SFayers Posted 22 June , 2009 Share Posted 22 June , 2009 Hi folks, I wonder if any Pals with a knowledge of artillery banter (or general WWI era banter?) can help me out here? I'm currently transcribing some more of the 5 Siege Battery War diary, and I'm quite often coming across the term "error of the day", or words to that effect - can anyone explain to me what this means? Some examples: "Battery fired for error of the day - 15 rounds expended" and "Battery fired 12 rounds on STAR WOOD for error of day" It's got me somewhat stumped! Kind regards Steve Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bmac Posted 22 June , 2009 Share Posted 22 June , 2009 I am sure that someone genuinely knowledgeable will come along and explain it but my understanding is that it was the means of checking by firing at a known target what effect wind, weather and the condition of the guns, etc., would have on their expected line and range. I now wait confidently for a rap over the knuckles and to be told 'must do better' by the Battery Sergeant Major. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mutley Posted 22 June , 2009 Share Posted 22 June , 2009 I would agree with Bill, but will ask a friend who is an ex RA Lt Col when I see him in the morning. Mutley Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rflory Posted 22 June , 2009 Share Posted 22 June , 2009 I also have to agree with Bill. It was a way of registering the guns to find any errors caused by weather, wear of the guns or differences in ammunition. Dick Flory Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SFayers Posted 23 June , 2009 Author Share Posted 23 June , 2009 Thanks ever so much for your feedback chaps - much appreciated. That certainly makes sense now! Kind regards Steve Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mutley Posted 24 June , 2009 Share Posted 24 June , 2009 Having spoke to my Gunner friend he tells me that it was also known as "shooting the Met" meaning to fire at a known point like a crossroads or the corner of a wood to guage the effect that the weather (temp, humidity, wind etc) would have upon the guns/rounds being fired. Thus alterations could be calculated based on the fall of shot. It is no longer required due to the advances in guns, ammunition, targetting methods etc. Rgds Mutley Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SFayers Posted 24 June , 2009 Author Share Posted 24 June , 2009 Thanks Mutley, That's confirmed it for me nicely! Kind regards Steve Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pjjobson Posted 25 June , 2009 Share Posted 25 June , 2009 Thanks Mutley, That's confirmed it for me nicely! Kind regards Steve Error of the Day was superceded during WW2 by Correction of the Moment, which was established (I think) hourly, possibly a longer period, and assisted with more accurate shooting. Phil Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SFayers Posted 25 June , 2009 Author Share Posted 25 June , 2009 Thanks Phil! Kind regards Steve Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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