soc.history.war.world-war-ii

"Louis C" wrote ...
> a425couple wrote:
> > One interesting area I have seen little general public
> > knowledge about is the use of BB main guns (15" & 18")
> > for AA fire through use of cannister/beehive rounds.

It is so good to hear from you good knowledgable sir, and kind friend.

> In one of his memoirs, Free -- French battleship Richelieu --
> After identifying it as a Ju 88 -- he saw the BB's main
> guns being trained toward the aircraft, then a deafening crash and
> cloud of smoke as a volley was fired. When the smoke cleared, the
> plane had gone away, either destroyed or scared away.

> This is just a "for what it's worth" data point. LC
A very welcome one.

I fully understand your "quallifiers" on this story.

But, OTOH, knowing the 'distraction' and 'disincentive'
abilities of 55, 123, or 155 GRAIN projectiles flying
towards one, , , gotta consider that a 2,000 pound
projectile flying your way ----?

Back to an old topic, I have watched 105mm and 155mm
rounds (with my unaided eye, behind and slightly to side of guns)
go down range. And seen adequate cites, that observers
on naval ships have watched inbound shells. Wonder?

True, in this reported firing, the Ju88 might have just been
served notice that he was being watched, and decided to
leave before a CAM type fighter came up etc.

But also consider, that rather than sitting, waiting,
feeling helpless to control, , firing a gun at the enemy
might be good for morale!
(after enough gun drills, it's good to just fire one off anyway!)