Battery Basics

Searching for a place to begin can distract one from getting started.  Until such time of commitment, distract yourself with a good source to peruse as well as admirable illustrations which can be viewed in The Instruction for Field Artillery, 1861.

​Whether crew member or civilian, it's good to be familiar with terms and positions you may be witness to, if not participating in, out on the field.

Battalion

Commanded by Lt. Colonel or Major
3-5 Batteries
12-30 guns, 150-400 artillerymen, 50-300 horses

Battery

Primary Organization Commanded by Captain
4-6 guns, 40-100 men, 70+ horses

Section

Commanded by Lieutenant
2 guns (+ limbers and caissons)
16 men and 24 horses

Squad

Commanded by a Sergeant
1 gun plus limbers and caisson
1 gun, 8 men, and 12 horses

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​Diagram of an Army

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Cannon Crew

Eight cannoneers are needed to fire field pieces. Five are at the gun--the gunner and cannoneers 1, 2, 3, 4. The gunner is in charge of the piece, he gives the commands and does the aiming. Cannoneers 1-4 actually load, clean and fire the gun. Cannoneer 5 runs the ammunition from the limber to the gun. Cannoneers 6 and 7 prepare ammunition and cut the fuses.