The "Wilmington" an update

[rebelatsea]

The "North Carolina (II) as she would have been named -without the (II) used to distinguish her from her unfortunate predecessor would have been armed with 2 - 11" Brooke smoothbores. These were high velocity shot guns rather than the short barrelled USN heavy SBs . These weapons were delivered to Wilmington, but as the ship wasn't ready for them they were requisitioned for the coast defences along with one of her predecessors 6.4" Brooke MLR.

Here are two diagrams showing John L Porter's standard gunports.

A second vessel of William Graves type was ordered for construction at Charleston, but was rescinded in favour of a "Wilmington" to be named South Carolina. being new construction, this vessel would not have had the same hull shape at the stern as the North Carolina (II), which was a rebuild of a Porter 189ft type gunboat. At some stage I may present a seperate thread on this vessel, which would have formed one of a virtually new Charleston Squadron.

 

[13 IL Cav & 64 GA Inf]

The "North Carolina (II) as she would have been named -without the (II) used to distinguish her from her unfortunate predecessor would have been armed with 2 - 11" Brooke smoothbores. These were high velocity shot guns rather than the short barrelled USN heavy SBs . These weapons were delivered to Wilmington, but as the ship wasn't ready for them they were requisitioned for the coast defences along with one of her predecessors 6.4" Brooke MLR.

Here are two diagrams showing John L Porter's standard gunports.

A second vessel of William Graves type was ordered for construction at Charleston, but was rescinded in favour of a "Wilmington" to be named South Carolina. being new construction, this vessel would not have had the same hull shape at the stern as the North Carolina (II), which was a rebuild of a Porter 189ft type gunboat. At some stage I may present a seperate thread on this vessel, which would have formed one of a virtually new Charleston Squadron.

View attachment 558809View attachment 558810

I can't contribute anything here, but I did learn from your post!

 

[rebelatsea]

I can't contribute anything here, but I did learn from your post!

I'm pleased - even after XXX years I'm still learning too.

 

[Rhea Cole]

Gunners aboard the big gunboats attacking Fort Donelson stood in the open gunport to observe the 8" shells arcing toward them. What with the guns run out, he would holler "Lookout!" or something to that effect when it looked like a hit.

 

[rebelatsea]

Gunners aboard the big gunboats attacking Fort Donelson stood in the open gunport to observe the 8" shells arcing toward them. What with the guns run out, he would holler "Lookout!" or something to that effect when it looked like a hit.

Imagine then the thoughts of the Egyptian gunners watching Inflexible's clearly visible 16" shot approaching.

 

[Rhea Cole]

Imagine then the thoughts of the Egyptian gunners watching Inflexible's clearly visible 16" shot approaching.

From 1960 through the 1980's Stones River NB live fired an original 12 Napoleon six times a day all through the summer season.

When the light was right, the timed fuze rounds could clearly be seen arcing out 800 yards before exploding.

Grazing round shot skipped through a cotton field toward the cedar trees field like crazed jackrabbits. At each skip a rooster tail of dirt & plants looked like a table saw blade gone wild.

Confederate casualties drawn by Metzner from direct observation. Stones River. LCC

What must General Raines' men have felt when they advanced out of the tree line across a fence & saw volleys of those monsters bounding their way? General Raines only made it a few steps past the fence.

 

[13 IL Cav & 64 GA Inf]

From 1960 through the 1980's Stones River NB live fired an original 12 Napoleon six times a day all through the summer season.

View attachment 558975

When the light was right, the timed fuze rounds could clearly be seen arcing out 800 yards before exploding.

View attachment 558976

Grazing round shot skipped through a cotton toward the cedar trees field like crazed jackrabbits. At each skip a rooster tail of dirt & plants looked like a table saw blade gone wild.

View attachment 558974
Confederate casualties drawn by Metzner from direct observation. Stones River. LCC

What must General Raines' men have felt when they advanced out of the tree line across a fence & saw volleys of those monsters coming their way? General Raines only made it a few steps past the fence.

I love the sound of cannon fire at reenactments. It opens the eyes (and ears) of novice spectators.