José González Hontoria facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
José González Hontoria
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A portrait of José González Hontoria by Eulogia Merle
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| Born | July 21, 1840 Sanlúcar de Barrameda |
| Died | Cadiz |
| Buried | |
| Allegiance | Spain |
| Service/ |
Naval Infantry |
| Rank | Field Marshal |
| Awards | Order of Charles III |
José González Hontoria (born July 21, 1840, in Sanlúcar de Barrameda, Cadiz – died 1889, in Carabanchel, Madrid) was a clever Spanish inventor. He was also a high-ranking officer in the Navy and the Marine Infantry. He is best known for designing powerful cannons for the Spanish Navy.
The Life of José González Hontoria
José González Hontoria started his military journey very young. At just nine years old, he joined the Military Naval College in San Fernando on December 31, 1851. He began as a midshipman, learning about naval life.
In 1858, he became a student sublieutenant. This was at the Academy of the Royal Corps of Artillery of the Navy. He worked hard and graduated as a lieutenant in 1860. Soon after, he became an assistant professor at the academy.
His superiors sent him on an important mission. He traveled to learn how to make gunpowder and weapons. He also studied how to build up a national industry for these items. He returned to his teaching job in January 1861.
From 1863, he took charge of the School and Branch of Naval Gunners. He was the most senior professor there. He taught others how to use and understand naval guns.
Designing Powerful Cannons
José González Hontoria did many studies on making gunpowder and artillery. In 1879, the special artillery system he created was chosen for the Spanish Navy. He was then asked to study how to make different sizes of guns. He also designed the guns themselves and their projectiles.
He went on many important missions both in Spain and other countries. He was so good at his job that English cannon makers offered him a high-paying manager position. However, he turned them down. He preferred to use his skills to help Spain.
He designed several types of guns for the Spanish Navy. One famous design was the Trubia, a 160mm gun. At that time, it was thought to be the most powerful gun in Europe. He also designed larger guns, like 240mm, 280mm, and 320mm cannons. These were used as weapons on ships of the navy.
José González Hontoria was buried at the Pantheon of Illustrious Mariners. This special place honors important naval figures. He was laid to rest there on July 8, 1907.
Gallery
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A 280mm González Hontoria gun on the wreck of an Infanta María Teresa-class cruiser.
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A 140mm González Hontoria rapid-fire gun from the cruiser Infanta María Teresa.
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A 140mm Gonzalez Hontoria rapid-fire gun from the cruiser Almirante Oquendo.
See also
In Spanish: José González Hontoria para niños
- Gonzalez Hontoria de 16 cm mod 1883
- Gonzalez Hontoria de 14 cm mod 1883
- Gonzalez Hontoria de 12 cm mod 1883
- González Hontoria de 7 cm mod 1879
