Part 2

It has already been stated, that the men are told off in sections of threes. They are accordingly numbered 1, 2, and 3. Now numbers 1 and 3 have nothing to carry but their proportion of the ammunition, viz. four Rockets and four sticks each, while No. 2 has in addition to carry the chamber from which the Rockets of his section are discharged. This chamber is a small iron plate trough, about one foot six inches in length, capable of being fixed steadily in the ground by four iron points at the bottom of it, so that the Rockets may be discharged parallel to the surface and close to it. The weight of this chamber, or bouche a feù, is about six lbs. and it is carried in a small leather case, shewn in both these figures, just at the back of the valise.

The men are armed with a sabre, which is in action suspended to the saddle, that they may not be incumbered in mounting and dismounting. Each man has besides a pistol in his cross belt, and a spear head in his holster, which may be occasionally fixed at the end of one of the Rocket sticks, so as to give the further aid of a very formidable lance. Instead of carrying slow match, which would be dangerous as well as inconvenient, the portfire is lighted in action by a flash of powder obtained from a pistol lock and pan, mounted on a small stock; and a light portfire stick for discharging the Rocket, about three feet in length, is constructed of a thin iron tube, which shuts up, and is carried in the holster. The sticks are fastened in the loops on the Rocket case, either by the gripe of a pair of pincers with points in them, or by the stroke of a small hammer with a point in the head, or by some equally simple tool. Every part of this equipment, except the sticks, is so completely concealed by the shabracque, that the Rocket trooper has the appearance merely of a lancer.

The weight of ammunition carried by the troop horse, with the full complement going into action, is three stone six lbs.; to which the horse is fully equal for any ordinary operation. But in long marches, it would be not only useless but improvident to burthen him to this extent; small tumbrils, therefore, are provided to convey three rounds of each man’s Rockets, he still carrying one round on the near side, and the four sticks on the off side to balance, which leaves the horse, in travelling, only one stone four lbs. weight of ammunition to carry; a burthen of two stone less on line of march, than that of the heavy dragoon’s or artillery-man’s horse; allowing for the difference of the weight of the men requisite for the respective services. The Rocket trooper has no heavy weights to lift--no guns to spunge, or to limber up and unlimber. He is required merely to be light and active for mounting and dismounting, and for moving nimbly on foot with a single Rocket, when in action: so that, whereas an artillery man cannot average less than 13 stone, the Rocket trooper need not exceed 10 stone, a difference amounting within a few pounds to the whole weight of ammunition carried by the men, even in action. It is needless to add that this difference in the men must also give great facility in recruiting for a Rocket corps.

OF THE EQUIPMENT OF THE AMMUNITION HORSE.

Plate 2 represents the mode of equipping the Ammunition Horses.

The left hand figure shews that the whole of the ammunition, &c. may be completely covered and protected from the weather by a painted canvass; and the other has this cover off, to shew the particular distribution of the load, which consists of eighteen Rockets and Rocket sticks, and a proportion of small stores, such as portfires, slow match, &c.

This load is carried on a bat saddle, made as small and as light as possible, with a pad at the back part of it, extending towards the crupper. The saddle is furnished on the top with two iron forks to receive a leather case, in which the sticks are carried in half lengths, of three feet six inches each, a length from which no inconvenience arises; being contrived so that the two parts may be united, to form the stick complete in a moment, by means of a ferule fixed to one end and receiving the other; in which situation they are firmly fixed and connected, either by a pair of pointed pincers, by a hammer with a point in the head, or by a wrench. When these sticks are taken from the Ammunition Horse, to replenish the stock of the mounted men, they are to be joined at that time by the simple, secure, and momentary operation just mentioned.

The Rockets are carried in a sort of saddle bags, as they may be termed, stitched into separate compartments for each Rocket, covered by a flap at one end, and secured by a chain, staples, and padlocks, the Rocket lying horizontally. By this arrangement the load lies in the most compact form possible, and close to the horse’s side, while the Rockets, being thus separated, cannot be injured by carriage.

