No. 2 inserts the loading-tray, withdraws the cartridge and passes it to No. 7, and, as soon as the projectile is withdrawn, removes the loading-tray.
No. 3 brings up the extractor, pulls the projectile on to the loading-tray, and replaces the extractor.
No. 5 withdraws the projectile and returns it to the serving-table.
No 7 carries the cartridge to the steps and passes it to No. 4 or No. 5 of the ammunition detachment.
Q. How is the piece retracted?
A. The chief of detachment commands: (1) "From battery!"; (2) "Heave!"; (3) "Halt!" At the first command No. 3 goes to the retraction-crank and operates the pawl and speed-crank to permit the pulling out of the ropes. Nos. 5 and 6 mount on the carriage and place the loops of the ropes on the hooks. Nos. 1 and 2 pull out the ropes and pass the ends to Nos. 5 and 6. No. 3 takes in the slack. Nos. 3 and 4 take positions at the retraction-crank, and at the second command turn the crank. Nos. 5 and 6 relieve Nos. 3 and 4 when directed by the chief of detachment. When the gun has reached the loading position the command "Halt!" is given. At the command "Cast off!" No. 3 lets out enough slack to enable Nos. 1 and 2 to take the loops off the hooks.
Q. In an emplacement provided with an ammunition-hoist what changes in the above drill are made?
A. Nos. 5 and 6 serve projectiles from a loaded truck placed in rear of the gun.
Nos. 9 and 10 are posted at the delivery-table, and run loaded trucks to Nos. 5 and 6, returning empty ones.
Q. What composes an ammunition detachment?