Age of Sail - Gun numbering systems

[admin]

Question to a history buffs

Where any generally accepted cannon position numbering system during age of sail for crew management and commands?

For example battleships all turrets had unified specific letters (british) or names (german) (often corresponding to letters)
SMS Blücher Turret Names - Alsen, Bautzen, Cezilie, Düppel, Eylau, Fehrbellin. So captain could tell command to only Alsen Turret (turret A)

How would a captain command to fire a 2nd gun and fourth gun from the bow for example? How would they report back that they are loaded?

[Bank]

Hi!

Although this is from ChatGPT for quickness, I think it is accurate to what ive read elsewhere. Hope this helps- if you want real sources I can find them but it will take a few days, otherwise this should be a good start.

"Designation of Cannons

1. Numbering: Cannons were often numbered sequentially from bow to stern on each deck. For example, on a ship with multiple gun decks, the numbering might restart on each deck, with cannons referred to as "Gun No. 1, Lower Deck," "Gun No. 1, Middle Deck," etc.

2. Names: In some cases, especially on ships with a smaller number of cannons, individual guns might be given names. This practice was less common than numbering but still used on some vessels.

Communication of Orders

1. Verbal Commands: Orders were given verbally by the division officers or gun captains. For example, a division officer might shout, "Gun No. 3, fire!" to give the order to a specific cannon crew.

2. Hand Signals: In the noise and chaos of battle, visual signals could be used. Officers might use predetermined hand signals to indicate when a specific cannon should fire.

3. Drum Beats or Whistles: Sometimes, sound signals like drum beats or whistles were used to coordinate the firing of multiple guns simultaneously. Specific patterns could indicate different commands.

Coordination and Timing

1. Taking Advantage of the Ship's Roll: Timing was crucial to ensure accuracy. The ship’s roll could affect the aim, so gunners often waited for the right moment in the roll to fire, ensuring that the shot would hit its intended target.

2. Broadside Volleys: To maximize impact, officers coordinated broadside volleys, where multiple cannons fired simultaneously. This required precise timing and coordination among the gun crews.

Chain of Command

1. Division Officers: Each division officer was responsible for a section of cannons. They received overall orders from the ship's captain or lieutenants and relayed specific commands to the gun captains.

2. Gun Captains: Each cannon had a gun captain who directly managed the gun crew. The gun captain ensured that the cannon was loaded, aimed, and fired according to the division officer's orders.

Example of an Order Sequence

1. Captain’s Order: The ship's captain gives the command to prepare for a broadside volley.
2. Division Officer’s Command: The division officer relays the command to the gun captains, specifying which guns to prepare.
3. Gun Captain’s Preparation: Each gun captain ensures their cannon is loaded and ready to fire.
4. Firing Order: The division officer gives the specific order, "Fire on my mark!" followed by, "Gun No. 1, fire! Gun No. 2, fire!" and so on."

[Bank]

(A great series of books that cover all sorts of stuff like this in great historical detail are the Aubrey-Maturin series of novels written by Patrick O'Brian. In them there are named guns, and they also talk about the firing orders)

[Bank]

Example of a Command Flow

Captain: "Prepare for broadside on the starboard side!"

Deck Officer: "Starboard guns, prepare to fire!"

Gunner’s Mate: "Guns 1 through 4, prepare to fire!"

Gun Captains: Each gun captain ensures their cannon is ready and communicates with their crew: "Load and stand by!"

Deck Officer: "Fire on my mark! 3... 2... 1... Fire!"

Gun Captains: "Fire!" The individual cannons are fired as directed.