This may sound like a silly question?

But what is a Armstrong Gun. (Is it a cannon)

Hi John

The term Armstrong Gun was primarily used to describe the unique design of the rifling breech-loading field and heavy guns designed by Sir William Armstrong and manufactured in England from 1855 by the Elswick Ordnance Company and the Royal Arsenal at Woolwich. The term has also been used to describe Armstrong's built-up gun construction system of a wrought-iron (later of mild steel) tube surrounded by multiple wrought-iron strengthening coils shrunk over the inner tube to keep it under tension.

Is it a cannon - Yes

I take it these guns were used in the Zulu War.

Hi John

I am unable to say they were in the Zulu War, that is not my field, but someone will be able to enlighten you.

Thanks for quick reply. 1879Graves

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12 pr Armstrong (SS).This drawing was copied from a photograph taken on the day the Ultimatum was delivered. No vent piece can be seen so, if the drawing is correct, the gun is a muzzle loader. Note the small carriage. In the background are men of HMS Active's Naval Brigade.

"In 1859, Mr William Armstrong introduced his rifled breech loaders. The 6 pr 3 cwt RBL was originally intended for mountain service, but it was found to be too heavy. 7 prs were accordingly introduced for this purpose, and the 6 pr was restricted to normal colonial service, as opposed to mountain.
In the Armstrong system, guns were loaded through a hollow breech screw. The breech was closed by means of a vent piece, which was dropped into a slot or opening in the top of the breech. The vent piece was then pressed home against the chamber by means of a breech screw.
The shell was lead coated. On being fired, this soft coating was compressed into the 38 rifling grooves of the bore, and these gave it the required spin.
The Durban Volunteer Artillery (later Natal Field Artillery) took two of these guns to Cetewayo's coronation in 1873.6 pr RBLs were used in the campaigns of 1877 and 1878. Although two were with Col Rowlands' column at the beginning of the Zulu War, they do not appear to have been used in the war."

Source: The South AfricanMilitary History Society

John,

When the Naval Brigade from HMS Active landed in November, 1878 they brought 2 24 lb rocket tubes, 1 gatling and 2 12 lb Armstrongs. The 2 Armstrongs were placed originally at Fort Pearson to cover the crossing at the Lower Tugela. The Naval brigade was given 2 7 lb field guns in exchange. After Fort Tenedos was built on the Zulu side of the river one of the Armstrongs was apparently moved there.

According to Staff Surgeon Norbury of the Naval Brigade about 3 or 4 days before Colonel Pearson's column was to cross the river, several parties of Zulus were seen roaming the countryside on the opposite side of the river presumably plundering John Dunn's Kraal.
"On one occasion a shell was fired at them from our 12-ponder Armstrong: it burst above a large group of Zulus, and soon caused them to disappear over a ridge."

Petty Officer Tom

Thanks for that information Tom.

From Ken Gillings. Reference is made to the two guns that the Durban Volunteer Artillery (later (and now) the Natal Field Artillery).

"We are having them restored by the Provincial Museum Service in Pietermaritzburg. I’ve attached a photo of them one of them before both guns were removed. We hope to have King Goodwill Zwelithini kaBhekuzulu at the unveiling ceremony in due course."

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NFA gun restoration project - 2002 - Phil Spencer - Ken Gillings - Ian Knight.
Photo By Ken Gillings.

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