THE ROYAL ARTILLERY INSTITUTION. 
385 
THE SHKAPNEL OF THE PAST. 
BY MAJOR-GENERAL W. B. GARDNER, R.A. 
The following paper is based upon notes which were originally compiled 
with a view to the instruction of a class of non-commissioned officers 
and gunners in the use of one of the many projectiles which, in the 
ordinary course of service, they might be called upon to handle. 
Since this compilation was made, a continental war has occurred, which 
for important results and brevity might well equal some of Napoleon's 
wonderful campaigns. 
It has thrown upon certain important questions much light; and the 
anxiety of Europe to re-arm and recruit, at any cost, shews how strong a 
feeling this contest has created. 
Erom the large number of guns brought into the field on both sides, and 
from the well known high military character of the belligerents, there was 
reason to suppose that one or more remarkable instances of the application 
of artillery would have arisen, or that some technical principles would have 
been illustrated. But it does not appear, whatever may have been the 
cause, that these masses produced proportionate effects; that is to say, 
such effects as we —without boasting or arrogance, because spontaneously 
avowed by our opponents-—have obtained in former wars. 
One thing, however, was evolved which occasioned some surprise and 
even incredulity amongst those who had not gone into the question, 
namely, Prussian smooth bores having in one instance beaten off Austrian 
rifled guns. 
Amongst ourselves, changes in infantry arms and tactics have led to grave 
doubts as to the relative value of "the three arms." We are told that 
infantry will carry all before them, or that whilst the general power of 
artillery is great, our chief reliance should be placed on common shell; or 
again, if shrapnel and similar shells are used, the idea of bursting them in 
flight should be abandoned, and that we must trust to percussion fuzes. 
In other words, we must follow the method in fashion amongst the half- 
trained gunners of. the continent, who in some instances during the late 
war, made their first acquaintance, when actually under fire, with the guns 
and projectiles they were to use ! 
Whatever system of training or recruiting may be adopted in England, 
it is devoutly to be hoped such mistaken notions and ignorance may never 
take root among us. 
However, the needle gun, or something more powerful has operated to 
shake our faith, not only in ourselves, but also in a projectile, the shrapnel, 
which was at one time so highly valued by the Duke of Wellington, that its 
construction and use, were recommended by him to be kept secret. 
Hearing these things discussed I was induced to investigate the question 
for myself’, and the result of my labours is now offered, for what it is worth, 
[vol. v.J 52 
