,

D[t'lR\C1EO.
t\L~

t.:=?:~:~~ ;;: ';.::;::~?: -;:.: I::I~~'::

service. t e n~e coo rating in., Gov~rnment wo !uthorbed military discretion who or., ';;. to th. press ellcept by a 5 M 1944.) communicated to the ~u IC(;:e olsopor. i3b, A,R 380-5, 1 or public relations agenCies.

.~\

/ ES~RICTE6MATTER::--the I~f~rDISSEMINATION Of R d ~e essential c\.oroderlshCS . stricted documents on w~ to be in the

IAR

''t

G .

0"

' DEPARTMENT '15 APRIL 1945

WAR

DEPARTMENT

FIELD

MANUAL
I ".
\e-;

r',

- F M -: 6
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to-

7 6

.\.'

SERVICE ~'OF:-THE<pjECE /105MM 'HOWITZER MOTOR CARRIAGE, M37/

'Frn l,-7b u>tf~).
10.

WAR

DEPARTMENT-J5

A P R I l

J 9 ., 5

RES!RIC ~.

DISSEMINATION OF R~STRICTEDMATTER.-The)nJor.

'"

. /

mahon contClined in restricted documents and the essential characteristics oJ restricted ~terial may be 'Jiven to dny person known to .b'e in the service oJ the United States and to pers~ns oJ undoubted 14alty and discretion who ~re cooperatin'J in Go~em'ment work, but 'will not be communicated ta the public or to the press e.~ept by auth~rized' military

I
I

public relations a'Je~cies.

(See also Par. 23b, AR 380-5; 15 Mar'1944.)

I J

WASHINGTON:

1945

WASHINGTON

WAR DEPARTMENT 25, D. C., 15 APRIL 194.

FM 6-76, Service of the Piece, 105mm Howitzer Motol Carriage, M37, is published for the inform?tion an~ guidance of all concerned.
[AG 300.7 (15 Apr 45) ]

By

ORDER OF THE SECRETARY OF WAR:

G. C. MARSHALL,
Chief of Staffl

OFFI<:;IAL:

J. A. ULIO,
"/vI ajor General, The Adjutant General.
DISTRIBUTION:

AAF(2); ACF(40); ASF(2); Arm & Sv Bd(l); Tech 5, 9(1); PC 9(5); Cen & Sp Sv Sch(2) except FA Sch(lO; Armd Sch(200); USMA(10); ROTC 6(1); Repl Tng C ~ 17(10); A(2); CHQ(2); D 17(2). T/O & E: 6-165(301 6-160-1(3). For explanation of distribution formula, see FM 21-6.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Paragraphs

Page

~CTION

I. II. III. IV. V. VI. VII.

General Section Composition and Formations

_ _

1-3 4,5 6-9 10-15 16-19

20-34 35-48

1 3 6 10

Posts, M~unted and Dismounted Inspections and Maintenance _ Prepare for Action and . March Order Indirect Fire Direct Fire Additional Information on the Service of the Piece Care and Maintenance of the Piece Destruction of Equipment ' _ _ _ _ _ _

28 38
59 70

VIII. IX. X.

49-59 60-65 66-72

75
86

RESTRICTED

FM 6-76 MANUAL

WAR DEPARTMENT

FIELD

SERVICE OF THE PIECE I05l\IM HOWITZER MOTOR CARRIAGE, "M37*

Section I CENERAL

1. PURPOSE AND SCOPE. This manual prescribes the duties to be performed in the service of the 105mm Howitzer Motor Carriage, M37, by the personnel normally assigned to a howitzer section" of an armored Fieldartillery firing battery.

2. DESCRIPTION OF EQUIPMENT." This vehicle is ~~e successor of the 105mm Howitzer Motor Carriage, 1'17.The chassis is that of the Light Tank, M24, with the 105mm Howitzer, M4, mounted in a lightly armored ~ull. A ring-mounted caliber .50 AA machine gun is ~~catedhigh on the right side of the hull. The howitzer I s equipped with both the Panoramic Telescope, M12A2, and the Telescope, ~176G. The range of traverse is 80 mils and the range of elevation from minus 170 iils to plus 1800 mils. "

3. MILITARY CHARACTERISTICS. All personnel of ~he section should be familiar with the critical dimenJions of the motor carriage and data necessary to its .movement. This information is shown in figure lb. .
II For

I" t 1"I" 1tary terms not defined in this manual 1S 0 publications see FM 21-6.

see TM 20-205

and for

1.

(:)

00

LoW Y

.... .
t-

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=:r: c .....
LoW Y

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;... 00

= ~
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.....

....

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2

Section II

SECTION COMPOSITION AND FORMATIONS

. COMPOSITION. a. The personnel of the howitzer ~ction consists of the following: One chief of section, ne gunner, four cannoneers (Nos. 1, 2, 3, and 4), and ne driver. b. Relief cannoneers. Ammunition handlers from the mmunition section act as relief cannoneers when so lirected by the battery executive. They are assigneq luties in the howitzer section by the chief of section.

:. FORMATIONS. a. Dismounted. For the first disnounted formation of the howitzer section for any drill . Ir exercise, the order to FALL IN. is preceded by AS -IOWITZER SECTIONS. The place of formation may >e stated in the command to FALL IN. For example: .. AS HOWITZER SECTIONS, 2. IN FRONT OF {OUR PIECES, 3. FALL IN. The chief of section takes lis post four paces in front of center of vehicle, faces :he vehicle, and supervises the formation. The gunner :epeats the command FALL IN and takes his post two ?aces in front of the right fender facing the front. The :emainder of the section moves at double time, falls in it close interval at the gunner's left, as shown in figure ~, dresses to the right, and faces to the front. I b. Call off. (1) The chief of section commands CALL pFF. The gunner calls off GUNNER; the cannoneer Dn the left of the gunner calls off ONE; the cannoneer
3.

@
@@@@,Q)@

CS =
CHIEF OF D = DRIVER 2 G = GUNNER CORPORAL 3 1= CANNONEER No 1 4

SECTION =
CANNONEER No 2 =
CANNONEER No 3 =
CANNONEER No 4

Figure 2.

Howitzer

section, dismounted

posts.

the left of No.1, TWO; and so on, ending with the ver who calls off DRIVER. 2) After having called off, if a subsequent formation >rdered, the cannoneers fall in at once in their proper ler. ~.Change posts. To train each member of the section all duties connected with service of the piece, the :its of individual cannoneers should be changed freently. The cannoneers being at their dismounted sts, the command is: 1. CHANGE POSTS, 2. :MARCH. this command, No.1 passes quickly in rear of the ~tionand takes the post of the driver. No.2 moves to ~
post of No. 1, other cannoneers take the post of ~
next lower number, and the driver takes the post No.4. The gunner changes only when specifically rected. The command is: 1. GUNNER AND CAN)NEERS CHANGE POSTS, 2. MARCH. The gunner dckly takes the post of the driver, No.1 moves to the 1stof gunner, other cannoneers take the post of the ~xtlower number, and driver takes the 'post of No.4.

Section ill

POSTS, MOUNTED AND DISMOUNTED

6. POSTS. Dismounted, mounted, and prepared for a tion posts are shown in figures 2, 3, and 4 respective]

7. TO MOUNT THE HOWITZER SECTION. Being dismounted posts or dismounted, the section is mount' at the command or signal MOUNT. (This may be pr ceded by the command' or signal PREPARE 1 MOUNT. At this command or signal: a.. Driver mounts over the slope plate and takes. ~ mounted post. ' . b. Gunner and No.2 mount over the left side of ~ motor carriage and take their mounted posts. c. No.1, No, 3, and No. 4 mount over the right si of the motor carriage and take their mounted posts. d. After .all other members of the section ,ha' mounted, the chief of section mounts over the left si of the motor carriage and takes his mounted post. .

8. TO DISMOUNT THE HOWITZER SECTION. T section, being at mounted posts or mounted, is d mounted at the command or signal 1. PREPARE 1 DISMOUNT, 2. DISMOUNT. At the preparatory CO] mand, members of the section stow all vehicular equi men,t. At the command DISMOUNT, members of t section dismount in reverse of the order prescribed paragraph 7 and take their dismounted posts (figure 6

, TO POST THE SECTION. The section being at rest r dismounted from the vehicle and not in any formaon, at the command 1. CANNONEERS, 2. POSTS, ach gunner repeats the command POSTS, and the river and cannoneers move at double time to the ac-. on posts shown in figure 4. If the section is dismounted, ley mount as shown in paragraph 7 and then take ction posts.

D = DRIVER

CS= CHIEF OF 2 G = GUNNER CORPORAL 3 1= CANNONEER No 1 4

SECTION = CANNONEER No 2 = CANNONEER No 3 = CANNONEER No 4

Figure 3.

Howitzer section, mounted posts.

CS = CHIEF OF SECTION D = DRIVER 2 = CANNONEER No 2 G = GUNNER CORPORAL 3 = CANNONEER No 3 1 = CANNONEER No 1 4 = CANNONEER No 4

<

Figure 4.

Howitzer

section, action posts.

9'

Section IV

INSPECTIONS

AND

MAINTENANCE

10. GENERAL. a. The. inspections and operations ~

scribed in this section are those which must be pej formed to maintain the motor carriage and its weapo~ in good mechanical condition and the stowed equi.~ ment complete, serviceable, and ready for combat. T~ chief of section is responsible for their proper perfor~~ ance. He supervises the entire operation and uses discretion in delegating duties to other than the p scribed individual when, for any reason, the compo~ tion of the section is altered or a particular operati~ or group of operations might be improperly perform~ due to individual lack of proficiency. .J

b.Checks of 'weapons, sighting equipment, and a munition, a.nd of the vehicle engines, power train, trac1 and suspension system, instruments, towing cable, cd nections, shackles, battery, accessory drives, electric wiring, controls, and equipment are made in accordani with provisions of the appropriate vehicle technic manuals. Deficiencies are reported and corrected as tht are found. The WD Form No. 48 (Driver's Trip Tick and PM Service Record) should be carefully at thoroughly prepared, and all' maintenance work ~ qui~ed recorded on it in as complete detail as praet1 able. Any. irregularity noted which is not correet/ before the next use of the vehicle should be re-enteri 10

1 WD Form No. 48 until it has been lre of.

properly

taken

c. The battery executive will make a daily general lspection and a weekly detailed inspection of all ma:riel. Purpose of this daily inspection, which will be lade at the same time that sections are conducting ~eir maintenance formations, will be to insure that the ~ttery is properly performing its preventive mainten?ce functions. A general inspection of the motor carages and weapons for appearance and a thorough spot ~eck of several parts will be made. At formal inspecpn, all personnel of the firing battery will be present. ne executive will make a thorough mechanical check t the motor carriage and will also inspect ordnance tool i~s, spare parts, and equipment for condition and com~~teness. Maintenance personnel and the artillery mecht ~c will accompany the executive. Minor repairs or dJustments will be performed by battery personnel. ajor repairs will be reported to ordnance.

11

12

14

15

16

17~

18

20

... .~

(1)

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23.~.

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24

25

b()

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26

27

Section V

PREPARE FOR ACTION AND MARCH ORDER

16. AMMUNITION TRAILER.. a. General. When howitzer section prepares for action, the ammunitj trailer, if possible, is uncoupled and left a short distar to the rear of the final firing position of the motor c riage. The trailer must never be allowed to handic the movements of the motor carriage during firing. b. Uncouple trailer. To uncouple the ammuniti trailer, the chief of section orders the driver to stop t motor carriage and' then gives the command U COUPLE TRAILER. Cannoneers Nos. 2, 3, and 4 d mount and Nos. 3 and 4 set the hand parking brak' No.2 lowers,the'wheel stand, making sure that it is the full "DOWN" position. No.2 then unlocks the pin hook at the rear of the motor carriage, while Nos. and 4 lift the lunette out..While Nos. 3 and 4 hold t trailer handles, No. 2 signals the chief of section have the motor carriage moved forward. The chief section, by voice or interphone to the driver, contr( the movement of the motor carriage into the firil position. Nos. 3 and 4 set the wheel stand down, aI all cannoneers proceed at double time to the mot car~iage. c;. Couple trailer. At the command CO U P L TRAILER, the driver starts the engines, if they i not running, while cannoneers Nos. 2, 3, and 4 dismotI and proceed at double time to the trailer. The chief 28

1 Chon, by b,

f
j

interphone or voice to the driver, controls ~ e movement of the motor carriage back to the posifon of the trailer. While No. 2 opens the pintle hook the rear of the motor carriage, Nos. 3 and 4 hold the ailer. No.2 signals the chief of section to have the I otor carriage back up. to the lunette. Nos. 3 and 4 ~ace the lunette in the pintle hook and No. 2 locks it. os. 3 and 4 release the hand parking brakes while.No. raises the trailer support stand. The cannoneers then ,eturn to' their mounted posts in the motor carriage.

7. HAND SIGNALS.' The following are the signals ~ed to indicate to the driver the. proper movement of e motor carriage. They are given from a dismounted osition, facing the driver, and are illustrated in figures and 6.

f body.

a. Start engines. Describe a cranking motion in front Cross forearms ' repeatedly in front

f b. Stop engines. body.

c. Move forward or backward. Motion with repeated [ ove~ents of both hands in front of face, palms facing . e ?lrection of travel. Speed of movement is controlled Y Increasing or decreasing speed with which hands' re mOved.

d. Halt. Clasp hands in front of face. Warning for aIt is given by holding arms to the front, fingers exended and joined, palms turned inward. Hands are ~oved together to approximate the amount of moveent stilI to be made . . e. Change direction. Clench and slightly raise the 1st on the side to which the turn is to be made (side ~ ::J n ~hich brake is applied). Execute thrusts in direction

res Ired,

'.

.
29

r'

START ENGINE

CHANGE DIRECTION Execute thrusts in direction desired Figure 5a. Hand signals.

30

STOP ENGINE Used in units having vehicles with turrets

HALT

For execution,

clasp hands ~~ front of face

Figure 5b.

Hand signals.

31

MOVE AHEAD-Repeat

several times

MOVE IN REVERSE-Repeat

several times

Figure 6.

Hand signals.

32

33

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a,)

N N

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U

34

35

36

37

Section VI .

