Called the "forgotten branch of the service," the artillery was always the smallest arm of the Union forces. It's officers, drilled their men as many as three times a day. This repitition was crucial, since the heat of battle often drowned our verbal commands.
Firing a Civil War cannon was a team effort requiring all the precision of a polished drill on a parade ground. Experienced gunners working together could load and fire a fieldpiece every 30 seconds - even when enemy fire was bursting around them. The teamwork involved in the process kindled a fierce sense of comradship among the gunners and an unswerving loyalty to the gun. Above all else, the artillerist was expected to protect his gun.
Enlisted men of the heavy artillery were uniformed the same as the infantry. The piping on a soldier's uniform indicated the branch of service he is serving in. Red indicated the artillery service. |
