25lb Field Gun
The Ordnance QF 25-pounder, or more simply 25-pounder or 25-pdr, was the major British field gun and howitzer during the Second World War, possessing a 3.45-inch (87.6 mm) calibre. It was introduced into service just before the war started, combining high-angle and direct-fire, relatively high rates of fire, and a reasonably lethal shell in a highly mobile piece. It remained the British Army's primary artillery field piece well into the 1960s, with smaller numbers serving in training units until the 1980s. Many Commonwealth of Nations countries used theirs in active or reserve service until about the 1970s. Initial production was slow, but by 1945, over 12,000 had been manufactured. The 25-pounder was probably the most outstanding field artillery piece used by British and Commonwealth forces in the Second World War, being durable, easy to operate and versatile. This gun was used in the Vietnam War 1965-72 (Australian forces).
Australia was an extensive user of the 25-pounder, with them seeing service with their military in WW2, Korea and the Malayan Emergency. They were kept in use by reserve units up until 1970s. Individual guns are now often seen as fixed memorials in memorial parks and Returned Servicemen's clubs. Because of the rough terrain involved in the New Guinea campaign, the heavy nature of the weapon made it difficult to use. The gun was manufactured in Australia, which also made it available for use in Australian developed vehicles, including a light tank, the Chassis 160, the Thunderbolt tank, and the self-propelled gun, the Yeramba. This led to Australian development of a short barreled lighter version, which was lighter and more suitable for off-road deployment.[13]
More Information:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ordnance_QF_25-pounder
WBRSL Display - 25lb Artillery Gun
The unit that this gun belonged to was disbanded straight after the war. This
Gun 110050 is registered as an asset of the 9th battery 2/5th Field Regiment. This unit was raised in Ingleburn NSW May 1940 and was comprised solely of volunteers. Training was completed at Bathurst and by Oct. 1940 the unit was in the Middle East. The dates on 110050 are later than 1940 so it could not have been used in this deployment. The 9th battery was fighting in New Guinea against the Japanese at Milne Bay on the eastern tip of the country in Aug/Sept 1942 which fits the date of this gun, suggesting it was probably a replacement or an additional field piece. A Japanese flag, captured by five members of the 9th at Milne Bay, is held by the Australian War Memorial . This gun was probably used as fire support for actions at no. 3 air strip and K.B. Mission along with prolonged fire against Japanese troops and ships in the defence of Milne Bay harbour, resulting in the Japanese being repelled, the first time this had happened. 25 pounders may also have been used against aircraft, as some revetments were sometimes sloped to raise the front of the gun and by using maximum elevation, could be aimed at aircraft.
The 9th's guns were being transported by boat to Buna ( another battle site)
Markings
Barrel
Mk1 110050
Manufacturer: CSR (Colonial Sugar Refienery).
CSR made the barrel jacket, however, the rifled inner was added later. The Mk1 stamp is incorrect, as the gun is Mk2. Early Mk1 guns were made by taking the older 18 lb barrel and fitting a different inner that could accommodate the 25 lb shell. It appears that an older barrel top has been grafted onto a more recently manufactured bottom.
Approximately 1/3 of the distance from the breech is the marking GR (George Rex) ie King George the 6th. At the bottom right, "Australia" can be faintly seen.
Breech End: CSR. C. jacket 25 prII noL/6604 7/3/22
CSR manufactured the bottom section of the barrel jacket, ie 25lb gun, Mk2 serial No: L/6604
L = CSR factory
7/3/22
7 hundredweight (cwt) 3 quarters and 22 pounds.
Therefore the barrel weighs 890 lbs or 403 kg, approx 25% of the whole gun and carriage.
Breech block
Markings: "25 pr 11 chubb 1944"
25lb Mk2 Manufactured by Chubb in 1944
Markings: "DD 266/22"
Dept of Defence and probably weight calculation
Markings: D v D Crown over boomerang
D v D = Dept of Defence.
The down arrow between is an old British symbol and commonly referred to as a broad arrow. A crown placed over a boomerang, probably refers to a combining of Australian and British.
Recoil Tray
Regt no 5717 tested 25/3/43, 5717 is an assigned regimental number, date tested (incorrect).
Carriage Plate 25pr mk1 1944 and GMH Australia 5558 have been stamped over. GMH have affixed a plate upon repairs been completed.
GMH 226 445 972 internal GMH numbers.
