Cannon Practice

A few Imperial Guard artillerymen exercising supervised by an officer.

The cannon has been left attached to its limber by a prolonge, usually a long rope that would allow if necessary the cannon to be dragged away very quickly. 

You needed loads of men to operate a cannon properly. Officers, NCOs and cannoneers were the most qualified while other men would simply help with moving the gun arround and carrying ammunition. If necessary, infantrymen could be drafted into helping with the most menial tasks.

Although mainly busy with firing the big guns, each artilleryman would cary a sword, a musket and a bayonet for self-defence.