"Muzzle Loading Artillery and Water Question" Topic
6 Posts
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Nick Stern | 19 Oct 2016 12:16 p.m. PST |
I am painting up an artillery crew for the Indian Mutiny and it occurred to me that I never really thought about the role of the artillery crew figure who is carrying a bucket. I understand that it was necessary to sponge out the barrel with a wet sponge staff after firing and before reloading. But where did the water come from? Did artillery always have to set up near a water source? What about in the desert or, in the case of the Mutiny, in an India village or town? And, really, on our miniature artillery bases, shouldn't the bucket be on the ground next to the spongeman? |
rmaker | 19 Oct 2016 1:19 p.m. PST |
But where did the water come from? Did artillery always have to set up near a water source? What about in the desert or, in the case of the Mutiny, in an India village or town? For campaigning in arid conditions, there would be water carts available. Far more water would be necessary for the horses and men than for the guns. And, really, on our miniature artillery bases, shouldn't the bucket be on the ground next to the spongeman? Yes, like the honeypot in the old Eureka Seven Years Picnic artillery set. |
TKindred | 19 Oct 2016 1:30 p.m. PST |
The only reason to carry the bucket is if you are getting it filled up. Here's an image from 1862 of a 3" ordnance rifle. Note the bucket slung underneath the axle. link |
cplcampisi | 19 Oct 2016 8:05 p.m. PST |
The bucket would basically be placed on the ground, under the piece (basically directly under the axel where it was hung). I think, in theory, it could used from where it was hung, when the gun was being loaded on the move (a technique used when retreating). |
colonial nic | 20 Oct 2016 5:38 p.m. PST |
The 1860s (and probably earlier) styles of swabbing buckets had a sort of screw in lid (using lugs). This meant you could keep the bucket filled at all times, even when on the move. When in action you simply unhooked the bucket, placed it on the ground and took the lid off. One bucket of water would last plenty long enough for one bout of firing as the swab only had to be damp, not sopping wet every time. Sopping wet was actually considered unsafe and also could lead to misfires, for reasons it would take too long to explain here. Here's an example: link |
WillieB | 25 Oct 2016 2:50 a.m. PST |
Actually the sponge was at best 'moist' and certainly not 'wet' The main reason for using it was to, at the same time ignite ( a result of the rush of air when pushing down a close fitting sponge) and douse any smoldering fragments still in the barrel. |
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