Mounted Rocket Corps 1814


Hamilton Smith’s print of a member of the Rocket Troop was based on observations made in 1814 although the print was completed for production in Jan 1815. The mounted gunner is dressed in RHA uniform but has a pouch-belt which was not worn by other Horse Artillerymen at that time. He carries a bundle of 3 or 4 sticks for rockets that has a blue and white flag at the top. The explosive projectiles were fixed to a stick that could be 24 feet in length. It was launched like a firework, from a tube on a tripod or from a wagon. The flag was a decorative option that was soon discontinued.


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by Stephen Luscombe