Cannons Resting

18 and 32 Pounders, that was the weight of the iron ball these cannons fired. With Muzzle Velocities of about 1,500 feet a second they were deadly - not because of the ball, but because of the wood splinters that burst about when the ship was hit. Often these balls were put into a furnace where it was heated to red-hot and thus caused fires on the ships they hit. During the Napoleonic wars incendiary iron cannon balls were also filled with molten-iron.

On Signal Hill, here in St. John's, Newfoundland, these and some of their mounted (on gun carriages) iron brethren can be seen - and it's then that you can see how they would have prevented any enemy ship entering the harbour.

Signal Hill is rich in history and it's also a wonderful place to hike, with its breathtaking views and sea-air that is good for the body and soul. So, take the walk and later, a glass of Blueberry wine, not bad eh?


Cheers, Aaron.