Nos. 5 and 6 test elevating-gear with range-keeper.
Nos. 7 and 8 test traversing-gear with gunner.
Nos. 9 and 10 examine recoil-cylinders to see that they are properly filled. No. 9 does the filling with oil when necessary. Wrenches, funnel, and measure are passed back and replaced, filling-plugs replaced, and Nos. 9 and 10 take posts two paces on right and left, respectively, of No. 4.
No. 11 receives and disposes of muzzle-cover, passes up and replaces funnel and oil-measure when necessary, then takes post near No. 12 at the trucks.
No. 12 removes muzzle-cover, examines trucks.
No. 13 inspects and tests telautograph. If a telephone is used, he puts on head receiver and wears it until dismissed.
Q. Explain briefly how to open a breech mechanism, Model 1888.
A. Figure 1 shows breech in normal position--closed. No. 2 turns rotating crank-catch 90° to left and turns rotating-crank in the direction of the arrow till it stops (Fig. 2).
No. 1 turns translating-roller to left till, at the end, the shock releases the block (Fig. 3), then swings block free to right of gun till it engages securing-latch (Fig. 4). Mechanism 1895 is opened by No. 3 turning crank continuously till motion stops, being careful that crank does not catch safety-lanyard.
Q. Give duties of each member of the detachment at the command "Load!"
A. Chief commands: (1) "With shot!" (shell or dummy projectile); (2) "Load!"
Gunner gives direction to piece according to the system used, and either fires electrically or signals to No. 3 to fire. (Except in Case 3.)
Range-keeper calls off range, using predicting-scale, and corrects same for gun difference; signals or calls out "Elevation-set!"
No. 1 assists in opening and closing breech. Examines for dirt, etc., the breech-block and gas-check. Oils same. When necessary, assists in ramming. Places third section of cartridge on shot-tray.
No. 2 assists in opening and closing breech, examines for dirt, etc., and oils gas-check seat and threads of breech-recess. He commands: (1) "Home!"; (2) "Ram!" Observes scale on rammer, places second section of cartridge on front part of shot-tray, pushes fourth section into chamber, such that its base will almost clear the gas-check seat. If necessary, inserts loading-tray and sponges, assisted by No. 10.