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Massed Cannon Fire

• Message 1.Β 

  Posted by Grumpyfred (U2228930) on Saturday, 4th March 2006

  In any film or book, it is suggested that cannon in battle fire wheel to wheel. But of course this is both impossible, as the crew would have to fight to get past the crews along side of them to serve their guns, and on well placed shot could start a chain reaction. So what would be the safe distance between massed cannons.
  Fred

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• Message 2

  , in reply to message 1.

  Posted by Grand Falcon Railroad (U3267675) on Saturday, 4th March 2006

  Has to be a fair bit because of the blast and recoil. I would say also that it would have to be far enough away that if one of the cannons slipped whilst firing it wouldn't obliterate the crew next to them.
  
  The statement though is as ridiculous as "they fought back to back" and "they gave and asked for no quarter".
  
  

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• Message 3

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  Posted by Grumpyfred (U2228930) on Saturday, 4th March 2006

  Thanks I agree with your statements. But it good on film.
  Fred

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• Message 4

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  Posted by Nielsen (U3014399) on Saturday, 4th March 2006

  But to the poor bloody infantry who're having it all shot - hopefully - over their heads in order to kill the opponent, there is an old, old quote: "Friendly fire ain't - where it lands!"
  

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• Message 5

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  Posted by Grand Falcon Railroad (U3267675) on Saturday, 4th March 2006

  Hi Fred - thanks
  
  I think it would be pretty good to know the real facts on the matter as it is indeed impressive when you see cannon lined up and blasting away - I note that in films the cannon of the 1800's is as accurate as a modern day howitzer of SP gun.
  
  I think arty is pretty cool and would love to see something like an M-109 or MRLS go to work on specially prepared target.
  

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• Message 6

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  Posted by Backtothedarkplace (U2955180) on Saturday, 4th March 2006

  Im not sure as to the exact distance but from things Ive read I thnk its was only a matter of yards. Remember theres no radios. Your fire orders are delivered by voice.

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• Message 7

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  Posted by Grumpyfred (U2228930) on Saturday, 4th March 2006

  I remember a book of cartoons done by the Royal Marines in 1982, after the Falklands war. One springs to mind. I very burnt very large Royal holding a member of the R A F by the throat, who was on the A A missile site. The Marine is saying "Sod you only fire them up. Where they land is not your problem.
  Fred

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• Message 8

  , in reply to message 1.

  Posted by arnaldalmaric (U1756653) on Sunday, 5th March 2006

  In any film or book, it is suggested that cannon in battle fire wheel to wheel. But of course this is both impossible, as the crew would have to fight to get past the crews along side of them to serve their guns, and on well placed shot could start a chain reaction. So what would be the safe distance between massed cannons.
  Ήσ°ω±π»εΜύ
  
  GrumpyFred,
  
  If DaveMBA responds he'll probably know to the inch, however for the Napoleonic era from the sources I've got the Russians deployed 12 yards apart (centre of barrel to centre of barrel), the Spanish 8 yards (although I suspect this is wheel to wheel, the source isn't clear), the Prussians 16 yards apart. More general sources indicate 12 - 20 yards apart was a norm.
  
  It's also indicated that the guns in a battery would have some degree of "stagger" to reduce the chances of a lucky flank shot.
  
  These distances would be reduced (halved) if the battery was behind fortifications, the reasoning said this was permitted as there was cover for the caissons.
  
  Hope this helps, Cheers AA.

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• Message 9

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  Posted by Grumpyfred (U2228930) on Sunday, 5th March 2006

  Thanks for that. It is always nice to know these things.

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• Message 10

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  Posted by Grand Falcon Railroad (U3267675) on Sunday, 5th March 2006

  Rearding modern arty - are the rules pretty similar or will it vary because of the larger sizes of the pieces?
  
  I know that BM-21 rocket batteries and MLRS batteries take up a lot of space due to the fact you need to fire them obliquely but not sure about L-105 light guns etc.
  
  I guess you can be a bit more random about their positions as the fact the batteries will in the main fire indirect fire support missions unlike Napoleon's gunners but again it's just something interesting.

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