Nos. 1, 2, 3, and 4 withdraw projectile to truck. Truck is removed and extractor replaced.
Q. Explain how to retract a gun.
A. Chief commands (1) "From battery!", (2) "Heave!", (3) "Halt!"
At the first command Nos. 7 and 8 go to the retraction-cranks. No. 7 operates the retaining-pawl and speed-crank to permit the pulling out of the ropes. Nos. 9 and 10 mount on the gun-levers and place the ends of the ropes on the hooks, receiving them from Nos. 3 and 4, who mount on the chassis to assist. Nos. 1 and 2 pull out the ropes and pass the ends to Nos. 3 and 4. No. 7 takes in the slack. Nos. 7, 8, 9, and 10 take positions at the retraction-cranks, and at the second command turn the cranks.
Nos. 3, 4, 5, and 6 relieve Nos. 7, 8, 9, and 10 when directed by the chief of the detachment. Odd numbers work on the right side of the carriage, even numbers on the left side. When the gun has reached the loading position the command "Halt!" is given. As the command "Cast off!" is given No. 7 lets out enough slack to enable Nos. 1 and 2 to take the rope-ends off the hooks.
Q. Where electric motors are provided, who operates them?
A. The gunner the traversing-controllers, No. 5 the elevating and retracting controllers; No. 6 watches the circuit-breakers, and when broken by an overload he closes the breaker.
Q. When the shot-hoist is on the right, what changes in the service of the piece are made?
A. No. 4 in ramming takes position between Nos. 2 and 10 on the left side. Nos. 10 and 14 assist No. 4 in bringing up and replacing the rammer, instead of Nos. 9 and 13. No. 9 brings up and replaces sponge and assists in sponging, instead of No. 10.