No. 1 carries the frame, which is of very simple construction, standing on legs like a theodolite, when spread, and which closes similarly for carrying. This frame requires no spunging, the Rocket being fired merely from an open cradle, from which it may be either discharged by a lock or by a portfire, in which case. No. 1 also carries the pistol, portfire-lighter, and tube box. No. 2 carries a small pouch, with the requisite small stores, such as spare tubes, portfires, &c.; and a long portfire stick.
Nos. 3, 4, and 5, &c. to 10, carry each, conveniently, on his back, a pouch, containing three Rockets; and three sticks, secured together by straps and buckles.
With this distribution, they advance in double files. On the word “Halt,” “Prepare for action,” being given, No. 1 spreads his frame, and with the assistance of No. 2, fixes it firmly into the ground, preparing it at the desired elevation. No. 2 then hands the portfire stick to No. 1, who prepares and lights it, while No. 2 steps back to receive the Rocket; which has been prepared by Nos. 3, 4, &c. who have fallen back about fifteen paces, on the word being given to “Prepare for action.” These men can always supply the ammunition quicker than it can be fired, and one or other must therefore advance towards the frame to meet No. 2 with the round prepared. No. 2 having thus received the Rocket, places it on the cradle, at the same instant that No. 1 puts a tube into the vent. No. 2 then points the frame, which has an universal traverse after the legs are fixed; he then gives the word “Ready,” “Fire,” to No. 1, who takes up his portfire and discharges the Rocket. No. 1 now sticks his portfire stick into the ground, and prepares another tube; while No. 2, as before, puts the Rocket into the frame, points, and gives the word “Ready,” “Fire,” again. By this process, from three to four Rockets a minute may, without difficulty, be fired from one frame, until the words “Cease firing,” “Prepare to advance,” or “retreat,” are given; when the frame is in a moment taken from the ground, and the whole party may either retire or advance immediately in press time, if required. To insure which, and at the same time to prevent any injury to the ammunition, Nos. 3, 4, &c. must not be allowed to take off their pouches, as they will be able to assist one another in preparing the ammunition, by only laying down their sticks; in taking up which again no time is lost.
If the frame is fired with a lock, the same process is used, except that No. 1 primes and cocks, and No. 2 fires on receiving the word from No. 1.
For ground firing, the upper part of this frame, consisting of the chamber and elevating stem, takes off from the legs, and the bottom of the stem being pointed like a picquet post, forms a very firm bouche a feù when stuck into the ground; the chamber at point blank being at a very good height for this practice, and capable of traversing in any direction. The exercise, in this case, is, of course, in other respects similar to that at high angles.
Plate 5
Fig. 1
Fig. 2