In 1784, Lieutenant Henry Shrapnel of the British Army invented a revolutionary cannonball filled with small lead parts that scattered upon explosion. Initially known as spherical case ammunition, this new type of shell gained popularity after a successful demonstration in Gibraltar. By 1803, the British Army officially adopted Shrapnel’s invention. Over time, the term “shrapnel” became synonymous with fragmentation caused by explosive shells, with its usage peaking during World War I. Interestingly, the surname “shrapnel” is believed to have originated from the French name “Charbonnel,” derived from the word “charbon” meaning charcoal, possibly referring to the color of the individual’s hair.
