- Author
- Letter Writer
- Subjects
- History - general
- Tags
-
- RAN Ships
- None noted.
- Publication
- March 2009 edition of the Naval Historical Review (all rights reserved)
Oh, dear. Not that old saw again! (Cannon Balls – Dispelling a Myth, The Review, December, 2008.)
It’s an amusing yarn but there’s not a word of truth in it. The traditional, vulgar explanation is the correct one. I’m not sure, but I think it comes down to us from the Army in India long ago; something to do with statuary in temples.
You may see pyramids of cannon balls alongside old guns at Army barracks, but never in a ship. Instead, cannon balls were kept in shot garlands – thick wooden planks with round holes, and usually ranged longitudinally near the centerline (for obvious reasons both of ship stability and ready access for gun crews). Next time you’re in Portsmouth, have a look at the arrangement in HMS Victory.
There are many naval monkeys – from steam engines to coats, and from ammunition numbers to spars – but no brass ones that the story would have us believe.
Incidentally, the U.S. Navy’s Historical Center web site has an interesting treatment of monkeys. See
http://www.history.navy.millfags/faq
Yours aye, David
I am very grateful to both the good Doctor and to Rear Admiral Campbell for taking the trouble to enlighten me so thoroughly, and to give me the opportunity to share with my readers the benefits of their scholarship and erudition. I’m sure everyone will be the better for their efforts.
Me? I’ll stick with the crude version – a touch of humour in these dreary times!.
Editor