Henry Shrapnel

Henry Shrapnel ( born June 3, 1761 in Bradford-on -Avon, England, † March 13, 1842 in Southampton ) was a British officer and inventor of the eponymous shrapnel grenade.

Life

Shrapnel was the youngest of nine children of a wealthy but not rich family. At 18, he joined as a cadet in the Royal Military Academy in Woolwich and a received the rank of second lieutenant of the Royal Artillery. After his training as an artillery officer Shrapnel was stationed four years in St. John's, Newfoundland; during this time he developed the concept of shrapnel.

After his return to Britain he put his designs in 1784 a committee of the Board of Ordnance before, but without encountering any interest. Shrapnel developed his invention still further, and in 1804 it was finally adopted by the Board of Ordnance and came for the first time in an attack on Dutch Guiana to use. The shrapnel contributed to the success of the operation and brought Shrapnel was promoted to lieutenant colonel in.

During the Napoleonic Wars, the British army began the new floor often and with great success. Nevertheless Shrapnel himself experienced no further appreciation of his services as ordered by the Duke of Wellington, the invention and its origins were occupied with secrecy.

In his complaint, that he had spent a significant part of his private assets for the development of the grenade, let the Board of Ordnance him know that no funds in the budget for a reward were present. In 1814 he was awarded an annual pension of 1200 pounds, but was passed over for the upcoming promotion. A survey provided a baronet failed because King William IV died before he could confirm it.

Henry Shrapnel died in 1842 in his country house Peartree House and was buried in the family vault in the church of his birthplace.

Military career

  • July 9, 1779 - Second Lieutenant
  • December 3, 1781 - Lieutenant
  • August 15, 1793 - Captain
  • November 1, 1803 - Major
  • February 10, 1804 - First Assistant Inspector of Artillery
  • July 20, 1804 - Lieutenant Colonel
  • June 4, 1813 - Colonel
  • August 12, 1819 - Major General
  • July 29, 1825 - withdraw from active service
  • January 10, 1827 - Lieutenant-General
Bradford-on-Avon Royal Military Academy Woolwich Integrated Authority File
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