INDIRECT FIRE

20. GENERAL~-The principal duties in firing for ea' member of the section are listed below. For comple lists and detailed descriptions of the duties of eat member of the section, see paragraphs 21-23 inclusiJ . For additional duties during direct fire, see Secti! VII. . a. Chief of section. Supervises action of all memb of the section. b. Driver. Remains at his post. c. Gunner. Lays the piece for direction. and closes the breech, e. Cannoneer No.2. f. Cannoneer No.3. g. Cannoneer No.4. munition for firing.

and fires the piece.. Loads the piece. . Prepares ammunition for. firiI1 Assists No.3 in preparing aIt'1

21. CHIEF OF SECTION, LIST OF DUTIES. a. Ii -lays all fire commands from the battery executive. 'ac~~r~::t.y.that .all commands are e'iIecuted rapidly

""t

. c. Measures the minimum quadrant elevation. d. Indicates to gunner the aiming point or referriIl point.
38

e. Lays for elevation, assisted by No.1, when the quadrant is used. Measures the range or elevation. Ig. Indicates when the piece is ready to fire. ~~.Signals or commands FIRE. ,.1, Reports errors and other unusual incidents of fire ~the battery executive. j. Conducts pr~arranged firing schedules. tk. Records basic data. . Frequently notes. functioning of materiel. L~' Checks all rounds which have been prepared for tlng, but not fired, before they are replaced in con(ners. , tn. Assigns duties under unusual conditions. Controls movement of motor carriage.

I
1

1nner's

,I.

to.

tCllIEF

OF SECTION, DETAILED

DESCRIP-

t ON OF DUTIES. a. Relays all fire commands from

e battery executive. The chief 'of section relays all e c.o. mmands received over intr,a-battery communican system. He is prepared to repeat any part of the rnrnand to any cannoneer who has failed to hear it. ~ Sees that all commands are executed rapidly and b. f,c~rately. The chief of section frequently checks th.e l~l~gof the piece and sees to it that all member~ of hIS h h?n.. are working as accurately and as rapIdly as rSSIble. l Measures the minimum quadrant elevation. The c. rrnand is MEASURE THE MINIMUM QUADRANT EVATION. . ' ~~l) The., chief of section, Sight.ng. along the lowest i ~ent of the bore, orders No. 1 to elevate the piece tII the line of sight just cleats the crest. ..

39

.j

(2) He sets the micrometer on the gunner's quadr at zero and seats the quadrant shoes on the leve1 plates of the breech ring with the "Line of Fire" afl pointing toward the muzzle. j . (3) He frees and raises the quadrant arm, and ~ lowers it slowly until the level bubble passes throv the center of the level. (4) He engages the plunger in the notches and t,," the micrometer knob until the level bubble is accud ly centered. ~ (5) He reads the red or black figures according the engraved instructions below the micrometer. (6) After reading the angle, the chief of section ports it to the battery executive, MINIMUM QU RANT ELEVATION, NUMBER (SO AND SO), MUCH).

d. Indicates to gunner the aiming point or refer point. Whenever an aiming point or referring point-1 been designated by the battery executive, the chiet,. section makes sure that he has properly identified point in qUestio.n and .then calls o. f, .AIMING POI~ f IDENTIFIED. He then indicates it to the gunner~~ there is any possibility of misrmderstanding, the cb of section turns the panoramic telescope until the h zontal and vertical cross hairs of the reticle are on designated point. With the aid of the sight, the gun is then able to identify the point and announce to chief of section, AIMING POINT IDENTIFIED .. .

e. Lays for elevation, assisted by No.1, when . gunner's quadrant is used. The command QUAD RA _(SO MUCH) in the fire command indicates that gunner's quadrant is to be used.' The chief of sectl sets the announced quadrant elevation on the gunn d quadrant. When the piece is loaded and the breej,

block closed, he places .the quadrant on the leveU 40

a:tes.of the breech ring. He stands squarely opposite sIde of the quadrant and holds it firmly on the eling plates parallel to the axis of the bore. No. 1 'ev~tes or depresses the piece until the quadrant bube IS centered, making sure that the last' movement is the direction in which it is most difficult to turn the evating handwheel. The chief of section warns No. When the bubble is approaching the center, in order ,at the proper leveling may be performed accurately.
1,

:C

,f. Measures elevation (range). At the command ~E:ASURE THE ELEVATION (RANGE), the piece CVI~g been laid, the chief of section causes No. 1 to ~t sIte 300 and, with the range drum knob, to center ~e longitudinal-level bubble of the range quadrant. Ihe chief of section then reads the elevation (range) ~t on the elevation scale (range drum) and announces elevation (range) thus set. For example: ELEV A, ON (RANGE) NUMBER (SO AND SO), (SO MUCH).

~t
h:

~g. Indicates when the piece is. ready to fire. When battery executive can see arm signals given by the lIef of section, the chief of section will extend his bgh~ arm vertI,'cally as a Sign, l that the piece is ready a lEhre. He gives this signal as soon as the gunner calls I ~DY. When arm signals cannot be seen, the chief of ~~~on reports orally to the battery executive, NUM..: I (SO AND SO), READY. r. h. Signals and commands FIRE. The chief of section. ~Vesthe signal to fire by dropping his right arm sharp~Nto his side and orally commanding, NUMBER (SO '. D SO), FIRE. The chief of section will not give the IIgnal to fire until all' cannoneers are in their proper I aces. .

I i. Reports errors and other unusual incidents of fire ~ the battery executive. If for any reason the piece .annot be fired, the chief of section will promptly re-

41

h f . th. b .... th 1 port t at act to e attery executIve, gIvmg e 1 son: NUMBER (SO AND SO), OUT (REASON). Wb ever it is discovered that the piece has been fired ~ an error in laying, the chief of section will reporf once the amount of error and whether corrected' not. For example: NUMBER (SO AND SO) FIRED MILS RIGHT, ERROR HAS (HAS NOT) BEEN cC RECTED. The gunner also reports any other unu~ incidents that affect the service of the piece. J j. Conducts prearranged firing schedules. Whene the execution of prearranged fire schedules is orde~ the chief of sectio. ..conducts the fire of the piece n strict conformity to the schedule prescribed.

k. Records basic data. The chief of section reco in a notebook such information as minimum elevati base deflections, including aiming points used; pr~ ~anged firing schedules, when prepared schedules) y not furnished;. safe. .. limits, in ele.va.lionand defleCII t. number of rounds fired, with the hour and date; calibration corrections when appropriate. . I. Notes frequently the functioning of materiel. chief of se"ction notes the functioning of all mate during firing. He carefully observes the functioning the recoil system at all' times. He promptly reports; the battery exeCUIIe any materiel that is not func.tJ .. v ing properly. m. Checks all rounds which have been prepared firing, but not fired, before they are replaced in , tainers..The chief.of section personally checks all rou1 not fired which have been prepared for firing, as .safety precaution to prevent short bursts. He sees ~
aJI seven increments are present in proper conditi ~ assembled in the .proper numerical order, and that Wl are of the proper lot number, before they are repla. in the container. He also checks to see that the I
0:i.

42

,
f

,lmber on the ammunition corresponds to the lot numOn the container. He obtains a slip of paper on k~i.chan .officer of the battery has certified with his ltIalSthat all required .precautions as to checking in~ents have been taken and gives it to No. 3 for inSlon under the seal when unused ammunition is reced in containers and sealed. ~ Assigns duties under unusual conditions. Whenever personnel of the section serving the piece is temraril~ reduced or other conditions r.e.quire it, the c. ief h sectIon assigns additional duties .. hat will. facilitate t e service of the piece. For example, the chief of sec~n may direct the driver, No.2, and No.3 to assist ~th the carrying and un crating of ammunition, or No. f may act as driver for a large deflection shift when ~edriver is handling ammunition. f o. Controls. movement of the motor carriage. When it : n:cessary to move the motor carriage, the chief. of :chon instructs the driver to start the engines. He then )~trols the displacement of the motor carriage by lIce Or interphone.

t.

~'flC~NNER, LIST OF DUTIES. ~ ectlOn. b. Applies deflection difference. Cd' Lays the piece for direction .

a. Sets or changes

. Calls READY.
:. Refers the piece. . Records the base deflection. g. Measures the deflection. CUNNER, DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF TIES. a. Sets or changes deflection. (1) Sets deflecon: When a piece is prepared for action with known ~Ing POint, the elevation indexes, azimuth scale, and ~Irnuth micrometer on the panoramic telescope are ~ 43

set at zero. Then at the command, for example, ~ FLECTION 1885, the gunner first sets the micromt index opposite the zero .of the fixed deflection sd if it is not already so set. He then pushes the throw lever and turns the rotating head until the hundr graduation (18 in this case) is opposite the azirnl scale index. He releases the throwout lever and grasp1 the azimuth worm knob with his right hand, turns 1 top of the worm knob away from him until the grad tion 85 is opposite the index. Care. must be taken! avoid a 100 mil error. The line of sight will then m~ a horizontal angle of 1885 mils with the axis of the b~ the angle desired in this example.

(2) Changes deflection. The gunner should be trai to grasp the azimuth worm knob with his right h~ and to turn the knob. in the same direction as the

or. the "R" on the fixed de.. leClion scale.,. depending. f whether the command is LEFT or RIGHT. He sho also be taught that turning the top of the azimuth wo knob away horn him increases the deflection set on telescope and results in moving the muzzle to the when the piece is laid with the new deflection. Si larly, turning' the top of the azimuth worm knob f ward him decreases the deflection and results in rn~ ing the inuzzle to the right when the piece is laid. deflection having been set at 1885 mils, if a sUbseq;~ command is, for example, RIGHT 65, the gunner tur the top of the azimuth worm knob toward him (in ~ same direction as the "R" on the fixed deflection scl:L by an amount equal to 65 divisions. on the scale. Sit1 '. this decreases the deflection, the resulting deflect~ will be 1820 mils. Should the command be LEFT (:x '1\1UCH), the deflection setting is changed in a sirnil manner, except that the gunner moves the top of t azjmuth worm knob away from him (in the same dir tion as the "L" on .the fixed deflection scale).

U~

11

44

I6?)

dellbed above, the gunner can reset. the micrometer ~ex opposite the most convenient 10'-mil graduation t e: each deflection resetting is made. This facilitates th~g off the tens an.d units on the azimuth micro. meter. read the deflection on the azimuth micrometer, the crometer index is turned to zero on the deflection ~ laIe, and the setting opposite the arrow on the mic,meter index is read.

To use the micrometer index. In the method

deflection dl.'fference. (1) The command is NO. (SO AND SO) OPEN (CLOSE) (SO MUCH). e gunner of the piece indicated in the command does :>t change the deflection set on his telescope. Each r the other gunners. changes his deflection setting by ~e number of mils specified in the command if his lece is next in line to the piece indicated, by twice this mber of mils if his piece is second in line from the ~ece indicated, by three times this number of mils if Is piece is third in line from the piece indicated, and ~d~n. Cunners are taught to use the telescope as an i lllg machine, instead of totaling the shifts.

I~' Applies
h
I

If the command is, for example, ON No.1 OPEN , e gunner on No.1 makes no change; the gunner ~ No ..2 turns. the top of the azimuth worm knob away tm hIm and sets off 5 mils once; the gunner on No. Urns the top of the azimuth worm knob in a similar ~a~ner, except that he sets off 5 mils twice, .or a total o mils; the gunner on No. 4 also turns the azimuth ~or~ knob in a similar manner, except that he sets off 1111Ishree times, a total of .. 5 mils. t 1
I (~

Should the command be, for example, ON NO. z. LOSE 10, the gunner on No.1 turns the top of the . IImuth Worm knob away from him and sets off 10 111 St. 11 Wlce or a total of 20 mils; the gunner on No.2 rns the top of the azimuth worm knob in a simila;r

g)

45

manner, except that he sets off l() mils once; the on No.3 makes no change; the gunner on No.4 tt1 the top of the azimuth worm knob toward him and off 10 mils once. (4) \Vhen ference are RIGHT 30, the gunner's change and

guj

a deflection change and a .deflection announced at the same time, for exam ON NO. 1 CLOSE 5, both of which af piece, he should first set off the deflec~ then apply the deflection difference.

(5) Due to the variety of formations of the armO artill~ry, it often will be necessary to order deflec shifts for each individ. ual piece. The command WilI given by the battery executive and will indicate number of the piece and the deflection change to made. For example, NUMBER THREE, RIGHT FI~ The change will be made in the same manner as ~aking any deflection change. c. Lays the piece for direCtion. (1) \Vith the deflec set on the panora~ic telescope, the gunner trave. the piece until the vertical cross hair of the panora

centers the bubbles of the telescope mount. The gun now brings the vertical cross hair into exact aligml1. with the aiming point and then rechecks the bubbr To take up lost motion and insure accuracy, the movement of the traversing h.andwheel should be that the cross hair is always brought onto the same p of the aiming point from the left. .The gunner sho . habitually follow the above procedure in laying piece for direction.

fif

s~ .

