| The introduction of artillery was truly revolutionary for fortifications and military science as a whole. Cannon were loaded with cannonballs for long range fire up to 1,500 m (5,000 ft) or with grapeshot for short range fire (150-500 m, or 500-1,600 ft).
The navy also used incendiary cannonballs and two cannonballs or halves of a cannonball bound together with a chain to crash enemy rigs.
The terrain were artillery was positioned was of great importance. For instance, if an enemy was positioned on muddy soil or a swamp, cannonballs wouldn't recoil from the surface. Thus, the range of fire became shorter and the enemy's casualties grew less. The most favourable position for artillery was on hills, where the range of fire was much wider.
Cannon were lethal long-range weapons, but of little use when employed at short ranges or in hand-to-hand combat. Cannon were transported by horses harnessed to special carts known as limbers. A limber was also loaded with ammunition. The main load of the ammunition, however, was transported in a munitions wagon. A cannon's rate of fire was about one shot every two minutes. Initially, gunners had no specific uniform and were considered artisans rather than soldiers. However, as the regular army developed, they received a standard uniform similar to that of musketeers in the 18th century. |