The load is divided into three parts, the case or bundle of eighteen sticks, and a separate saddle bag on each side, contrived to hook on to the saddle, carrying nine Rockets in each bag. By this means there is no difficulty in loading and unloading the horse.

The whole weight thus carried by an Ammunition Horse is about 19 stone, consisting of about 6½ stone for the saddle, sticks, &c. and almost six stone in each of the saddle bags. From which it is evident, that there is no fear of the load swagging the horse in travelling, because the centre of gravity is very considerably below his back bone. It is evident also, that as the weight of the Rockets diminishes by supplying the mounted men, the weight of the sticks also is diminished, and the centre of gravity may, if desired, be brought lower and lower, as the load diminishes, by taking the ammunition from the upper tiers gradually and equally on each side downwards. It is further evident, that although spaces are provided for nine Rockets in each bag, that number may be diminished, should the difficulty of the country, or the length of the march, or other circumstances, render it advisable to carry a less load.

The mode of leading these horses will be explained in the next Plate.

ROCKET CAVALRY IN LINE OF MARCH, AND IN ACTION.

Plate 3, Fig. 1, represents a sub-division of Rocket Cavalry, or Rocket Horse Artillery, marching in column of threes. It consists of six sections, of three men in each, or a less number of sections, according to the whole strength of the troop, followed by four ammunition horses, each pair led by a driver riding between them; on the full scale, therefore, a sub-division will consist of 24 horses and 20 men, and will carry into action 152 rounds of 12-pounder Shell or Case Shot Rockets, and six bouches a feù or chambers, carried by the centre men of each section.

Fig. 2 represents this division in action, where the division may be supposed to have been halted in line, on the words--“_Prepare for action in front--dismount_”--Nos. 1 and 3 having dismounted, and given their leading reins to No. 2, who remains mounted, No. 1 runs forward about 15 or 20 paces with the chamber, which he draws from the leather case at the back of No. 2’s valise; and while Nos. 2 and 3 are preparing a Rocket, drawn from any one of the holsters most convenient, No. 1 fixes the chamber into the ground, pointing it to the desired object, and lights his portfire ready for the first round, which No. 3 by this time will have brought to him, and laid into the chamber; there remains, then, only for No. 1 to touch the vent of the Rocket with his portfire, No. 3 having run back for another round, which No. 2 will have been able to prepare in the mean time. In this way the sub-division will, without hurry, come into action with six bouches a feù, in one minute’s time, and may continue their fire, without any extraordinary exertion, at the rate of from two to three rounds from each chamber in a minute, or even four with good exertion; so that the six bouches a feù would discharge 80 rounds of 6-pounder ammunition in three minutes. Twelve light frames for firing the 12-pounder Rockets at high angles are further provided in addition to the ground chambers, and each of the drivers of the ammunition horses has one in his charge, in case of distant action.

The preparation of the Rocket for firing is merely the fixing the stick to it, either by the pincers, pointed hammer, or wrench, provided for joining the parts of the stick also. These modes I have lately devised, as being more simple and economical than the screw formerly used; but cannot at present pronounce which is the best; great care, however, must be taken to fix the stick securely, as every thing depends on it; the vent also must be very carefully uncovered, as, if not perfectly so, the Rocket is liable to burst; and in firing the portfire must not be thrust too far into the Rocket, for the same reason.

On the words “_Cease firing_,” No. 1 cuts his portfire, takes up his chamber, runs back to his section, and replaces the chamber immediately. No. 3 also immediately runs back; and having no other operation to perform, replaces the leading reins, and the whole are ready to mount again, for the performance of any further manœuvre that may be ordered, in less than a minute from the word “_Cease firing_” having been given.

It is obvious that the combined celerity and quantity of the discharge of ammunition of this description of artillery cannot be equalled or even approached, taking in view the means and nature of ammunition employed, by any other known system; the universality also of the operation, not being incumbered with wheel carriages, must be duly appreciated, as, in fact, it can proceed not only wherever cavalry can act, but even wherever infantry can get into action; it having been already mentioned that part of the exercise of these troops, supposing them to be stopped by walls, or ditches and morasses, impassable to horses, is to take the holsters and sticks from the horses, and advance on foot.