(2) If the amount of movement necessary is grea than. can be obtained by traversing the piece, the nerwill. center traverse the howitzer. and indicate: the driver the movement required. Any movement the carriage will involve ~ displacement from the

rl

Jl't

46

f aiming posts, if in use. The gunner will control the ?v~ment of the carriage until it is returned to its nglllal position with the sight approximately on the ne of aiming posts. Before correction for alignment is rdered, he lays for direction by traversing the piece o that the far post appears on the horizontal. cross hair ~1fway between the vertical cross hair and the near Iming post. (See paragraph 53.) . d. Calls READY. When the piece is laid for direction, d No.1 has called SET, the gunner moves his head ~ear of the eye shield, checks the cross- and longitudi[hi-Iev.elson the telescope mount, checks the setting of :h~azlmuth scale and. micrometer, and indicates to the i lef of section that the piece is ready to fire by anlOuncing READY. I e. Refers the piece. When the piece is laid for di(;Ction,-to refer the piece the command is AIMING l. O!NT(SO AND SO), REFER. Without disturbing the ~~Ing of the piece, the gunner brings the vertical cross a~r.of the panoramic telescope on -to the new aiming ) POInt.He then reads .and announces the deflection. He ~tes it and the referring point on a convenient part of I e motor carriage. Records base deflection~ At the command RECORD theSE DEFLECTION, the gunner reads the deflectio? t n set on the panoramic. telescope and announces It (~ the recorder as BASE DEFLECTION, NUMBER . ~AND SO), (SO MUCH). He notes this deflection ~: t~e aiming point used on a convenient part of the tor carriage. Measures the deflection. The command is AIMING 1'10NT (SO .AND SO), :MEASURE THE DEFLE~t b~. The piece being laid for direction, without dlspur Ing the laying of the piece the gunner turns .the anoramic telescope until the vertical cross hair is ?n

lr

nl.

pJi

47

the designated aImIng point. He centers the bubb on the telescope mount, rechecks line of sighting of panoramic telescope, and then reads the deflection on the azimuth scale and micrometer. He announ this ..reading as DEFLECTION NUMBER (SO A SO), (SO MUCH). 25. CANNONEER NO.1, LIST OF DUTIES. angle of site. b. Sets range. c. Sets elevation. d. Lays the piece for range. e. Opens and closes the breech. f. Calls SET. g. Fires the piece. h. Mans the machine gun. a. S

26. CANNONEER NO.1, DETAILED DESCRIPTI. OF DUTIES. a. Sets angle of site. The angle of site.r set on the angle of site scale and micrometer of tg~ range quadrant. No. 1 turns the angle of site wort' knob until the announced figure is approximately dicated on the angle of site scale. He then makes small final adjustment of the micrometer to bring t~ last two figures of the angle of site opposite the micr~ meter index. For example, the command is SI 275. N'. 1 turns the angle of site worm knob until the SC8~ index is one-quarter the distance from the "3" to tb i "2" graduation. He then adjusts the micrometer to re9~ 75. The last motion is made in the direction of increa~ ing site. f b. Sets range. Range is set on the range drum ~ the range quadrant. To set range, No. 1 first install the range' drum corresponding to the announced charg1 He grasps the range drum knob and turns it until tb,
I

it

48

!,nounced range is opposite the index, making sure (t the last movement is in the dir.ection of increasing

~nge. I c. Sets elevation. No. 1 turns the range drum knob til the announced elevation is approximately indicated r. the elevation scale. By a small movement of the llcrometer he then brings the last two figures of the levation opposite the elevation micrometeJ.' index. He ta~es Sure that the last movement is in the direction r Increasing elevation. For example, the command is :LEVATION 464. No.1 sets the elevation scale index etween the "4" and "5" graduations. He then adjusts lemicrometer to read 64. (Caution: A large final ad1stment of the micrometer indicates either an improper, adjusted elevation scale or an incorrect initial setting. , check should be made to see that a IOO-mil error Oes not exist.) .

d. Lays the piece for range .. After setting the range n the range drum or setting the elevation on the elevaOn scale and micrometer, No. 1 lays the piece for ~nge. He first centers the cross-level bubble by turning e cross-leveling worm knob. Next, he elevates or deIre~ses the piece by turning the elevating handwheel nhi the bubble in the longitudinal-level is approxilat I centered. No. 1 now rechecks the cross-level de Y n centers the bubble .. again.,.if necessary. He now Cc .. . .. Urately centers. the longitudinal-level bubble, mak~g s~re that the final movement of the tube is i.n the lrechon in which it is most difficult to turn the elevatng handwheel.

e. Opens and closes the breech. (1) To open. No. 1 queezes the breech operating lever 'handle in his left land t o release the catch and draws it to the rear, openng the breech.

(2) To close. No.1

grasps the operating

lever handle 49

with his left hand and pushes the handle forward u the breech is closed and the latch is engaged. f. Calls SET. No.1 calls SET when the piece has b loaded, the breech closed, and the piece laid for elt tion or range. . g. Fires the piece. At the chief of section's signal command NUMBER (SO' AND SO), FIRE, No. 1 fi the piece.. ~ h. Mans the machine gun. The machine gun. will operated by No.1 when so directed by the chief section. When the motor carriage is traveling, No will remain on the alert, prepared to operate the chine gun instantly.
I.

27. CANNONEER NO.2, LIST OF DUTIES. a. Lo thep~re. . b. Calls out number of round. c. Inspects chamber and bore after firing each roU d. Sets out aiming posts when ordered. e. Disposes of used cartridge cases. .

28. CANNONEER NO.2, DETAILED DESCRIPTl OF DUTIES. a.'Loads the piece. No.2 takes the rou~ grasping it with his right hand at the base of the c~ ridge case and his left hand in front of the rotatJ band. He then faces the breech, inserts the round id the chamber, and pushes it home with his right ha~ He must use care, especially at. higher elevations, avoid injuring his hand. When it is necessary for No. . to' insert his hand into the breech recess to push round home, he should first close his fist. He will . particularly careful to avoid striking 'the fuze agai a,ny portion of the materiel. A round to be loaded be held well out of the path of the recoil of the howit until the howitzer returns to battery. (See AR 750-1

50

J ...

...

. b. Calls out number of round. When the method of e is other than one round, No. 2 calls out the range . d the number of the round as he loads -the piece; and , he loads the last round, adds LAST ROUND. He ould speak only loud enough to be heard by memrs of. his own section. . . .. c: Inspects chamber and bore afte~ firing each round. o. 2 will inspect the bore and chamber after firing eh round to make certain that no foreign matter has en left which. may injure the. tube or burst the piece . obstructing the bore. d. Sets' out aiming posts when ordered. When so' dieted by the chief of section , No.2 dismounts and takes e . . I aIming posts from the rear of the motor carriage. esets tunner. up the aiming posts under the guidance of the

~. Disposes of used cartridge cases. During lulls in r~g, .No. 2 will throw used cartridge cases over the t g t SIdeof the motor carriage. . 19. ~ANNONEER NO.3, LIST OF. DUTIES. a. Places a~ aged, ammunition on radiator cover. . Re~oves round from container., ~. Cleans and inspects projectile; d. Sets fuze setter. . e. Cuts or sets fuzes. . f. Resets fuzes and replaces in containers rounds pre~ ared for firing but not fired.

~~ CANNONEER 3, DETAILED DESCRIPTION k' DUTIES. a. Places packaged ammunition on rear ee A f ' .. ~ t. s SOonas No.3 knows what type 0 ammumtIon ~ o.~e fired, he takes a packaged round from the am~ ~e~n~Ionrack and. places it, projectile end up, on the reek of the motor carriage.' ,. "
1.

Nb.

-.,

51

Figure 7.

No.3

opening projectile container.

ammunition

Figure 8.

No. 4 recewmg projectile from ammunition container held by No.3.

52

lb.
ri

Removes

round

from

container.

No.3'

takes

i..................... 7) i: ckaged i
. gure
i.

round, strips the container cap and tape away. and throws the tape from. the proJ'ectile en.d e p~cks up the container and tips the projectile into o. 4.s waiting hands. (See figure 8.) No.3 reverses the ntamer and strips the tape from the other end (figure throwing the tape and cap away. He tips the cartge case into No. 4's hands (figure 10) and disposes the container.

c. Cleans and 'inspects projectile. No. 3 wipes off e projectile with a clean rag or waste and carefully spects the rotating band for burrs. If it is burred, o. 3 sets it aside until he has an opportunity to file OWn the burrs. 'o. 3 sets on the fuze setter' the corrector and time . ounced. He also sets changes announced., durmg e firing.

nn

e. Cuts or sets fuzes. (1) Time fuzes. No. 3 removes ~~ safety pin and cuts the fuze to the time ordered, ~m g t h"e fuze setter. (See figure 11.) tl (2) Impact fuzes. No. 3 sets the adjustable impact i' Zes to QUICK" (SQ) or "DELAY" (D), as ordered. uzes are originally furnished set "SQ", but this setting Ust be v en'f"Ied III eac'h case. . . r )rf. Resets fuzes and replaces in containers the rounds :ue~ar~~ for firing but not fired. Under the personal '0 ~, rVISlonof the chief of section, No.3 resets time fuzes ~u SAFE'; and replaces the safety pin, checks impact n Zes and resets the "setting sleeve" to SQ, and replaces )eContainers all projectiles and cartridge cases that have h e n prepared for firing but not fired. He is careful t h~ lthe lot number on the ammunition corresponds. to ;to ot number on the container and that the packmg p and cardboard cover are included. He includes the

t
I
h

'

d . Sets fuze setter. ' When time fuzes are to be used,

53

Figure 9.

No.3

opening cartridge case end of ammunitil container.

Figure 10.

No.4

recetvtng cartridge case from ammunitjO~ container held by No.3.

54

......pape.r (Officer's Certificate), obtained from the o 1.. f If of section under one of the seals in a visible

iton when r~sealing the containers. i

)kCANNONEERNO.4, LIST OF DUTIES. a. Passes " aged rounds to No.3. . . Receives projectile and cartridge case from No.3. . Cleans and .. nspects cartridge case. i . . Prepares charges. . Assembles rounds. . Places.prepared rounds on radiator cover. . Replaces in cartridge cases increments of all rounds pared for firing but not fired.

~NNONEER NO.4, DETAILED DESCRIPTION UTIES. a. Passes packaged pieces to No.3. 04 passes packaged rounds forward to No.3 . . Receives projectile and cartridge case from No.3. e~ NO.3 opens the projectile end of the ammunition ta~?er,he tips the fuzed projectile into No. 4's hands. e 19ure 8.) No. 4 lays the projectile down in the ugh. (See figure 9.) He then receives the cartridge e, which is tipped from the other end of the conner by No.3. (See figure 10.) . . . Cleans and inspects cartridge case. No.4 wipes off . Cartridge case with a clean rag or waste. While ~kg this, he carefully inspects the cartridge case to ~ e sure that it is not bent or damaged. If the cartIi e case. is in such condition that it cannot be used, g ~~set aside until it can be straightened or disposed of. c~repares. charges. The fire comma~d. designates. 1ge arge to be fired. When No.4 receIves the cart:g case from No. 3 he withd.raws the increments , Ure II) , lar e : removes those numbered higher than the g deSIgnated, and puts them aside. An empty con-.

e.

55-

Figure 11.

No.3

cutting fuze while No.4

fixes charge.

Figure 12.

No. 4 assembling

round.

56

ner is a good receptacle for this purpose. He replaces ~ ~emaining increments in the cartridge case in their Igll1al numerical order.

e. Assembles rounds. When No.4 has prepared the arge and No.3 has set or cut the fuze, No.4 assembles ~ projectile and cartridge case in the ammunition lugh. (See figure 12.) f. Places prepared rounds on radiator cover. When >. 4 assembles a round he places it on the radiator ve~ of the motor carriage (figure 13) ready for No.2 l~lCk up and load into the breech. When No. 2 is Y to load the piece and no rounds are prepared, >. 4 passes the prepared rounds to No.2. To do this, passes the round to No. 2 in such a manner that

Figure

13.

No. 4 placing round on radiator cover, pro;ecti 1e pointing to rear.

57

No.2 is able to grasp it with his left hand in fr< the rotating band and his right hand on the base c cartridge case, making sure that the projectile and' ridge case do not separate. g. Replaces increments in cartridge cases of' all r( prepared for firing but not fired. Under the pet supervision "of the chief, of section, No. 4 replaci cartridge cases increments of all rounds prepare firing but not fired. No. 4 is careful to see thal reconstituted rounds contain all seven incremen1 good condition, in the proper numerical order, and 1 ing the proper lot number. . . 'I

'I

33., DRIVER, LIST OF DUTIES. a. Remains at his b. :Movesmotor carriage as directed by the chi section or gminer. ,

34. DRIVE~, DETAILED DES C RIP TI 0 N DUTIES. a. Remains at his post. During firing, driver normally remains in the driver's seat. He, k the engines running until the piece, is laid initially b. Move; motor carriage as directed by, the chi~ section .or gunner. The driver starts' the engine~ . command of the chief of section and moves the rrt carriage as directed by the chief of section or .gu~ The driver must see to it that the mechanical condi of the engines is such that they will start quickly easily at all times. When in action, the driver will up the engines from,time to time, to keep them in co . tion for'immediate starting.

58

Section VII

DIRECT
FIRE

.Iee of training in its special technique, since it re~es the section to operate as an independent uni~. T~e ~ standards of speed and accuracy required III Ill~ect fire are even more. important during direct fire on larget which may, in turn, be firing on you.

GENERAL. Delivery of direct fire demands a high

~ fREPARATORY STEPS. In order to obtain the best ~ustswhen using direct fire, the following preparatory -P should be taken: ~: Inspect the coaxial telescope mount to see that it a~r~ly bolted in place, and that the telescope is fully b e and tightly clamped. v '1BOresight the coaxial telescopes with tru~nions as e as Possible. .

:irBORESIGHTING. a. Accurate fire of any type reen~~aCCurate adjustment of sighting and la.ying eq~ip)rt All personnel must be impressed with the ImQe ance of. accurate boresightingat every opportunity. is tests and adjustments described in Section IX of liull1anual, and in TM 9-324, will insure accurate sight b strnent for direct laying. lr~ Fhr direct fire, the horizontal and vertical planes )ax~gl the zero range and deflection cross. hairs of the la telescope (figure 14) must be parallel to the same. 59-

105 MM HOWITZER. M2AI SHELL, HE, MI 1550 f/lMV CHARGE 7

+
8 12

VERTICAL

LINES

= 100

YDS

12

16

/6

20

20

24

24

28

28

36

36

Figure 14.

Reticle pattern, telescope M76G.

planes through the axis of the tube. In boresighting'd. is accomplished by bringing the alignment of the s~ coincide with that of the tube on a distant objec by placing each on its proper portion of a correctly 1 sitioned test target. (See paragraph 64c.)

to

60

61

62

I
h
lng: '

' FIRE COMMANDS. Fire commands. for direct fire . t given by the gun commander who normally is the Ff of section. The batterv executive designates the ~e' Or pleces to fire, and the target, followed by the I ~and FIRE AT WILL. When the chief ()f section f~es thi~ preliminary command, he gives a fire com~ to hIs section containing in sequence, the fol. . [ l' .. I Alert. Target. A~munition. DIrection of target. Lead . R.ange.

LERT. The command to alert the section is (SO SECTION. At the command, members of the tial fmove to their action posts to be ~eady for th.e trn Ire command. If the target is outsIde the maXln traverse of the howitzer, the alert is followed by ;e ec~ssary signals to the driver to get the howitzer POInted in the approximate direction <?fthe target.
't' SO) .IOn
I

1t

t~~RGET. This section of the command is to identi1 sh target. The identification must be unmistakable lrn fUld employ the minimum number of words. For triTe, TANK, MOVING TANK, MACHINE GUN, rno ANK GUN, or ENKMY INFANTRY (any enemy Unted personnel). a. Shell, HE. The command is JICl(' ~E, FUZE DELAY or SHELL, HE, FUZE ~With Smce Charge VII is always used during direct lay hlIE, no command for charge is necessary. Fuze, , s auld be used most frequently, as more pene[Et~MtJNITION. 63 ~

. tration will be obtained on armored targets or fort] tions. Against personnel, the ricochet produced by 0.15 second delay giv~s an effective burst. If less 50 per cent of the rounds fired against personnel ricochet bursts, change to fuze quick. I b. Shell, HEAT. The command is SHELL, A! TANK. Since the charge and fuze are fixed, no ~ command is necessary. Shell, HEAT, is a lower veI shell than HE, Charge VII; therefore its trajectory a greater curve. It rarely detonates except when it armor or similar hard surface. This makes it harde obtain hits against tanks with it, due to the difficult sensing the point of impact of a round which doeS hit an armored target. It will pierce four inches of vJ plate. The amount of HEAT carried is limited. In ~ of these facts, HEAT should be used only for close fense and should not beused at ranges in excess o~ yards.

