Breech Block Opened
In Pre-Loading Position
This painting shows a disabled 5.5" gun on the protected cruiser HMS Chester during the Battle of Jutland. The gun crew has been cut down by shellfire in the act of reloading their main bow gun -- a 14 cm or 5½-inch, 50-calibre weapon. The threaded breech block can be seen swung back on its hinges to allow loading; the red projectile lies in its loading tray to the left of the gun barrel.
This is a detail from a larger canvas commemorating a hero of the battle. Click here to see the entire painting and read the hero's story.
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