Historical British army reloading speed.

[Darto]

I know that Sharpe's Rifles TV series had soldiers learning to shoot 4 times a minute (the first shot was already preloaded and they reloaded and fired 3 more times while a sergeant looked at the time on his pocket watch.

But I recall also reading about this supposedly from a real historical source online somewhere. The article said that new recruits had to learn and demonstrate to fire 4 times a minute at least one time before they were allowed to leave the parade training ground. Those who could not manage the first day had to sleep on the field and try again next day until they could do it. Only then could they leave and go room in the regular barracks instead of on the ground.

Does anybody have a source to verify this? I can't find where I first read it.

 

[Rudyard]

I know that Sharpe's Rifles TV series had soldiers learning to shoot 4 times a minute (the first shot was already preloaded and they reloaded and fired 3 more times while a sergeant looked at the time on his pocket watch.

But I recall also reading about this supposedly from a real historical source online somewhere. The article said that new recruits had to learn and demonstrate to fire 4 times a minute at least one time before they were allowed to leave the parade training ground. Those who could not manage the first day had to sleep on the field and try again next day until they could do it. Only then could they leave and go room in the regular barracks instead of on the ground.

Does anybody have a source to verify this? I can't find where I first read it.

First I heard of this & I doubt it .4 rounds a minit while do able (Ive done it ) but the rate of fire would be more like two to three at best from a file of men .Don't go by the' Sharpes' books that's full of errors but its a story not supported by realitys his Baker rifles where hardy the 303 or Garrand potential he writes of . No matter how many Deer Hagman might have' bowled' even if he ever existed .
Rudyard's view