43. DIRECTION OF TARGET. The cornman TRAVERSE RIGHT (LEFT), STEADY--ON. chief of section, while giving these commands, 1 along the tube or through the open sight of the p ramic telescope. If the gunner has difficulty ill" locf the target, the chief of section may look through coaxial t.elescope and put the zero lead line on the t~

44. LEAD. Leads are computed in mils. The 10 command for lead is LEAD (SO :MANY).During ad j . ment, changes in lead are announced as LEFT (RIG (SO MANY).The table (figure 15) shows the leads WI should be used. It must be impressed upon all gUI1 and chiefs of section that a round which misses a for deflection, but is correct for range, will burst yond the tank. When a tank approaches head-on, ~ should be obtained on the first or second ,round. 1b
64

LEAD SPEED TARGET TRAVELLING PERPEND1CULAR TO LINE OF FIRE. TARGET TRAVELLING TO LINE OF FIRE. 45" HE-AT 5 15 20 CHARGE VII 5 10 20

I
SLOW (0-10 MPH)

HE-AT 5 20 30

CHARGE VII 5 15 25

Figure 15.

Lead table.

~gStJBSEQUENT FIRE CO~MANDS. a. Sensing and lun~ Changes. (1) The chief of section senses each tad. Wid announces the necessary changes in range and in he? shell HE with Charge VII is fired, the folcO;dtraJ.ectory characteristics will govern the manner Uctmg fire' . . (a) ~ its Ranges .from 0 to 500 yards. Within these range 0t t ~ trajectory will be too flat to permit an eightthea~d to pass under it. The upper range of 500 yards nk ~ eal at which to open fire on an approaching iss~s~~ce rapid fire can then be conducted without (b)s 1 deflection is correct. ,dUdRanges from 500 to 1100 yards. These range limits lat toe the ~one in which the trajectory is sufficiently ~acketermlt direct estimation of errors without actual ~it (l~~g of the target. If a hit is obtained at the upper o yards) on Jhe bottom of, an,' eight-foot tank,

I
l

. ~~nd for range is (SO MANY), given in yards. Durn~ Justment of fire, range is corrected by the comADD (DROP) (SO MANY).

~::::.eR::e:O:rea ::~~~~~:a:~ :::u:::~:

65

assuming' zero vertical; dispersion, 'a 100-yard ' change (to 1200 yards) will result in a round Whi]b just brush the top of the tank. During adjustment , this zone, range changes should seldom exceed 100 y . and frequently changes of 50 yards will be suffi ~ The upper limit is the greatest range at which fire. S]b be opened unless tactical conditions require othe The second shot (o~ certainly the third) should be (c)' Ranges from 1100 to 1800 yards. The ranges 1100 to 1800 yards represent a zone in which hitS reasonably possible. Ord.inarily, bracket, methodS~ used to obtain an adjustment for range in this zone. should not be opened at these ranges unless surpr:, of no importance. Dispersion is a considerable factor firing at targets within the zone.

(d) Ranges over 1800 yards. At ranges above yards, direct fire is not. advisable against. ordinary gets. However, it would. be pointless to withhold until the target. came within a range of 1800 yards~! gun position had been disclosed. Dispersion is the J trolling factor.~ Ranges. must be know.n accuratel:,. determined by bracketing. At ranges above 1800 YJ fire becomes plunging and moving targets can'aVOi! easily. . ,

(e) .Short ranges. At short ranges, a round beyond target is not' necessarily incorrect for range,' if delec is wrong, since the point of, aim is' above the grO .level. (f) Small targets beyond 500 yards. On targets srI19 than an eight-foot tank, bracketing becomes necessarJ ranges greater than 500 yards. For example, in firi!l~ a hull-down tank with a vertical profile of three feel is necessary to bracket at range of 900 yards, 1.1111 the range to the target is known accurately.

66

I
CI)

e
o
o
CO
I
I I I

, "J

r~I , ....

III II"

.,

I
I
I

" " +.II ~

II
II

"

J.l ,,,

67

(2) The vertical displacement obtained with 105mm howitzer for a 100"-yard range change incre rapidly as ~he range to the target increases. In figur~ the target is at.a range of 500 yards. A properly al)' round fired at a range of 500 yards will hit at A, center of mass. Round B fired at 600 yards will s the target three feet above A. Decreasing the rang 400 yards will lower the point of impact three feet, round C 'will strike one foot above the base of the t b. Examples. The following are some example typical fire commands. (1) Initial commands. (a) Stationary target.THIRD SECTION MACHINE GUN SHELL, HE: FUZE, DELAY TRA VERSE RIGHT STEADY--ON
800 , (b) Moving target.-

, FIFTH SECTION MOVING TANK SHELL, ANTITANK TRAVERSE LEFT STEADY--ON LEAD 15 400 (2) Subsequent commands. (a) Stationary target.1. SHORT RIGHT 4 ADD 100 2. DOUBTFUL LEFT 12 REPEAT RANGE

68

(b) Moving target.-:1. OVER DROP 200 2. SHORT THREE MORE (change inlead) ADD 100

ctnI~PERSION. Vertical dispersion is not a critical lttor 10 adjustment of direct fire until the dispersion [Ie~n approaches the size of the target. With Charge ld' hell HE has a total dispersion pattern of seven lone-half feet at 1200 yards. A small error in range or ruse of the sight would throw some rounds off the r~e~in this case. At ranges where the dispersion patr ISas large as or larger than the height of the target, laange which has previously proved correct is not nged On the evidence of one round.
I ! I

~h~IGIIT .FIRING. Using night lighting. devices for f d~ngequlpment, it is possible to use normal methods late~ect laying when. the target is sufficiently illumIUzzI by moonlight or flares. The blinding effect of the iece: bl~st can be overcome by closing the eyes as the ~rVed IS.flred. If the flash of an enemy weapon is oby si 1~may be possible' to lay the piece for direction CUlt~ hng ,on the flash. Range estimation will be dif- . ayli'hbut If the terrain was carefully studied during litiaYt, and a range data card prepared, a satisfactory 1 reI :~ngemay be determined by observing the flash laSea 10n to terrain features. If time permits, the short Irod:ethod of range estimation, using the aiming circle, ces very accurate results.

69~

Section VIII

ADDITIONAL

INFORl\JATION

ON THE

SER

OF THE PIECE

. 49. PREPARING AMMUNITION ON THE GROU In situations where the howitzer is dug in, or Wh large quantities of ammunition will be fired from position, it may be necessary to prepare the ammunit on the ground. In this case No. 4 and the driver mount to the rear of the motor carriage. They spr the ammunition tarpaulin on the ground and place ammunition trough on it. Assisted by ammunition ha. lers, if available, No. 4 and the driver then remove munition from containers, clean the projectiles and ridge cases, inspect the rotating bands, fix the charg J and assemble the rounds. No.4 then passes the rou~ to No.3, who remains in the motor carriage. No. S;~ ceives the .rounds, sets or cuts the fuzes, andeitb~ passes the rounds to No. 2 or places them on the rad~aJ cover, where No.2 can pick them up.

J,

50. REPACKING AMMUNITION IN CONTAINE' a. Great care must be exercised in returning ammunitil to. containers to insure that it is completely serviceab: Before a round is replaced in its container, an officer ~ . the battery will prepare a slip of paper on which ~ certifies, by his initials, that these checks have be made .. , (1) All seven increments present. (2) Increments serviceable and undamaged.

70

~~))ncrements in proper numerical order. I 5 Increments have same lot number. . ~) Lot number on ammunition same as on contamer. The slip of paper bearing the <;>fficer's initials will . nserted under the sealing tape used to seal the conh~er. It will be visible after sealing. Only rounds for :t ~h this certificate can properly be made. will be rel~ ed. and sealed. ,If rounds must be repacked when eldoffIcer is n?t present, they will. be ~o marked. ~nd ack'for later mspection to determme If the certifIed lUg slip may be attached.

~'i

~~CARE OF AMMUNITION. Ammunition, especially ~cte~tating ban?s and cartridge cases, must be pro, k from da.mage. It is sorted. and stored by lots. It , ept. In containers as long as practicable. Whether in l' 10~Ut containers, it is protected from dirt and ground of 1' lstureby being placed on tarpaulins or raised off the O I1'O~nd. Tarpaulins or other covers should be used to ect it from both rain and direct sun. '

LAYING. Sighting and laying intlechen~s, fuze setters, and elevating and traversing He alllsms will be so operated as to minimize the n set .of lost motion. This requires that last motions lire e~~Inginstruments and in laying be always in the lire 10~S prescribed. The gunner and No.1, or in ct o ,,~/lre the gunner alone, will invariably be required )een ify the laying of the piece after the breech has closed.

2 tr'u ACCURACY IN

. . . ~Oint~ING POSTS. a. When a suitable natural almmg illitiaulS not visible, the piece, after it has been laid 1\"0 ~ for direction, is referred to the aiming posts. is eq ~lming posts are used for each piece. Each post uipped with a lamp for use in f4ing at night. One .. 71~

i3. AI

post is set up in a convenient location at least 100 y from the piece. The other post is set up at the point between the first post and the piece and is Ii in by the gunner so that the vertical cross hair of panoramic telescope and the two .aiming posts are in line. Any lateral displacement of the piece du firing can then be detected easily and corrected as dicated in paragraph 54. For night use, the lamps shO be adjusted so that the far one will appear several higher than the near one; thus the two lamps.will c1 ly establish a vertical line on which the vertical C hair. of the panoramic telescope can be laid. b. The panoramic telescope is mounted a conSil able distance away from the center. of rotation of top carriage. As a result, lar. e changes in deflection, g cause misalignment of the. center of the top carr18 Placing the aiming posts between 600 and 700 miIs the left front (deflection 2600 to 2500 when the howi; is in the center of traverse) will minimize the effects this condition. .

54. CORRECTION FOR DISPLACEMENT. WheIl gunner notes that the verticalbair of the telescop displaced from the line formed by the two aiming p (or aiming post lights), he lays in such a manner' the far aiming post (light) appears midway betweeIl near aiming post (light) and the vertical hair. If displacement is due to traverse of the piece, the gUll continues to lay as described above. However, if displacement is due to progressive shift in positioll the carriage from shock of firing or other cause, gunner will notify the chief of section, who, at the f lull in firing, will notify the executive and request . mission to' realign aiming posts. To perform the all, ment, the piece is laid with the sight picture descri1 The far aiming post is moved into alignment
-_ 72

~.Vertical .hair of the telescope, and then the near ~lng post is aligned. If due to terrain conditions, it ~rn~racticable to move 'one of the two aiming posts, ;tlec~ is laid for direction and referred to the a~ming d whICh cannot be moved. The other post is alIgned new deflection setting reported to the executive.

;e~EP~RTINGERRORS. All members of the howIII sectIon are trained to report to the chief of seca ~rrors in setting or laying discovered after the coml~e ~IRE has been given. The. chief of section ,will dlately report errors to the executive, as prescnbed t'aragraph 2li.
1"\

~~ CEASE FIRING. The command CEASE FIRING ~srnally is given to the howitzer section by the chief . . . le ect. lon, but III emergencies anyone present . may gIve rincorn~and. At this command, regardless of its source, lief WIll ce~se immediately. If the piece is loaded, ~he irin o~ sectIon will report that fact to the executive. le g IS resumed at the executive's .announcement of range or elevation. 7. SlJS PEND FIRING. The command SUSPEND FIR~G' rranIS given only when the battery is firing on a J?re~de~ed schedule and a temporary halt in the firing lngS SIred.,At this command, firing is stopped, but set~hedContmue to be altered in. conformity with the ~ill ule. If the piece is loaded, the chief of section eS1J.~eportthat fact to the executive. Firing will be ~G. ed at the executive's command RESUME FIR-

~l

JNtgAUNLOAD THE PIECE. a. When the command ~)stand.D. is given, No.1 opens the breech slowly. No. ~artrid lUg at the breech, receives the ejected round or ge case.

73 ~

b. Should the extractor .fail to eject the rompl round, the assembled staff. and rammer (or staff unloading device if available) is used. After seeing it that the recess in the head of the rammer or de is free from obstructions and. is designed to clear type of fuze being used, No.1 inserts the rammef device into the. bore until the head incloses the f and comes in contact with the projectile. He pus and, if necessary, taps the rammer staff lightly 0' the round is dislodged from its seat. In using the sI1 .. he must keep his body out of line with the tube. then pushes the projectile out of the breech where 2 receives it. c. If the extractor has ejected the cartridge case not the projectile, No. 1 fills the chamber with 'W'J: and closes the breechblock. He dislodges the projeC as described in b, preceding. No. 2 then opens breech, removes the waste, and receives the projeCV as No.1 pushes it to the rear. ( d. Where the use of the rammer staff is necesS the piece will peunloaded under the direct supervisi ' of an officer, except in combat.

59. MISFIRES. In the event of a misfire, two atteJJ1 will be made to fire the piece before the breech opened and the round removed. At the command 11, LOAD, the procedure is the same as in paragraph, If the extractor ejects the round, the round will be posed of as prescribed in TM 9-1900~If the extraCl ejects only the cartridge case (which will happen lJlJ frequently) the case w. ll .be immediately thrown cl~t i .. of all personnel to prevent injury in case of a. hang! Another cartridge case with the proper charge will inserted in the breech, care be~ng taken not to daI1l9 the case.

