Real deck gun loading times?

[Paul Riley]

Does anyone know the real loading times for the deck gun,and the larger deck gun you get later on? (I forgot its calibre rating).I am simply trying to find a reasonable figure in my Commander setup while maintaining realism.I seem to think 10 secs is reasonable?,and 15 secs for the larger gun?,owing to the increased size and weight of the shell.

Cheers.

[RConch]

All shells were stored inside the boat and had to relayed up through the hatch in the tower and then down a chute to the gun crew.
The shells weighed approx 30 lbs. for a 8.8.
If everyone is lined up and in position, baring slips and drops, 15 seconds sounds reasonable per round.
The most time was spent getting everyone and every thing set up.

[Paul Riley]

15 secs for the 8.8 ,and say 20 secs for the 10.5?
Thanks.

[Jimbuna]

The firing times of deck guns have been a consistent topic of debate over the years.

Here is a reputable source that suggests as little as 3/5 seconds per round (some rounds were stored on the deck nearby the gun for ready use) in ideal conditions with a well trained crew.

http://www.uboataces.com/weapon-deck-gun.shtml

What the tue figure was is probably anyones guess.

[Paul Riley]

3-5 seconds?! ,bloody hell thats fast.
I have set my 8.8 to 12 secs and the 10.5 to 15 secs,this seems reasonable

[Jimbuna]

Originally Posted by Paul Riley

3-5 seconds?! ,bloody hell thats fast.
I have set my 8.8 to 12 secs and the 10.5 to 15 secs,this seems reasonable

Actually I agree with you but in ideal/calm conditions and with a well drilled team it was probably possible....I couldn't imagine it being achievable in battle conditions though.