Dutch Bronze 6-Pounder Field Gun

History of the Dutch Bronze 6 Pound Field Gun

During Napoleon's era, field guns played an increasingly vital role in warfare. Napoleon recognized their significance and shifted tactics by deploying field artillery ahead of infantry and cavalry units. These field guns came in various calibers denoted by their projectile weight, such as 4lb, 6lb, and 12lb, and were typically mounted on portable two-wheeled wagons. A typical crew included six to eight members responsible for moving the gun and managing its operations. They could rotate the barrel to target new positions but had to manually reset and re-aim the gun after each shot due to the absence of effective recoil mechanisms.

Napoleon's artillery strategy involved softening the enemy before launching infantry and cavalry charges to break their formations. The primary projectile type was the "fixed shot," although fragmentation projectiles were also effective. However, at the Battle of Waterloo, the rain-soaked ground and soft terrain posed challenges, hindering the artillery's effectiveness in targeting and firing at the enemy.

One notable piece, the Dutch bronze 6-pounder field gun named "Le Achille," was produced in 1813 in The Hague under French control. This gun was part of a collection captured by Napoleon's army at the Battle of Waterloo in 1815 and featured a modern carriage design. It was displayed at the Tower of London in England.

Specification

Year: 1813

Staff: 6

Manufacturing: National Armory - Netherlands

Production: 10,000 units

Roles: fire support/attack/damage

Armor: 1 x 6-pdr main barrel

Ammo: Depends on the ammunition carrier (some sources say at least 200 rounds).