Moving the guns

Apart from fortress armament, guns had to be moved into action to fulfil their tactical role. In the case of warships, the vessel itself provided mobility. For field artillery, the design of carriage and the weight of all the equipment needed, were critical factors in the effectiveness of an army.

Muscle power, human and animal, remained vital for mobility until, and after the introduction of the internal combustion engine. Even fortress guns had to be installed and replaced, using heavy lifting gear.

A carriage workshop is represented on one side of this gallery, while models and illustrations show the craftsmanship and engineering qualities of gun mountings and help explain the problems of getting guns into action.