History of the Royal Artillery from the Indian Mutiny to the Great War 1860-1899

This volume deals with the development of the Royal Regiment of Artillery over a period of forty years. The artillery which fought in the Crimea and the Mutiny was little changed from that which emerged from Peninsular War. Its guns were still smooth bores, and its organization and tactics were suited to its armament; but changes were coming rapidly with the advent of rifled guns, and in 1860 the RA received the Armstrong rifled guns. The first year of the period covered ib this volume saw the establishment of the School of Gunnery at Shoeburyness, and the decision to amalgamate the Artilleries of the three Presidencies in India with the Royal Artillery, the first significant change in organization.. The first of the three parts into which the book is divided deals with organizational changes across the forty years and such matters as pay and conditions of service, the abolition of purchase [of commissions, the formation of new brigades etc. Part II deals with armament and charts technical progress - new guns, new ammunition, carriages and mountings and the esxtablishment of an Inspection Branch. The final part is concerned with training under the headings Horse & Field Artillery; Mountain, Heavy and Siege Artillery; and Coast Artillery. In all this the authors keep clear of campaigns and operational matters, reserving them for a separate volume. Appendices contain tables showing armaments of Horse and Field Batteries, particulars of Horse and Field Guns, and all natures of guns in the Service.