How much Damage can this Napoleonic Cannon Do?
Audio Brief
Show transcript
This episode explores an experiment testing an 18th-century naval cannon, revealing critical insights into its power and Age of Sail combat tactics.
There are three key takeaways from this demonstration. The experiment highlights the immense physical impact of these weapons, the practical challenges of long-range accuracy, and the devastating, often indirect, effects of cannonballs on wooden ships and their crews.
Firing the cannon produced a powerful shockwave, illustrating the brutal and concussive conditions endured on a ship's gun deck during battle. The physical sensation alone underscores the immense power of historical artillery.
Achieving long-range accuracy with smoothbore cannons was extremely difficult, as shown by initial misses. This tactical reality drove naval commanders to engage at point-blank range for maximum effect and higher hit probability.
The most significant danger from a cannonball strike was not the initial hole, but the cloud of high-velocity wooden splinters generated upon impact. These secondary projectiles caused widespread catastrophic damage and were the primary cause of casualties among the crew.
This demonstration vividly underscores the brutal realities of naval warfare during the Age of Sail.
Episode Overview
- Host Dan Snow conducts an experiment to test the power and accuracy of a replica 18th-century naval cannon.
- The experiment involves firing at a thick oak plank target from two different distances: a long-range shot at 600 meters and a close-range shot at 60 meters.
- After an initial miss at long range, the team successfully hits the target at close range, demonstrating the immense destructive power of the cannonball.
- The video analyzes the damage, highlighting how the impact creates a storm of deadly wooden splinters, which was the primary cause of casualties in naval battles of the era.
Key Concepts
- The immense power and concussive force of historical artillery, even when firing a blank.
- The practical challenges of accuracy with smoothbore cannons, especially over long distances.
- The tactical reasoning behind close-quarters naval combat in the Age of Sail, emphasizing point-blank range for maximum effect.
- The devastating effect of cannonballs on wooden ships, focusing on the creation of lethal secondary projectiles (splinters) upon impact.
Quotes
- At 01:31 - "Whoa!" - The host's immediate, visceral reaction to the powerful shockwave after firing the cannon for the first time.
- At 02:11 - "That is literally shocking." - Dan Snow reflecting on the intense physical sensation and concussive force produced by the cannon's blast.
Takeaways
- 18th-century naval cannons produce a powerful shockwave that can be felt physically, illustrating the brutal conditions on a ship's gun deck during battle.
- Long-range accuracy was extremely difficult, which is why naval commanders like Nelson favored getting as close to the enemy as possible before firing.
- The most significant danger from a cannonball hitting a wooden ship was not the hole itself, but the cloud of high-velocity wooden splinters that would tear through the crew.
- The "exit wound" of a cannonball on a wooden target is far more destructive than the entry point, creating a wider area of catastrophic damage.
