Using a variety of sources- from published material to online sources to contacting the national archives of those nations involved in the Napoleonic Wars, I had to correlate the various records, and also the postwar artillery tests done by the English and Russians of their former enemies' equipment. It was not an easy task. I'm glad I did it, however.
The data on the different national records as well as some of the varied sources didn't always match up, when that happened, I had to extrapolate what I could, bringing the numbers to a more equitable balance. It really depends on who is noting the historical facts and how they perceive them. Unfortunately, it would seem even post 1815 there was an overabundance of bias and some of that entered the historical records.
To move on, here is my humble offering of what I perceive to be the more important aspects of each nation's artillery.
The strategies for employing artillery evolved throughout the wars, reflecting different military doctrines, technological capabilities, and tactical innovations by forward thinking leaders.
Here's a summation of how different nations typically used their artillery:
French Artillery
- Innovative Use of Artillery: Napoleon Bonaparte is particularly noted for his innovative use of artillery. He often massed artillery into "grand batteries" which were used decisively to break enemy lines or weaken key positions before an infantry assault.
- Support Role: French artillery was not only used in grand batteries but was also closely coordinated with infantry and cavalry, providing direct support during their engagements. This integrated approach was crucial in many of Napoleon's victories.
British Artillery
- More Conservative Use: The British often used their artillery in a more traditional role, supporting infantry from set positions. British artillery was noted for its accuracy and effective long-range fire, partly due to the influence of naval gunnery techniques.
- Counter-Battery Fire: British artillery was often used effectively to counter enemy artillery, focusing on disabling or destroying enemy guns before they could impact the battlefield significantly.
Prussian Artillery
- Integration with Movements: Prussian military doctrine increasingly integrated artillery with infantry maneuvers, especially after reforms following earlier defeats by Napoleon. By the Wars of Liberation, Prussian artillery was more mobile and used in a combined arms context to support fast-moving infantry and cavalry attacks.
- Defensive Roles: Initially, Prussian artillery also played significant roles in defensive situations, creating strong positions that could resist French attacks.
Russian Artillery
- Defensive Emphasis: Russian artillery was often used defensively, taking advantage of Russia’s vast spaces and the need to defend against Napoleon’s advances. Russian artillery could decimate advancing troops trying to navigate the wide-open terrains.
- Large Calibers: Russian artillery pieces were often larger and had a reputation for being robust, which made them less mobile but very powerful in defensive setups.
Austrian Artillery
- Diverse Tactics: Austrian artillery tactics were somewhat varied; they used artillery to support infantry but also employed batteries to defend against enemy forces. The Austrians had a diverse array of artillery pieces, which they used depending on the tactical needs of the battle.
- Slower to Modernize: Austrian artillery was sometimes less effectively used than the French due to slower modernization and organization issues.
General Use Across Nations
- Defensive vs. Offensive: While some nations preferred to use artillery in a more static, defensive role, others, like the French, revolutionized the use of artillery as a mobile force capable of delivering devastating blows in an offensive capacity.
- Separate Batteries vs. Integrated Support: Artillery was also used in separate batteries that could deliver fire over long distances without direct contact with the enemy, as well as in closer support roles where it was coordinated directly with the movements of infantry and cavalry.
The effectiveness of artillery during the Napoleonic Wars was thus not only a matter of firepower but also how well it was integrated into the overall military strategy and how it was adapted to the specific tactical situations of a battle.