Petard
A petard is a small bomb used for blowing up gates and walls when breaching fortifications, originally invented in France in 1579.[1] A typical petard was a conical or rectangular metal device containing 5–6 pounds (2–3 kg) of gunpowder, with a slow match for a fuse.
Etymology
Pétard comes from the
Pétardiers were deployed during sieges of castles or fortified cities. The pétard, a rather primitive and exceedingly dangerous explosive device, comprised a brass or iron bell-shaped device filled with gunpowder and affixed to a wooden base called a madrier. This was attached to a wall or gate using hooks and rings, the fuse lit and, if successful, the resulting explosive force, concentrated at the target point, would blow a hole in the obstruction, allowing assault troops to enter.
Overview
Petards were often placed either inside tunnels under walls or directly upon gates. The petard's shape allowed the concussive pressure of the blast to be applied entirely towards the destruction of the target structure. Depending on design, a petard could be secured by propping it against the wall or gate using beams, as illustrated, or nailing it in place on a madrier (a thick wooden board fixed in advance to the end of the petard).[2]
Variants
In military use, a petard mortar was a
In
See also
References
- ^ Curtis, Thomas (1829). The London Encyclopaedia: Or Universal Dictionary Of Science, Art, Literature, And Practical Mechanics, Comprising A Popular View Of The Present State Of Knowledge, Volume 3. p. 15.
- ^ "Stuart Jobs". The Worst Jobs in History. Season 1. Archived from the original on 2007-10-13. Retrieved 2007-10-31. Channel 4. Hosted by Tony Robinson.
- user-generated source]
- ^ "Tank Hurls Flying Dust Bins and Lays Tracks". Popular Mechanics. Hearst Magazines. December 1944. p. 7. Archived from the original on 2023-03-16. Retrieved 2023-03-16.
Further reading
- Encyclopædia Britannica. Vol. 21 (11th ed.). 1911. .
- Appier-Hanzelet, Jean (1630). La pyrotechnie de Hanzelet lorrain ... (in French).
A well illustrated 17th Century artillery book showing several examples of petards in use
External links
- Media related to Petard at Wikimedia Commons