"COUNTER BATTERY FIRE! 600 YARDS! CASE SHOT- FIVE SECOND FUSE!!!"

The commands were clear through the roar of the battle around them. Jefferson manned his loading implements while the number 6 man set to preparing the next shell and cut the fuses. The number 2 man just extracted the spent canvas bag from the previous shot and as soon as it cleared the bore, Jefferson shoved the soaking wet sponge down the tube as fast as he could, estinguishing any embers still trapped in the 3" ordinance rifle. He pulle the implement out with a wet "schlook" spin an set it onto the gun carriage. Then instinctually he grabbed the dry sponge and ran that down the barrel to dry it for the incoming shot. Once dried, he flipped his rammer around and placed the wooden end on the barrel with a dull thunk, letting the crew know he was ready to ram the shot home. The number 5 man ran te shell to the number 2 man who waited for the order to load. Once the commanding officer yelled "Load!" He slid the shell into the vote and stepped away. Then Jefferson swung the rammer around and shoved the powder and explosive shell down the bore until it packed against the breech. Then, pulling the rammer out, he stepped aside and held the rammer up, indicating the piece was loaded. The number 3 man pricked the charge an the number 4 man set the primer with lanyard.

"GUN 3 READY!!" The number 4 man yelled.

Then the commander raised his sword. Jefferson leaned away from the muzzle an covered his sensitive equine ears, then the commander brought his sword down, yelling "FIRE!!" And all 6 cannons of battery L opened fire at once.


This scene that I have just described takes a well drilled artillery crew from start to finish about 20-30 seconds. All while under enemy fire. Each man, knowing how to do every job on the piece.

This pice of art I got commissioned by  Novery go give her some appreciation for her great art!!!

Jefferson© me
Art ©  Novery