Another vast advantage is the few men required to make a complete section, as by this means the number of points of fire is so greatly multiplied, compared to any other system of artillery. Thus it may be stated that the number of bouches a feù, which may comparatively be brought into action, by equal means, on the scale of a troop of horse artillery, would be at least six to one; and that they may either be spread over a great extent of line, or concentrated into a very small focus, according to the necessity of the service; indeed the skirmishing exercise of the Rocket Cavalry, divided and spread into separate sections, and returning by sound of bugle, forms a very interesting part of the system, and can be well imagined from the foregoing description and the annexed Plate.

ROCKET CARS.

Plate 4, Fig. 1, represents a Rocket Car in line of march. There are two descriptions of these cars, of similar construction--one for 32 or 24-pounder ammunition, the other for 18 or 12-pounder; and which are, therefore, called heavy or light cars: the heavy car will carry 40 rounds of 24-pounder Rockets, armed with cohorn shells, and the light one will convey 60 rounds of 12-pounder, or 50 of 18-pounder ammunition, which is packed in boxes on the limber, the sticks being carried in half lengths in the boxes on the after part of the carriage, where the men also ride on seats fixed for the purpose, and answering also for small store boxes; they are each supposed to be drawn by four horses.

These cars not only convey the ammunition, but are contrived also to discharge each two Rockets in a volley from a double iron plate trough, which is of the same length as the boxes for the sticks, and travels between them; but which, being moveable, may, when the car is unlimbered, be shifted into its fighting position at any angle from the ground ranges, or point blank up to 45°, without being detached front the carriage.

Fig. 2 represents these Rocket Cars in action: the one on the left hand has its trough in the position for ground firing, the trough being merely lifted off the bed of the axle tree on which it travels, and laid on the ground, turning by two iron stays on a centre in the axle tree; the right hand car is elevated to a high angle, the trough being raised and supported by the iron stays behind, and in front by the perch of the carriage, connected to it by a joint, the whole kept steady by bolting the stays, and by tightening a chain from the perch to the axle tree. The limbers are always supposed to be in the rear. The Rockets are fired with a portfire and long stick; and two men will fight the light car, four men the heavy one.

The exercise is very simple; the men being told off, Nos. 1, 2, 3, and 4, to the heavy carriage. On the words, “_Prepare for action, and unlimber_,” the same process takes place as in the 6-pounder exercise. On the words, “_Prepare for ground firing_,” Nos. 2 and 3 take hold of the hand irons, provided on purpose, and, with the aid of No. 4, raise the trough from its travelling position, and lower it down to the ground under the carriage; or on the words “_Prepare to elevate_,” raise it to the higher angles, No. 4 bolting the stays, and fixing the chain. No. 1 having in the mean time prepared and lighted his portfire, and given the direction of firing to the trough, Nos. 2, 3, and 4, then run to the limber to fix the ammunition, which No. 2 brings up, two rounds at a time, or one, as ordered, and helping No. 1 to place them in the trough as far back as the stick will admit: this operation is facilitated by No. 1 stepping upon the lower end of either of the stick boxes, on which a cleat is fastened for this purpose; No. 1 then discharges the two Rockets separately, firing that to leeward first, while No. 2 returns for more ammunition: this being the hardest duly, the men will, of course, relieve No. 2 in their turns. In fighting the light frame, two men are sufficient to elevate or depress it, but they will want aid to fix and bring up the ammunition for quick firing.

ROCKET INFANTRY IN LINE OF MARCH, AND IN ACTION.

Plate 5, Fig. 1, represents a sub-division of Rocket infantry in line of march--Fig. 2, the same in action. The system here shewn is the use of the Rockets by infantry--one man in ten, or any greater proportion, carrying a frame, of very simple construction, from which the Rockets may be discharged either for ground ranges, or at high angles, and the rest carrying each three rounds of ammunition, which, for this service, is proposed to be either the 12-pounder Shell Rockets, or the 12-pounder Rocket case shot, each round equal to the 6-pounder case, and ranging 2,500 yards. So that 100 men will bring into action, in any situation where musketry can be used, nearly 300 rounds of this description of artillery, with ranges at 45°, double those of light field ordnance.

