3pdr Ceremonial Saluting Gun

I actually did several salutes using this old beast, the 3pdr saluting cannon.....
"Fire 1, If I wasn't a gunner, I wouldn't be here, Fire 2...etc" Spoken slowly in monotone cadence, gave the correct timing for firing the salute. You weren't allowed to look at a watch, it would make the drill look clumsy you know!

Origin of the Salute
The gun salute originates from a warship’s approach to a foreign port or allied ship when it took some time to reload a muzzle-loaded cannon.

Discharging its guns showed the ship posed no threat, and the port or other ship would reciprocate by discharging its guns in reply. Today, the Gun Salute is used for ceremonial purposes.

The firing of the salute is done at five-second intervals, with the officer-in-charge using a stopwatch to ensure the salute or response is at the correct intervals. (Lazy buggers nowadays! )

Navy uses a portable saluting gun based on the French Hotchkiss Three Pound Mark I naval gun, which was introduced in 1886.

Only blank cartridges are fired from the saluting gun, as its function is to produce a loud report and create smoke.
http://news.navy.gov.au/en/Oct2013/Events/492/3-Pounder-saluting-guns.htm#.WqN4hvluaUk