428. The exercise of the left gun is in all respects the same, except that Nos. 3 and 4 exchange duties.
429. The crew of the XV-in. gun consists ordinarily of 14 men, but the gun may be readily worked by 8 men; indeed, some officers prefer the smaller number as being equally efficient, giving more room in the turret, and affording the very great advantage of relief crews during a protracted engagement. The same remarks apply to the XI-in. gun.
Working XV-in. by Half-Crew.
"SERVE VENT AND SPONGE!"
430. No. 1 stops vent. 3 passes to left of muzzle. 5 passes sponge-head and sections as required to 3, and assists in sponging.
"LOAD!"
431. No. 13 receives passing-box at scuttle and holds it to 5. 5 receives cartridge from 13, enters it in muzzle, passes rammer-head and sections, and, assisted by 3, rams home. Gun Captain serves the vent, 3 and 5 falling back.
Nos. 9, 11, 13, and 15 whip up shell and attend it to muzzle.
Nos. 5 and 3 steady shell and enter it in muzzle.
No. 5 removes patch, passes it to 7, who hands it to 1.