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French Artillery - 16
Poster Prints from Mary Evans Picture Library
French Artillery - 16
A gunner of the horse artillery of the French Garde Royale positions a ball in the barrel of a French muzzle-loading obusier from the Napoleonic era (1802/3)
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Media ID 4324357
© Mary Evans Picture Library 2015 - https://copyrighthub.org/s0/hub1/creation/maryevans/MaryEvansPictureID/10169100
1802 1823 Artillery Barrel Garde Gunner Loading Muzzle Napoleonic Positions Royale Weapons
EDITORS COMMENTS
This evocative image captures a moment in time during the Napoleonic Wars, as a skilled gunner of the French Garde Royale's horse artillery carefully positions a cannonball in the barrel of a French muzzle-loading obusier from the early 19th century. Dating back to around 1802 or 1803, this weapon was a crucial component of the French military arsenal during this period of intense conflict. The Napoleonic Wars, which lasted from 1803 to 1815, saw some of the most significant battles in European history. The French army, under the command of Napoleon Bonaparte, dominated the continent, and their military innovations, including the use of horse artillery, played a key role in their success. The horse artillery, as the name suggests, was mounted on horses, allowing for greater mobility and flexibility on the battlefield. The gunners, such as the one depicted in this photograph, were highly trained and skilled in their craft. They would have been responsible for loading and firing the obusiers, which could fire a variety of projectiles, including cannonballs and grapeshot. The process of loading a muzzle-loading weapon was a laborious and dangerous task. The gunner would first ram a bag of powder down the barrel using a rammer. He would then place the cannonball in the muzzle, followed by a wad to ensure a tight seal. Finally, a slow match would be lit and the gun would be fired. This photograph offers a unique glimpse into the past, providing a window into the daily life and work of the French military during the Napoleonic era. The attention to detail and the sense of focus in the gunner's expression add to the historical significance of the image, making it a valuable addition to any collection of military or historical photographs.
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