Existing comment:
The Quarterdeck (1800):
Being the realm of the officers, seamen visited the quarterdeck only on business or in the conduct of their duties. From this raised location, midshipmen would learn their naval skills, the officer of the watch would supervise the activities of the ship, and the captain would command in battle.
In frigates and larger ships, the quarterdeck was armed with lighter guns, such as the cannonade,a short, lightweight gun of heavy caliber.
Types of Shot:
Ship-borne cannon and carronades fired a wide variety of specialized projectiles designed for specific purposes. Some, such as round shot, were designed to punch holes in the sides of a ship. Others, like bar shot and chain shot, were intended to disable an enemy ship by cutting up its sails and rigging. Grape shot and canister, which spread small projectiles like buckshot from a shotgun, were meant to kill the enemy.
* A particularly effective anti-personnel weapon was a can filled with lead or iron balls called canister. Upon firing, the can disintegrated and the balls spread out in a cone shape, wreaking destruction in a wide swath. Grape shot was similar, but the balls were larger and bound in a canvas bag.
* The weight of a round shot identifies the size of a cannon or carronade. A typical figure mounted 12- or 18-pounder long guns, whereas a ship of the line could mount 24- or 32-pounders as well as batteries of smaller guns. |