66 
SHOUT NOTES ON PEOFESSIONAL SUBJECTS. 
their opinion as to carrying a portion of the gunners thus, in the following 
manner :— 
The Royal Artillery having reached India during the eventful year 1857, frequent 
opportunities of working on this plan presented themselves. The Committee say, 
on the matter of the equipment of carriages.—“ The boxes on the gun axle-trees 
to be of the Bengal pattern, and one that on the near side to be fitted to carry a 
few rounds of ammunition . . . Both boxes to be made into seats for gunners 
in case of emergency; this will be practicable even with the 9-pr. gun and 24- 
pr. howitzer, in consequence of the increased space between the wheels and cheeks 
of the carriage from the use of the smaller ordnance. Guard irons must be 
attached to the axle-tree, to protect the men’s arms from coming in contact with 
the wheels. It must however be understood that these boxes are not to be used 
as seats for drill purposes, but as an expedient for an emergency only when it may 
be required to take the guns forward at an increased pace, when by carrying two 
men in this manner, and three upon the limber, with the assistance of the mounted 
non-commissioned officer, the gun can be quickly brought into action, and served 
with effect. The men will be fresh for the purpose, instead of being distressed and 
blown, as is now the case, even if they are able to keep up with the gun at all, 
unless the ammunition wagon is brought under fire, but by which arrangement will 
be rendered unnecessary.” 
The space required between the cheeks of the carriage and the spokes of the 
wheels must be sufficient to admit of the lids of the axle-tree boxes being made 
from 14 to 15 inches wide, and about 18 inches in breadth,* * * § from front to rear, 
furnished on the seat with a folded blanket, or some soft and yielding material.f 
A foot rest should be added in the form of an iron stirrup, or support fixed to the 
carriage or suspended from it, similarly to the breast chains; guard irons for the 
hands, about 9 inches high, secured to the outside and backs of the boxes, are 
also needful. On many matters connected with the equipment of Horse and Pield 
Artillery, the members of the Special Committee alluded to differed, and their 
separate views are recorded in the Proceedings, which were published, but as to 
the advantages of providing the means for mounting the gunners in cases of 
expediency, they appear to have been unanimous. Should a battery with its 
detachments mounted in this manner, prepared for, or during an engagement, come 
upon swampy or heavy land, or rough and difficult ground, the gun detachments 
would dismount and be prepared to assist the guns if necessary. 
In the Prussian service, the gunners are mounted for action at distances varying 
from 200 to 2000 paces. “Under 200 paces the object is more quickly obtained 
by making the men run, and over 2000 paces it is best to assume the forced 
march formation .”% The forced march formation alluded to is used by the 
Prussian field artillery for forced marches, turning flanks, &c. or advances from 
the reserve, and is composed of the guns, ammunition wagons, and a portion of 
the gunners, sufficient for entering into an action ; the store wagons, carts, spare 
men, artificers, and spare horses follow. § 
* Sufficient space exists with the 12-pr. Armstrong B.L. gun carriage. 
f The Prussians appear to use buffer plates under these seats, as stated in the Professional Tour 
of Officers, R.A. 1865. The plan of strapping on a blanket, has been found, with us, sufficient on 
the limbers and wagon bodies. The axle-tree boxes being secured to the axle-tree bed with us, 
a back stay is not needed. 
X Taubert. 
§ In advancing for action, the ammunition wagons in the Prussian artillery are thus disposed 
of:—At within 1000 paces of the position to be occupied, the wagons are halted and formed into 