74

Section IX

CARE AND MAINTENANCE OF THE PIECE

------~------------------'e CENERAL. a. This section covers the maintenance

I

)'rarIOns that may be performed by an armored artilb

battery in the field. ll~dC~mplete ins~ructions for battery. maintenance. are It In appropnate Technical Manuals. OperatIOns d covered in those publications are performed by nance personnel c. I . .. . aintn general, the battery is charged with preventIve ltinenance,. that is, with routine cleaning and .lubri~pla . Certam classes of minor repairs, adjustments, and g : thcement of parts may. be made urider the direction hich executive officer or the artillery mechanic. Parts aSes may be drawn by a battery for replacement pur~d E: ar~ those listed in the Organizational Spare Parts )ecif.qu~pmentSection of the appropriate SNL. Unless leSelC mstructions are issued to. the contrary, all of 'or r pa~ts may be installed by. the artillery mechanic. SSignOutme are and maintenance, specific duties are c CCO\.l to individuals or howitzer sections and a strict ed ~O\.lldtbility for the proper performance of such duties d e enforced. ~e'b~e following operations may be p~rformedwithin (1) tery. (2) ~.aining and filling recoil mechanism. 1.lrface.lthdrawing tube in cradle liner to clean bearing 75. ~

(3) Removal, disassembly, and replacement of of the breechblock, breech operating mechanism, firing mechanism. (4) Replacement of minor parts or assemblies liste the Organizational Spare Parts section of the approp SNL.

61. CLEANING. Dirt and grit accumulated in trli ing, or from. the blast of the piece in firing, may S on the bearing surfaces and, in combination with lubricant, form a cutting compound. Primer fouling tracts moisture and hastens the formation of rust. D lulls in firing and immediately after firing, the P must be thoroughly cleaned. At other times it should cleaned and oiled at daily intervals. Dirt on nonbe surfaces can usually be removed by water; lubricate other greasy parts must be cleaned with dry-clea solvent applied with a rag. The procedure in cleaning bore and breech. mechanism is described in paragt 64. The cleaning materials issued by the Ordnance partment are listed in TM 9-850. 62. LUBRICATION. For lubrication instructionS the latest WD lubrication order for the. equipment.

63. RECOIL MECHANISM. a.General. Battery rJ1 tenance of the recoil mechanism is limited to exte cleaning, lubricating, draining, and filling the 5)'~ with recoil oil. Once the system has been correctly t by the prescribed procedure, maintenance is gener~ confined to maintaining sufficient oil in the recoil tem. The amount of oil in the system is indicated by position of the replenisher piston rod. The recoil 5)'St for the M37 mount differs from the tank mount in a replenisher cylinder has been added to the systerJ1 the tank mount, an air void is left in the recoil cylirt

76

~eallow expansion of oil when the temperatures infor e as~ during firing. In the M37 mount, the' replenisher ll~ts the recoil cylinders to be completely filled with ~'t~ Us eliminating the air void and reducing the shock Ie ,e gun mount when the weapon is fired. The reernlsher cylinder then functions as an expansion chamk t~hen the oil becomes warm during firing. Inasmuch bS't,etemperatur. e of the oil in the system affects the l--llO mng of the replenisher ' . :Itl piston rod, the correct (~unt f oil in the system can be noted as follows: o d) Insufficient oil is indicated when the replenisher b projects beyond the end of the replenisher cylinder ss harkthan one-half inch. The indicator rod has been nd led approximately one-half inch from the outer end .a b eled FILL". r~2]) ufficient oil is indicated whe.n the replenisher rod S eets ,eple . more than one-half inch beyond the end of the (3.u,sher cylinder ot beyond the mark titled "FILL". e~t xcessive oil is indicated when the ~eplenisher. rod E Ylind ended to its full length beyond the replenisher b er cap and the word DRAIN" exposed.

and servicing before firing. Before fi~he r pOSItIonof the replenisher rod is noted to see If Cld heeollsystem contains sufficient oil. If the indicator hel;'rO')ect~ more than one-half inch beyond the en~ of re l1'ltvPlemsher cylinder or beyond the mark tItled Cld ' nothing further need be done. If the indicator d ~Ylindoes project beyond the end of the replenisher not ~ shClulde;; ne-half inch, the replenisher filling plug o ~cre\V ~ removed and the oil gun and hose assembly d ~~to th Into place. Sufficient oil should be pumped l1'ltv~ replenisher to bring the indicator rod out to the andth mark. The oil gun and hose are then removed e plug is screwe4, back in place.

llg," ttspec~i?n

c. Inspection during firmg. During firing, the c of section should make sure that the replenisher syS is functioning properly. The replenisher cylinder flJ tions as an expansion tank and the replenisher indic8 rod will move outward a small amount each time weapon is fired, because of the increase in tempera of the recoil oil.' During long. sustained periods of f~ or when firing at a rapid rate, the recoil oil tempera may reach such a point that.' the r~plenisher piston move out its fulliengtn. A small hole located on the of the replenisher cylinder should permit the exceS oil to escape when the replenisher cylinder is comple! full. If this hole has become plugged or is improP located, the replenisher filling plug should be reI1l0 and the ball check valve pressed off its seat with spout of the oil gun. The oil is then drained slowly jjl cleap.container until the replenisher rod has returneo approximately the midpoint of travel. It must be re1Jl bered that oil drained out while the recoil system is must be replaced when the system has cooled do~ normal temperatu~e. MaHunction Howitzer does not return to battery. Cause Excessive recoil oil (which faulty replenisher fails to indicate).

Correction Attempt to push: battery by hanJ.. this is impossible drain a tablespoo ful of oil from re' plenisher and tJ1~ again. If piece ~
still not return t~ battery after drlll~ ing one tablespoo , ful of oil three se arate times, call Ordnance persofl~

78

MaHunction

Cause Excessive friction of tube in cradle bearing. Replenisher piston stuck.

Correction Relubricate. Call Ordnance personnel if condition persists. Check for free movement of indicator rod by tapping inward with hammer and brass drift. If this does not correct the trouble, drain oil from replenisher check valve and fire again. While draining oil, note whether replenisher rod moves inward. Report to Ordnance personnel for correction.

Galling of buffers.

!low'Itzer retl}
terns to batg ry With too reat a shock.

Check for free moveReplenisher piston stuck, . ment of indicator rod by tapping inpermitting ward with hammer air void. and brass' drift. If this does not correct the trouble, drain oil from, replenisher check valve and fire again. While draining oil, note whether replenisher rod moves inward.
'.

79

MaHunction

Cause

Correction Report to Ordnance personnel.

Stuck or .. alled g - buffers.

Insufficient re- Allow recoil mech~ coil oil (which anism to cool. Add - faulty replenoil one-quarter gunful at a time isher fails to until proper actioI1 indicate). of mechanism is ob' tained.

64. TUBE ASSEMBLY, BREECH MECHANISM ANJJ FIRING MECHANISM. a. Operations during firing. (11 During firing, all exposed bearing surfaces must be keV clean and covered with a thin film of lubricating oil. (2).~henever the rate of firing permits, swab the bort with clean water and a sponge. . (3) The chief of section constantly observes the fuof tioning of the materiel. Causes. and corrections of II1il functioning of the :hreech and firing mechanisms art given in TM 9-324. . . b. Operations after firing. As soon- as .possible after firing, disassemble the breechblock and firing mechil~ ism, clean all parts, and oil lightly. Thoroughly clean tb; bore. This cleaning will be repeated each day for at leil three days or until there is no evidence of sweating.

65. SIGHTING "AND FffiE CONTROL.EQUIPME~~ a. General. Special car~ is required to insure the positlvl and accurate functioning of the sighting and fire COI1tt~ mechanism. Exercise care to prevent denting soft Il1et~ surfaces or. scratching the glasses. Remove dirt fro ~ optical surfaces by brushing with a .camel's hair br\Js, or lens tissue paper. To remove oil or grease, lens.c1ell~

80

illg c

hair brush and then wiped lightly with lens tiss~epaper,' is prescribed if available. Keep the unpainted sce~lsurfaces covered with a light film of oil as preror~bedin current technical manuals to prevent corSlon. b. In general, the sights are correct. -
(1) Panoramic telescope. re(~ In direction, if the azimuth scale and micrometer to a hzero when the line of sighting is in a plane parallel b t e vertical pl.ane passing through the axis of. the oreo ro~b).n elevation, if, with the elevation indexes of the I to ~lUg head set at zero, the line of sighting is parallel e axis of the bore. th (2) Coaxial telescope. If the line of sighting. through. ofetl~erorange and deflection cross.is parallel to the axis . e bore. SigCh. Testing equipment. Equipmen~ 'used in. testing ts .. 11)a . ConSIsts0.f bore sights, a gunner's quadrant, an d 11)/.Include a test target. ""Thetarget for sight adjust150~tmay be a sharply defined distant aiming point, cl Or more yards away, or a test target for use in o theseproximity, preferably not less than 100 yards. If to Vehicle is on uneven ground, cant the test. target be correspond with the cant of the vehicle. Test can bin. made without the bore sights by sighting with a cro~scula~ through the firing pin recess using improvised hans at the muzzle. ql.l~dTest of the gunner's quadrant. To test the gunner's lant :ant, set the scales at zero, place it on the quadbl.lbbleats on the breech ring, and level the quadrant reve e by means of the elevating handwheel. Then Cehttsethe quadrant on its seat. The bubble should er Itself. If it dos not, and the quadrant x;nustbe .
<I

S arnels

l' uid soap .or ethyl alcohol, applied with a clean 19- I

81

-<

used, center the bubble by using the micrometer kno Take one-half the resultant reading and apply it a correction in the proper direction on all future se tings. If the error exceeds 0.3 of a mil, the quadra, should be adjusted at the earliest opportunity by Or nance personnel. e. Verification and adjustment of panoramic telesco mount and telescope. Periodically, and whenever tV mechanism is found to be out of adjustment, a detaile test and adjustment should be made. For this purpo' it is desirable to have the motor carriage on an approt imately level surface. It is assumed that all lost motiO~ has' been eliminated and that cross-level bubbles in adjustment. (For details see TM 9-324). Test and a justments are performed in sequence as follows:

~ ~ ~ j

( \

(1) Deflection

adjustment

of panoramic

telescope-

Insert bore sights in the breech and muzzle of the tub: ' or use improvised cross hairs on the muzzle and sigv l through the firing pin hole. Sight the tube on the te'l target or a sharply defined distant aiming point. se the azimuth ind~x' opposite the zero of the defleet!~ scale. With the azimuth worm knob, place the vert! , cross hair of .the telescope .reticle on the proper po~ . tion of the test target or aiming point. If the azirnO scale and the micrometer scale do not indicate zero deflection and the error is less than 50 mils, adjust in tb~ following manner. Turn the azimuth worm knob ut1V the zero of the azimuth scale is opposite the inde~ Loosen the three screws in the azimuth micrometer kllOe and, while holding the azimuth worm knob, slip tb micrometer scale until the zero is opposite the mic(~ meter jndex. Tighten the screws and recheck the scale; for zero reading. Then loosen the tangent locking scre~, at the front of the. telescope socket and adjust the ta I gent screws until the vertical cross hair is on the pro~e portion of the test target or aiming point. Tighten
J

82

~ngent locking screws and recheck. If the error is too ~eat to be corrected in this manner, turn the azimuth !rorrn~nob until the vertical croSShair is on the prop1J. portIon of the test target or aiming point. Then ad'C~~ the micrometer scale to read zero. If the azimuth )n : does not now read zero, loosen the four screws Inrfe colJar above the scale and slip the scale around ~ndl zero is opposite the index. Tighten the screws recheck. lh(2) Elevation adjustment. Turn the elevation knob of re~'telescope until the zero horizontal cross hair. of the tes~~lecorresponds with the appropriate mark of the ingIng target. Loosen screws in end of knob and, hold~e the knob, slip elevation micrometer scale until the graduation lines up with its index. Then tighten f. s a.n~ r:check the setting. l'h VerifIcatIon and adjustment of coaxial telescope. 'a~e ~axial telescope is checked and adjusted at the the tIme as the panoramic telescope and by means of Iln "h~e distant aiming point or the. same test target, farew .lch the tube is left sighted at the close of the tel gOlUg adjustment. After checking to see that the e a.re s~ope collars and the locating surfaces of the mount c1arnc e~n ~nd in full and firm contact, the rear holder to t IS tIght, and the telescope mount is firmly holted fall e howitzer mount, the telescope is adjusted as Ws' . de}})Deflection adjustment. If the telescope is off in ection _ ( . It}e~h L~osen the two gibadjusting bolts on the support alllsm thib) Turn' the lateral adjustment micrometer to bring ~ropzerodeflection line on to the aiming point or the (C)e~?Ortionof the test target. 19hten the two bolts. 83 .-

'c;::w

(d) Check to see that the adjustment has not slipped (2) Elevation adjustment. If the telescope is off ~ aJ elevation.(a) Loosen the holder clamping bolt. cl (b) Turn the vertical adjustment micrometer- to bril1~aJ the zero elevation line on to the aiming point or the U Proper portion of the test target. "I \ (c) Tightell the holder clamping bolt. . (d) ChecJs to see that the adjustment has not slipped; Sl g. Verification and adjustment of range quadrant. (I; h Move range drum assembly indexes into coincidence' The elevation micrometer scale and the elevation scale should read zero. The range drum will indicate a readiI1~ slightly greater than zero if properly assembled. (2) With the range drum properly assembled, if the elevatioh' micrometer scale does not read zero, it is ad' justed in the following manner: . \\ (a) Loosen the three screws in the micrometer knob. (b) Without moving the knob, slide the ~ero of the micrometer scale into coincidence with the index. (c) Tighten and recheck. " (3) With th~ elevation micrometer scale in adj1JS~; ment, if the elevation scale does not indicate zerO, ) . is adjustea in the following manner: (a) Loosen the two screws in the scale. Move scale opposite the zero index. (b) .Tighten screws and recheck. (4) With the elevation micrometer scale and the elev~' tion scale in adjustment and set at zero, the axis 6f th~ bore is. accurately leveled and the trunnions are llPO proximately leveled, the angle of site is set at 300, ,11111, the cross-level bubble is centered. If the longitudlnll . d level bubble is not centered, the range quadrant is II justed in the following manner: 84

~
(a) Center the longitudinal bubble by means of the llgle of site knob. ~l;b) ~hile holding the angle of site knob, loos~n the ~
rnpmg screw in the center of the knob and shp the llgleof site micrometer. to indicate zero. th (c) If necessary, loosen the two screws which secure "3~angle of site scale and shift the scale so that the s graduation registers at the index line. Tighten the crews to secure the scale in this position. be(d) Recheck. Further adjustment, if required, is to performed only by authorized Ordnance personnel.

85

Section X

DESTRUCTION EQUIPMENT

OF

66. DESTRUCTION

OF EQUIPMENT.

a. Gener91

principles. (1) Situations may arise when materiel be destroyed to prevent.(a) Its capture intact by the enemy.

must

(b) Its use by the enemy, if captured, against our owtl or allied troops. (2) The principles to be followed are.(a) Methods for the destruction of materiel subject to capture orabandonIJlent in the combat zone must be adequate, l.lniform, and easily followed in the field. (b) De"structiori must be as complete as available time, equipment, and personnel will permit. If thorough de' struction of all parts. cannot be completed, the most jrIl' portantfeatures of the materiel should be destroyed.

