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Although mechanisation of horse and field artillery did not commence in Britain until about 1928 (1938 in New Zealand), the idea of mechanical traction for moving guns goes back much further. As early as 1782 a M. Cugnot (France) produced a steam carriage designed to tow guns. We have no details of this vehicle; all we do know is that the authorities turned it down. The next 100 years saw other attempts to interest the Generals in steam traction but without success. The horse reigned supreme. Then in 1880 the Fowler Artillery Siege Traction Engine was put through tests at Shoeburyness (UK) in the moving and mounting of siege, ie medium and heavy guns. This vehicle was far ahead of its time and put up an impressive performance, but was not adopted. However, it was successfully used during the South African War (1899 -1902).
In 1989 the Scotte Tracteur (France) underwent extensive trials and proved completely superior to animal transport. The French Army requested six for artillery purposes but their government turned them down. The South African War (1899 - 1902) saw the first real attempt by the British to mechanise medium and heavy artillery, at least 15 traction engines being employed in that conflict. Vehicles already mentioned were all steam-driven but by the turn of the century the internal combustion (IC) engine had become a practicable proposition. However, far-sighted Officers of the Regiment who in 1901-02 suggested its development for use in gun towers were not taken seriously.
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WL Ruffell Issue 78 June 1993 |
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