WORDS OF COMMAND.
I. "SILENCE!"
II. "CAST LOOSE AND PROVIDE!"
III. "TRAIN!" (RIGHT OR LEFT).
IV. "SERVE VENT AND SPONGE!"
V. "LOAD!"
VI. "ELEVATE!"
VII. "PRIME!"
VIII. "READY—FIRE!"
IX. "MORTAR FRONT!"
X. "SECURE!"
The exercise commences with the supposition that the Mortar is secured fore and aft, but not loaded.
I. "SILENCE!"
(Diagram 1.)
447. At this preparatory order the strictest silence is to be observed.
The Captain faces the breech, the men on the right and left stand facing the mortar; all fix their eyes on the Captain, and attentively wait for orders.
II. "CAST LOOSE AND PROVIDE!"
(Diagram 2.)
448. 1st Captain commands; sees his mortar cleared and cast loose; canvas covers taken off; Eccentric Bars in their place; Train-Tackles overhauled and placed fore and aft on deck; Shell-whip hooked into mast-head span; small shell-hooks moused on lower block of shell-whip; Shell-tongs ready for use; Grommet for resting shell on deck at hand; basket of implements on deck to the rear of mortar; Tompion taken out and placed to the rear; sees that there is a Gunner's Quadrant and plumb-line in the basket; a boring-bit between beckets; a breeching and tackle, if it should be wanted; buckles on his waist-belt, furnished with a primer-box; equips himself with a priming-wire and lanyard; places elevating lever on the right side of mortar ready for use.