Chapter XXV
Gunnery Instructions,
Amphibious Forces, U.S. Pacific Fleet

Index

Section 1. Principle
Section 2. Personnel Training
Section 3. Gunnery Doctrine
Section 4. Landing Boat Doctrine
Section 5. Gunnery References
Section 6. Mines -- Employment, Stowage and Safety Precautions

Section 1. Principle

  1. The basic principle behind the Gunnery Doctrine of the Amphibious Forces is to bring each ship into action at the peak of fighting effectiveness.

  2. This combat readiness is achieved by maintaining a high standard of gunnery material readiness, a proper shipboard organization, constant effective training of the personnel, and a sound combat doctrine.

Section 2. Personnel Training

  1. Every opoprtuniity in port should be taken advantage of to send personnel to gunnery schools.

  2. All gunnery training should culminate in firing practices. Through use of the methods outlined above, personnel can be brought into firing practices fully prepared, but only through continuous firing can they be brought to a state of high combat readiness. An effort is being made not to prescribe the limit of ammunition expenditures. In other words, a ship should train until she is ready for battle. This places much of the responsibility for continuous training on the individual commanding officers.

  3. As a general rule, ships and landing craft should fire the following practices at stated intervals:

    CALIBER TYPE FREQUENCY
    5", 4", 3" Short Range, Surface Once every 3 months
    5", 3" AA "GEORGE" Every opportunity
    5", 3" Surface Target and Burst Practices Every opportunity
    40mm, 1.1", 20mm AA "GEORGE", "HOW", etc. Every opportunity
    40mm, 20mm, .50 cal. and rockets Assault Firing Practice Every 2 months
    .50 cal., rockets Assault Firing Practice Every 2 months
    Boat Machine Gun Beach Target Every opportunity

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  1. SOPs of groups entering and leaving port should make arrangements for these practices if higher command has not already done so.

Section 3. Gunnery Doctrine

  1. Transport gunnery, to be effective, must be kept simple. Each ship differs in installed armament, but all ships will take positive steps to insure the best possible use being made of available equipment. Accurate and rapid fire of a ship's guns must be delivered at the earliest moment that such fire will be effective. Early hitting is essential. Ships must be prepared to deliver accurate fire on targets which appear suddenly and remain visible but a brief time; even when such targets are changing range and bearing with great rapidity. In the case of aircraft, immediate determination of enemy or friendly character is of utmost importance.

  2. Detection "You can't hit 'em if you can't find 'em."

    1. Danger times and bearings. Reports still indicate that early dawn and late dusk are the probable times for plane and submarine attacks. Be prepared to go to General Quarters an hour before sunrise when ordered. Out of the sun remains one of the most effective directions from which to attack a ship and commanding officers will insure that certain guns remain customarily pointing into the sun and that lookouts are equipped with special sun goggles, and search the area continually. A cloud bank or a "weather front" will also be kept under close surveillance.

    2. Lookouts. Lookouts will be classified into surface, horizon and sky. Six sky lookout stations are considered adequate for transports. They will be properly posted to cover each sector, and each station clearly marked as to sector of responsibility. A fast, efficient method, and a standby method, shall be established for getting the word from the lookouts to the Officer of the Deck and the Gunnery Control Officer. Lookouts will be posted in pairs with one good pair of binoculars assigned to each station. The ship's allowance of binoculars and goggles should be increased to cover this. The men searching shall never take his eyes off his sector -- search it scientifically and continually. While he is searching the other lookout will wear the phones. Frequent shifts will be made as one man cannot maintain an effective search longer than thirty minutes. Particular attention must be paid to the sector by other men while shifting the phones, and by all four men while relieving the watch. Additional lookouts may be made up from members of Gun's Crews. Embarked Army personnel may also be used as lookouts, and after proper training, as members of Gun's Crews.

»XXV-2«

    1. Lookout's Responsibility. Particular force will be placed on the responsibility of the lookout for his sector. The lookouts in battle on the unengaged side are of great importance as present air attack technique is to make almost simultaneous attacks from both sides. The lookouts are of great importance to the ship, they should be made to realize this. Come "Hell or High Water" the lookout will not desert his sector.

    2. Plane Identification. Plane identification will be stressed and lookouts and ship's company given regular drill in it. Emphasis must be placed on getting the word around the ship concerning all planes in the area, expected air coverage and all hands informed whether the planes in sight are friendly or enemy. In the last analysis, a plane will be judged by its actions.

