Payton's image (Black & White, 6 Jan 1900) is interesting in that it shows the use of electric primers for land service. Most of the Naval guns landed during 1899 & 1900 were converted for use with lanyards and percussion primers, and had all electrical components, including batteries, removed. In René Bull's photograph, a battery box can clearly be seen mounted on the right side of the trail.
Looking at other photographs, it seems that one Naval battery, at least, was furnished with the electric system as used at sea. Eight such guns, with barrels painted black, were photographed parked up at "Point", Durban, and a drawing by J. Finnemore shows the same pieces shelling Fort Wylie during the Battle of Colenso. From their various locations (Durban, Estcourt & Colenso) these guns can be identified as the battery landed from H.M.S. Terrible, which left Durban for the front on 7 December 1899 (Burne 1902, pp. 8-17).
One of the Naval Long Twelves, with distinctive black barrel, photographed by René Bull at Estcourt. The battery pack can be clearly seen mounted on the right side of the trail (Black & White, 6 Jan 1900).
Two of the eight "Long Twelves" that were lined up on the north side of West Street, to the east of the old Town Hall (now the Post Office), Durban. Probably photographed on 6 Dec 1899. Although the battery boxes are hidden from view, the associated electrical cables can be seen dangling from the guns' breeches.
The same black-barrelled guns in action on 15th December 1899, shelling Fort Wylie (J. Finnemore, Black & White, 13 Jan 1900).
Drawing of a 12-pdr S II Mounting, showing the position of the battery box (in red). This was relocated to the right side of the trail for land service (Handbook for the 12-pr. Q.F. Guns, 1906 edition). Looking at the photograph of the "Long Twelves" taken in Durban, it seems the triggers were also moved, or replaced with a different system.
This photograph shows another of Terrible's 12-pdr QF guns. Here, however, the electrics have been removed and the piece converted for use with traditional lanyard and percussion primer.
Drawing by Melton Prior, depicting one of Powerful's "Long Twelves" in action during the Siege of Ladysmith. As above, this shows the gun being fired via lanyard.
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