Terminology question...

[Kelly408]

I see the phrase "section of the battery" time and time again in the O.R.'s. Not sure what a "section" is. Is that one gun? More than one? Any number other than the full battery? Would appreciate any feedback on this one. Thanks.

 

[JeffFromSyracuse]

Batteries of four and six guns were broken into two gun sections, ideally commanded by a Lieutenant.

 

[UCVRelics]

It could be one, two or three or as you stated any number but the full battery.

 

[TomP]

A single gun, commanded by a sergeant, was referred to as a "detachment."

A "section" of artillery was always two guns, commanded (theoretically) by a lieutenant.

The battery, commanded by a captain, consisted of two or three sections depending on if it was composed of four or six guns.

In a four-gun battery they were the left and right sections. In a six-gun battery there was the left, center, and right sections.

 

[Kelly408]

Thanks everyone.