Fascinating statistics. And what really would have been impressive is if the fire control devices of the day had been as accurate and durable as the rifled cannon tubes. I do believe that was one reason why the US Army elected to standardize field batteries on the 12 Pounder Gun-Howitzer M1857 (Napoleon) versus the 3 Inch Ordnance Rifle or any of the Parrott rifles (that and cost perhaps?).
Prince Kraft zu Hohenlohe Ingelfingen - and that's just his last name - wrote (in 'Letters on Artillery') that the retention of so many Napoleon 12-pounders owed much to its superior ability to deliver canister and case shot (shrapnel). Copies of the book can be found at hathitrust.org and archive.org
That is some name! Figures. The Army was prioritizing short range fire power over long ranges based on Civil War experiences, never dreaming what lay ahead.
Fascinating statistics. And what really would have been impressive is if the fire control devices of the day had been as accurate and durable as the rifled cannon tubes. I do believe that was one reason why the US Army elected to standardize field batteries on the 12 Pounder Gun-Howitzer M1857 (Napoleon) versus the 3 Inch Ordnance Rifle or any of the Parrott rifles (that and cost perhaps?).
Prince Kraft zu Hohenlohe Ingelfingen - and that's just his last name - wrote (in 'Letters on Artillery') that the retention of so many Napoleon 12-pounders owed much to its superior ability to deliver canister and case shot (shrapnel). Copies of the book can be found at hathitrust.org and archive.org
That is some name! Figures. The Army was prioritizing short range fire power over long ranges based on Civil War experiences, never dreaming what lay ahead.