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| View Original: | Sectioned18pdrShrapnelRound.jpg (400x2088) | |||
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| Keywords: Sectioned18pdrShrapnelRound.jpg This cutaway of an 18-pounder shell reveals the 375 lead-antimony shrapnel balls which were embedded in resin to hold them in a stable position <br>The fuze in the nose not present in this example was time set to ignite as the shell approached the target The fuze sent a flash down the central tube which contained gunpowder pellets The flash reached the powder charge in the cavity in the base of the shell At this point the shell was usually 60-80 feet above the ground and angling down towards the target if the fuze had been set correctly <br>This small explosion propelled the balls forward out of the front of the shell case at increased velocity and the shell's spin caused them to spread in a cone moving forward and towards the ground The effect was of a large shotgun blast fired from in front of and above the target The usual target was barbed wire defences and troops <br>The resin gave off a white puff of smoke as it burned allowing the gunners to check their aim <p>In the cartridge below the shell is a simulated bundle of cordite the propellant charge which fired the shell This is a clipped and brightened section of Image Brisanzgranate 1 db jpg uploaded by User Dickbauch 2007-10-29 rcbutcher Image Brisanzgranate 1 db jpg Artillery at the Canadian War Museum QF 18 pounder ammunition World War I artillery ammunition QF 18 pounder Shrapnel shell QF 18 pounder Sectioned artillery ammunition QF 18 pounder | ||||
