Black Powder British Royal Horse Artillery 6 pdr Cannon

Note: Models supplied unassembled and unpainted

The British Royal Horse Artillery (RHA) used the 6-pounder cannon during the Napoleonic Wars, primarily between 1804 and 1815. These mobile field guns provided rapid and efficient artillery support, complementing the speed and maneuverability of cavalry units.

The 6-pounder cannon, named for the weight of the shot it fired (about six pounds), was crafted mainly from bronze or iron. Its lighter weight made it easier to transport on horse-drawn limbers and carriages, allowing the RHA to reposition it quickly during engagements. Each cannon was operated by a skilled crew, typically consisting of five to eight men, who handled tasks like loading, aiming, and firing.

The RHA specialized in moving quickly across the battlefield, offering direct fire support to both infantry and cavalry units. Their gunners were well-trained, able to fire several rounds per minute, and employed specialized ammunition like canister shots or shells. The RHA's 6-pounder cannons helped execute rapid assaults and secure strategic positions, playing a crucial role in many of the British Army's campaigns of the period.