This day 150 years ago in Rebel Raiders’ History
-Dedicated to Civil War episodes, battles, people and ships
that also appear in my game, GMT ’s Rebel Raiders on the High Seas,
August 17, 1863 – “Swamp Angel” In Place To Shell Charleston
Historical Event: On this day in 1863 Union
forces completed one of the most amazing engineering feats of the war. They unveiled a massive siege gun, which would earn the nickname “Swamp Angel,” as
they readied a new bombardment of Charleston
and its defenses. The huge 8-inch
200-pounder Parrot Rifle was installed in secret by soldiers who worked nights
in 30-man teams to create a road and gun platform in a swamp by vertically driving huge
logs 20 feet through the soft mud into the sandy substratum below, then adding
a layer of pine logs, earth and sand bags on top. It took 450 men to drag the 12-ton gun into position (which they did in two parts, the heavier carriage first, then the barrel) – and then to ferry powder and shot and shell – including incendiary rounds
filled with a combustible fluid of gun-designer William Parrot’s own invention
- “Solidified Greek Fire.” Firing would commence on August 21, with devastating and demoralizing if not decisive effect - and would conclude two days later when a the breech exploded, dismounting the gun. That final shot, however, the 36th launched by the mighty weapon, hit its target. The "Swamp Angel" never fired again - her position being taken over by a pair of giant siege mortars.
Game Connection: Attacking Confederate ports is a tough job for
the Union , especially if they are as heavily fortified
as was Charleston . Massive mortars and huge guns like the “Swamp
Angel” were often used to aid the Army and the Navy in its attacks, and are
represented by USN Card 48 – Siege
Train. As the card (see below) notes, when used successfully, it is returned to the player's hand for use on another turn.
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