    3. Radar. Maximum possible use will be made of radar for detection, range, and navigational purposes. Even with a target on the screen, sweeps will be made on the unengaged side to prevent surprise when under fire from only one direction. The Radar Officer will keep a continual plot of all known surface ships in the area to facilitate immediate detection of an enemy. A method of giving radar bearings and ranges to the Gunnery Control Officer will be devised. (See section on CIC below.) The above use of Radar will be subject to the restrictions of the use of Radar imposed by the Radar Plan of the Officer in Tactical Command.

  1. Fire Discipline. "Don't open fire too soon."

    1. For surface targets the responsibility for opening fire rests with the Commanding Officer, who may delegate this authority to subordinates as and when he decides existing circumstances render such action advisable. Once action is joined this authority should be delegated to the Control Officer, and if in local control to the battery officers or gun captains.

    2. Surface target requirements are:

      1. Identification of enemy character.

      2. Selections of the target(s) whose damage will best further own task and frustrate the enemy's. These are normally the nearest attacking targets.

    3. For aircraft targets the responsibility for opening fire also rests with the Commanding Officer. With action already joined or in cases of fast moving targets the responsibility for selection (and opening fire) must be given to the Control Officer and in certain cases to the gun captain. The foregoing action should be a matter of indoctrination rather than procedure.

      1. Due to the multiplicity of situations which will be met, the doctrine for opening fire on aircraft cannot readily be covered by a set of general provisions as in the case of surface targets. The primary requirements of identification, range and tactical situation prevail as before.

»XXV-3«

      1. When ample notice of the target approach is given, as in the case of prior detection; and when the position of the ship in the formation is a factor, the responsibility of opening fire rests with the Commanding Officer. At night it is desirable that this order be initiated by the Officer in Tactical Command.

      2. With high speed targets and when targets emerge suddenly from the sun or cloud concealment to threaten own ship or nearby ships, the responsibility must be delegated to the Control Officer and gun captains, particularly gun captains of automatic weapons. Here the ENEMY CHARACTER OF THE TARGET IS ASSUMED BY ITS ACTION, the range is a matter of judgment, and possible restrictions of the task do not apply.

  1. Fire Control.

    1. For the 5"/38 and 3"/50 will eventually be an individual lead computing director, (currently the Mark 51) may, however, be line of sight barrage, or mechanical predictors.

    2. For 1.1" quad, an individual mark 51 director.

    3. For each 40mm twin or quad, an individual mark 51 director.

    4. For each 20mm, an individual Mark 14 sight.

  2. Fire Control Procedure.

    1. General.

      1. The standard fire control procedure herein prescribed should produce the desired results under normal conditions when used by well trained and efficient fire control parties. However, it must be borne in mind that the gunnery problem is affected by range, visibility, light, sea, and wind to such extent that a procedure prescribed for use at a given range may be totally unsuited due to abnormal weather conditions.

      2. Transport vessels of the Amphibious force in establishing "Procedure For Battle" will follow as a guide the recommended procedure, as set forth on pages XXV-12 through XXV-18 of this publication concerning instructions for guns, directors, battery and control officers. For "Notes on Air Defense" see page XXV-19 herein.

      3. Attention is invited to the following in connection with control of fire against submarines or motor torpedo boats: It is essential that spotters keep splashes well abaft the conning station of enemy targets as it requires about two seconds for splashes to make up and if this is not done all hits will occur well forward in the less vital area of the target.

    2. Surface Action -- Day or Night (5"/38 cal. battery).

      1. Primary method Local control:

        1. Continuous aim using telescopes.

        2. Set best available range on range bar.

        3. Set best available deflection on deflection scale.

        4. Salvo fire -- succeeding salvos should not be fired until splash is observed and spot is made.

        5. Open fire with ranging ladder using steps of not less than 500 yards until target is crossed. Upon crossing target, reverse ladder using steps half as large as original steps until target is crossed. Continuing crossing target until it is located in a 100 yard bracket. Shift to rapid fire.

»XXV-4«

    1. Air Action -- Horizontal bombers (5"/38 cal. battery).

      1. Primary method -- Local control:

        1. Continuous aim using telescopes.

        2. Sight angle 2440, sight deflection 500.

        3. Use 6 second preset fuzes.

        4. Rapid continuous fire.

        5. Open fire when range is between 6,000 and 8,000 yards.

        6. Spot in minutes of sight angle to place bursts in the line of sight. No spots should be in less than 10 minutes of sight angle.

    2. Air Action -- Torpedo and Glide Attacks (5"/38 cal. battery).

      1. Primary method -- Local control.

        1. Continuous aim using telescopes.

        2. Use 6 second preset fuze--sight angle 2140, sight deflection 500.

        3. Shift to 2 second preset fuze when target passes through 6 second barrage--sight angle 2045, sight deflection 500.

        4. Rapid continuous fire.

        5. Open fire at 6,000 yards.

        6. Spot in minutes of sight angle to place bursts in the line of sight. No spots should be in less than 10 minutes of sight angle.

