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Loading ships guns in 1805 and 1935 by G. H. Davis
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Loading ships guns in 1805 and 1935 by G. H. Davis
From Nelson to Nelson : feeding a ships guns today and in 1805. Loading methods in a modern battleship and at Trafalgar: contrasts after 130 years of naval gunnery. Date: 1935
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Media ID 14132299
© Illustrated London News Ltd/Mary Evans
1805 Artillery Barrel Barrels Battleship Battleships Contrast Contrasts Davis Feeding Firing Gunners Gunnery Guns Ladder Loading Methods Nelson Position Powder Section Shell Shelling Shells Trafalgar Warship Warships 1935 Weapons
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EDITORS COMMENTS
This print by G.H. Davis, titled "Nelson to Nelson: Feeding a Ship's Guns Today and in 1805," offers a striking contrast between the methods of loading ships' guns in the early 19th century and the modern era of the 1930s. The image, dated 1935, invites us to compare and contrast the loading techniques used in a British battleship during the Battle of Trafalgar in 1805 and in a contemporary battleship. In the left panel, we witness the laborious process of loading a gun on a warship from the Napoleonic Wars. Sailors, dressed in period uniforms, work in a cramped and dangerous environment, maneuvering heavy shells and powder barrels up a steep ladder to the gun deck. The cross-section view reveals the intricacies of the gun's construction and the complexity of the loading process. In stark contrast, the right panel showcases the advanced technology and efficiency of modern gunnery. In this section, we observe the streamlined process of loading a shell into a gun's breech, with men working in a more spacious and safer environment. The use of mechanical hoists and conveyor belts has significantly reduced the time and effort required to load a gun, allowing for a faster rate of fire and increased effectiveness. This print not only highlights the evolution of naval gunnery over the centuries but also underscores the remarkable advancements in technology and the transformation of warfare. Davis' meticulous attention to detail and ability to capture the essence of these contrasting eras makes this image a fascinating glimpse into the history of naval warfare.
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