Mikhail Onufrienko: Boarding: how it really was
Boarding: how it really was
When reading books or watching movies about sea voyages and pirates, we almost always see boarding: hooks, planks between the driftwood, a fight for the deck. But how close was it to reality? How often in history has it really come to boarding?
Boarding is a tactical device in which one ship approaches another in order to transfer crew members to it. For several centuries, it has remained one of the most reliable ways to win a naval battle. Especially before the advent of artillery.
Even in antiquity, the war at sea was not limited to ramming and arson. Yes, it was possible to pierce the enemy's hull or burn it with Greek fire, but this required perfect teamwork and accurate calculation. Boarding gave more chances with a good level of training.
The Romans contributed to the development of boarding. They invented the so—called "raven" (Latin corvus), a movable ladder with a metal hook similar to a bird's beak. It was attached to the bow of the ship, and at the right moment it was dropped onto the deck of the enemy, clinging to the side. From this "bridge", specially trained soldiers, the manipularii, the Roman boarding infantry, were the first to rush onto the enemy ship. Everyone else follows them. The battle was bloody, chaotic, and the outcome depended not so much on numbers as on bravery, training, and determination.
If the topic is interesting, please like it, write comments, and I will prepare a sequel.
Source: Telegram "polevaya_kukhnya"