Demi-cannon

HMS Sovereign of the Seas, whose armament included eight demi-cannons[1]
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The demi-cannon was a medium-sized cannon, similar to but slightly larger than a culverin and smaller than a regular 42 pounds (19 kg) cannon, developed in the early 17th century.[2] A full cannon fired a 42-pound shot, but these were discontinued in the 18th century as they were seen as too unwieldy. The lower tiers of 18th century English warships were usually equipped with demi-cannons.

Ships featuring demi-cannons included HMS Sovereign of the Seas,[1] HMS Resolution[3] and HMS James, which fought in the Anglo-Dutch naval wars. Demi-cannons were also used on HMS Stirling Castle, the wreck of which was discovered in the Goodwin Sands. Several examples of this weapon were recovered from the site.[4]

The barrels of demi-cannon were typically 11 feet (3.4 m) long, had a calibre of 6 inches (150 mm) and could weigh up to 5,600 pounds (2,500 kg). It required 18 pounds (8.2 kg) of black powder to fire a 32 pounds (15 kg) round shot. The demi-cannon had an effective range of 1,600 feet (490 m).[2]

These 32-pounders were used during the 18th century on first-rate ships of the line which carried up to 100 guns. Though powerful, the naval demi-cannons were inaccurate, except at close range, which allowed warships to cause as much damage as possible. Sometimes a single broadside was enough to cripple the enemy vessel.[5]

  1. ^ a b "Sovereign of the Seas 1638". Royal Navy. Archived from the original on 2 February 2007. Retrieved 14 March 2007.
  2. ^ a b Manucy 1949.
  3. ^ Lavery 2003.
  4. ^ Colledge & Warlow 2006.
  5. ^ Stephen Biesty (ill.) and Richard Platt (author). (1993). Stephen Biesty's Cross-Sections Man-of-War. New York: Dorling Kindersley.