Cannon Drill Cheat Sheet
Ok, so you had to cheat. Well, here are all the answers. Hope they help.
The commands in order:
Here is the complete drill explanation.
Drill
A note on nomenclature: A single piece (cannon) and everything that supports it (crew, limbers, caisson, etc.) is a detachment, commanded by a Sergeant. Two pieces and everything that supports them is a section, commanded by a First Lieutenant. Three pieces and everything that supports them is a half battery, commanded by a Captain. Four to six pieces and everything that supports them is a battery, also commanded by a Captain.
Accouterments: At the command: FALL IN ON THE LIMBER!, (given by the Sergeant) the cannoneers will form two lines, one on each side of the limber facing the rear of the limber (facing away from the piece). The Chief of the Limber (Corporal) will be behind the limber and facing the hasp on the ammunition chest. The #5, #4, and #2, in that order, will be on the Corporal's left. The #5 will be lined up approximately one arm's length from the rear rim (closest to the Corporal) of the limber wheel. The #4 and #2 will be in line with the #5, approximately one arm length behind each other. The Gunner (Corporal), #3, and #1, in that order, will be on the Corporal's right. The Gunner will be lined up approximately one arm's length from the rear rim of the limber wheel. The #3 and #1 will be in line with Gunner, approximately one arm length behind each other. If there is a #6 or #7, they will fall in behind the Corporal and facing away from him. The #6 will be on the Corporal's left in line with the #5 and far enough behind the Corporal as to not interfere with the distribution of the leathers. The #7 will be the Corporal's right in line with the Gunner. Note: approximately the same formation will be achieved if the Sergeant orders: DETACHMENT, ATTENTION! TO THE REAR, MARCH! DETACHMENT, HALT! when the cannoneers begin formed on the piece (which happens with the CANNONERS, POST! command).
At the command CANNONEERS, TAKE LEATHERS!, (given by the Sergeant) the Chief of the Limber (Corporal) will open the limber chest and distribute the leathers, etc. in the following order: haversack to the #5; sight to the Gunner; lanyard, primer pouch and primers to the #4; thumbstall and vent pick to the #3; gauntlets to the #2; and gauntlets to the #1. As each cannoneer receives his equipment, he will move forward so as not to interfere with the distribution to those who follow. The cannoneers will remain in line and fall in behind where the #6 and #7 are (or would be if they were there). Each cannoneer will inspect the equipment he is given. In particular, the #4 will inspect the lanyard to insure that it is securely attached to both the handle and the hook. The #4 will inspect the primer pouch to insure it contains enough primers for the scheduled firing. The Sergeant will allow a brief time for this inspection before returning the cannoneers to the piece.
The cannoneers may be returned through either the command: CANNONERS, POST! or DETACHMENT, ATTENTION! TO THE REAR, MARCH! DETACHMENT, HALT! This will depend on how precise we are being. When the accouterments are returned, the above process will be repeated.
Taking implements: The command: TAKE, IMPLEMENTS! (given by the Sergeant) is given when the implements are secured (attached to the cannon). The #1 first removes the sponge bucket and the #4 first removes vent cover. The #3 releases the hasp which is securing the rammer to the piece and the #1 lifts the rammer from the hook and takes it. The #3 unkeys the worm and the #4 supports the head of the worm while the #2 passes the haft back through the ring, towards the #4. Once clear of the ring, the #2 pulls the haft forward until he can take the worm. The #4 then releases the hasp which is securing the second rammer to the piece, but the #2 does not take it until it is to be used. The Gunner rakes the handspike and places it in the pointing rings. When the implements are taken, the cannoneers come to attention at their posts. The #1 is standing to the right of the front wheel rim, his right shoulder is even with the front of the wheel, approximately an arm's length from it. He is facing toward the cannon tube, parallel to the wheel. The rammer is in his right hand, with the head of the rammer resting on his right toe. The haft of the rammer is held at an angle up and away from the #1, almost at an arm's length. The #2 is standing to the left of the front wheel rim, his left shoulder is even with the front of the wheel, approximately an arm's length from it. He is facing toward the cannon tube, parallel to the wheel. The worm is in his left hand, with the butt of the haft resting on the ground next to his left toe. The haft of the worm is held at an angle up and away from the #2, almost at an arm's length. The #3 is standing in line with the #1, his left shoulder is even with the rear of the wheel, approximately an arm's length from it. He is facing toward the field of fire, perpendicular to the wheel. The #4 is standing in line with the #2, his right shoulder is even with the rear of the wheel, approximately an arm's length from it. He is facing toward the field of fire, perpendicular to the wheel. The Gunner is standing even with the rear of the handspike on whichever side gives him the best view of the field of fire. If both sides give him an equal view of the field of fire, then he will stand on the left side. The #5 is standing in line with the #2 and #4, his left shoulder is even with the front of the limber pole, approximately an arm's length from it. The #6 is standing in line with the #2 and #4. He is standing with his right shoulder is approximately an arm's length to the right and an arm's length to the rear of the rear of the limber's wheel, in line with the #7 and #8. The #7 is standing in line with the #1, #3 and #5. He is standing with his left shoulder is approximately an arm's length to the left and an arm's length to the rear of the rear of the limber's wheel, in line with the #6 and #8. The #8 is centered on the rear of the limber chest, approximately an arm's length to the rear of the rear of the limber's wheel, in line with the #6 and #7.
