"Intriguing, I'm wondering how many of us actually know where the
commonly
used term "shrapnel" comes from. . . ."
Richard
Southampton - England
Richard,
I know I'm answering a question that you already know the answer to,
but ......
It was Lieutenant H. Shrapnel of the British Army (1761-1842) who
invented the famous shell case that bears his name. This was a hollow
case fitted with small shot and powder train which broke the projectile
only, thus allowing the shot or shrapnel to continue in its intended
direction. Although Lieutenant Shrapnel introduced his concept in the
1780's it was not employed by His Majesties Forces until the Napoleonic
wars, with devastating effect at the Battle of Waterloo.
Lance
MVPA 22125
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