Twelve-pound cannon facts for kids
A 12-pound cannon is a type of cannon that shoots projectiles weighing about 12 pounds (around 5.4 kilograms). These cannons could fire different kinds of ammunition. They used round metal balls called round shot. They also fired grapeshot and canister shot, which were like giant shotgun blasts. Later, they could also shoot explosive shells.
These powerful cannons were first used a long time ago, during the Tudor period in England. They became very common during the Napoleonic Wars (1799–1815). During this time, 12-pounders were the biggest long-barreled cannons used on land.
Cannons on Land
On land, 12-pounder cannons were very useful. They could shoot far distances at enemy forts or large groups of soldiers using round shot. When enemies got close, they would fire canister shot. This turned the cannon into a huge shotgun, scattering many small metal balls to stop attacking soldiers or cavalry. Because they were so versatile, the 12-pounder was a favorite weapon of Napoleon's army, known as the Grande Armée.
Later, new versions of the 12-pounder cannon were designed. These were named after Napoleon III. They were used a lot during the American Civil War (1861–1865).
Cannons at Sea
Twelve-pounder cannons were also carried on many different types of ships. However, on ships, these cannons were considered lighter weapons. They were often the main guns on smaller warships called frigates. On bigger ships, like ships of the line, they were placed on the upper decks. Their lighter weight made them suitable for these higher positions.
For example, the famous British ship HMS Victory had 12-pounders on its quarterdeck. But the main weapons on such large ships were much bigger cannons, like 24-pounders and 32-pounders. These larger guns could smash the sides of enemy ships. They could also create a deadly shower of wood splinters, which was very dangerous for the enemy gun crews.
Famous 12-Pounder Cannons
One special type of 12-pounder was the M1841 mountain howitzer. This was a bronze cannon, about 53 inches long. It was called a "mountain howitzer" because it could be taken apart. Three pack horses could carry its pieces, making it easy to move in rough areas. The US military started using it in 1837.
During the Mexican–American War, a young officer named Ulysses S. Grant used one of these howitzers in a clever way. He placed it in the bell tower of a church. From there, he fired at Mexican forces defending Mexico City.
In 1853, France introduced another important 12-pounder called the Canon obusier de 12. This cannon was very flexible. It could fire explosive shells, solid round shot, or canister shot. These "Napoleon cannons" stayed in use for a long time, even during the Victorian era. They saw a lot of action during the American Civil War.
By the time of the American Civil War, newer and more powerful cannons were being made. These included the Parrott rifle and large Columbiads like the Rodman gun. These new cannons could fire much heavier shells and shot, weighing from 10 to 300 pounds. However, the Napoleon 12-pounders were still the most common field guns used by the Confederate army.
Later 12-pounder cannons included the breechloading RBL 12-pounder 8 cwt Armstrong gun, which was introduced in 1859. There were also field guns designed by Joseph Whitworth. Another type was the boat howitzers invented by John A. Dahlgren. These were used by the Federal navy during the Civil War.
See also
- 12-pounder gun
- 12-pounder long gun
- Field artillery in the American Civil War