    3. Air Action -- Dive Bombers (Dive Greater than 45°) -- (5"/38 cal. battery).

      1. Primary method -- Local control.

        1. Continuous aim using telescopes.

        2. Use 2 second preset fuze--sight angle 2025, sight deflection 500.

        3. Rapid continuous fire.

        4. Open fire when range is 6,000 yards.

        5. Spot in minutes of sight angle to place bursts in the line of sight. No spots should be in less than 10 minutes of sight angle.

    4. Air Action -- 40mm Guns.

      1. Primary method -- Director controlled.

        1. Use full director control.

        2. Open fire when target comes within maximum 40mm range.

        3. Range handle on Mk. 51 director set on 3,200 yards. When target passes through barrage shift range handle to 2,400 yards and when target passes through that barrage shift range handle to 1600 yards. If the range setter is well enough trained in range estimation or continuous ranges can be furnished the range setter, continuous range setting can be used.

        4. Do not fire at targets going away if other targets are attacking.

      2. Secondary method -- Local control.

        1. Use continuous aim using right sights (tracer control should not be used if guns are equipped with ring sights).

        2. Open fire when target comes within range.

        3. Do not fire at targets going away if other targets are attacking.

»XXV-5«

    1. Air Action -- 20mm Guns.

      1. Primary method -- Mk. 14 sight control.

        1. Open fire when target comes within maximum 20mm range.

        2. Range handle on Mk. 14 sight set at 1200 yards. If the range setter is well enough trained in range estimation or if continuous ranges can be furnished the range setter, continuous range setting can be used.

        3. Do not fire at targets going away if other targets are attacking.

    2. Local or tracer control should never be resorted to unless the Mk. 14 sight is inoperative due to casualty.

  1. Relation of Fire Control Station to Combat Information Center. (See chapter on CIC.)

    1. The CIC collects and evaluates all information available pertaining to enemy movement and location of friendly forces in the vicinity.

    2. The CIC then delivers this information to the OTC, or the Flag Officer embarked, or the Commanding Officer; and such information as is pertinent to the Gunnery Control Officer.

    3. The CIC is generally located in a compartment on or near bridge level, and the Gunnery Control Officer at the Fire Control Station on the flying bridge, signal bridge, etc. They should be in telephonic, and if practicable, voice tube communication.

  2. Interior Communications Circuits -- Gunnery.

    1. The JA Circuit (Captain's Battle) should include on it the CIC, and the Fire Control Station.

    2. TJL Circuit (Lookouts) should include all AA, all surface and horizon lookouts, the navigating bridge, and the Fire Control Station.

    3. The JP Circuit (Battery Control) includes 5" or 3" guns and the Fire Control Station.

    4. The JY Circuit (AA Machine Gun Control) includes both the 40mm and 20mm guns and should be composed of at least two distinct circuits with possibilities of several groupings of guns.

  3. Firing in Convoy. While in convoy, only the outside ships of the convoy will fire on a surface target. (See below)

    11     21     31     41     51
    12     22     32     42     52
    13     23     33     43     53
    14     24     34     44     54

    Ships 11, 21, 31, 41, 51, 52, 53, 54, 44, 34, 24, 14, 13, and 12 will automatically assume anti-torpedo plane guard. No ship should fire on a periscope sighted inside a convoy. If, however, a periscope is sighted outside a convoy, open fire on it immediately as the best and quickest way of informing all ships present of presence of a submarine. Extreme care will be taken when firing at surface targets if other ships are present and good fire discipline must be maintained. All ships will immediately engage

»XXV-6«

    any air target that appears in any sector. Torpedo planes may get inside a convoy and engage in "mast hopping" tactics, flying low so as to force ships to fire at each other. In these cases, use 20mm, 40mm, and 1.1" guns only, and gun captains (of 40mm and 1.1") and gunners (20mm) use individual discretion to prevent firing at friendly ships. The provisions of this paragraph will be made known to all hands on ship.

  1. 3"/50 caliber Guns. The opening range of th 3"/50 gun for AA fire should be in the neighborhood of 6,000 yards. Fire may be line-of-sight barrage method, with fixed fuze settings. Shells should be pre-set in the ready boxes. (2, 4, 6, and 8 seconds are suggested.) Their location in the ready boxes should be such that a given fuze can be found in the dark. 3" guns should have a standard doctrine for taking planes under fire (i.e. two planes -- one gun take each, more than this, guns take inside planes), cease firing on a plane that has dropped a torpedo and shift to another target approaching. When not in use, guns will be trained to the middle of their sector and elevated to about 45°.