The same essential parts must be destroyed on all like units to prevent the enemy from constructing one co~; pl~te u~tit from several damaged ones by "cannibalism'
(c) The destruction of materiel subject to capture of abandonment in the combat zone will be undertakefl

only when in the judgment of' the military commandet' concerned such action is necessary. The destruction materiel is a command decision to be implemented on ~ on authority delegated by the division or higher cofTl' mander.
86

. (3) Crews will be trained in the. prescribed methods ! () destruction. Training will not involve the actual de~ruction of materiel. f h. Methods. (1) The methods below are given in order () effectiveness. Adhere. to the sequence for each lOethod. (2) Certain methods require special tools and equiplOentsuch as TNT and incendiary grenades, which may ~ot normally be. items of issue. The issue of such special ools and materiel, the vehicles for which issued, and the COnditionsunder which destruction will be effected, are ~?mmand decisions in each case, governed by the tactical ltuation. ~. DESTRUCTION OF THE HOWITZER. a. Sights. theta~h all optical sights, If evacuation is possible, carry th e s~ghts; if evacuation is not possible, thoroughly smash e sIghts. III h. Method No. 1. (1) Open drain plugs on recoil s echanism, allowing recoil fluid to drain. It is not necesto wait for the recoil fluid to drain completely beOre firing the howitzer as in (4) following. ta (2) Place an armed (safety pin removed) M9Al antia n~ grenade, HE, or armed (safety pin removed) M6 allbtank rocket in the tube about six inches in front of, (:)d With the ogive. nose end toward, the HE shell. (See following.) i (3) Insert an HE shell with fuze set at "super-quick" ~~ the cannon and close the breech. Hase detonating shell cannot be used in this method. Ie (4).Fire the piece with a lanyard from a distance of at ~ast 100 yards. The person firing should be under ~ver to the rear of the piece and approximately 20' off ~ line of fire. Elapsed time: Approximately two to ee minutes. 87

try

c. Method No.2. (1) See b(l) preceding. . . , (2) Fire an HE round, assembled .. ith a point deto~ w nating fuze, against a similar round jammed in the muZ~ zle. Take same precautions as in b(4) preceding. d. Method No.3. Insert three to five TNT blocks in the bore near the muzzle, and eight to 10 in the cham~+ ber of the howitzer. Close. the breechblock' as far as possible without damaging the safety fuze. Plug the muzzle tightly with earth to a distance of approximately three calibers (12 inches). Detonate the TNT' charges simultaneously. . . ~ e. Method No.4. With another gun, fire at the tube of the howitzer until it is damaged beyond usefulness. ' .il f. Method No.5. Insert four unfuzed M14 incendiary grenades end to end midway in the tubes at 0 eieva~ tion. Ignite .these four grenades by. a fifth equipped with a 15-second Bickford. fuze. The metal from the grenades will fuze with the tube and fill the grooves. Elapsed time: Two to three minutes.

68. DESTRUCTION OF THE CALIBER .50 MACHINE GUN. a.. Method No. 1. Field strip; use barrel as a sledge. Raise cover; lay bolt in feedway; lower cover on bolt; smash down over bolt. Deform back plate. Wedge buf~ fer into rear of casing allowing depressors to protrude; break off depressors by striking the barrel. Lay barrel extension on its side. Hold down with one foot and break off the shank. Deform casing by striking side plates just back of the feedway. Elapsed time: Three and one-half minutes. b. Method No~ 2. Insert bullet point of complete round into muzzle and bend case slightly, distending mouth of case to permit pulling of bullet. Spill powder from case, retaining sufficient powder to cover the

88

ottom of case to a depth of approximately one-eighth lch. Reinsert pulled bullet, point first, into the case louth. Chamber and fire this round with the reduced harge; the bullet will stick in the bore. Chamber one omplete round, lay weapon on ground, and fire with lanyard at least SO feet long. Use the best available Over as this means of destruction may be dangerous o . the person destroying the weapon. Elapsed time: Caliber .50, M3. Use Deform pintle yoke. ,legs and deform so front leg and knock and bend screw by over; deform head

rwo to three minutes. c. ~1achine Gun Tripod Mount, tlachine gun barrel as a sledge. Deform traversing dial. Fold rear \8 to prevent unfolding. Remove }ff yoke. Extend elevating screw striking with barrel. Turn mount ock. Elapsed time: Three minutes.

j',embly and knock off dial locking screw and pintle

69. DESTRUCTION OF 'THE M37 ~fOTOR CAR!\IACE. a. Method No.1 (1) Remove and empty the P.ortable fire extinguisher. puncture fuel tanks if practIcable. Use fire of caliber .50 machine gun or cannon, Or use a fragmentation grenade for this purpose. Place

l'NT charges as follows:

' Three pounds between engines. Two pounds against transfer unit. , One-half pound against left fuel tank. Use only a eap (no fuze) in this charge. point cap end toward three Pound charge. Insert tetryl nonelectric caps with at least five feet of Safety fuze in each charge. Ignite the fuzes and take eover. Elapsed time: One to two minutes if charges are Prepared beforehand and carried in the vehicle. (2) If sufficient time and materials are available, additional destruction of track-laying vehicles may be

89

accomplished by placing a two-pound TNT charge at about the center of each track-laying assembly. Detonate IS those charges in the same manner as the others. I~ (3) If charges are prepared beforehand and carried \1 in the vehicle, keep the caps and fuzes separated from i1

the charges until used.

'f

b. Method No.2. Remove and empty the portable ( fire extinguisher. Puncture' fuel tanks. Fire on the vehicle using adjacent tanks, antitank or other artillery, anti~ tank rockets, or grenades. Aim at the engine, suspension, and armament in that order. If a good fire .is started, the vehicle may be considered destroyed. Elapsed time: About five minutes per vehicle. Destroy the last re~ I maining vehicle by the best means available. 70. DESTRUCTION OF AMMUNITION. ~. General. (1) Time will not usually permit the destruction of all ammunition in forward combat zones. (2) When sufficient time and materials are available, ammunition may Qe des,troyed as indicated in following . paragraphs. At least 30 to 60 minutes may be required to destroy adequately the ammunition carried by corw bat units. (3) In general, the methods, and safety precautionS outlined in TM 9-1900 should be followed whenever possible. , b. Unpacked complete round ammunition. (1) Stack ammunition in small piles. (Small. arms ammunition ma)' be heaped.) Stack or pile most of the available gasoline in cans and drums around the ammunition. Throw onto the pile all available inflammable material such as ra~s, scrap wood, and brush. Pour the remaining available gasoline -over the pile. Sufficient inflammable material must be used to insure a very hot fire. Ignite the gasO~ line and take cover. '90

(2) l05mm howitzer ammunition can be destroyed by vmpathetic detonation using TNT. Stack the ammunilon in two stacks about 'three inches apart with fuzes 1 each stack toward each other. Place TNT charges letween the stacks. Use one pound of TNT for each ~ur or five rounds of ammunition. Detonate all charges If TNT simultaneously from cover. c. Packed complete round ammunition. (1) Stack the loxed or bundled ammunition in small piles. Cover with l11 available inflammable materials, such as rags, scrap vood, brush, and gasoline in drums or cans. pour gasoine over the pile. Ignite the gasoline and take cover. Small arms ammunition must be broken out of the )oxes or cartons before burning.) (2) The destruction of packed complete round ammunition by sympathetic detonation with TNT is not advocated for use in forward combat zones. To insure ~atisfactory destruction, TNT must be put in alternate ~ases or. bundles of ammunition, a time consuming job. d .. Miscellaneous. Grenades, antitank mines, and antitank rockets may be destroyed by the Illethods outlined labove for complete rounds. The amount of TNT neces8ary to detonate these munitions is considered less than ,that.required for detonating artillery shells; pyrotechnics
1

i'nd similar material should be destroyed by burning.

\11. FIRE CONTROL EQUIPMENT.

I~quipment, including
I

optical

a. All fire control sights and binoculars, is

!~fficult to replace. It should be the last equipment to

e destroyed. If evacuation of personnel is made, all ~ossible items of fire control equipment should be cartied. If evacuation of personnel is not possible, fire control equipment IPust be thoroughly destroyed as indicated below . . b. Firing, tables, trajectory charts, slide rules, similar items sh.ould be .thoroughly burned. and

91

c. All optical equipment that will be thoroughly smashed.

cannot

be evacuated

72. PNEUMATIC TIRES. a. General. (1) Rubber is , such a critical item that whenever materiel is subject to capture or abandonment, an attempt to destroy pneu~ , matic tires must always be made, even if time will not

permit destruction of the remainder of the vehicle.

(2) With adequate planning and training, however, the destruction of tires may be accomplished in con~ junction with destruction of the vehicle without in~ creasing the time necessary. b. Method No. 1. Ignite an :M 14 incendiary grenade under each. tire. c. Method No.2. (1) Damage the tires with an axe, pick, or hearymachine gun fire (deflate them before doing this, if possible). Pour spare gasoline on tireS, dousing each one, and ignite. (2) When used in conjunction with. wheeled vehicle destruction, the ensuing fire will adequately destroY the vehicle.

92

INDEX
Paragraphs ccuracy in laying ---------------------dditional services, periodic ------------fter operation maintenance ------------iming posts --------------------------lert, in direct fire --------------------.mmunition Care -----------~-------------------Destruction. - - -- - -- - -- - -- --- - -- - - --- -In direct fire ------------------------Preparing on ground -----------------Repacking in containers --------------~mmunition trailer ---------------------~efore .operation inspection -------------30resighting, direct fire ----------------3reech mechanism --.-------------~----::annoneers, in indirect fire No. 1 ----------------------------No. 2 -----------------------------

Pages

52 15 14 53 40

71 26 21
71

63

No. 3 ----------------------------No. 4 ----------------------------Care' of ammunition -------------~------Care and maintenance of the piece -------Cease firing ~---------------------Chief of section, in indirect fire ---------Cleaning, of materiel ------------------_.
I I

Composition, of section ----------------Correction, for displacement ------------bestruction, of equipment ---------------Ammunition - --- - -- - -- - -- - -- - -- - -- --Fire control equipment ---------------Howitzer - -..;.-- -- - -- - -- - - ..- - - - -- - -- ---

Paragraphs Machine gun, caliber .50 ------------Motor carriage ----------------------Pneumatic tires ---------------------Direct fire ----------------------------Alert ------------------------------Ammunition - --- - -- - -- - -- - -- --- --- - -Boresighting ------------------------Direction, of target ------------------Dispersion _- -- - -- - -- - -- - -- --- - -- - - --Duties in firing ---------------------Fire commands ---------------------Lead ------------------------------Night firing ------------------------Preparatory steps -------------------Range -----------------------------Subsequent fire' commands ------------Target -----------------------------Direction, in direct fire ----~..:...;---------Dismounting, howitzer section -----------Dispersion, direct fire -.:---------------Displace~ent correction ----------------Driver, in indirect fire -----------------During operation inspection ------------Duties in firing, direct fire -------------Errors, reporting of -------------------Fire' commands, direct fire -------------Fire control equipment -----------------Destruction of. ---------..:.------------Firing mechanism ---------------------Firing, to cease -----------------------Misfires To suspend ------------------------_

Pages

68 69 72 35-48 40 42 37 43 47 38 39 44 48 36 45 46 41 43 8 47 54 33,34 12 38 55 39 65
71

64 56 59 57

88 89 92 59 63 63 59 64 69 61 63 64 69 59 65 65 63 64 6 69 72 58 17 61 73 63 80 91 80 73 74 73

C f.

f. f

94

Paragraphs Irmations, of section mner, in indirect fire ----------------at inspection -----------------------lnd signals -----------------~-------)witzer, destruction of ---------------direct fire - -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- - --- - --Cannoneer No. 1 -------------------Cannoneer Cannoneer Cannoneer Driver General No. 2 -------------------No. 3 -------------------No. 4 -------------------_

Pages

Chief of section ------------------------------------------------------------------------------

5 23,24 13 17 67 20-34 25,26 27,28 29,30 31,32 21,22 33,34 20 23,24 14 11 12 10 13

11

3 43 18 29 87 38 48 50 51 55 38,39 58 38 43 21 12 17 10 18 12 10
71

Gunner ----------------------------lspections After operation maintenance ----------Before operation --------------------During operation --------------------General ----------------------------Halt --------------------------------

Materiel ----------------------------rlspections and maintenance -------------

.aying, accuracy in --------------------

.ead, in direct fire ---------------------

.ubrication ---------------------------vIachine gun, caliber.50, destruction of ----

vIarch order ------~-------------------vIisfires _- -- - -- - -- --- --- - -- - --- - --- -- -\1otor carriage, destruction of ----------\1ounting, howitzer. section --------------

~ight firing, direct fire ----------------Periodic additional services --~-----------

10-15 52 44 62 68 19 59 69 7 48 15

64 76 88 35 74 89 6 69 26

95

Paragraphs
Piece Care and maintenance of the ----------Cleaning ---------------------------Posts, aImIng -------------------------Posts, mounted and dismounted ---------Posts, of the section -:------------------Pneumatic tires, destruction of ---------Preparatory steps, direct fire ------------Prepare for action --------------------Prepare for action and march order ------Preparing ammunition, on ground -------Purpose and scope, of manual -----'-----Range, in direct fire -------------------Recoil mechanism ---------------------Repacking ammunition -----------------Reporting errors ----------------------Section Composition --------------~---------Formations -------------'-~~---------Posts ------------------------------To dismount ------------------------To mount --------------------------To post ----------------------------Services, additional periodic ------------Sighting equipment --..,----------------..: Signals, hand -------------------------Subsequent fire commands, direct fire --..: - Suspend firing ------------------------Target, in direct. fire ------------------Tires, destruction of -------------------Trailer, Tube ammunition ----------.:---------assembly ------------------------

PageS' 75 713
71 6 6

60-65 61 53 6-9 6-9 72 36 18 _ 16-19 49 1 45 63 50. 55 4 5 6 8 7 9 15 65 17 46 57 41 72 16 64 58

92 59 33 28 70
1

65 76 70 73 3 3 6 6 6

.1
26 80 29 65 73 63 92 28 80 73

Unloading -----------------------------

96
Knox-165-'1-6.16-45-51/2M

,I

"

FM6-76
.' 3-1 ,

FIELD MANUAL

SERVICE
CHANGES}

OF THE PIECE,
".,. AR DEPARTMENT,

10S-MM HOWITZER MOTOR CARRIAGE, M37

"

No.1

\VASHINGTON

25, D. C., 9 January 1947 .'

