Table of Contents
How did the grapeshot work?
This assembly, which reminded gunners of a cluster of grapes (hence the name), broke up when the gun was fired, spread out in flight like a shotgun charge, and sprayed the target area. Grapeshot was widely used in wars of the 18th and 19th centuries at short range against massed troops.
How did cannon balls work?
When the cannon fired, the flame of the propelling charge wrapped around the ball and ignited the exposed powder train, which in turn sparked the bursting charge after burning for the selected number of seconds. Contrary to Hollywood films and popular lore, these cannonballs did not explode on contact.
How thick were the sides of HMS Victory?
The planks were solid teak, over 6 inches thick, 9 inches wide and 6 metres in length with a great deal of twist and shape and were originally replaced over 50 years ago.
Are the cannons on HMS Victory real?
A 12-pound cannon was retrieved alongside the 42-pounder. The manufacture of the bronze cannons was overseen by Andrew Schalch, whose name appears on the exterior. Whilst undergoing conservation, excavation to their interior revealed that it was still fully loaded with hemp rope wadding, gun powder and a cannonball.
What percentage of HMS Victory is original?
Only 20% of the vessel that stands today at Portsmouth, on England’s south coast, is from the original ship. The structure of the 246-year-old warship still marvels modern day experts.
Did cannonballs really explode?
Contrary to Hollywood films and popular lore, these cannonballs did not explode on contact. Percussion fuses were not used on spherical projectiles. These shells and spherical case shot were designed to explode only when a flame reached the interior charge.
Why did the HMS Victory have 32 pounder guns?
When HMS Victory was commissioned in 1765 the lower gun deck was equipped with 30 bronze 42 pounder guns; by 1803 the Navy had decided they were too heavy and cumbersome, needing a large crew and not producing a good rate of fire. In 1803 they were replaced with the more efficient 32 pounders above.
What was the last warship to carry a full complement of cannon?
The First Rate Royal Navy warship Victory was unique as the last recorded warship lost carrying a full complement of bronze cannon. Shortly after being built, bronze guns were phased out on newly constructed English warships in favour of less expensive iron. Historical records indicate the Victory carried up to 110 bronze cannon.
How effective was grapeshot in WW1?
Grapeshot was devastatingly effective against massed infantry at short range and was also used at middle range. Solid shot was used at longer range and canister at shorter. When used in naval warfare, grapeshot served a dual purpose.
What kind of trees does the HMS Victory receive?
^ “HMS Victory to receive Scottish Elm and Oak trees for £35m restoration project. | Albion Times”. www.albiontimes.com. Retrieved 2 December 2018. ^ “HMS Victory’s lower mast removed for first time since 1894”. BBC News. 15 May 2021.