The ''Grand Battery'' Formation

By Crusader1307

The practice of “The Grand Battery” (while refined by Napoleon during his conquests), is as old as the deployment of cannon and artillery on the battlefield. In theory, the tactic involves concentrating all available artillery on a specific point on the battlefield and firing simultaneously. The fire is normally consistent and non stop. The goal is two-fold. First, the massive amount of shot and shell is designed to break open (or create) a gap in an enemies line or defensive positions. This will have the desired effect of creating a breach (to be exploited by cavalry or infantry- who might employ a Charge). Second, “The Grand Battery” tactic can create immense psychological impact on an enemy. Grand Batteries can also be used in “counter battery” (or enemy cannon) deployment as a way of removing an enemies related guns (to be used in a similar way against one). Two classic examples of The Grand Battery  usage was at The Battle of Gettysburg, Pennsylvania (US) - (1863), in The American Civil War and The Battle of Waterloo (Belgium) – 1815.