Naval Historywith Dr. Alex

Q&A · 59:27-1:01:06

Effective gun range in Coronel's sea state

Theoretical six-inch gun ranges are compared with the much shorter distances at which British weapons could produce useful fire in the actual weather.

Armoured CruisersBattle Of CoronelFire ControlNaval Gunnery
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Question

What were the practical gun ranges at Coronel, and why could Monmouth contribute so little?

Short answer

The British six-inch guns were probably effective at only about seven to eight thousand yards in the sea state, while German guns enjoyed better reach and salvo control.

Notes

A six-inch gun might reach roughly 14,600 yards with a light charge or 15,800 yards with a heavy charge under theoretical conditions. The estimated practical range in Coronel's sea state is only about seven to eight thousand yards. Lighter weapons suffered still more as motion and visibility reduced useful fire. The German ships combined greater reach with more effective volley and salvo fire, deepening Monmouth's disadvantage before armor or numbers were even considered.