1938 40mm

[tankbarrell]

I've just acquired what I expected to be a 2 pr No1 cartridge with a poor condition HE projectile. No primer or fuze but still crimped in place. All empty. I really only wanted the shell to go in a 2 pr No 2 case but it's a bit rougher than I was hoping for. Both case and shell are dated 1938 but the headstamp is 40mm VA 1938.

Were some 2 pr marked 40mm or is it a Vickers S gun round? Was there an HE for the S gun as early as 1938?

Or is it just a Vickers export 2 pr pom pom?

 

[tankbarrell]

Not the clearest of pictures but hopefully legible!

 

[2pounder]

pretty certain its an export case, had one myself a while ago.

 

[tigbrand]

Yes it is export. Note lack of British military stamps. Have you some pics of the projectile? Even relics are interesting especially if you can read the makings. Cheers Tig

 

[tankbarrell]

There is very little visible, V D and 1938.

 

[Darkman]

Just picked up one myself in Australia. Also made by Vickers Armstrong but a little earlier date 1933. For which country were they made for export to? Thanks, Graeme

 

[Tony Williams]

Was there an HE for the S gun as early as 1938?

The S Gun was originally intended for air-to-air combat (the first installation was in a turret on top of a much-modified Wellington bomber). This idea was soon dropped (the Wimpy's fabric covering being stripped away by the muzzle blast!), and then the idea of using it for anti-tank use came along, and an AP loading was devised accordingly.

 

[tankbarrell]

Thanks Tony, very interesting. On another note, have your ammunition data tables migrated? I get a 404 message when I try to load the page.

 

[Tony Williams]

Thanks Tony, very interesting. On another note, have your ammunition data tables migrated? I get a 404 message when I try to load the page.

Sorry about that, I have been experiencing protracted tech problems with my website (something to do with the very high level of incompetence demonstrated by the site owner). I hope I'll get it soon, but don't hold your breath...

 

[tigbrand]

Adrian and Graeme, this is one the projectiles that would go with your case, there were different loadings available. Guns and ammunition were sold to various countries as 40mm. Note the brass and Ally fuze and gain to detonate the HE filling. I think the British navy were using the 2pdr Mk IV shell at this date with 121 fuze. Picture of round in Busters collection many years ago. cheers Tig

 

[Hoeksel]

I think this one is Polish, I have seen quite a few and most come from water as they were used on navy ships.