Q&A ยท 3:07:38-3:07:59

Why explosive shells took time to reach warships

Adopting shells at sea required safe storage and an understanding of exposure to salt.

Question

Why were explosive shells already used on land not immediately adopted aboard ships?

Short answer

Navies had to work out safe storage and how salt exposure affected the ammunition.

Notes

Land use did not resolve the practical problems of carrying explosive shells aboard a warship. Storage needed to keep them safe inside the hull. Salt in the marine environment raised concerns about deterioration. A shell that became unsafe in storage could destroy the ship intended to fire it.