The ''Gunner's Daughter''

By Crusader1307

As we have seen, life in The Military in times past, was full of deprivations) regardless of Nation or Era). Poor pay and food, not to mention disease – were a far more deadly Enemy than any Enemy bullet. As with The Legions of Ancient Rome, a Soldier could be punished in a variety of ways, for a variety of transgressions. In France and England during the 17th through 19th Centuries, minor violations were often seen as an “affront” to “good” Military discipline. Many forms of punishments were developed to correct a “wayward” Soldier or Sailor. One such developed in America, was The “Gunners Daughter”. Traced back to the early years of Field Artillery in England, this punishment was first seen in The United States around the 1840s. The use of an Artillery Limber (or wheeled Ammunition Case), was pressed into service. It was used with errant Artillerymen, but was often used for other Branches. A spare wheel was kept affixed to the rear of The Limber. It was onto this that a Soldier was lashed to. The wheel hub was position between the legs of the Transgressor, resting on his groin. The soldier was tied with ropes or straps, his arms and legs “spread” outward. The wheel was angled. This put the bodies full weight onto the groin. 

Originally, The Limber was them attached to Horses, which would pull The Limber forward. Intense pain would result from the movement of The Limber on the road. Later, this was considered “too cruel”, and movement was stopped. The Soldier was simply left on the wheel, for as many as 3 to 5-days. No food and just enough water was given to kept the Violator alive. This punishment was applied to such “crimes” as Theft, failure to follow Orders and insubordination. The “Gunners Daughter” (in America), remain in use until the end of The Civil War in 1865.