Ships in World War II: How and When They Fired Their Turrets

The art of firing turrets in World War II was a delicate blend of technology, strategy, and adaptability. The firing of turrets on warships during the conflict was not a one-size-fits-all process, but rather a nuanced operation that varied based on multiple factors.

Dependence on Various Factors

The process of firing turrets was somewhat dependent on the situation. Typically, a pair of guns would be fired from each turret with a slight delay, allowing the formation of gun splashes, either through radar or visual observation. Each turret had slightly different gun elevations, which made it possible to make corrections based on the best shell splash observed. Depending on the results of these corrections, further adjustments could be made before the final 'fire for effect' command was given.

Target-Dependent Strategies

The firing strategy also depended on the target. Given the substantial payload of 16-inch shells, firing them at a smaller vessel like a destroyer could be devastating. A near miss carrying the correct location could put the target out of action. Therefore, careful target assessment was crucial before deciding on the type and number of shells to fire.

Complexities of Turret Firing Mechanisms

There were other subtleties in the turret firing process. To ensure accurate shots, all barrels in a turret were never fired simultaneously. Wind conditions could push the shells off course, and simultaneous blasts could alter the path of the shell. To overcome these challenges, a 30-millisecond delay coil was installed in the firing circuit, creating an effect where the shells seemed to fire together but were actually released sequentially, 30 milliseconds apart.

Another factor that influenced firing was the rolling motion of the ship itself. The ship's natural roll made it difficult to maintain precise aim, necessitating the inclusion of a gyroscope in the firing circuit. This device ensured that the guns only received the 'fire' command when the ship was level, thereby improving accuracy.

Modern Warship Firing Procedures

Although the specific firing mechanisms have evolved, the current firing procedures in modern naval warfare are remarkably similar to those used during World War II. Today, firing is often carried out as a command from either the Gunnery Officer or the Captain, with the latter typically deferring to the former unless the situation mandates a different approach.

These officers, often the Gunnery Officer, can give a wide range of commands regarding the type of fire, the ammunition used, and the target. They could order single guns to fire, various groupings to fire, or only the starboard or port sides to fire. In theory, they could even order all the ship's guns to fire simultaneously.

The firing modes include:

Broadside: All guns ordered to fire simultaneously. Ripple: Guns ordered to fire in a preset sequence. Fire at will: Ordered guns continue to fire at the designated target as quickly as possible until instructed to stop.

Conclusion

The art of firing turrets aboard warships during World War II was a sophisticated and highly adaptable process. Beyond the basic principles of target assessment and the choices of firing mechanism, the complex interplay of technological and strategic factors made each firing a unique event, tailored to the specific circumstances of the moment.