GUNNER, in tile British army, is the private soldier of the corps of artillery; he receives pay at the rate of ls. 2id., per diem: his uniform consists of blue with red facings, and red stripes on the trousers; and his arms consist of a carbine And sword bayonet.
At the present time, when artillery is used with the utmost skill and science, the training a gunner must undergo, to become thoroughly efficient, is long and :minims. His eye must be sufficiently acute to estimate distances instantly and proximately; and withal, he must possess physical strength capable of sustaining the exertions necessary for the service of heavy guns and the removal of shot and ponderous artillery stores.
are pensioned sergeants of artillery, who are placed in charge of the stores in small towers or forts; they are divided into three classes. of which thosr in the first class receive 58., in the second 3s. Gd., and in the third, 3s. a day. Master-gunners are now borne in the coast brigade of royal artillery, but the office has much degener ated iu importance since it was first created, at least as early as the time of Henry VIII.
In the navy, the gunner ranks first among the warrant-officers, and next in order to the navigating sub-lieutenant in regard to taking command of a ship. Ilis pay varies
front Os. a day for chief gunners to Ss. Gd. a day for gunners of the second class. Ills uniform consists of a blue coat, blue cap, and officer's sword. A gunner rises from before the mast by steadiness, sobriety, and intelligence. On appointment. he lutist satisfy examiners appointed by the admiralty that be is in all respects qualified. Pis duties are highly important: he has charge of all powder and artillery stores on board, and is bound to see that the guns are always fully equipped for action. In exercising with the guns, the gunner is instructor of tho sailors, and, under the captain, is respon sible for their efficiency. The is assistant to the gunner, mil stands second among the petty-officers. To be confirmed in his rank. he must pass an examination in gunnery on board H.M.S. Excellent, at Portsmouth. His pay varies from £30 10s. 10d. a year to £34 19..?. 7d. are continuous-service sailors, who are trained in gunnery and great-gun exercise. One has the direction of each gun, with ordinary seamen under him to perform the heavy part of working it. A seaman-gunner, if in the first class, receives 4d. a day beyond his pay as seaman, and 2d. day if in the second class.