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The Great War (1914-1918) Forum

Remembered Today:

6" howitzer gun crew


Seany

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I think that the gun crew of a British 6" howitzer (RGA siege battery) was about ten men (?) but what were the specific roles within that crew and were they known as numbers, ie number one gunner etc with the number implying some specific function?

I'm all googled out and no answer, please advise.

thank you kindly.

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Seany

I have a Gun Drill Book for a 6" B.L. Howitzer 26 cwt. which belonged to Sergeant Hutchinson of 255 Siege Battery RGA, give me a couple of days and I will give you all the information you want.

John

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I think that the gun crew of a British 6" howitzer (RGA siege battery) was about ten men (?) but what were the specific roles within that crew and were they known as numbers, ie number one gunner etc with the number implying some specific function?

I'm all googled out and no answer, please advise.

thank you kindly.

Hi Sean

Some basic info - Numbers 1 - 10 is in 'British Artillery 1914 -19 Heavy Artillery' - Osprey. Do you want me to send it via email?

Ruth

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I'll email you

Hi Sean

Some basic info - Numbers 1 - 10 is in 'British Artillery 1914 -19 Heavy Artillery' - Osprey. Do you want me to send it via email?

Ruth

Thanks John, no rush but look forward to the info.

Seany

I have a Gun Drill Book for a 6" B.L. Howitzer 26 cwt. which belonged to Sergeant Hutchinson of 255 Siege Battery RGA, give me a couple of days and I will give you all the information you want.

John

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I think that the gun crew of a British 6" howitzer (RGA siege battery) was about ten men (?) but what were the specific roles within that crew and were they known as numbers, ie number one gunner etc with the number implying some specific function?

I'm all googled out and no answer, please advise.

thank you kindly.

Hmm, your Googling must be a bit off course, http://nigelef.tripod.com/6inchsheet.htm page of my web site has a small table detailing the duties of the 10 man detachment in action, bringing the gun in and out of action was obviously different. It's from a 1930s Gun Drill book for 6 in How, but I'd be suprised if there were any significant differences from WW1.

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Well that teaches me not to ignore anything that says WW2 !!

Thanks Nigel a very useful response and interesting website.

Hmm, your Googling must be a bit off course, http://nigelef.tripo.../6inchsheet.htm page of my web site has a small table detailing the duties of the 10 man detachment in action, bringing the gun in and out of action was obviously different. It's from a 1930s Gun Drill book for 6 in How, but I'd be suprised if there were any significant differences from WW1.

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John

Many thanks for the Gun Drill. Here it is being used:

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John many thanks this is perfect.

I also very much like your quote 'a man is not dead until he is forgotten' from where does that come?

regards,

Sean

Seany

Please find attached an extract from 6" B.L. Howitzer 26 cwt dated June 1918.

John

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That's really good and brings it to life perfectly - in particular the line of men carrying shells to the guns are probably about as many as are loading and firing the gun itself.

marvellous, many thanks Ian

John

Many thanks for the Gun Drill. Here it is being used:

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