Artillery of the Napoleonic Wars: A Comprehensive Guide to the Cannons, Mortars, and Howitzers of the Era

The Artillery of the Napoleonic Wars: Concise Dictionary 1792-1815 is an essential reference work for anyone interested in the history of artillery and the Napoleonic Wars. This comprehensive guide provides detailed information on the various types of cannons, mortars, and howitzers used during this period, as well as their performance and effectiveness in battle.

Artillery of the Napoleonic Wars: A Concise Dictionary, 1792–1815

by Kevin F. Kiley

4.6 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	73936 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	630 pages
Lending	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported

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The book is divided into three main sections. The first section provides a general overview of artillery in the Napoleonic Wars, including its development, organization, and tactics. The second section provides detailed descriptions of the various types of artillery pieces used during this period, including their specifications, performance, and effectiveness in battle. The third section provides a glossary of artillery terms and a bibliography for further reading.

The Artillery of the Napoleonic Wars: Concise Dictionary 1792-1815 is a valuable resource for anyone interested in the history of artillery and the Napoleonic Wars. It is a comprehensive and authoritative guide that provides detailed information on the various types of artillery pieces used during this period, as well as their performance and effectiveness in battle.

Table of Contents

2. Development of Artillery in the Napoleonic Wars
3. Organization of Artillery in the Napoleonic Wars
4. Tactics of Artillery in the Napoleonic Wars
5. Types of Artillery Pieces Used in the Napoleonic Wars
6. Performance and Effectiveness of Artillery in the Napoleonic Wars
7. Glossary of Artillery Terms
8. Bibliography

Artillery played a major role in the Napoleonic Wars. It was used to bombard enemy fortifications, support infantry and cavalry attacks, and defend against enemy attacks. The development of new artillery pieces and tactics during this period revolutionized warfare and helped to shape the outcome of many battles.

The Artillery of the Napoleonic Wars: Concise Dictionary 1792-1815 provides a comprehensive overview of the artillery used during this period. It includes detailed descriptions of the various types of cannons, mortars, and howitzers used, as well as their performance and effectiveness in battle.

Development of Artillery in the Napoleonic Wars

The development of artillery in the Napoleonic Wars was driven by a number of factors, including the need for more powerful and accurate weapons, the increasing use of fortifications, and the development of new tactics.

One of the most important developments in artillery during this period was the of the bronze cannon. Bronze cannons were lighter and more portable than iron cannons, and they could fire more accurately and at a greater range. This made them ideal for use in field artillery.

Another important development in artillery during this period was the of the howitzer. Howitzers were short-barreled cannons that fired shells at a high angle. This made them ideal for use against fortifications and for indirect fire.

Organization of Artillery in the Napoleonic Wars

Artillery was organized into a variety of units during the Napoleonic Wars. The most common type of artillery unit was the battery. Batteries were typically made up of six to twelve cannons, and they were commanded by a captain.

Artillery was also organized into brigades and divisions. Brigades were typically made up of two or three batteries, and they were commanded by a colonel. Divisions were typically made up of two or three brigades, and they were commanded by a general.

Tactics of Artillery in the Napoleonic Wars

Artillery was used in a variety of ways in the Napoleonic Wars. It was used to bombard enemy fortifications, support infantry and cavalry attacks, and defend against enemy attacks.

One of the most common uses of artillery was to bombard enemy fortifications. Artillery could be used to destroy enemy fortifications, or it could be used to create breaches in the walls of fortifications so that infantry could attack.

Artillery was also used to support infantry and cavalry attacks. Artillery could be used to clear the way for infantry and cavalry attacks, or it could be used to provide covering fire for infantry and cavalry as they advanced.

Artillery was also used to defend against enemy attacks. Artillery could be used to stop enemy attacks, or it could be used to delay enemy attacks so that reinforcements could arrive.

Types of Artillery Pieces Used in the Napoleonic Wars

A variety of different types of artillery pieces were used in the Napoleonic Wars. These included cannons, mortars, and howitzers.

• Cannons were long-barreled artillery pieces that fired solid shot. Cannons were used to destroy enemy fortifications and to support infantry and cavalry attacks.
• Mortars were short-barreled artillery pieces that fired shells at a high angle. Mortars were used to bombard enemy fortifications and to clear the way for infantry and cavalry attacks.
• Howitzers were short-barreled artillery pieces that fired shells at a low angle. Howitzers were used to support infantry and cavalry attacks and to defend against enemy attacks.

Performance and Effectiveness of Artillery in the Napoleonic Wars

The performance and effectiveness of artillery in the Napoleonic Wars varied depending on a number of factors, including the type of artillery piece, the training of the artillery crews, and the tactics used.

Cannons were the most powerful and accurate artillery pieces used in the Napoleonic Wars. They could fire solid shot at a range of up to 2,000 yards. Mortars were less accurate than cannons, but they could fire shells at a range of up to 1,000 yards. Howitzers were the least accurate of the three types of artillery pieces, but they could fire shells at a range of up to 500 yards.

The training of the artillery crews was also a factor in the performance and effectiveness of artillery in the Napoleonic Wars. Well-trained artillery crews could fire their guns more accurately and at a faster rate of fire.

The tactics used also affected the performance and effectiveness of artillery in the Napoleonic Wars. Artillery could be used to bombard enemy fortifications, support infantry and cavalry attacks, and defend against enemy attacks. The most effective use of artillery was to combine it with other arms of the service, such as infantry and cavalry.

Glossary of Artillery Terms

• Battery: A unit of artillery typically consisting of six to twelve cannons.
• Brigade: A unit of artillery typically consisting of two or three batteries.
• Cannon: A long-barreled artillery piece that fires solid shot.
• Division: A unit of artillery typically consisting of two or three brigades.
• Howitzer: A short-barreled artillery piece that fires shells at a low angle.
• Mortar: A short-barreled artillery piece that fires shells at a high angle.
• Solid shot: A type of artillery projectile that is made of solid iron.
• Shell: A type of artillery projectile that is filled with explosive material.

Bibliography

• Chandler, David. The Campaigns of Napoleon. New York: Macmillan, 1966.
• Duffy, Christopher. Artillery of the Napoleonic Wars. London: Osprey Publishing, 1979.
• Haythornthwaite, Philip. The Napoleonic Wars Source Book. London: Arms and Armour Press, 1998.
• Oman, Charles. A History of the Art of War in the Sixteenth Century. London: Methuen & Co., 1937.
• Sumner, Ian. The French Army 1792-1815. London: Osprey Publishing, 2004.

Artillery of the Napoleonic Wars: A Concise Dictionary, 1792–1815

by Kevin F. Kiley

4.6 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	73936 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	630 pages
Lending	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported

FREE