Guns Firing 1846

The plumes in the men’s busbies indicate that they are in review order for this firing. Gun no.1 in the foreground is on a lower level than nos. 2, 3 and 4, and half concealed behind a wall. These four guns are two divisions of the battery; one more division would be further along the line, consisting of a gun and howitzer. The sergeant-major on the left is ‘laying’ the gun. The men of a gun crew would be numbered 1 to 5. Numbers 6 and 7 were assigned to the limber. One of the gun crew is sponging the barrel after firing, he and the loader stand either side of the barrel as the gun fires. The ventsman and the firer stand either side of the breech. It was the ventsman’s job to put his thumb on the vent to prevent a rush of air re-igniting a spark in the barrel.
Until 1853, when Chobham camp was established, Troops or Batteries had no experience of field training with infantry or cavalry. Firing training and practice was usually carried out on Plumstead Common, Woolwich, with an annual grant of practice ammunition which totalled 140 rounds, of which 80 were round shot and 60 shrapnel. The print is by M A Hayes and was published in Spooner’s Oblong series.

Regimental Details | RHA in Action