
A practical handbook for artillery officers, this volume gathers the essential knowledge needed to command and manage guns on the battlefield. Beginning with the basics of small‑arms ammunition, it swiftly expands to cover field pieces, siege artillery, and the logistics of moving and supplying them. Detailed tables list dimensions, weights, and the proper handling of everything from powder barrels to bridge pontoons, giving junior officers a clear reference for everyday duties.
Beyond the technical specifications, the guide offers step‑by‑step instructions for setting up batteries, constructing breaching charges, and measuring distances without sophisticated instruments. It also outlines the organization of gun crews, the use of drag ropes, and the procedures for advancing or retiring guns in combat. Written with the aim of earning the confidence of senior commanders, the book remains a concise, hands‑on resource for anyone interested in the art and science of 19th‑century artillery.
Language
en
Duration
~4 hours (287K characters)
Publisher of text edition
Project Gutenberg
Original publisher
Charlestown: William Greenough, 1804.
Credits
Brian Coe and the Online Distributed Proofreading Team at https://www.pgdp.net (This file was produced from images generously made available by The Internet Archive)
Release date
2024-03-29
Rights
Public domain in the USA.
1764–1804
An early 19th-century British artillery officer, he is remembered for creating a compact military handbook that gathered practical information for gunners and junior officers. His best-known work, The Bombardier, and Pocket Gunner, became a useful reference during the Napoleonic era.
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