  2. 40mm Guns. The projectile is self destructive at 4,000 yards. The maximum effective range of a 40mm gun or guns controlled by a Mark 51 Director is about 3,200 yards.

  3. 1.1" Guns. Maximum effective range when controlled by a Mark 51 Director is about 2,800 yards.

  4. 20mm Guns. Maximum effective range when controlled by a Mark 14 sight is about 1,700 to 2,000 yards. In case of doubt, hold fire, as it is considerably easier to be firing at an attacking plane at close range than shifting magazines. One member of each 20mm gun's crew will act as supplementary sky lookout, covering the sector assigned that gun.

  5. Mark 51 Director and Mark 14 Sight. 20mm guns use the Mark 14, Mod. 2, or Mod. 6 Sight. Mark 51 Directors for 1.1" guns use the Mark 14, Mod. 3 or Mod. 7 Sight. Mark 51 Directors for 40mm guns use the Mark 14, Mod. 4 or Mod. 8 Sight. Smoothness in tracking is the most important element in the operation of the Mark 14 sight. Only by tracking a plane evenly can the computing element generate the proper lead. Gun's crews must be made aware of this.

  6. 5"/51 HC. Attention is directed to the Bureau of Ordnance Confidential Letter S78/L7(mn2a) of April 19, 1943, which explains the use of 5"/51 battery for repelling torpedo plane attacks, using HC projectiles. Every 5" battery should have an anti-torpedo plane doctrine.

»XXV-7«

  1. Night Engagement.

    1. Fire discipline at night is paramount. Hostile planes come in with running lights on to force transports to open up and reveal their positions. Very probably transports will be ordered by TBS to withhold their fire. Under no conditions will any ship illuminate by search light at night without permission. Ships will not open fire unless and until they are fired upon. A night air attack may start with a series of flares suddenly appearing over the convoy. Then high level bombers will drop a few bombs indiscriminately to harass. Gun's crews attention must not be distracted by these tactics, as a torpedo plane attack is almost sure to follow -- and automatic weapons which are useless at high level targets must be in readiness to engage dive bombers or torpedo planes. A favorite trick is to send a few planes in from one side, and then when everyone is busy working on these, the main attack develops on the other side.

    2. Illumination -- If order to illuminate by the OTC, the following should be considered in determining the method to be used:

      1. Starshell illumination.

        1. Can be used effectively at greater ranges.

        2. Does not offer a point of aim for the enemy.

        3. Can be used effectively in mist or haze.

        4. Less liable to disclose position of own forces to enemy.

        5. Introduces fire control complications.

        6. Appreciable delay between the order "Illuminate" and the time illumination is established.

        7. Is not effective with low hanging clouds.

      2. Searchlight illumination.

        1. Excellent illumination, if atmosphere is clear on the surface, at ranges up to approximately 2,500 yards.

        2. Effective immediately after opening shutters if beam is on the target.

        3. Simplicity with no complication of fire control.

        4. Harassing effect due to blinding of enemy.

        5. Is ineffective if misty or hazy.

        6. Offers a point of aim to the enemy.

        7. May disclose own formation.

Section 4. Landing Boat Doctrine

  1. The standard armament for an LCM(3) is:

    1. 2 Caliber .50 Browning Machine Guns, M2, Flexible, (air cooled).

    2. 2 Caliber .50 Machine Gun Mounts, Mark 21, Mod. 1, (Heintz Mounts).

  2. The standard armament for an LCV(P) is:

    1. 2 Caliber .30 browning Machine Guns, M 1919 A4, flexible, (air cooled).

    2. 2 Caliber .30 Machine gun scarf rings mounts, Mark 21.

»XXV-8«

  1. The standard armament for an LCS(S) is:

    1. 2 Caliber .50 Browning Machine Guns, M2, Flexible, (air cooled) mounted on a Skate Rail by means of a Carriage Assembly or other mount, and firing forward or on the beam.

    2. 1 Mark I and 1 Mark I Mod. I, 4 5" Barrage Rocket Projector (total 24 rails).

    3. One smoke rack. (Either the Mark I Smoke Generator Rack or a suitable substitute). Capacity 4 Smoke Pots, Mark 3, (Navy).

  2. LCP(R), LCP(L) are, in general, armed as LCV(P).

  3. Two adaptations have been made to mount caliber .30 mg's further forward, or to mount two additional caliber .30 mg's.

    1. Bracket Type Mount -- a base plate and a plate at right angles to it with a piece of pipe welded to the latter. These plates bolt on the coaming and the narrow forward deck. In the top of the pipe sits an adapter into which fits the cradle carrying the gun. Suitable for LCV(P).

