Soldiers with light artillery
Excerpt from "Introduction To Civil War Artillery: Field Artillery" by Alethea D. Sayers
Field guns were grouped into batteries. Although six guns to a battery was considered ideal, it wasn't uncommon for a battery to have only four guns. The organization of field artillery often differed within the two armies. The battery was usually commanded by a captain, while two guns formed a section commanded by a lieutenant. When on the move, each gun or "piece" was hooked up behind a limber, which carried the ammunition chest, and was drawn by six horses. Each gun had its caisson, carrying three ammunition chests, and also drawn by six horses. These two units made up a platoon, which was commanded by a sergeant (Chief of Piece) and two corporals. A battery was also accompanied by a forge, a wagon carrying the tents and supplies, and generally six additional caissons with reserve ammunition.
Source: eHistory at The Ohio State University
For the full article link to: http://ehistory.osu.edu/uscw/features/regimental/artillery.cfm
Record Details
Title: Soldiers with light artillery
Notes:
Sepia toned photograph of two soldiers with light artillery in an encampment in Fairmount Park.
View full details.