The exercise and words of command are as follow:

No. 1 carries the frame, which is of very simple construction, standing on legs like a theodolite, when spread, and which closes similarly for carrying. This frame requires no spunging, the Rocket being fired merely from an open cradle, from which it may be either discharged by a lock or by a portfire, in which case. No. 1 also carries the pistol, portfire-lighter, and tube box. No. 2 carries a small pouch, with the requisite small stores, such as spare tubes, portfires, &c.; and a long portfire stick.

Nos. 3, 4, and 5, &c. to 10, carry each, conveniently, on his back, a pouch, containing three Rockets; and three sticks, secured together by straps and buckles.

With this distribution, they advance in double files. On the word “_Halt_,” “_Prepare for action_,” being given, No. 1 spreads his frame, and with the assistance of No. 2, fixes it firmly into the ground, preparing it at the desired elevation. No. 2 then hands the portfire stick to No. 1, who prepares and lights it, while No. 2 steps back to receive the Rocket; which has been prepared by Nos. 3, 4, &c. who have fallen back about fifteen paces, on the word being given to “_Prepare for action_.” These men can always supply the ammunition quicker than it can be fired, and one or other must therefore advance towards the frame to meet No. 2 with the round prepared. No. 2 having thus received the Rocket, places it on the cradle, at the same instant that No. 1 puts a tube into the vent. No. 2 then points the frame, which has an universal traverse after the legs are fixed; he then gives the word “_Ready_,” “_Fire_,” to No. 1, who takes up his portfire and discharges the Rocket. No. 1 now sticks his portfire stick into the ground, and prepares another tube; while No. 2, as before, puts the Rocket into the frame, points, and gives the word “_Ready_,” “_Fire_,” again. By this process, from three to four Rockets a minute may, without difficulty, be fired from one frame, until the words “_Cease firing_,” “_Prepare to advance_,” or “_retreat_,” are given; when the frame is in a moment taken from the ground, and the whole party may either retire or advance immediately in press time, if required. To insure which, and at the same time to prevent any injury to the ammunition, Nos. 3, 4, &c. must not be allowed to take off their pouches, as they will be able to assist one another in preparing the ammunition, by only laying down their sticks; in taking up which again no time is lost.

If the frame is fired with a lock, the same process is used, except that No. 1 primes and cocks, and No. 2 fires on receiving the word from No. 1.

For ground firing, the upper part of this frame, consisting of the chamber and elevating stem, takes off from the legs, and the bottom of the stem being pointed like a picquet post, forms a very firm bouche a feù when stuck into the ground; the chamber at point blank being at a very good height for this practice, and capable of traversing in any direction. The exercise, in this case, is, of course, in other respects similar to that at high angles.

THE MODE OF USING ROCKETS IN BOMBARDMENT.

Plate 6, Fig. 1, represents the mode of carrying the bombarding frame and ammunition by men. The apparatus required is merely a light ladder, 12 feet in length, having two iron chambers, which are fixed on in preparing for action at the upper end of the ladder; from which chambers the Rockets are discharged, by means of a musket lock; the ladder being reared to any elevation, by two legs or pry-poles, as in Fig. 2. Every thing required for this service may be carried by men; or a Flanders-pattern ammunition waggon, with four horses, will convey 60 rounds of 32-pounder Carcasses, in ten boxes, eight of the boxes lying cross-ways on the floor of the waggon, and two length-ways, at top. On these the frame, complete for firing two Rockets at a flight, with spunges, &c. is laid; and the sticks on each side, to complete the stowage of all that is necessary, the whole being covered by the tilt. Four men only are required to be attached to each waggon, who are numbered 1, 2, 3, & 4.