To begin firing, the Chief of Piece (Sergeant) gives the command: TARGET IDENTIFIED, TARGET TROOPS (cavalry, artillery etc.), RANGE xxx YARDS. COMMENCE FIRING! At this point, the command of the actual firing of the piece is turned over to the Gunner.
The Gunner (Corporal) gives the command: BY DETAIL, LOAD, SHELL, RANGE xxx YARDS!
The #8 (Corporal, Chief of Limber) then repeats the command: SHELL, RANGE xxx YARDS! He then proceeds to cut the fuze, if needed, and place the round in the haversack of the #5. The #6 and #7 will assist him with this. The #5 will wait at the limber until the Gunner commands him to move.
The Gunner moves to the breach of the gun, places his pendulum hausse on its seat, and aims the gun. The #4 moves from his post to the trail spike. If the Gunner wants the trail moved left, he taps the left side of the trail until he has reached the deflection he wants. He would tap the right side if he wants it moved to the right. When he is done, he stands up, and returns to his post, as does the #4.
The Gunner can, at his discretion, give the load commands at the same time as he sights the piece.
Gunner's Command: TEND VENT! The #3 moves from his post to the breach and places his thumb on the vent with his arm at a 90° angle. This places the maximum pressure on the vent and allows the Gunner to sight the piece under the #3's arm.
Gunner's Command: SEARCH! The #2 moves from his post to a position just behind the muzzle of the gun. He gently places his worm down the barrel of the gun until it reaches the breach. He then proceeds to twist it until he grabs the debris in the bottom. He then slowly pulls the worm out and removes any debris from it. If he believes he failed to remove all of the debris, he should place the worm back down the tube until he is satisfied that he has removed all the debris that he can. He then places the worm on the axle next to the wheel and does an about face so he is now facing the wheel. He is now ready to receive the round.
Gunner's Command: SPONGE! The #1 moves from his post to a position just behind the muzzle of the gun. He dips the sponge part way into the sponge (water) bucket and spins/shakes it to remove any excess water. He then places it down the barrel of the gun until it reaches the breach. He then proceeds to twist it until he feels he has extinguished all of the embers in the tube. He then slowly pulls the sponge out and removes any debris from it. He turns the sponge/rammer around so that the rammer is against the muzzle flair. He taps the muzzle with the rammer head to tell the Gunner that he is ready to receive the round.
Gunner's Command: ADVANCE THE ROUND! The #5 moves from the limber to the Gunner and opens his haversack. The Gunner inspects the round and sends the #5 to the gun. The #5 walks (never run) to the gun and stands across from the #2. He stands with his back to the enemy and with his body between the enemy and the round. He opens the haversack and raises it so the #2 can remove the round. At no time does the #5 ever touch the round itself. He then returns to his post position at the end of the limber pole. The #2 then turns counterclockwise so he keeps his body between the enemy and the round at all times. He places the round in front of the muzzle. The #1 then places the rammer on it and pushes it in so that it will stay without being held. The #2 then retrieves the worm and returns to his post position.
