Science of Conflict

Guns below deck
When the guns were fired they recoiled violently. As a gun became hot from continuous firing so would its recoil become violent to the point of lifting the gun carriage from the deck. Recoil of the guns was very dangerous to the crew and the direction of recoil often unpredictable.

 

The picture on the right gives a glimpse of life below deck. Click to see a larger view. Note the sleeping and eating arrangements.

Discuss how life below deck must have been for a sailor of the time.

 
The noise from gunfire often meant that men would go permanently deaf as ruptured and perforated ear drums were a common. Sailors tied pieces of clothing around their heads in an effort to protect their ears, but this proved ineffective.
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