"Unloading a broadside." Topic

I've just started rereading my Richard Bolitho collection, and came across a passage where having just been engaged in combat the ship reloads but disengages from the enemy before firing.

The order is given, 'secure the guns'.

The text does not elaborate on what happens next, are the loaded guns fired, are they left loaded (highly dangerous), or are the guns somehow unloaded and what is the procedure. I'm just curious as to what would be follow the order, does anyone have an idea?

Take out powder tube from touch hole. Remove lock or close lock (If had one). Take out 2nd wadding with the screw hook. Roll shoot out of gun by tipping down barrel. Re-move 1st wadding and change with screw. Swab barrel with water and clean around the gun to re-move lose powder. Secure gun. Also would do the same if had a mis-fire.
Hope this helps
Be safe
Rory

I assme you mean charge not change?

Yes charge was meant. A misstype.

Thanks Devsdoc, that makes perfect sense, cheers.

Rory's procedure is that for removing the charge from the guns, as he says in the case of a misfire or for coming into port.

In wartime, dangerous as it might sound it was actually usual practice to keep the guns loaded and French peacetime regulations specified that upper deck guns were to be kept loaded at all times.

To avoid accidental discharge and protect from moisture ingress a lead apron was formed over the vent, but otherwise the guns would be good to go.

There is a nice diagram in the paper at the following address, not that the apron could even be formed to cover the lock and therefore not require its removal:-

link

Best wishes,

Mark Barker
The Inshore Squadron

Robert,
Glad to help.
jgebbons,
Sorry my spelling is not up to par for you!
Vol,
Thanks my friend.
Mark,
Thanks for this new (for me) information. I did not know that guns where kept loaded. I thought the lead was only for keeping the powder dry after loading but before firing if they had to wait until firing.
Hope I spelt this right for you all?
Be safe
Rory

Not mocking you spelling – i thought that maybe there was actually a possibility they replaced the wad over the charge for some reason….

jgibbons,
Thank you. Spelling has always been my Achilles heel. For years I was told I'm dumb because of my spelling. I now know this is not the case. I'm now able to stand up for myself about my spelling. I have published a book on 16th-17th century Surgery. I had the help of friends that believed in me more than I in myself. Spell-check has been a life-saver for me, but sometimes it lets me down. I hope you understand my post. Thank you again.
Be safe
Rory