Rare Cannons at Gettysburg

[@ProjectPast1565]

I’ve always been fascinated by the Whitworth cannons. Thanks for highlighting some of its abilities. Really enjoyed that.

[@lukesmith1003]

The 12 lbs James Rifles were not converted 12 lbs Napoleon, they were converted 6 pounder smoothbore field guns. The United States did not have a n abundance of 12 Lbs Napoleons at the beginning of the war, by American standards it was a pretty sought after gun until the US began producing them during the war. By contrast, the 6 pounder field gun had a lighter payload and less versatility but was equally as cumbersome. This is why they were chosen to be rifled. Great video however, these cannon are certainly relics we take for granted, especially how the US sought mass production ability over quality, which made the Whitworth in particular so rare and cool.

[@michaeldouglas1243]

Another great episode.

[@gerrecksrationreviews2484]

Great job on all the work you do and nice to meet you on Saturday

[@DustinWiseM1]

Grandfather fired 105mm howitzer during WWII so I’ve always been fascinated with artillery. Have enjoyed your videos on artillery at Gettysburg. Thank you for the info on these unique weapons !!

[@2104dogface]

love this, spent alot of time around the Whitworth Rifle esp for the sunsets lol. thanks for the info on it. The James Guns were made in Chicopee, MA about 40 min south of me deff going to have to swing by during the 160th and take a closer look at them. Having done living History from many time periods i have fired CW cannons and a WW1 French 75mm and trench mortars ect.... they can be alot of fun lol can share some fun stories at the 160th

[@GhostofSicklesleg]

Great subject, and it’s fun to learn new things. Like the Whitworth cannon, 1st time hearing about them and thank you. And best wishes on straightening out the turmoil .

[@NjK601]

I always wondered why they didn't use more, breech loading artillery, I remember a documentary saying they were key to the first U.S victories in The Mexican-American War.

[@jpavlvs]

James crews were not happy with their guns. Nor were they considered a very good weapon by crews of the Ordinance Rifles.

[@joeelliott2157]

Comparison between the 1863 Whitworth cannon to the 1942 75 mm Sherman short barrel cannon: Weight: Whitworth 12 pounds Sherman 14.9 pounds Diameter: Whitworth 2.7 inches Sherman 2.95 inches (75 mm) Muzzle Velocity: Whitworth 1600 feet per second Sherman 2050 feet per second Surprisingly good performance compared to something 80 years later. Biggest weakness of the 1863 Whitworth cannon compared to twentieth century artillery? Lack of radios or even wired telephones that would allow a forward artillery observer to relay target information to a Whitworth cannon. By the 1860's, artillery technology had reached the point it could dominate a battlefield, causing 60 % of the casualties that they inflicted on twentieth century wars, instead of the 15 % of the Civil War. They were just lacking the communication technology, still 50 years ahead in the future.

[@joslynscott466]

Thank you for the lesson, even though I still don't understand the difference between a parrot and a nepolian. The history of the Whitworth was interesting. Did the Brits fire them in the Crimea? By the way, where was Matt? I mean I need to know that you're Aaron Smith?- lol.

[@WonderfulEagle-mm1vj]

Ehen i eas a kid ee wrnt to hetts nuth yhere was s cannon yhete that was do hot the barrelmelted. is that vannon still there ?

[@WonderfulEagle-mm1vj]

Not dure what is the difference

[@robertvantassell1143]

Nice effort, but please 1. write a script, 2. rehearse, 3. cue cards.

[@chrisraylock5746]

Some people aren't blessed with the time to do KZbin full time. Aaron's dedication to learning and teaching about the battle for free (for now) sets himself apart from people who do get paid to do this.

[@McNair39thNC]

There’s nothing wrong with his criticism! He isn’t rude or belittling. This is called constructive criticism and if one is intellectually honest and mature they should be able to learn from it.