FM 6-76, 15 Ap~il 1945, is changed as follows : '

37.' BORESIGHTING.
~'i!",

*
.

b. For direct fire, get. (See par. 65f.)

65. SIGHTING

* '\'* * * * * positioned test'tar\

AND FIRE' CONTROL EQUIPMENT.

d:' Test of gunner's' quadrant.

all futur~ settings. if the error exceeds 0.4 of a mil, adjusted at the earliest oppor- ' the quadrant should tunity by 'ordnance personneL'" .

1'0 test tile ~ - *

'I

be

*
qUALIFICATION

*'

APPENDIX, 1OS~MM HOWITiER

I I

(Added)
OF GUNNERS;

MOTOR 'cARRIAGE,' M37 \ 1. PURPOSE AND SCOPE. This appendix prescribes the tests to be given inthe qualification of gunners. ' The purposes of the tests are~ . , o. To provide a'means of determining the relative ' proficiency of the individual artillery soldier in the performance of the duties of the gunner, 105-mm IlowitzerMotor Carriage, M37. The tests will not ,,' be 'a basis for determining the relativeprojiciency of a battery or higher unit. . \' , b. To serve as an adjunctto training. ,
-,

,I

AGO 1389D-Jan.'

716116-4~-i

1 tests in accordance with the standards of precision I enumerated below: ,a (1) Scale settings must be exact and matching i t indexes must be brOlight into coincidence. (2) Level bubbles mnst be exactly centered.. (3) The vertical hair in the reticle of the pan; ~ oramic telescope must be aligned on the left edge of ~ the aiming post or on exactly the same part of the .aiming point or target each time the piece is laid. F g (4) Final motions of azimuth'" and elevating setting knobs, as well as. traversing and elevating handwheels, must be made in the appropriate direc; tion as described i~ paragraphs 23, 24, and 26. b. Assistance. The candidate will receive no un; authorized assistance during the tests. Each candi; date may select authorized assistance as indicated in the tests. In the event a candidate fails any test be; cause of the fault of the examiner or any assistant, , the test will be disregarded, and the candidate will be given another test of the same nature. c. Time. The time for any test will be the time from the last word of the command to the last word of the candidate's report. The candidate may begin any test after the first word of the first command. d. Scoring. Scoring will be conducted in accord; ance with the two subparagraphs "Penalties" and "Credit" under each subject. If a test is performed correctly, cre4it will be given in accordance with the subparagraph "Credit" under each subject. The e~' amineI' will familiarize himself with the items listed ?nder the subparagraph "pen,alties".?nder each SU, b;
i,e,

2. GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS. a. Standards of preci. sion. The candidate wBl be required to perform the

Ject.
.
,

-,
'

'I

AGO"8] '

'01'

e. Preparation for tests. The piece will be 'prepared act.ion and the candidate post.ed at t.he proper

losition corresponding to the test being conducted or s indicated in the subparagraphs entitled "Special nstru~tions." The examiner. will assure himself hat the candidate understands the requirements of aeh test a~d will require the candidate to report "I ,Inready" b~fo;e each test.. . .
. OUTLINE OF TESTS.
araraph ~o. Subject No. of tests Points each Maximum credit

--------4

4 ,Direct laying, coaxial telescope __ 5 Indirect laying, deflection only -f.i Laying for elevation ,,,ith elevation scale ___________________ 7 Laying for elevation with gunner's quadrant ____________ -8 Di::;placement correction ________ Part 1____________________ Part II _______;-_______ '-___ 9 Measuring minimum quadrant elevation ___________________ Measuring elevation __________ ._ Measuring deflection ___________ Test and adjustment of sighting and fire control equipment ___ Tests Nos. 1,4,5, and 6 ____ Tests Nos. 2 and 3 ________ MaterieL _________________ : __ Total crediL .:..

18
3 3

2 2 2 2 5 1 4 4

8
36 6 6 6 (5) (1) 4
4

1
(1) (1)

10
11

1 1 1
6 (4) (2) 3

5
2 1

5 10 (8)
(2)

12

13

'5

15
100

..:________

J. DIRECT LAYING, COAXIAL. TELESCOPE. a. Scop'e ,f tests. Four tests. (two groups of two tests each) \

vill be conducted. in which the candidate will. be

..GO 1389D

required to execute cmnmands similar to those given below: Tests Nos. 1 uIHl 2 (likewise tests Nos. 3 and 4:) will be executed as one series of commands. b .. Special instructions. (1) A. stationary target will be placed approximately 600' yards from the .' piece. ' (2) The candidate will be posted as gunner. (3) The piece will be pointed so that-:(a) A shift of approximately 100 mils is required for tests Nos. 1and 3. ( b) The motor carriage n1eednot be moved. for any of the four tests. ( 4:) Laying at the termination of tests Nos. 1 and 3 will not be disturbed at the beginning of tests Nos. 2 and 4:. , (5) The' examiner will announce the assumed direction of movement of the target before tests Nos. 1 and 3. . The assumed direction of movement of the target in test No.' 3 will be opposite to. that in test No. 1. ' .
c. Outline
Test No;

of tests.
commands (for example) \Action of candfd~te

Examiner

1 and 3 T H I R D S E C T ION , THAT TANK, SHELL, ANTITANK, TRAVERSE RIGHT, , STEADY-ON. LEAD 10, 800 , 2and4 OVER, THREE DROP 200 .. MORE,

Performs appropriate duties as described . in paragraph 38. Calls "Readylf, when proper lead' and range have been set and steps clear .. Same as test No. above.'

d. Penalties.

No credit will be allo~ed if, after

AGO 1389D

each test- .
.4

(1) 'The lead in mils is not indicated properly. (2) The proper range line of the reticle is not on the center of the mass of the target.' ;
, e. Credit.' ' . "
or less'than :..:.~~_~ ~_~ 2 ~____ 2.0 2% 1. 5' 3,
1. 0

Time in seconds;'exactly Credit :.

"

5. 'INDIRECT LAYING,

DEFLECTION ONLY.

a. Scope

EigJ::tteen tests (two groups of ,nine tests, each) will be conducted,in which the candidate will be required' to execute commands similar. to those given below.' Tests Nos. 1 through 9 (likewise tests Nos. 10through 18) will be executed as one series of commands. " , ' i :b. Special instructions. (1) Commands will not necessitate movement of motor carriage.: ' " (2) The examiner will select a suitable aiITl;ingpoint and identify it to the c'andidate. (3) : Commands for deflection difference .will , be given only in the tests indicated in the examples below.' ,' " , (4)- The command for deflection change for each test' will be, within the following pl'escribed limits:
of tests.
Test No, Mtximum
,', change (mils\

MlJiimum
change (mils) ,

-----------.--'--'--'---2 and 11 3 and 12. 4 and' 13 6 and 15 7 and 16_~ ---- -----~~- ~-~- --- -- -- -- -- ---~ _ ~ ~ _ ---- ---:.. _

----- -----I

140 70 20 210 60 .

8 and.17 ---------9 and 18 __ ~__~ ~

30
10 "

'AGO 1389D '

-5

(5) The piece will be laid with the correct s~ttings at the conclusion of each test before proceeding with the next test. (6) Aiming posts will be setout at prescribed distances for these tests. (7) The examiner will desig~ate the section number of the howitzer to be used. The examiner will announce deflection difference commands which will .require the application of deflection difference by the candidate. .
I

c. Outline of tests.
Test No. Examiner commands (for example) Action of candidate

land

10

2 and 11 3 and 12 . 4 and 13 5 and 14

6and 15 7 and 16 . 8and 17 9and 6

is

Performs appropriate duties as rlescribed in paragraph 248 through d. Calls "Ready" and steps clear. RIGHT 180 _ Same as test No. above. LEFT 70 _ Same as t.est' No. above . Same as test No. RIGHT 2,1'" ON NO.4 above CLOSE 3. Performs apt>ropriat.e AIMING POINT. AI Mdu.ties . as described ING POSTS. REFER, in paragraph 24e and RECGHD BASE DE FLECTI()N~ f Same as test No. 1 BASE DEFLECTION LEFT 240. ON NO.4 above. OPEN 7. RIGHT 80 _ Same as test No. above . LEFT 40 __~_~. ~_ Same as test No. above. Same as test No. RIGHT 18, ON NO.2 above. CLOSE 4. AIMING POINT, CHURCH STEEPLE TO. LEFT FRONT, DEFLECTION 2890, ON NO.2 OPEN 6.
AGO 1389D .

'

. d. Penalties.' (1) No credit will be allowed if, after each test(a) The deflection is set incorrectly. (b) The cross-level or longitudinal-level bubble is not centered. ' (0) The vertical hair of telescope is not on the aiming point or aiming posts, as the case may, be. (2) No credit will be allowed if the last motion of traverse was not made to the right. e. Credit.

~
Time in seconds, exactly or less than __ Tests Nos, 1. to. 6. and 15, each _ Other, tests, each ~__ :. ' ~ Credit _ 12 - 13 10 II 2.0 1.5
14 , 12

1.0

6. LAYING FOR ELEVATION WITH ELEVATION SCALE..

a. S~ope of tests.

Three tests will be con'ducted in which the candidate will be required to execute commands similar to those given below. ' b~ Special instructions. (1) Each test ~ill require a change of settings and the accompanying laying of the tube in elevation within the following limits: Site, 15 to 25 mils; elevation, 20 to 40 mils. (2) Commands for elevation for tests Nos. 2 and, 3 will not he made in multiples of 5 mils. (3) The candidate 'will be posted as No. 1 cannoneer.

AGO 1389D .

7
'

c. Outline of tests.
Test No. Examiner commands (for example) Action of candidate

SITE
280,

295, ELEVA TI 0 N

SITE
316.

320,

ELEVATION

Performs appropriate duI ties as described in para~ graph 26a through d Calls "Ready" and steps clear. Same as test No. 1 above. Same as test No. 1 above

SITE
351.

335, ELEVATION

d. Penalties.

(1)

No credit will be allowed if,

after each test(a) The site or elevation is not set accurately. (b) The cross-level or longitudinal-level, bubble is not centered. (2) No credit will be aUowe'dif the last movement ,of the tube was not in the di;rection in which it is most difficult to turn. the elevating handwheel.
, e. Credit.
Time in seconds, exactly or less than______ 6% Credit ..: -- -- ---_ _ 2. 0 7%,
L.5

8%'
L.O

7 . LAYING

FOR ELEVATION

WITH GUNNER'S QUAD-

Three tests will be conducted in -,vh~ch the candidate will be r~quired to execute commands similar to those given below. b. Special instructions. (1) The gunner's quadrant will be set at zero for the first test .
RANT. o. Scope of tests.
.8
AGO 1389D

+1

, (2) Each succeeding test' will require a change of quadrant elevation setting within the limits of 30 to' 60 mils.,' " (3) The candidate will be posted, to the "left of and facing the breech, with the gunner's quadrant in his hand. .. , (4), An assistant, selected by the candidate, will he posted to the right of the breech to operate the elevating handwheel.
\" c. Outline of tests.
Test N~. ' Examiner . commands (for example) .Action of candidate
I

('

."'

QU AD RANT

QUADRANT QUADRA,NT

.. _ P~rforms .appropriate' duties as described in paragraph 22e. I \ Calls . "Ready" and" waits for examiner to verify, laying 240 __..: _ Same as test No. 1 above. 205 _ Same as test No. 1 above,"
\

180

d.' Penalties. (1) ,No credit'will be all~wed if,'after each test-\," \ (a) The quadrant elevation is set incorre~tly ~ \ ." (b) The quadrant is not properly seawd. (c) The quadrant bubble is not properly centered. (2) No credit will be allowed if the last movement. of the tube was not in the. directiOIi in. which it is most difficult to turn the elevating hand wheel. e.' Credit. '. , ,
8'

Time in seconds, exactly or less than______ Credit __~______________________________ ' ..

AGO 1389D 716116-47-2

2.0

8%

1. 5

9 1.0

8. DISPLACEMENT CORRECTION.

o. Scope of test.

One, test, consisting of two parts, will be conducted in which the candidate will 'be required to execute the commands given below. b. Special instructions. (1) Aiming posts will be set out at the prescribed distances. (2) An: assistant, selected by the candidate, will be'stationed close to the far aiming post. (3) The examiner will require the candidate to' lay the piece on an announced deflection and report "I am ready." , (4) , The far post or the piece will then be moved so that a displacement of 5 to 10 mils occurs. _(5) The laying of the piece at the termination of part I will not be disturbed for part' II.
c. Outline of test.
Examiner commands

<

(1) PaTt I.
Action
OJ

_._------------------------,CORRECT FOR PLACEMENT.

DIS~ "performs duties as described in paragraph 54 Calls. "Eeady" and steps clear.

candidate

(2) Part

II.'
Action ul candIdate

J!.:xammer conulland,

RECORD AND REPORT BASE DEFLECTION,

ALIGN AIMING POSTS.

Performs duties as described in paragraphs 24f and 54. Directs assistant in aligning aiming posts. Calls "Ready" and steps clear

10

AGO 1389D,

d: Penalties. No' credit will be allowed if(1) .Part I. (a) The far aiming post does not ap-

_pear midway between the near post and the vertical cross hair of the telescope.. (b) The cross-level or longitudinal-level bubble is not centered. (c) The last motion. of traverse was not made to the right. ' (2) Part II. (a) The recorded base deflection is not the one set on the azimuth scales of the telescope. (b) The aiming posts are not properly aligned. (c) The vertical hair of the telescope is not on the aiming posts.
e. Credit. '

Part I, time in seconds, exactly or less than ________________ -- ----6 Credit ______________________ - ---5.0 Part II, no time limit ______________ Credit ___________________________ 1.0

'7 4.0

8 3.0

9 2.5

9. MEASURING MINIMUM QUADRANT ELEVATION. . . a. Sc.ope of test. One test will be conducted in which

the candidate will be required to execute the command given below. b. Special instructions. (1) The piece, prepared for action, .will be placed 200 to 400 yards from a mask of reasonable height. (2) The tube will be elevated so that it is 100 to . 150 mils above the crest. (3) The candidate will take post at the left rear of the breech. .
AGO 1389D

, c. Outline
Examiner

of test.
commands

.
Action of candidate

MEASURE, QUADRANT TI.oN.

