MINUTES OE PROCEEDINGS OE 
182 
A PROPOSAL 
FOB THE 
DRILL OP GUNNERS OP FIELD BATTERIES 
AT OTHER THAN REGIMENTAL EXERCISES. 
BY 
CAPTAIN AND BREVET-MAJOR H. L. GEARY, R.A., 
ADJUTANT 14-TH BRIGADE (FIELD). 
In submitting the accompanying proposal for the drill of field battery 
gunners in action, the intention is by no means to abrogate the present field 
exercise, which appears well adapted to provide efficient drivers and well- 
trained horses. The necessity for a more special drill for the gunners lias 
been suggested by the experiences of the present Pranco-Prussian war, and 
the great advance made of late years, both as regards the accuracy and 
range of artillery fire and rapidity of manoeuvring. 
Prom these considerations we may expect: (1) that the limbers as well as 
the gun carriages will be exposed to a more accurate, and therefore more 
damaging fire; (2) that a greater amount of ammunition will be expended. 
To meet this, every effort should be made to husband the wagon limbers, 
which would be required to replace disabled gun limbers; and a precise 
method appears to be desirable of replenishing the gun limbers whilst in 
action. 
Inasmuch as the equipment of field guns with axle4ree box seats lias 
been recommended by two separate committees of artillery officers, who, 
from their experience and attainments, may be said to have commanded the 
concurrence of the regiment at large, we may assume that in future wars 
axle-tree seats will be provided. We have, therefore, a gun detachment 
consisting of the mounted No. 1, 2 and 3 on the gun limber, 4 and 5 on 
the axle4ree seats—4otal 5 men, who, sufficient alone to bring the gun 
into action and commence firing, will be able to accompany the gun for any 
distance, at any pace it may be required to move. 
It is proposed that the usual position of a gun detachment be as at 
present in order of march. At the command “trot,” 2 and 3 mount on 
the gun limber, 4 and 5 on the axle-tree seats; the remainder of the 
detachment, at the word “march,” wait for the gun to clear them, then* 
closing inwards on the centre detachment, are marched by the serjeant-major, 
by the shortest and most direct route, to overtake the battery and rejoin 
their subdivisions. 