    2. Pipe Mount -- a piece of standard pipe the inside diameter of which is sufficient to receive the stem on the base of the cradle of the gun. This piece of pipe is welded to the metal angle support outside the gunwhale in an LCV(P) and to the inside of the gunwhale itself in an LCM(3). This pipe mount does not decrease the vehicle clearance, and the gun is easily lifted out and placed on a rack under the coaming if necessary to remove.

  4. Of the Mark 21, Mod. I Mounts are not available for caliber .50 machine gun on LCM(3), two other mounts are possible. However, neither of these have shields, and they are definitely "last resorts" mounts.

    1. The Mark 9, or Mark 9, Mod. 2 caliber .50 machine gun mounts, although intended for watercooled guns, can be used with air cooled guns. A counterweight should be added to the forward end of the gun (small sand bag secured to the barrel cooling jacket) to make up for the lack of a water jacket as necessary. Furthermore, the spade grips are removed, and the trigger mechanism on the handle bars of the mount itself used.

    2. The Mark 19 mount, a light tripod frame bolted to the deck may be used.

  5. Ammunition Allowances are:

    1. LCM(3) -- 500 rounds cal. .50 per gun, total 1,000 rounds. (Ratio -- 1-AP, 1-L, 1-T)

    2. LCV(P) -- 1,0000 rounds cal. .30 per gun, total 2,000 rounds. (Ratio -- 1-AP, 1-I, 1-T)

    3. LCS(S) -- 500 rounds cal. 50 per gun, total 1,000 rounds. (Ratio -- 1-AP, 1-I, 1-T)
      24-4.5" BR HE per projector, total 48 rounds.
      6-4.5" BR FS per projector, total 12 rounds.
      16-Smoke Pots, Mark 3, (Navy) (81/2" x 9").
      Note: Smoke Pots M-1 (Army). 51/2" x 8" are an acceptable substitute.
      10-Smoke Pots, M-4 (Army) (12" x 13").

»XXV-9«

  1. Many landing boat's guns are a distinct menace to our side. Gunners have one important function to perform and that is to force the enemy to keep their heads down while the troops make the final run for the beach. Firing must be in bursts, and directed at the beach area, before the troops land. Spraying the countryside with lead after our troops are ashore, blazing away with a .30 cal. at a plane 10 miles off, leaving loaded and cocked machine guns in a boat when it is to be hoisted, are all practices that add up to loss of life on our side.

  2. Boat machine gunners must receive constant training in small boat gunnery at floating targets and beach targets, and through instructions in the care and handling of their guns. Effective opening ranges must be taught them. 1,100 yards is maximum for a cal. .50 machine gun and 700 yards is maximum for a cal. .30 boat machine gun. Beyond 600 yards their chance of hitting is not great.

Section 5. Gunnery References

  1. Computers

    1. O.P. 1081 of 30 Sept. 1943 on Computer Mk 12 Mod 1 (restricted).

    2. O.D. 4507 on AA Barrage Computer Mk 7 Mod 3 and 4 (librascope) (restricted).

    3. O.D. 4509, Computer Mk 7 Mod 6 and 8 (librascope) (restricted).

    4. O.D. 4211, Computer, Mk 6, Mods 2, 7, 11-13.

  2. Mark 51 Director.

    1. O.D. No. 4424 of 22 December 1942 on Gun Director, Mk 51 Mod 2 (restricted).

    2. O.P. 1119, Director Mk 51, Mod 3.

  3. Mark 52 Director.

    1. O.P. 1097, Director, Mk 52, Mods 2, 3.

  4. Mark 14 Sight.

    1. Gun Sight Mk 14, Gunner's Operating Bulletin. Published by Sperry Gyroscope Co. for CominCh. (Restricted).

    2. O.D. No. 4429 of 30 Nov. 1942. Gun Sight Mk 14, Mods 2, 3, and 4. (Restricted).

    3. O.D. No. 1040 of Dec. 1943. Gun Sight Mk 14, Mods 6, 7, and 8.

  5. 5"/38.

    1. O.P. No 898 with Add. 1 of Dec. 1942 on 5"/38 AA Mounts, Mk 30, Mod 50 (Restricted).

    2. O.P. No. 551 (Restricted) on 5"/38 Range Table.

  6. 3"/50.

    1. O.P. No. 811 of Feb. 1942 on 3" mounts. Mk 20 Mod 1, Mk 21 and Mk 22. (Restricted).

»XXV-10«

    1. O.P. No. 824 of May 1943. 3"/50 Range Tables (Restricted).

    2. Gunnery Doctrine and Standard Fire Control Procedures for Destroyers.

    3. Escorts with 3"/50 cal. batteries. Destroyer Tactical Bulletin No. 2-43 of 5 June 1943. (Confidential).

  1. 1.1"/75.

