In Harm's Way

This massive gun was one of two ‘bow chasers’ in Batavia’s armoury. It was fitted to the bow (front) of the ship so gunners could fire at a vessel they were chasing. If a ship under sail encountered an enemy vessel with superior fire power, it would turn and run downwind in the hope that it could escape.  If fitted with bow chasers, the pursuing ship could fire long-range shots at its quarry to try and destroy the rigging, and disable the ship, allowing easy capture.

Contrary to popular belief, the main aim of fighting enemy vessels in the age of sail was not to sink them, but to capture them. If you could take control of an opposing vessel, you could repair it and sail to a friendly port. There, a government ‘prize agent’, would arrange sale of the captured vessel, take their cut, then the remaining money was shared among the officers and crew of the ship which took the ‘prize’. Prize-taking put a lot of money into the pockets of common sailors which, it is said, made them good prospects for marriage!