MINIMUM ELEVA-

Performs appropriate duties as described in paragraph

22c

No credit will be allowed if(1) The line of sighting along the lowest element of the bore does not just clear crest. (2) The minimum quadrant elevation is' announced incorrectly.
d. Penalties. e. Credit.
Time in seconds, exactly or less than~ _________ ~_____________ Credit _______________ ~________ 14 4.0

15

3.0

16 2.0

17
1.5

10. MEASURING ELEVATION. a. Scope of test. 'One

test will be conducted in which the candidate will be required to execute the command given below. b. Special instructions. Prior to the test the examiner ",ill lay the tube,at a selected elevation, measure the elevation with the elevation quadrant, and then turn the elevation, angle-of-site, and cross-leveling , knobs so that the scales and level bubbles h~ve to be brought to their correct positions by the candidate.

AGO 1389D

c. Outline of test.
Examiner commands Action of candidate

MEASURE THE VATION.

ELEV A-

Performs duties' described in paragraph 22f. (Candidate,' performs the duties of both the chief of section and No. 1 cannoneer.)

, d. Penalties.

No cr~dit will be allowed if":", (1) The cross-level or the longi tudinal-Ievel bubble is not properly centered. , ' '. . (2) The angle-of-site scale does not read 300. (3) The elevation is announced incorrectly.
e. Credit:

rime in seconds, exactly or less than_ _ Jredit ~ ~ ~_____

) ,

8 4. 0

9%' '3. 0
,

10% 2. 0 ~

11. MEASURING DEFLECTION. a. Scope of test.

One ~estwill be conducted in which the candidate will be required,to measure and report a. deflectionin'ac~ordance with the command given below. b. Special instructions. (1) The piece :will be laid' m aiming posts to the left front. (2)' An aiming point within 200 mils to the left or , 'ight of the aiming posts will be deSignated by the' . ' ~xaminer :and identified by th~' candidate. . '

"

GO 1889D

13

c. qutline
Examiner

of test.
commands

Action of candidate

NUMBER (SO AND SO) AIMING POINT, THAT (SO AND SO), MEASURE THE DEFLECTION.

Performs duties as describf in paragraph 24g.

No credit will be allowed if(1)' The cross-level or longitudinal-level bubble j not centered properly. (2) The vertical hair of the telescope not on th aiming- point. (3) The deflection is announced incorrectly . (4) The traversing handwheel is turned.
d. Penalties.

is

e. Credit.
Time in seconds, exactly or less than__ .5 t~redit_ - - - ._____ 5. 0
5% 6 6~

4.03.02.

12. TEST AND ADJUSTMENT OF SIGHTING AND FIRI CONTROL EQUIPMENT. a. Scope of tests. Six test:

wiIJ be conducted in which the candidate will bl required to demonstrate the methods employed ilj making the prescribed tests and authorized adjustments, or describe the action taken (that is, send t/l the,ordna.nce maintenance company) if adjUstment~. not authorized to be made by using personnel. , b. Special instructions. (1) The piece will be pre' pared for a9tion, the trunnions leveled, and the tubJ placed in the center of traverse. The muzzle and breech bore sights will be installed in the tube..
14
AGO 13S9

(2) The following pquipment will be needed for he tests: bore sights, testing target with a suitable leans of supporting it at t~e proper height and in orrect alignment, gunner's quadrant, steel plate rith two parallel surfaces or a suitable piece of pl~te lass, plumb line, and suitable screw drivers. (3) The candidate will select an assistant who will perate the elevating hitndwheel at the direction of le candidate duri,ng tests Nos. 1 'and 2 and adjust ld align the testing target at the direction of the mdidate prior to test No.4. (4) The testswiU be conducted in the chronologi- ' J sequence indicated, in c below. After the cometion of test No.2, the gunner's quadrant used in sts Nos. land 2 will be used for test No: 3, with the 'opel' correction, as determined in test .No.1, rried on the quadrant, provided the correction does It exceed 0.4 mil. (5) Adjustments which the candidate may 'be quired to accomplish will fall within the following nits: -(a) Paiwramic telescope. 1. Rotating head elevation indexes, no'adjustment permitted. 2. Hotating head elevation micrometer indexes, not to exceed one-quarter turn . . 3. Azimuth scale, not to exceed one lOO-mil , graduation. 4. Azimuth micrometer scale, not to exceed ten I-mil graduations. :b) ()oaxial telescope. '1. Deflection, not to exceed two 5-mil lead intervals. 2. Elevation, not to exceed two 100-yard range lines.
I

) 13890

'

15

(c) Range (ele'vation) quadrant. 1. Elevation and angle-oI-site scales, not to exceed one 109-mil graduation. 2. Elevation and angle-af-site micrometer scales, not to excee4 ten I-mil gradua tion. (6) The tube will be leveled at the conclusion of test No. 2 and will not be disturbed thereafter.
\

c. Outline of tests.
Test No. Examiner commands Action of candidate

PERFORM END-FOREND TEST ON GUNNER'S QUADRANT.

PERFORM MICROMETER TEST ON GUNNER'S QUADRANT.

I

~erforms test as described ~ in paragraph 65d. ~ Calls "Error (so many) I mils, ~uadrant serviceable (unserviceable)," an d hands quadrant to examiner for verification. Sets index arm to read 101 mils on graduated arc and sets micrometer at zero Places quadrailt on level, ing plates on breech ring and directs assistant' in' elevating tube until bubble of quadrant is centered. Sets index arm at' zero OD graduated arc and turns micrometer to reading of I 10 mils. The bubble' should center. If it does! not the micrometer is in error, Calls "Quadrant micrometer is (is not) in error." ~

, lI
I

16,
AGO

13S9vr
...

i'est 'Jo.

Examiner

commands

, Action of candidate

TEST TELESCOPE
MOUNT.

'

Removes panoramic telescope ,from socket if in place. Sets gunner's quadrant at zero or at .the setting as' determined in test No. 1. Places steel plate on top of ,telescope socket and holds gunner's quadrant on top of plate parallel to, longitudinal-level bubble., " Centers cross-level bubble. Centers bubble 'of gunner's quadrant by turning the elevation knob. Checks position of iongitudinal-Ievel bubble.. Call s " Longitudinal-level bubble within (without) allowable Ii It t.." Turns plate and guilDer's quadrant 90 (parallel to cross-level bubble) and "centers bubble of gun-' ner's quadrant by turn- / ing cross-leveling knob. ' Checks position of cross. level bubble. Calls "Cross-level bubble within (without) allowable limit." (Allowable limit, bubble not centered by one graduation of . level vial or less.)

I'

W 13890

Caution: Do not turn cross-leveling or elevation} knob: after this test. ,,' ,,

Note.-Prior to test No.4 the cross and longitudinal leveling 0 the tube and the panoramIc telescope, moun t will be, verified by th examiner, and the testing target will be aligned by the candidat with the help o,f hi~ selected assistant as described In' TM 9-324 Test No. Examiner commands

Act.oo or

"".dld", '

'\

TEST ADJUSTMENT OF PANORAMIC TELESCOPE.

TEST COAXIAL ESCOPE.

TEL-

, ,6

TEST RANGE (ELEV A T ION) QUA D., ,RANT

Performs tests and make: /' adjustments as describe! in paragraph 65e.' j Calls "Ready" when ad justments are complete. j Performs tests and, make. adjustments as describe~ ' in paragraph 65f. ~ Calls. "Ready" when ad - justments are complete, ~ Performs 'tests and make!

adjUstments. a,ppr~pr.I'a.1 to the quadrant found 0 the piece as described i ': "paragraph 65g.' , Calls "Ready" when' a iustments are complete

(1) General. The Itests are not e~ se~tially speed 'tests. The purpose of the prescribe , time limits is' to, insure that the candidate can per form the operation without wasted e~ort. , (2) ,Test 1. No .credit will' be allowed ,if' " (a) . ,The bubble of the gunner's quadrant does no 'center when verified by the examiner. , (b)' The error (one- ~al f ,of the amount of th angle'which was indicated when the quadrant wa~ first reversed and the bubble centered bY,mOVing~hj
d .. Penalties.

No:

l'

"'

AGO 13S9,

index arm and micl'Olneter) is ann~unced incorrectly -

by the candidate. ' . (c) The candidate fails to declare the quadrant unserviceable if the error (necessary correction) exceeds 0.4:mil, or fails to declare the quadrant serviceltble if the error (necessary correction) is less than ).4 mil. (d)" The time to complete the test exceeds 2 minutes. . (3) Test No.2. No credit will be allowed if(a) The procedure is not followed correctly. (b) The time to complete the test exceeds 1 minute. (4) Test No.3. No credit will be allowed if-'-I ( a) The bubble of the gunner's quadrant is not centered in either direction. (b) The candidate does not announce correctly in regard to the status of either the cross-level o~ longitudinal-level bubbles~ . (c) 'The dme to complete the test exceeds 1minute. (5) Test No. 4. ~o credit will be allowed if-:(a) The candidate fails to make any adjustment when such adjustment is indicated.. ' (b) The .rotating head elevation micrometer indexes are not in coincidence. . (c) The zero line of either the azimuth scale or :lzimuth scale micrometer is not in coincidence with its respective index. . (d) The center line of the bore, as viewed through the bore sights, or the line of sight of the telescope do tlotfaJ1 on their respective sighting points on the ~esting tnrget when all scales are set at zero. (e) The time to complete the tests and adjustments exceeds 4 minutes and 30 seconds.'
WO 1889D

19

:- :,/

.....

, (6 )Te~t 5. ' No cieciit\vil1' be ~llo:Wed.i":":": ,(a) The center line or the bore; as viewed throug ] ,the boresights,. or ,the line' of sight' of the teleScop t , (zero range and deflection' cross 'hair. intersectioni ,do not fall on their respective sight~ng poi:n;tson th, testing target. .J .-:J I' (7;), The time to complete the/test~ and adjustment t exceeds 2 'minutes. ;,1 (7), Test No. 6. No credit ,will beallowedi~-:-' (a) . The elevation micrometer does not read 'zer 1 ~ / 'j ',' ,-when the elevation scale reads zero. '," ,'" ".(b) ,The angle of site does not~read 300 when th , cross-level, and~~ngitudinal~level ,~ubbles ,ar.e cen" ,
I~. i

No:

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I,

:.;

j'

.;,

exceeds 2 minutes. t",'.,i' " :', \', ,e. Cre~it. .(1) The ca~didate will be ~c(}red Oll~ ' '.;~. the %en~ra~,merit of his 'r0rk, in addition ~o. th~ specIfic reqUIrements above., " . . I, .~ .,' '/ ., (2) If the tests and.adjustments are performed)
,Ii'
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tl:~~ll,:,;',Vd,
I ' ,," "7"

',,-

~or, ect,',lY r within t~e.prescribe" d ti,me.lim,it,,'ma""x",im, "u~J , credit will be given as follows:, ,i' ,Test No. 1_~~ ~ ~ ~':'__ ~__ ",' "Test No. 2_~~ ~ ~'~ ~:"_~_~,___ 1 ,Test No. 3 ~__'__..:~ ~ ~~__ 1\ ,Test No.,,4~ :"__'-:-~ :"', --:..~~.~~.. 21 ' "'T' 't'N' '5 l:1 , es, o. ---------------------------:ill Test No.', 6 9 . ' Total:.. _~__: _ ~_~~_:... 10 __
"
,

~----------'---":------~---pj"~
"

13. MATERIEL. 'a. Scope ~f tests. Three test~ willi be' conducted as outlined below which the candidate/ 1'. be' r~uired {o preform., . ,,' will . : .
.:,20 ;~:; .' " " .

':~~o

1~

.'

\'

(1) Tests Nos. 1 ,and 2. 'or tests' Nos. 1 .and 2, a paulin will be placed on 1e ground convenient for the use 0' the ,candidate' 1 laying out the disassembled parts. The candidate rill be allowed to select the tools and accessories ecessary for the performance of the tests prior to 1e start of the tests. ' (2) Test No.3. (a) A 'complete s~t of lubrication quipment authorized for use by battery personnel rill be made' conveniently' available on a paulin adtcent to the howitzer. (b) 'Every type of lubricant used on the howitzer rill be) placed conveniently available in plainly la-, eled containers.
b. Special instructions. c. Outline of tests.
'est

"

.ro.

Examiner

commands'

ActionOf candidate

DISASSEMBLE BHEECH MECHANISM AND FIRING LOCK.

ASSEMBLE BREECH MECHANISM AND FIRING LOCK. DAILY, WEEKLY, AND M-ONTH LY LUBRICATION

Performs the operation as : described in TM 9-324, laying the parts on the i paulin, I ~' , After disassembly, idelltifies ' ' all parts' to examIner. Performs the operation as >described in TM 9-324. Selects proper lubricati'n'g' - equipment and lubricant and shows how and with' which lubricant each lubrication point is serviced. . (Actual lubrication is not performed.)

TEST.

GO 13890

11

d. Penalties. (1) The tests are not essentially .speed tests. The purpose of the maximum time limits is to' insure that the candidate can perform the operations without wasted effort. (2) No credit will be given if the following time limits are exceeded:.' . Test' No. 1 I1j2 minutes. Test No. 2 ~ 3 'minutes. Test No. 3 2 minutes: (3) A penalty of one-half point will be assessed for each component part not correctly identified or omitted in test :No. 1. There is no time limit imposed on the identification of component parts. However, the examiner may reduce the grade if it becomes evident that the candidate is not familiar with the nomenclature. (4) A penalty of one-half point will be assessed for each lubrication point missed or lubricated impl:operly, and for each time the proper lubricating device or proper lubricant is hot selected. e. Credit. (1) The candidate will be scored on the general merit of his' work in addition to the speciflc requirements above. . (2) If each test is performed correctly within the prescribed time limit, a maximum credit of five points will be given ~or that test.
[AG 300.7 (19 Dee 46)]

AGO 1389D.

'By

ORDER OF THE~Sl<XjRETARY

OF

'VAR:

DWIGHT D. EISENHOWER ohief of Staff

)FFICIAL:

EDWARD F. \VITSELL Jf ajor General The Adjutant General

DISTRIBUTION:

AAF (2); AGF (40); Arm & Sv Bd (1); Tech Sv 9 (1); PG 9 (5); Gen'& Sp Sv'Sch (2), except 6 (10), '17 (200); USMA (10); ROTC 6 (1); Repl Tng C (10) ; A (2); CHQ (2); "_ D 17 (2) ; TIO & E 6-160-1 (3) ; 6-165 (30). For explanation of distribution formula, see,
J

FM 21-6.

AGO 1389D
8. S 1lI0VERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE, 1947

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