, so many rounds, commence firing).
He repeats the command cease firing.
After the first round the projectile is named only when a different kind is ordered and the gun is loaded without command immediately after it is fired.
The gun-pointer, when the gun has the proper elevation, commands and signals clamp. He fires by lanyard and in simulated firing calls out fire when he pulls the lanyard, as a signal to load.
No. 1 opens the breech, closes it as soon as the cartridge is inserted, and calls out ready as soon as he is clear of the recoil.
(If there is any difficulty in opening or closing the breech, he examines the threads of the breech-block, wipes off any dirt found, and oils the mechanism.)