Nebraska's Turrets Fail.

New York Times 100 years ago today, April 25, 1913:
Clamps Break Through Heavy Recoil of 12-Inch Guns.
Special to The New York Times.
    WASHINGTON, April 24.— It was learned to-day that the battleship Nebraska, while at target practice on the Southern drill grounds en route from Vera Cruz to the Boston Navy Yard three weeks ago, sustained serious injuries to her turrets in consequence of the breaking of several clamps. The first accident occurred in the firing of the twelve-inch guns in the first division, embracing the two forward turrets. Both turrets failed to function, the electrical gearing seeming to break down. One inspection showed that the turret gear was in perfect order.
    It was then discovered that the turret had been thrown off its track, and the cause was at once said to be the breaking of the turret clamps by the recoil of the heavy guns. The seriousness of this accident is hardly measured by the cost of repairs which are now being made at the Boston yard. The real importance of the mishap is that should it occur in a naval engagement the ship would practically be put out of action.
    It is reported that a similar breakdown occurred on the battleship New Jersey in her target practice. The matter has been made the subject of very careful inquiry, and although hushed up in naval circles, is regarded as likely to lead to the appointment of a board to consider the strengthening of turret clamps on all battleships.
    The matter will also be studied with reference to the firing of the fourteen-inch guns to be installed on the New York and Texas. There is grave apprehension among ordnance officers as to the effect of the new coil of these guns on the construction of the ship, especially on turret gears. Where the recoil of the twelve-inch guns is expressed in about 60,000 foot pounds of energy, it is said that the fourteen-inch gun will practically quadruple this recoil power.