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lineartc.gif (16284 bytes)The Royal Artillery of our period (which is about the mid 1770's) was engaged in battle in North America against some upstarts who fought for independence from the British Government. (we do sympathize sometimes)

The equipment required to fire light field cannon was carried with the gun. on top of an axe and spanners used for assembling and disassembling the gun for repairs or transport, other tools were needed in loading and firing any artillery piece.

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  1. The ramrod is used to push the load and projectile down the barrel. Often this tool would be combined with the sponge.

  2. the powder ladle was used in the early days before charges were pre- measured and wrapped, which allowed for more consistent charges and more accurate shooting

  3. Two sponges were usually employed, one damp to remove debris and extinguish any burning embers, and one dry to mop out any excess water.

  4. The linstock held the slowmatch which was used to fire the priming powder. In the wet it would prove inefficient so a portfire would be used instead (like a hand held roman candle)

  5. On ships where there was not a lot of room, a stout rope would have a ram at one end and a sponge at the other. This tool allowed the gun to be rolled back not too far in order to be able to re-load.

  6. The worm was used to retrieve all manner of gunge from the barrel. Tourists are prone to place banana skins and cans of cola (empty) there.

The gunner would also have to provide some hand tools for his Brown-Bess, and for maintenance of the cannon. A spike, a brush, a hammer, spare flints, spare slow match or portfire. He might have the following on his crossbelt.

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  1. The spike is used to pierce the wrapping of the charge so that the priming powder may ignite it more easily.

  2. The small hammer was used with c.

  3. The vent hole cleaner was tapped into the vent to keep it clear. Depending on the quality of the black powder, the vent may need frequent clearing.

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Positioning a Battery of Guns

Same level as target e.g. not exceeding 30yds. for 600 yds target

16 yds for 200 yds target

Linstocks to leeward

Enfilade enemy line

Direct fire to column heads

Guns forward of your own troops (for low elevation fire)

Concealed if possible (own cavalry in front or on reverse slope or ditch. Ideally soft ground in front of guns, consider protection area for artillery horses)

Cross fire if possible - split guns so they don’t form concentrated target but close enough to be directed as a whole.

Remember Guns often cannot be moved once the battle starts.

Never abandon your guns until the last extremity. The last discharges are the most destructive and may be your salvation.

Artillery carbines should be used against skirmishers.

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Last modified: January 19, 2003         Web site design and content © John Court