Vintage work crew photos

[jackhoying]

As I understood it the propellant bags were made of silk, (originally), but now cotton or rayon, or other flammable material so as to be fully consumed during firing. Why would they employ a fibre that is designed to resist burning?

In 1984, my friend and I were on Norfolk naval base, walking along the pier where the USS Iowa battleship was moored. We were going to tour a small destroyer that was open to tours that day. As we passed the gangplank of the Iowa, we asked the guard if they were open for visitors. He said "We are not officially open, but we never turn down anyone who ask". An officer gave us a private tour, including the inside of of turret 1, as well as the spaces below deck. Very interesting how the powder is kept secure until the last second before it is delivered inside the turret.