    1. O.P. No. 598, Rev. 1 of April 1938 pm 1.1" Assemblies.

    2. O.P. No. 717, Rev. 1 of Nov. 1939 on 1.1" Range Tables.

    3. O.P. No. 806 of August 1941 on 1.1" Machine Gun (Restricted).

    4. O.P. No. 772, Mount Mk 2 and Associated power drives.

  2. 40 MM (S).

    1. O.P. 867, Ballistic Data -- AA.

    2. O.P. 1181. Range Table, Surface.

  3. 40 MM (T) & (Q).

    1. O.P. No. 820 (Preliminary). Also applicable to single mount.

    2. O.D. 3782, Mount, Twin.

    3. O.D.. 4207, Power Drive, Mk 2 (Ford).

    4. O.D. 3906, Power Drive, Mk 4 (G.E.).

    5. O.D. 4408, Power drive, Mk 5 (York).

    6. O.D. 4690, Power drive, Mk 5 (York).

  4. 20 MM.

    1. O.P. No. 911 of March 1943 on 20 MM AA Gun.

    2. O.P. No. 999 of March 1943 on 20 MM Mounts.

    3. O.P. No. 826, Condensed Description of Gun.

    4. O.P. No. 945, Range Table.

  5. .50 Cal.

    1. .50 Cal. mounts for .50 Colt Browning Machine Guns, (Second Printing January 1943) Published by Heintz Mfg. Co. Philadelphia, Pa.)

    2. O.P. No. 919 on .50 Cal. Mount, Mk 30.

  6. .30 Cal.

    1. O.P. No. 1088 of November 1943 on Cal. .30 Machine Gun Mount, Mk 21 (Restricted).

  7. Small Arms.

    1. O.P. No. 718. War Dept. TM 9-1295 of Nov. 9, 1942 on Ordnance Maintenance of pistols and revolvers.

    2. War Dept. TM 9-2210 of July 11, 1942 on Small Arms Accidents, Malfunction and their Causes.

  8. General.

    1. O.D. 3000 of 6 Dec. 1943 on Lubrication of Ordnance Material. (Unclassified).

»XXV-11«

Procedure for Battle

20 m.m. Gun No._____

  1. You are responsible for sighting aircraft in sector _____ to _____. One member of the gun crew will act as lookout at all times. He will cover his sector from the horizon to zenith. He will report immediately to control any and all aircraft, surface vessels, torpedo wakes and submarines sighted.

  2. When a plane approaching the ship is identified as enemy in any sector in which your gun will bear, you will prepare to fire at the plane.

  3. You will commence firing during daylight on order from Control or Battery Officer when plane is within effective range.

  4. At night you will not open fire until specifically ordered from Control.

  5. If more than one plane approaches ship in sectors in which your gun bears and are within range you will:

    1. Fire on plane in your assigned sector.

    2. Fire on _____* plane if no plane is in your sector (*right or left hand for 2 plane attack).

    3. Fire on _____* plane if no plane in your sector (*right, center or left hand plane for 3 plane attack).

    4. Fire on _____* plane if two planes in your sector (*right or left hand).

  6. You will shift your fire from plane that has completed its attack to plane that is in position to make an attack. Do not continue to fire on retiring planes if other planes are attacking.

  7. Be careful not to fire on friendly planes or within 15° of any ship in the formation.

  8. For guns with Mk 14 Sight set range at 400 yards when slewing to pick up target. Set range at 1200 yards as soon as target is picked up in sight and commence tracking. If some other range setting is desired it will be designated by Control.

  9. Fire in bursts if reticle of sight becomes blurred due to vibration.

  10. During surprise attacks on own ship during daylight, gun captains have authority to open fire on planes definitely identified as enemy.

»XXV-12«

Procedure for Battle

5" or 3" Gun Batteries.    
  Gun Captain -- 3" Gun No._____
                           -- 5" Gun No._____		  

  1. You are responsible for sighting aircraft in sector _____ to _____. Two members of the gun crew will act as lookouts at all times. They will cover their sectors from the horizon to zenith. They will report immediately to control any and all aircraft, surface vessels, torpedo wakes and submarines sighted.

  2. When a plane approaching the ship is identified as enemy in any sector in which your gun will bear, you will prepare to fire at the plane.

  3. Load on "Commence Firing" during daylight on order from Control or Battery Officer when plane is within effective range.