The frame and ammunition having been brought into the battery, or to any other place, concealed either by trees or houses (for from the facility of taking new ground, batteries are not so indispensable as with mortars), the words “_Prepare for bombardment_” are given; on which the frame is prepared for rearing, Nos. 1 and 2 first fixing the chambers on the ladder; Nos. 3 and 4 attaching the legs to the frame as it lies on the ground. The words “_Rear frame_” are then given; when all assist in raising it, and the proper elevation is given, according to the words “_Elevate to 35°_” or “_45°_,” or whatever angle the officer may judge necessary, according to the required range, by spreading or closing the legs of the frame, agreeable to the distances marked in degrees on a small measuring tape, which the non-commissioned officer carries, and which is called--the Elevating Line. The word “_Point_” is then given: which is done by means of a plumb-line, hanging down from the vertex of the triangle, and which at the same time shews whether the frame is upright or not. Things being thus arranged, Nos. 1 and 2 place themselves at the foot of the ladder, and Nos. 3 and 4 return to fix the ammunition in the rear, in readiness for the word “_Load_.” When this is given, No. 3 brings a Rocket to the foot of the ladder, having before hand _carefully_ taken off the circle that covered the vent, and handing it to No. 2, runs for another. In the mean time, No. 1 has ascended the ladder to receive the first Rocket from No. 2, and to place it in the chamber at the top of the ladder; by the time this is done, No. 2 is ready to give him another Rocket, which in like manner he places in the other chamber: he then primes the locks with a tube and powder, and, cocking the two locks, after every thing else is done, descends from the ladder, and, when down, gives the word “_Ready_;” on which, he and No. 2 each take one of the trigger lines, and retire ten or twelve paces obliquely, waiting for the word “_Fire_” from the officer or non-commissioned officer, on which they pull, either separately or together, as previously ordered.

On the Rockets leaving the frame, No. 1 immediately runs up and spunges out the two chambers with a very wet spunge, having for this purpose a water bucket suspended at the top of the frame; which being done, he receives a Rocket from No. 2, as before, No. 3 having, in the mean time, brought up a fresh supply; in doing which, however, he must never bring from the rear more than are wanted for each round. In this routine, any number of rounds is tired, until the words “_Cease firing_” are given; which, if followed by those, “_Prepare to retreat_,” Nos. 3 and 4 run forward to the ladder; and on the words _“Lower frame_,” they ease it down in the same order in which it was raised, take it to pieces, and may thus retire in less than five minutes: or if the object of ceasing to fire is merely a change of position to no great distance, the four men may with ease carry the frame, without taking it to pieces, the waggon following them with the ammunition, or the ammunition being borne by men, as circumstances may render expedient.

_The ammunition_ projected from this frame consists of 32-pounder Rockets, armed with carcasses of the following sorts and ranges:--

1st.--_The small carcass_, containing 8 lbs. of carcass composition, being 3 lbs. more than the present 10-inch spherical carcass.--Range 3,000 yards.

2nd.--_The medium carcass_, containing 12 lbs. of carcass composition, being equal to the present 13-inch.--Range 2,500 yards.

3rd.--_The large carcass_, containing 18 lbs. of carcass composition, being 6 lbs. more than the present 13-inch spherical carcass.--Range 2,000 yards.

Or 32-pounder Rockets, armed with bursting cones, made of stout iron, filled with powder, to be exploded by fuzes, and to be used to produce the explosive effects of shells, where such effect is preferred to the conflagration of the carcass. These cones contain as follows:--

_Small._--Five lbs. of powder, equal to the bursting powder of a 10-inch shell.--Range 3,000 yards.

_Medium._--Eight lbs. of powder, equal to the bursting powder of a 13-inch shell.--Range 2,500 yards.

_Large._--Twelve lbs. of powder.--Range 2,000 yards.

N.B. I have lately had a successful experiment, with bombarding Rockets, six inches diameter, and weighing 148 lbs.--and doubt not of extending the bombarding powers of the system much further.

THE MODE OF USING ROCKETS IN BOMBARDMENT, FROM EARTH WORKS, WITHOUT APPARATUS.