THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE TRUCK GUN CARRIAGE: HISTORY , ARCHAEOLOGY , AND DESIGN

ECU Author/Contributor (non-ECU co-authors, if there are any, appear on document)

Katrina Bunyard (Creator)

Institution

East Carolina University (ECU )

Web Site: http://www.ecu.edu/lib/

Abstract: Truck carriages represented the primary naval gun mounting of European and American navies throughout the Age of Sail. Developed during the early to mid-16th century , truck gun carriages were found upon armed ships for over three centuries. They allowed for gunners to control and aim their pieces , promoting the development of naval guns of increasing power. During the 19th century , the truck carriage became viewed as a stagnant medieval leftover that underwent little change. Some later scholars further propagated this belief. This thesis seeks to examine the truck carriage's place in the development of modern western navies , evaluate the nature of its design and construction development , and explore its presence in the archaeological record. The truck carriage developed from the concerted efforts of artillerists across Europe , developed in sophistication in tandem with naval administrations , and played a role in shaping the living and working space aboard warships. Numerous archaeological sites contain the remains of several types of gun carriage , providing ample material for further study. Through the development of a gun carriage database , statistical testing was undertaken to explore the nature of design change over time. This database suggests that the truck carriage underwent non-linear change in several of its basic proportions over the course of its lifetime , likely adapting to changing capabilities of naval cannon and increased industrialization.

Additional Information

Publication

Thesis

Language: English

Date: 2019

Keywords

naval technology, truck carriage

Subjects

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