  4. At night you will not open fire until specifically ordered by Control.

  5. If controlled by director use automatic control or match pointers.

  6. If not controlled by a director:

    1. For high level bombing attack:

      1. Do not fire unless ordered by O.T.C. in which case:

        1. Train and elevate on target designated by control.

        2. Set sight angle, deflections and fuze settings as transmitted by control, or use zone barrage designated by control when time fuses are used.

        3. Pointer and trainer keep cross wires on the target.

        4. Mark 32 or 45 fuzes will be used as designated by Control.

    2. For dive bombing attack:

      1. Use minimum effective (8) fuze setting and corresponding sight angle and scale settings.

      2. Use open ring sights, if unable to use telescope sight.

    3. Low level torpedo planes or skip bombers:

      1. Use minimum effective (*) fuze setting and corresponding sight angle and scale settings.

      2. Use open ring sights, if unable to use telescope sights.

      * Minimum effective fuze setting is actual minimum plus about 0.2 seconds to insure fuze functioning.

  7. Be careful not to fire on other ships of formation or friendly planes. Gun captains and battery officers order "Check Fire" when ships of formation or friendly planes are in line of fire.

  8. During surprise attacks on own ship during daylight, gun captains (or director operators, where practicable) have authority to open fire on planes definitely identified as enemy.

»XXV-13«

Procedure for Battle

40 m.m. Mount No._____

  1. You will normally be controlled by Director No._____.

  2. When in director control watch carefully that you do not fire into friendly ships.

  3. If director is not operating use local control at the gun.

  4. When a plane approaching the ship is identified as enemy in any sector in which your gun will bear, you will prepare to fire at the plane.

  5. You will commence firing during daylight on order from Control or Battery Officer when plane is within effective range.

  6. At night you will not open fire until specifically ordered from Control.

  7. If more than one plane approaches ship in sectors in which your gun bears and are within range you will:

    1. Fire on plane in your assigned sector.

    2. Fire on _____* plane if no plane is in your sector (*right or left hand for 2 plane attack).

    3. Fire on _____* plane if no plane in your sector (*right, center or left plane for 3 plane attack).

    4. Fire on _____* plane if two planes in your sector (*right or left hand).

  8. You will shift your fire from plane that has completed its attack to plane that is in position to make an attack. Do not continue to fire on retiring planes if other planes are attacking.

  9. Be careful not to fire on friendly planes or within 15° of any ship in the formation.

  10. At local control you will use the ring sight for pointing and training.

  11. During surprise attacks on own ship during daylight, gun captains (or director operators, where practicable) have authority to open fire on planes definitely identified as enemy.

»XXV-14«

Procedure for Battle

Mark 51 Director -- (40 m.m. Battery
                                          -- (5"/38 Cal. Battery

  1. Your director controls 40 m.m. Mount No. _____ (or 5"/38 Caliber Gun No. _____).

  2. You are responsible for sighting aircraft in sector _____ to _____.

  3. When a plane approaching the ship is identified as enemy in any sector in which your gun will bear, you will prepare to fire at the plane.

  4. You will commence firing during daylight on order from Control or Battery Officer when plane is within effective range.

  5. At night you will not open fire until specifically ordered from Control.

  6. If more than one plane approaches ship in sectors in which your gun bears and are within range you will:

    1. Fire on plane in your assigned sector.

    2. Fire on _____* plane if no plane is in your sector (*right or left hand for 2 plane attack).

    3. Fire on _____* plane if no plane in your sector (*right, center or left hand plane for 3 plane attack).

    4. Fire on _____* plane if two planes in your sector (*right or left hand).

  7. You will shift your fire from plane that has completed its attack to plane that is in position to make an attack. Do not continue to fire on retiring planes if other planes are attacking.

  8. Be careful not to fire on friendly planes or within 15° of any ship in the formation.

  9. You will set range at 400 yards when slewing to pick up target. For Torpedo Plane or low horizontal attack if plane is at a range greater than 3000 yards set range at 2800 yards and commence tracking. Open fire as soon as plane is within range of sight, 3500. Change range setting as necessary as plane approaches. For dive bombing attack set initial range at 1600 yards and reduce range as plane approaches closer than initial range setting.

  10. During surprise attacks on own ship during daylight, director operators have authority to open fire on planes definitely identified as enemy.

»XXV-15«

Procedure for Battle

Control Officer.

  1. Keep all guns informed as to relative bearing and distance of prospective targets.

  2. Check target identification and broadcast in ship as soon as probable target is sighted.

  3. For 20 m.m. Battery, if other than 1200 yards range is to be set, designate range.

  4. For 3"/50 and 5"/38 designate zone if fixed zone barrage is to be used.

  5. Designate Sight Angle, Scale, and fuze Settings, if zone barrage is to be used. Designate guns to use "Special Fuzes."

