Men should get in the habit of working from the top of the sight down, performing their duties always in the same order—this is very important. In other words in indirect laying he sets the deflection, applies the deflection difference, levels the cross level bubble and then lays for direction. In direct laying, he sets the deflection, sets the range, levels the cross level bubble, and lays the piece for direction and range. In setting the range on the sight shank the gunner should place his eye on a level with the index so that the range can be set exactly. If a range of over 500 yards is given, the fast motion of the scroll gear should be used. As soon as he has laid his gun he will call “Ready” and step clear of the piece. After he has called “Ready” under no circumstances will he attempt to finish any of his duties. If he does he will lose that trial.
All scales should be set rapidly. In order to do this, men must not try to make any mathematical calculations. The setting of sights should be absolutely mechanical. The gunner should know exactly in what direction to turn the knobs, wheels and cranks in order to increase or decrease the settings and to move the bubbles in any particular direction. A list of reasons for disqualification are given in the Regulations for Gunners’ Examination.
It is most important in indirect laying that the gunner be assisted by TRAINED chiefs of sections and No. 2’s. Men should be picked for this during the earlier part of the course and trained for that work. A great deal depends on the ability of these men.
Setting the Peep Sight.
In using the peep sight in direct laying the panoramic sight head should be turned to either flank so that there will be no chance of the gunners looking through the panoramic sight. The gunner in looking through the peep sight should keep his eye about six inches from it.
Setting the Quadrant.
Candidates should get in the habit of performing the required duties in the following order: (1) Setting the site with his right hand. (2) Setting the range with his left hand as prescribed for No. 1 (Instruction Memorandum No. 11—5th hour, 1st week). (3) Centering the cross level bubble with his right hand. (4) Leveling the range bubble with his right hand. The candidate should be sure to look and see where the bubble is before he starts to turn the elevating crank handle. He should turn the handle quickly. After leveling the range bubble he calls “Set” and steps clear of the wheels.
Fuse Setting.
Candidates in setting the bracket fuze setter should stand immediately in rear of it and should crouch down. The corrector should be set first and the range next, both scales being set with the right hand. His assistant should stand immediately to the left and should pass the round to the candidate who is being examined, as No. 5 passes the round to No. 4 in percussion fire. The candidate after setting the scales rises up, grasps the projectile and inserts it in the fuze setter. He then sets the fuze and calls “Ready.” The assistant should hold the projectile so that the lug on the time ring is at 10 o’clock (vertical clock face). The candidate when he inserts the round in the fuze setter should place it so that the lug on the time ring falls just to the left of the rotating pin notch. This is done so that the two shall engage as soon as possible.
In setting the fuze with the hand fuze setter, the candidate takes the position prescribed for No. 3 in the service of the piece, his assistant takes the position of No. 5 when the hand fuze setter is used. The candidate must be sure to press down on the hand fuze setter while setting the fuze.