Gunner's Command: RAM! The #1 stands so that he has his left arm over the tube and his body leans back, while standing behind the muzzle. The right arm is holding the rammer. He quickly pushes the round down the tube and drops his right arm, coming to the position of attention. He then taps the round once more to be sure the round is seated. He then moves to his position outside of the wheel and places the rammer on the hub of the wheel, perpendicular to the ground. This shows that the piece is loaded.
Gunner's Command: PIERCE THE CHARGE (PICK)! The #3 removes his thumb from the vent and removes the vent pick from its sheath. He holds it between his thumb and forefinger just below the loop. He places it down the vent. He should feel some resistance as he does this. If he does not he should let the Gunner know. Once he has pierced the charge, he removes the vent pick from the vent and replaces it in its sheath. He then returns to the position of attention.
Gunner's Command: PRIME! The #4 removes a friction primer from the primer pouch. He moves to a position next to the breach and hands the primer to the #3. The #3 places it in the vent. The #4 then hands the hooked end of the lanyard to the #3. The #4 moves to a position at a 45° angle to the breach so that the lanyard is taught. He holds the handle of the lanyard in his right hand. His back is toward the Gunner and his feet are shoulder width apart. He then raises is right arm to put slack in the lanyard. The #3 hooks the lanyard to the primer and moves to his post position. He nods to the #4 who returns the nod. The #4 lowers his right arm and places his right hand on his right hip. He places his left hand on his left knee and then looks at the Gunner.
Gunner's Command: CLEAR FRONT! The Gunner decides that it is safe to fire. The #2 places the worm in his right hand, places is left hand over his left ear and leans towards the rear of the gun. He watches the muzzle of the gun. The #1 returns to his post position. He places the rammer staff in his left hand, places is right hand over his right ear and leans towards the rear of the gun. He watches the muzzle of the gun. The #3 places is right hand over his right ear and leans towards the rear of the gun. He watches the vent. The remainder of the crew remains at the position of attention. The Gunner then raises his arm as a sign that his piece is ready to fire.
Gunner's Command: FIRE! When the Gunner decides it is safe to fire, he will give this command. He drops his arm and the #4 pulls the lanyard. All cannoneers then return to the position of attention and wait for the next command.
This drill will continue forever until the command CEASE-FIRE! is given. After the command is given, the vent is tended by the #3, the bore is searched by the #2 and is sponged by the #1. They then return to their post positions. This is done automatically, without any commands given, and the Gunner is to ensure that this happens before he turns over the command of the piece to the Chief of Piece (Sergeant).
Secure implements: This is the opposite of the TAKE, IMPLEMENTS! command. The command given is SECURE, IMPLEMENTS! This command returns the implements to a travel position and is given by the Sergeant.
At the command, FALL IN ON THE LIMBER!, (given by the Sergeant) the cannoneers will form two lines, one on each side of the limber facing the rear of the limber (facing away from the piece). The Chief of the Limber (Corporal) will be behind the limber and facing the hasp on the ammunition chest. The #5, #4, and #2, in that order, will be on the Corporal's left. The #5 will be lined up approximately one arm's length from the rear rim (closest to the Corporal) of the limber wheel. The #4 and #2 will be in line with the #5, approximately one arm length behind each other. The Gunner (Corporal), #3, and #1, in that order, will be on the Corporal's right. The Gunner will be lined up approximately one arm's length from the rear rim of the limber wheel. The #3 and #1 will be in line with Gunner, approximately one arm length behind each other. If there is a #6 or #7, they will fall in behind the Corporal and facing away from him. The #6 will be on the Corporal's left in line with the #5 and far enough behind the Corporal as to not interfere with the distribution of the leathers. The #7 will be the Corporal's right in line with the Gunner. Note: approximately the same formation will be achieved if the Sergeant orders: DETACHMENT, ATTENTION! TO THE REAR, MARCH! DETACHMENT, HALT! when the cannoneers begin formed on the piece (which happens with the CANNONERS, POST! command).
At the command CANNONEERS, RETURN LEATHERS!, (given by the Sergeant) the is the opposite of the CANNONEERS, TAKE LEATHERS! command takes place. This command returns the leathers to a traveling position.
The cannoneers may be returned through either the command: CANNONERS, POST! or DETACHMENT, ATTENTION! TO THE REAR, MARCH! DETACHMENT, HALT! This will depend on how precise we are being. When the accouterments are returned, the above process will be repeated.