I agree Dobbs.
A mortar shell is certainly also an anti personnel weapon, and on a ship hit should also stand a good chance of setting fire to it. Not sure about impact value of those old shells on ships though. Would they be likely to fragment on impact or plunge through a deck before exploding? This presupposes that the fuse is cut accurately and does not air burst.
Rob.
The Business of the commander-in-chief is first to bring an enemy fleet to battle on the most advantageous terms to himself, (I mean that of laying his ships close on board the enemy, as expeditiously as possible); and secondly to continue them there until the business is decided.
I'd expect airburst to be nasty on sails and exposed crew like topmen. Maybe draw a chit for fuse timing and then draw damage based on that. Say 2-3 E (crew) chits for an airburst? (How much of a man-o'-war's crew would typically be above the weather deck in battle anyway? I'd assume most would be between gun crews, running the rigging or musketeers/riflemen...)Originally Posted by Bligh
--Diamondback
PMH, SME, TLA, BBB
Historical Consultant to Ares, Wings and Sails - Unless otherwise noted, all comments are strictly Personal Opinion ONLY and not to be taken as official Company Policy.
I was not really thinking about shells coming from Forts DB. Just incoming from Bomb Ketches onto Forts and into harbours and moored shipping, but now you mention it Gunboats in the offing I had better start re thinking this one. Do we have any examples of inter ship use of Mortar shells other than from Bombs?
Rob.
The Business of the commander-in-chief is first to bring an enemy fleet to battle on the most advantageous terms to himself, (I mean that of laying his ships close on board the enemy, as expeditiously as possible); and secondly to continue them there until the business is decided.
Posting Permissions
Reply With Quote
Bookmarks