  6. Order "Commence Firing" in accordance with table shown below:

  7. Open fire: Authority for opening fire delegated in accordance with the following table.

    Night Attack: Open fire only on orders of Commanding Officer.

      Day Attack  
    Visibility
    High Low
    Gunnery Officer Yes Yes This authority
    is subject to
    "Control Condition"
    set up by OTC.
    Automatic Weapons
    Control Officer    		 No Yes
    Group Control
    Officer    		 No Yes
    Gun Captain No Yes

    Surprise Attack

      Day Attack  
    Visibility
    High Low
    Gunnery Officer Yes Yes This authority
    is subject to
    "Control Condition"
    set up by OTC.
    Automatic Weapons
    Control Officer    		 Yes Yes
    Group Control
    Officer    		 Yes Yes
    Gun Captain Yes Yes

  8. Casualties: Be prepared to handle all casualties.

»XXV-16«

Procedure for Battle

Battery Officer.

  1. You are in charge of guns Nos. __________ ammunition supply and clipping party.

  2. You are responsible to see that guns Nos. __________ carry procedure given in "Procedure for battle for Guns." Target designation is covered in that procedure.

  3. You will check target identification as soon as target is received or as soon as probable target is sighted.

  4. You will keep in communication with control by telephone (1 or 2 JP).

  5. You will insure that all guns for which you are responsible are ready to fire when the attack develops or when ordered by control.

  6. Readiness to fire means:

    1. 20 m.m. and .50 Caliber Guns:

      1. Magazine on gun and full tension on magazine.

      2. Gun cocked (20 m.m.) or fully loaded (.50 Cal.).

      3. During daylight -- Mark 14 Sight operating, range setting 400 yards.

      4. Additional ammunition available and tension on magazines as directed by Control. If no instructions are received, set up 6 magazines.

    2. 3"/50, 5"/38 and 5"/51 Caliber Guns:

      1. Ready boxes open and gun fully manned.

      2. Gun ready in all respects for firing and firing circuit energized.

      3. Salvo latch tripped to enable breech to be opened.

      4. Ammunition ready for type target designated by Control.

  7. Control Data:

    1. 20 m.m. Guns:

      1. See that range of 1200 yards is set on sight when tracking commences unless otherwise directed by Control.

      2. Have elevation and deflection spot knobs set on zero unless otherwise directed.

»XXV-17«

      1. If necessary, spot between firing runs.

      2. At night use tracer control, keep reticle lights off between 1/2 hour before sunrise.

      3. Study manual of Mark 14 Sight and follow instructions incorporated therein.

    1. 3"/50 and 5"/38 Caliber -- A.A. Fire.

      1. If fixed zone barrage is ordered, insure that sight angle for designated zone is set on sights. Determine deflection to be set for zone in use and apparent wind. Be sure that bursts will be short of target when fire is opened when using fixed zone barrage on incoming target -- high level, dive or torpedo bomber.

    2. 3"/50 and 5"/51 Caliber -- Surface Fire.

      1. Estimate range and deflection to target, using radar, rangefinder or dip curves to estimate range. Have range ballistic correction for powder temperature and rounds fired available. Use range given by Control when available. Determine deflection to set based on own ship and target ship's motion across the line of sight. When firing has commenced, spot locally using halving method. Control rate of fire locally, depending primarily on the time of flight, time required to spot, and time required to apply spot to gun. Spot each shot until hit is scored then go to rapid fire.

  1. Casualties: Be prepared to handle all casualties.

»XXV-18«

Notes On Air defense (Transport)

  1. Tactics of Suicide Plane.

    1. Ship's Gunnery Officer should be alert for enemy planes apparently making a run on an accompanying ship. Past experience has proven that the unsuspecting ship falls victim to the attack because of a successful feint.

    2. Suicide planes are in the habit of approaching close from either quarter where less guns can be employed against them. Here the ship's maneuverability counts, at least, to the extent of bringing all guns to bear broadsides. These planes also come in very low, behind land masses and under weather fronts. Visual detection is necessary.

  2. Night Fighting.

    1. At night your best defense is "silence" and "maneuverability". Do not fire unless you can see the plane attacking you and then only on orders of Commanding Officer.

  3. Indoctrination of Crews:

    1. Gun crews must be familiar with plane identification. However, whether identified or not, a plane making a threatening attack on your ship should be taken under fire by all guns in the sector unless ordered not to fire by Control.

  4. Use of Mark 32 and 40 -- 5"/38 Fuzed Ammunition.

    1. Mark 32 and 40 fuzed ammunition is five times as effective as Mark 18 Time Fuzed Ammunition. It should always be used when available unless projectiles will fall within own formations or own troops on the beach.

»XXV-19«

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