Henry Shrapnel

Henry Shrapnel (June 3, 1761 - March 13, 1842) was a British Army officer and inventor, most famously of the "shrapnel shell".

Related Topics:
June 3 - 1761 - March 13 - 1842 - British Army

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Henry Shrapnel was born in Wiltshire, England. In 1784, while a lieutenant in the Royal Artillery, he perfected, at his own expense, an invention of what he called "spherical case" ammunition: a hollow cannon ball filled with shot which burst in mid-air. When it was finally adopted by the British Army in 1803, it immediately acquired the inventor's name: the shrapnel shell.

Related Topics:
Wiltshire, England - 1784 - Royal Artillery - 1803 - Shrapnel

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Shrapnel was promoted to major on November 1, 1803 after eight years

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November 1 - 1803

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as a captain. After his invention's success in battle on April 30, 1804, Shrapnel was promoted to lieutenant colonel on July 20, 1804, less than nine months later.

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April 30 - 1804 - July 20

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In recognition of Shrapnel's contribution, the British Government in 1814 awarded him £1200 a year for life. He was appointed to the office of Colonel-Commandant, Royal Artillery, on March 6, 1827. He rose to the rank of lieutenant-general on January 10, 1837.

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1814 - March 6 - 1827 - January 10 - 1837

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Until the end of the First World War shells were still being manufactured according to his original principles.

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