3-043-879 - The Print Collector/Heritage Images

The turret of H.M.S. Glatton after the first shot that struck, 1872. 'The turret-ship Glatton has successfully withstood the trial of being actually fired at by the 25-ton gun of the Hotspur...The special purpose was to ascertain whether the gun-carriages, slides, and machinery would be liable to injury by blows upon the walls of the turret, and whether the crew would be prevented from fighting their guns by the effects of the concussion from heavy shot striking the turret...The gun of the Hotspur is one of the 25-ton 12-in. muzzleloading Fraser guns, turned out from Woolwich Arsenal, and a finer weapon...cannot be wished for..The first shot passed out to sea just over the top of the turret, cutting off the iron standard supporting the hand rail round the roof of the turret, 4 in. above the upper edge of the turret... The shot had left a tremendous mark; but, in the opinion of all the officials present, the turret, with its guns, was perfectly fit to go into action. None of the gun-fittings or gear was injured in any way... The shot from the 26-ton gun had, in fact, done its best, and under such favourable conditions as could not well occur in actual engagement with an enemy's ship under steam, but had failed to disable or disarm the turret'. From "Illustrated London News", 1872.