Oblique Fire and HMS Shannon
I thought the Anchorage might appreciate this discussion over on FB. It discusses traversing of guns to achieve oblique fire and the gunnery innovations of HMS Shannon, as well as some anecdotes from the Master and Commander film.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/patr...0270405424753/
That was a lot of fun. I have just been reading "The Fortunes of War" by Patrick O'Brian covering the Shannon/Chesapeake action.
In scrolling down the FB page I saw the interesting cannon. Here's one I came across the other day.
It's like a carronade, but breachloading. It looks like someone at the other end of the 19th century thought that there might be a use for the return of them, but riled too! The black sleeves conceal springs to absorb the recoil.
Last edited by Dobbs; 08-24-2023 at 17:39.
Interesting little chaps Dobbs. I would not park my car in that parking lot opposite!
Rob.
The Business of the commander-in-chief is first to bring an enemy fleet to battle on the most advantageous terms to himself, (I mean that of laying his ships close on board the enemy, as expeditiously as possible); and secondly to continue them there until the business is decided.
A very interesting bit of research Howard. I took the liberty of copying a couple of the diagrams for future use.Originally Posted by SkeenaH
Rob.
The Business of the commander-in-chief is first to bring an enemy fleet to battle on the most advantageous terms to himself, (I mean that of laying his ships close on board the enemy, as expeditiously as possible); and secondly to continue them there until the business is decided.
Hmm... maybe HMS Shannon, for each chit thrown, draws two and selects which one gets applied? (Chit by chit, this means on a 3 broadside draw two and apply one, draw another pair and apply one, repeat a third time, not draw six all at once pick three.)
Or would just throw back and redraw zeroes be better?
--Diamondback
PMH, SME, TLA, BBB
Historical Consultant to Ares, Wings and Sails - Unless otherwise noted, all comments are strictly Personal Opinion ONLY and not to be taken as official Company Policy.
I think since Broke's training emphasised accuracy which increased the chances of hits, perhaps return zeroes and redraw, although this is a big advantage. It's essentially the 'Good Aim' card but as a permanent effect. Perhaps allowing the 'Good Aim' card to be used 4 or 5 times per engagement may be fairer, or perhaps for the first 4 or 5 broadsides (after which accuracy would decline given fatigue, heated gun barrels etc).
I think selecting between chits already drawn allows for upgrading damage, and while accuracy was increased, damage was probably still dependent on lady fortune to an extent...
I have ordered Broke of the Shannon book and will probably order the reprint of the Evolution of Naval Armament which discusses gunnery: https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/56777
I love rabbit holes!
An interesting aside for those that don't know already but Broke's name is pronounced "Brook" :)
That is an interesting aside. I didn't know that, and it adds a conversational level that reading doesn't always do.
The other question is, should this be treated as Unique to Broke, or a Crew/Equipment ability? Did anybody else follow his example, or did later captains of Shannon continue the practice?
Alternately, maybe allow use of full Main broadside value in either Fore or Aft fire arcs once per game? Did Broke set up only for range or did he train 'em dialing in for azimuth off center-of-LOF too?
--Diamondback
PMH, SME, TLA, BBB
Historical Consultant to Ares, Wings and Sails - Unless otherwise noted, all comments are strictly Personal Opinion ONLY and not to be taken as official Company Policy.
As we have no conclusive evidence as to any other captain following Brokes idea, and until someone uncovers any, I suggest that we treat Broke as a special case. The simple answer is to follow Howard's thinking with the good aim card.
Rob.
The Business of the commander-in-chief is first to bring an enemy fleet to battle on the most advantageous terms to himself, (I mean that of laying his ships close on board the enemy, as expeditiously as possible); and secondly to continue them there until the business is decided.
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