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The smooth-bore muzzle-loading (SBML) era to be discussed lasted from the early 1500s until the middle of the 19th century, a period of over 300 years. It does not include the 'think big' projects described in Chapter 4; these were relegated to the garrison/fortification role because they were excessively heavy, extremely difficult to move, had very slow rates of fire, and no two took the same ammunition. Each one was unique; no attempts had been made at standardisation.
As Gunners demanded more mobility two main branches of artillery emerged: field and siege, with the first attempts at some kind of standardisation although the calibres were obviously arbitrary. Each country adopted similar pieces, naming them after snakes, birds of prey etc as was the custom in those days.
Many believe that during the 300 years of the era ordnance underwent virtually no change, ie a gun cast in 1600 was little different from one cast in 1800, but this is not the case. Gunners were never short of ideas for improving their guns, though some ideas were misguided while others were hampered or ignored by hidebound officialdom. We shall examine some of the changes.
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WL Ruffell Issue 86 June 1995 |
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