From: Jeremy Peter Howells, [EMAIL PROTECTED]
Sorry can't see the rounds being that expensive. The reason for lackof
practice was more likely ammunition shortages and shortages of such
things as gun barrels (even naval guns wear appreciably).
What portion of the L6.50 did the brass shellcase represent as the largest
manufactured component? - probably a large part around 30-50%.
A steel "laundry chute" would have got the empties into the bottom of the
hull. - Don't even mention such a suggestion to a naval architect involved
in designing warships! Such a device would be suicide in bad weather or in
action - the lower desks below the waterline are where your fuel and
ammunition are stored - any flash or explosion propagating down the tube
would likely be the cause of a massive explosion destorying the whole ship
in seconds. In bad weather water entering the lower areas of the hull would
rapidly lead to 'free surface effect', a problem that rapidly sinks even
modern ships (it is what sank the Herald of Free Enterprise at Zeebruge
Harbour - and that was only a few tons of water).
Anyone know the cost of 4.5" naval shells during the Falklands War? - around
L300 a shot I believe.
Regards
Jerry
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